I may be a little biased (being a former Army helicopter pilot), but that is the most interesting interview I've ever viewed. What an extraordinary man. Hopefully, he'll write a book about his military career.
@@Mike-wh7nf Makes 3 of us. Lot of high school to flight school, a couple inter-service transfers - even a couple SOC dudes (Rangers mostly), but SUPER few tier 1-2s
@@Bxred-Persxn I was a Warrant Officer, but I went through the program a long time ago, when they needed lots of pilots. I'd suggest searching the internet for articles that describe the current entry requirements, and suggestions for increasing your chances of being accepted into flight school.
Another uncommon man amongst common men! Incredible career and it's no shock how humble he is. Those that are uber legit rarely have a cockiness to them.
Clinton, All I have to say is you have really undersold Mr. Rutledge. ;) Best Pilot/MTP I've ever known, but beyond that one of the best service members and examples of leadership I ever got to serve under. NSDQ!
My old neighbor was in army aviation and talked about this guy. Nothing but the utmost respect for this guy. Cool to see this guy really exists and that a story I heard at a backyard bbq has a real face to it.
These are two of the hardest jobs in the military and often require different skill sets and aptitudes. So the fact he did them both, I can't help but be impressed. (Army Ret.)
yeah he's like that SEAL sniper who's also an Astronaut doctor that went to Harvard..oh and right now he's training to land on the moon, like WTF, special people, their wired correctly and firing on all cylinder and most importantly they have that ambition that I never had
A veritable one-man army. This entire interview made me wonder "what is their point?" This guy is young. What if he is injured as a result of defending this country and was forced to retire? This interview would have been more cohesive if the interviewer would have asked more about the future? Perhaps highlighted opportunities missed (not many) and plans to dovetail his incredible courage and smarts, into civilian world street cred and dollars.
@@jamesdewer the points I got were if you want something you do everything possible to prep and pursue your dream, having a mentor always inspires you for greatness but you are your greatest mentor in the end, know your weaknesses and work on strengthening them, take one step at a time, setting achievable milestones tend to get you to the finish, remain humble because there's someone always better than you, have fun, stay safe, and ride the wave brother. Wishing you the best of life James, take care.
Robert F. One of the latest NASA Astronauts is a Enlisted Navy Sailor, Then SEAL, Then Medical Doctor (Harvard ) and now Astronaut. Talking about training all your life
As a Canadian, I can recognize that this man is the total package, SEAL, pilot on multiple frames - both fixed wing and rotary, and enlisted to WO, what a career. No doubt, congrats on the career and retirement.
Served with Mike in Guam at HC-5. He was alway a determined, focused guy. It’s great to see his hard work paid off fulfilling his goals in the military. What a stellar career “Cowboy” thanks for your service and best of luck in the next chapter in your life. Garb
Often listening to someone who has achieved so much in his life can make a person feel insignificant by comparison- but Mike speaks with a degree of humility that reminds us that a little self doubt can propel us to greatness if used as a mechanism to work harder as opposed to quit.
Ian McLeod I noticed this too, it’s nice, I was able to laugh at his story and had a sense of motivation. He makes himself sound like a regular person and breaks it down in a nice way, what a guy
Omfg.... I thought I recognized him.. back when he was a Seal on the USS Duluth.... We had a Marine named Rutledge and a Seal right below us named Rutledge and so two people would yell out when we asked for Rutledge. What a warrior!
I started listening to this and couldn't put it down. This man is a true Top Gun style aviator, what a legend. Very excellent skills by the interviewer, he really allowed the story to be told.
As a retired Navy guy and now a civilian that still works in the military aviation community, I've had more than a few opportunities to work with the 160TH. There's nothing like watching these warriors come in at night, Dark Horse, at tree-top level and set it down on a dime. Great Americans!
I totally agree! Air Force Flight Engineer ....I have carried 160th guys into and out of Iraq and Afghanistan the picture of professionalism every time!
Wow. The military in general will get everything it can out of you, but the flipside is if your a go getter like this man, you can get alot out of the military as well. Wow.
It was an absolute pleasure serving with this amazing human being. Congrats on an amazing and illustrious career. Michael is one of the most humble and amazing people I have ever met. His leadership helped me keep it together during a very difficult period of my life. NSDQ!
Congrats on a spectacular career and a sincere thank you for your service. As a retired veteran, I would only recommend one thing. Make your family your number one priority now. Consider all the sacrifices they made during your career. It's time to give back to them. Don't do anything professionally without considering what the impact is to them. You won't regret it.
Thats a good man. I worked with him for about 6 years . I remember a time when 4-5 of us crew chiefs rolled in to the pilot office, Mike was the only one in there. We thought we could ball him up with ease. Mike turned around looked at us and went into seal mode and came at us like a crazy ape. Needless to say we were mistaken. He put up a hell of a fight. Mr. Rutledge I miss flying with you brother.
Watching this whole video of a man, first acquiring the SEAL trident, and then as an army chief warrant officer with so many special wing qualifications makes you a one of a kind, or should I just say, the one and the only...LEGENDARY by right. Thank you for the many many years of an outstanding service to our country.
Michael Rutledge and Kevin Holland are awesome possum examples of Navy SEALs who cross- decked on over to The Army , serving in Special Operations. These Two ( 2) Warfighters have the respect of this Prior Service USMC and US Army Veteran!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🦅🗽🗡️⚔️
I Would Absolutely Agree Wholeheartedly With You Brother That Both Of These US4CES SOF Operators Are Truly Special And Unique Extraordinary And Elite Tier One Top Gun Tip Of The Spear Warfighters Extraordinaire.
Absolutely great interview! You covered a L-O-T of ground and segwayed from question to question. The Great Fault of any interviewer is to interrupt the conversation and jump around to different topics. Honestly I expected that, but you stayed the course and allowed the interviewee complete his thoughts. SUPERBLY CRAFTED.
The reason for the continuous smile is this awesome veteran did what he always wanted to do. Flying anything is a privilege and he always recognized that fact. The Army is indeed fortunate to have this warrior participating and then instructing in the art of aviation. Thank you on behalf of the country for your service Sir. Offered by a pilot with over 55 years at the controls, both Navy and Commercial Airline, who still smiles at the thought of flight...........
Currently on break from studying for my SIFT. There is nothing more motivating than listening to the stories of how pilots have achieved dreams similar to mine. Thank you for your service, Chief! You motivate me!
What a rare individual. Becoming a SEAL and a member of the 160th is very rare! Either one of those distinctions would be more than enough. This American hero did BOTH! WOW!
What an exemplary and stellar military career, we salute you CW4(R) M.Rutledge for your service and dedication to your country, Salute! To all those young men and woman considering a military path in life, this is a must watch video. Watch it over and over again if you must and show it to your peers.
Fascinating interview. I'm finishing up a 50 year career in Aviation, but from the maintenance end of things. Always, always watch learn and listen. Study your aircraft from the ground up. Learn your materials, learn your processes and tooling. Go to the facilities where things get done, again watch learn and listen. Always carry back what you have learned. Always try to operate at the next level.
The man nearly had me mesmerized. Congratulations, Chief!! I hope the future is as rewarding as your past. Your 'salt o the earth' comment really strikes home. Godspeed
Nothing but respect for a this man. Wasn’t just a great pilot in the task force. Actually gave credit to his maintainers and crew. Actually would be out there on his rest time to help. Integrity and loyal to the unit.
I saw a photo of this guy and thought for sure it was a "stolen valor" scenario when I saw a trident damn near on his collarbone of an Army uniform. What a career. How many people operate in a SOF unit in two separate branches?
Aaron Barnes A lot actually. There are several SEALs who were former PJs, rangers, and marine spec ops guys. My friend is a former ranger working on going through the SEAL pipeline right now.
Christopher Haist Actually he was only an SF guy and SEAL. He was ranger qualified but never did a day in batt. He went through Ranger school and got the tab but never went through RASP and earned his scroll.
@@chaist94 Thanks for that input, just ordered it. I can only imagine some of the things these guys go thru, and I am sure there are some explosively funny moments. Looking forward to reading it.
Took a toll on his family as he said... wow! I feel for his him and his family... Many thanks to a service folks like him and his family who worked so hard and endured so much to protect our nation. So impressive! I definitely cannot do what he and his family has done.
"Be all you can be." One unit would send me to Ranger School because I was on orders to PCS, so I volunteered for SFAS. 6 years from retirement. The Army will give all the adventure you can handle. Just volunteer and say yes to every course you are offered or asked if you want to attend. If the seat is available, go get it.
The best thing I ever did. Dep’d In with a buddy out of H.S. The Corps gave me a solid foundation to build from. Got to travel, do a lot of cool stuff, but the price is you gotta constantly be training. In the infantry a fleet Marine was good to go, hard at times but I was where I wanted to be. (Echo 2/1) RAH! ~Lifer; Semper Fi🇺🇸
The pic of this gentleman intrigued me so I knew I wanted to listen to the video for a few moments, without intending or wanting to listen to the whole thing. But once it got going, this has been hands down one of the best interviews of a military guy I have ever listened to. Thanks for bringing this to us here.
What a fantastic story! I live in WA and my wife is from Moses Lake, her father is a farmer. They know the crop duster pilot if you need a contact. You're right, salt of the earth people! My dad was a pilot flying AC-119's in Vietnam, B-36's B-25's C-124's, WB-50 weather plane out of Guam and Japan and the C-141. The 119 was an upgrade for the Puff the magic dragon, AC-47. I've seen those crop duster pilots, holey crap it's an air show in itself. Very cool stuff!
This interview reminds me of why this is still the greatest country in the world, with this level of talent and drive CW4 Lessons exemplifies the the men our armed forces, it makes me proud to be an American. Thank you Mr. Lessons for you dedication even though you have loved every minute of it....a true American solider, and all this is coming from a former Marine.....we know great when we see it.
Thank you so much for your service sir! You are such an inspiring, down to earth excellent example of a true leader. Navy SEAL & Nightstalker/SOAR AND commander of an air wing at West Point? Wow!!
This is my favorite part of TH-cam. I grew up in the 80s and very early 90s before joining the Army reading books written by Vietnam SEALs and Rangers and grunts and pilots, but hearing them tell their stories in person beats it every time.
What a great podcast. Was in the Army for 23 yrs as a Huey crew chief, then transitioned to Blackhawks as a flight engineer, for several yrs was stationed at Hunter Army Airfield supporting the Ranger Bn. We were the best at that time flying blacked out under goggles. Then they started the 160th SOAR and we lost several pilots to the 160th….those 4 yrs working with the Rangers & training with them were some of the best times I had. Desert Storm as a senior E-8 special Ops NCOIC with US Central Command working directly for General Schwarzkopf. Got promoted out of aviation cause of my rank, went to spook school and finished up a SGM Counterintelligence Agent. I still miss flying a lot, like you I got my private pilot’s license courtesy of Uncle Sam at Ft. Hood… I congratulate you in a super rewarding career in our great service. Best wishes to you & family in your retirement.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
No not formally, but our missions were pretty much the same. Like I said lost about half our pilots to the 160th..we were deployed all over the world many times with the Rangers, loading out our Blackhawks on C5A’s…..we use to sneak up behind other aircraft totally blacked out, fly with them for a good while and they never knew we were there. Flying NOE nightly so low, many many times I had to pull pine tree limbs out of my struts/wheels 😂😂 after landing back at base. I excepted a 1SG Position in Korea for two yrs cause I had made E8……& couldn’t fly anymore. I started out at FT. Hood in the Army Security Agency doing spook work (Electronic Warfare) during Vietnam with Huey’s. Another elite unit that shutdown in late 1976. ASA was used all thru Vietnam in many different type missions, jamming, DF, & other missions. So it was natural for me to go back to spook work…as a Counterintelligence Agent… so I wound back up working for General Schwarzkopf as the senior Special Ops NCOIC and eventually Desert Shield/Desert Storm… then to the Pentagon……what a great 23 yrs….👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
What a great guy. Very humbled and encouraged to see that we have men of this caliber on the side of the U.S. And thank you to the interviewer for facilitating this interview.
This guy is literally the real deal. I mean looking at his uniform is like what stolen valor douches would wear to look cool only now, it’s actually real! Kudos, Chief.
Great adventure, great American warrior. We are blessed as a nation to have such extraordinary men. P.S. Guaranteed... his father is proud of this American-patriot son...God bless them both.
My friend in the army would tell me stories of SOAR pilots flying choppers like an 12 year in Grand Theft Auto. No one would say anything as you knew they just flew a super secret squirrel mission/or a direct action raid against a Taliban target.
Esquire Esquire - It was years ago, back in the early ‘80’s, and there was no SOAR. But there I was, stationed in Germany with 8th Infantry Division. We got an opportunity for an FTX over 10,000 Square Miles of the Germany. As a special resource, we had helicopter assets. One fine afternoon, 3 or 4 of us went out for a joy ride in a UH-1H. We were NOE (Nap of the Earth) flying just above the tree tops, doors open, knees in the breeze. We started up a valley that rose quickly. There was a very sharp pull up at the end to avoid hitting the hilltop. We quickly landed and the CWO proceeded to chew out the officer flying. Apparently, we had red-lined some torque gauge and the CWO was telling us we were lucky to be alive. But it was a blast. Like a 12 year old in GTA indeed.
It was after o.p. eagle claw that they established SOAR. And they are best known for hostage rescue missions. I was ASD and did FARP missions for 1st batt. In Iraq.
@@stadster1 Yes there was and I was there. Task Force 160 later to be the 160th Special Operations Aviation Group, later to be the 160th SOAR. I was in C/160 May '83 to my retirement in March '88.
Wow. What a terrific example of dedication, focus and humility demonstrated by this man. An example of America's finest, The other hero(ine) in this story has to be his wife who supported him throughout his career. Thank you both for your service to our country.
Glad I didn’t see that dude wearing a trident on an army uniform in public. I may have gotten my ass kicked. I actually listened to this entire interview. This guy is a good man I think
Not that he should have to do this but he likely has copies of his paperwork on him should anyone question him and phone numbers of people who can verify. Again, not that he should have to do that.
OMG, I thought that I was the only person that did the meal to meal method.. Making it through any of my military training, that worked for me.. 160 SOAR, Love and miss them! USMC, USMCR, US ARMY, and ARMY NATIONAL GUARD... Get yourself a trike ultralight for a daily blood pumping adrenaline rush.. Salute!
So he went from being a customer to a driver. How cool!!! Imagine that first dress uniform inspection and a TAC Officer or other sees his Dress Greens and the stack of ribbons and that impressive Trident 🔱😳. I’m sure he’ll do well in the civilian world; although he may be a little bored at times.
That takes a lot of motivation, dedication, smarts and being at the right place and time and having the right people know you. His stars and planets were definitely aligned.
@@kurtstergar1042 Marines would be the exception to the rule. However it is very rare for a SEAL to change over to the Marines. Even with the trident the SEAL wouldn’t be active with the teams.
This was a rabbit hole. The gentleman reminds me of the depth of a person to have his responsibilities . My own nephew is very soon retiring from the SF. He unfortunately is banged up pretty bad. 20 yr.s of missions have left him with a spine that complains all day. He seldom shares the chatter. This guy carries that same energy and intelligence. Ft.Bragg is going to see my face this Spring. Having watced this,soldier feel like a trip to his original and final assignment is the best place to praise him. All the best soldier.
I’d like to see a follow up. Maybe a “story after the fact”. As a someone former in the special operations community it’s nice to see how we’re handling the transition. Good idea for a series! “Transition after specops”. There, I got you.
Mr. Rutledge is an extraordinary warrior and a man who possesses incredible leadership qualities. This is one of the most inspiring interviews that I have watched in many years.
I agree. Trying to compete one block of training at a time was what helped. I couldn't see completion much less graduation. But if I could make it through that particular block of training ( 1 to 3 hours) I could make it to the next one. When the next block came, well I'll start over again, thinking if I can just make it through. Graduating was a combination of finishing one block at a time.
Just got back from SD funeral for my Aunt Leone. She was on the receiving end of family without Dad for years and years on end. I so love and miss her. She is the propellent that drives great men like Michael. May God bless every military wife and every thing they do and every breath they take. We love you all.
The 160th folks are all great folks all the way down to the lowest ranks... Have had the pleasure of transporting them home and afar many times, and always the image of professionalism, even when we had delays getting them home... Awesome interview, and will be checking out the book!!
This was amazing to watch -- It's unreal i'm able to do something as simple as open a browser, and I can listen to a person of this tier. Thank you for taking the time to make this... I only wish i had been able to see something like this in my teens or even early 20s.
This is what a great American looks like. He’s not the only one, there are many others, but this is what I think of when I think of what makes America great. Guys like him. We can all try to emulate his attitude and incorporate his values in our own lives.
I also heard this kind of mentality also from Shrek McPhee who said it’s a daily survival thing. Just do what you have to do today, tomorrow is another day. I think that makes them more resilient.
WOW! Hey Mike! I was in Warrant Officer Candidate School (Purple Raptors) and Flight School 21 for Uh-60's with Mike. I have a few awesome stories of him just from spending a year with him at Rucker. One of the best is when we decided as a "class" (it was really Mike's idea) to out run our cadre back to the barracks near the end of our course. His reasoning was that "They can't fail all of us...yeah we might get our dessert rights taken away, but who cares!" The cadre had a process of smoking us by having one dude run us a couple miles to a point...where there were a couple more cadre waiting to smoke us with pushups, situps and other creative exercises, and then a different guy would run us the two miles back to the barracks. This was our way of getting back at the cadre. At the one-mile-to-go mark we all took off in a dead sprint (mike leading the way) and beat our cadre back. He was yelling at us the whole way to "F*n STOP...or You're gonna pay for this!" We didn't stop...and we lost our right to eat dessert at dinner and they took down our sign we had painted with our mascot on it...TOTALLY WORTH IT! Yeah, good times MIKE..Glad to see you made it to almost 30 years brother. I did my 20, two Iraq deployments in the UH-60..one as Air Assault and one as MEDEVAC. Best Job I Ever had!
I may be a little biased (being a former Army helicopter pilot), but that is the most interesting interview I've ever viewed. What an extraordinary man. Hopefully, he'll write a book about his military career.
Likewise I mean we had a few ex SF guys and what not but thats the first SEAL I seen in Army Aviation. Guys like that make me feel like a shitbird lol
@@Mike-wh7nf Makes 3 of us. Lot of high school to flight school, a couple inter-service transfers - even a couple SOC dudes (Rangers mostly), but SUPER few tier 1-2s
Go watch Shawn Ryan’s interview with Nick Lavery. Absolutely left me speechless and without words.
Were you a warrant or commissioned? Also, what advice do you have for someone trying to go that route?
@@Bxred-Persxn I was a Warrant Officer, but I went through the program a long time ago, when they needed lots of pilots. I'd suggest searching the internet for articles that describe the current entry requirements, and suggestions for increasing your chances of being accepted into flight school.
A Seal and Nightstalker. There's something awesome about that.
Another uncommon man amongst common men! Incredible career and it's no shock how humble he is. Those that are uber legit rarely have a cockiness to them.
He can fly you there, then jump out and go with you on the mission.... ;o)
There’s a lot awesome about either
The Gentleman is living different lives, because he’s got nine of it.
Quite a fine man indeed. He is illegal in California, banned from residency.
I know this guy! He is NOT as good as he makes himself out to be. He's BETTER. Congrats on your retirement.
Long Live the Brotherhood!
TOEDWY/NSDQ!
Clinton, All I have to say is you have really undersold Mr. Rutledge. ;) Best Pilot/MTP I've ever known, but beyond that one of the best service members and examples of leadership I ever got to serve under. NSDQ!
I will go against the grain and say Michael isn't should be praised
Yeah - it'd be hard to fake being both.
My old neighbor was in army aviation and talked about this guy. Nothing but the utmost respect for this guy. Cool to see this guy really exists and that a story I heard at a backyard bbq has a real face to it.
Pretty cool dude, on the cool.
Promote this guy to CW5 before he leaves. If ever a warrant deserved it this man does.
These are two of the hardest jobs in the military and often require different skill sets and aptitudes. So the fact he did them both, I can't help but be impressed. (Army Ret.)
I worked directly with this BAMF. Can confirm.
Direct genetic adjustment thanks to “Taz”.
yeah he's like that SEAL sniper who's also an Astronaut doctor that went to Harvard..oh and right now he's training to land on the moon, like WTF, special people, their wired correctly and firing on all cylinder and most importantly they have that ambition that I never had
@@wheelmanstanThe 1%, man.
Army Retarded ? 😅
Seal and a pilot. Holy crap. He spent half his career in training.
A veritable one-man army. This entire interview made me wonder "what is their point?" This guy is young. What if he is injured as a result of defending this country and was forced to retire? This interview would have been more cohesive if the interviewer would have asked more about the future? Perhaps highlighted opportunities missed (not many) and plans to dovetail his incredible courage and smarts, into civilian world street cred and dollars.
@@jamesdewer the points I got were if you want something you do everything possible to prep and pursue your dream, having a mentor always inspires you for greatness but you are your greatest mentor in the end, know your weaknesses and work on strengthening them, take one step at a time, setting achievable milestones tend to get you to the finish, remain humble because there's someone always better than you, have fun, stay safe, and ride the wave brother. Wishing you the best of life James, take care.
Robert F. One of the latest NASA Astronauts is a Enlisted Navy Sailor, Then SEAL, Then Medical Doctor (Harvard ) and now Astronaut. Talking about training all your life
@@lozada1971 yup, Jonny Kim.
A Seal in an Army uniform???
As a Canadian, I can recognize that this man is the total package, SEAL, pilot on multiple frames - both fixed wing and rotary, and enlisted to WO, what a career. No doubt, congrats on the career and retirement.
7hh
@@russkunz3949? Weirdo orc
Served with Mike in Guam at HC-5. He was alway a determined, focused guy. It’s great to see his hard work paid off fulfilling his goals in the military. What a stellar career “Cowboy” thanks for your service and best of luck in the next chapter in your life.
Garb
Where in Guam?
Often listening to someone who has achieved so much in his life can make a person feel insignificant by comparison- but Mike speaks with a degree of humility that reminds us that a little self doubt can propel us to greatness if used as a mechanism to work harder as opposed to quit.
Ian McLeod I noticed this too, it’s nice, I was able to laugh at his story and had a sense of motivation. He makes himself sound like a regular person and breaks it down in a nice way, what a guy
could not have put it better 👍
Omfg.... I thought I recognized him.. back when he was a Seal on the USS Duluth....
We had a Marine named Rutledge and a Seal right below us named Rutledge and so two people would yell out when we asked for Rutledge.
What a warrior!
I hope he sees the comment.
I started listening to this and couldn't put it down. This man is a true Top Gun style aviator, what a legend. Very excellent skills by the interviewer, he really allowed the story to be told.
As a retired Navy guy and now a civilian that still works in the military aviation community, I've had more than a few opportunities to work with the 160TH. There's nothing like watching these warriors come in at night, Dark Horse, at tree-top level and set it down on a dime. Great Americans!
I totally agree! Air Force Flight Engineer ....I have carried 160th guys into and out of Iraq and Afghanistan the picture of professionalism every time!
Wow. The military in general will get everything it can out of you, but the flipside is if your a go getter like this man, you can get alot out of the military as well. Wow.
It was an absolute pleasure serving with this amazing human being. Congrats on an amazing and illustrious career. Michael is one of the most humble and amazing people I have ever met. His leadership helped me keep it together during a very difficult period of my life. NSDQ!
no they don't !!!
Congrats on a spectacular career and a sincere thank you for your service. As a retired veteran, I would only recommend one thing. Make your family your number one priority now. Consider all the sacrifices they made during your career. It's time to give back to them. Don't do anything professionally without considering what the impact is to them. You won't regret it.
When I grow up!… I wanna be like Mike!!!!
SEAL AND and a 160th Pilot? Are you freakin kidding me? That is amazing sir! Unreal accomplishments on their own, but to do both! WOW
Thats a good man. I worked with him for about 6 years . I remember a time when 4-5 of us crew chiefs rolled in to the pilot office, Mike was the only one in there. We thought we could ball him up with ease. Mike turned around looked at us and went into seal mode and came at us like a crazy ape. Needless to say we were mistaken. He put up a hell of a fight. Mr. Rutledge I miss flying with you brother.
That you, Two?
Watching this whole video of a man, first acquiring the SEAL trident, and then as an army chief warrant officer with so many special wing qualifications makes you a one of a kind, or should I just say, the one and the only...LEGENDARY by right. Thank you for the many many years of an outstanding service to our country.
"Meal to meal" because he couldn't conceptualize going 6 months of training. Love it!
That's like me at work. working from break to break because i can't conceptualize working for 8 hours
Resiliency. Right there.
If you listen to a lot of podcast of these guys that went to buds and succeeded they all used this outlook.
Mike is a great guy. He's now President of the Stearman Restorers Association. He also owns two Stearman biplanes. Great pilot.
Stearman is a cool plane
And a Flying Circus member too?
Michael Rutledge and Kevin Holland are awesome possum examples of Navy SEALs who cross- decked on over to The Army , serving in Special Operations. These Two ( 2) Warfighters have the respect of this Prior Service USMC and US Army Veteran!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🦅🗽🗡️⚔️
I Would Absolutely Agree Wholeheartedly With You Brother That Both Of These US4CES SOF Operators Are Truly Special And Unique Extraordinary And Elite Tier One Top Gun Tip Of The Spear Warfighters Extraordinaire.
I could listen to him talk all day. Great speaker and humble
We are blessed with these types of warriors in the US Military, this is an amazing man. God Bless American and her Military
Absolutely great interview! You covered a L-O-T of ground and segwayed from question to question. The Great Fault of any interviewer is to interrupt the conversation and jump around to different topics. Honestly I expected that, but you stayed the course and allowed the interviewee complete his thoughts.
SUPERBLY CRAFTED.
The reason for the continuous smile is this awesome veteran did what he always wanted to do. Flying anything is a privilege and he always recognized that fact. The Army is indeed fortunate to have this warrior participating and then instructing in the art of aviation. Thank you on behalf of the country for your service Sir. Offered by a pilot with over 55 years at the controls, both Navy and Commercial Airline, who still smiles at the thought of flight...........
Good
Mike is a great American and I'm proud to have served with him.
Much Respect to you Sir 🇺🇸
I was a flight medic for Mike in the 160th. Awesome guy who can wiggle a stick with the best of them. NSDQ
Currently on break from studying for my SIFT. There is nothing more motivating than listening to the stories of how pilots have achieved dreams similar to mine. Thank you for your service, Chief! You motivate me!
What a rare individual. Becoming a SEAL and a member of the 160th is very rare!
Either one of those distinctions would be more than enough. This American hero did BOTH! WOW!
There’s a few of these guys who left the SEAL behind and joined 160th to become pilots! Super cool to hear their stories.
Yes 30 years IS enough!!!! Thank you SO much for what you’ve done!!! That sounds like a FANTASTIC career!!!
Listening to this man makes me feel like I've accomplished so little.
What an exemplary and stellar military career, we salute you CW4(R) M.Rutledge for your service and dedication to your country, Salute! To all those young men and woman considering a military path in life, this is a must watch video. Watch it over and over again if you must and show it to your peers.
Fascinating interview. I'm finishing up a 50 year career in Aviation, but from the maintenance end of things. Always, always watch learn and listen. Study your aircraft from the ground up. Learn your materials, learn your processes and tooling. Go to the facilities where things get done, again watch learn and listen. Always carry back what you have learned. Always try to operate at the next level.
The man nearly had me mesmerized.
Congratulations, Chief!!
I hope the future is as rewarding as your past.
Your 'salt o the earth' comment really strikes home.
Godspeed
Hardcore. Dedicated. Driven. Resilient. And very human. Excellent video.
Humility with confidence are some of his foundation assets.
Nothing but respect for a this man. Wasn’t just a great pilot in the task force. Actually gave credit to his maintainers and crew. Actually would be out there on his rest time to help. Integrity and loyal to the unit.
I am a nurse and I have enjoyed this interview immensely. And you must have had a BLESSED wife. GOD Bless.
It was therapeutic to tell his tale. I enjoyed listening to him. I lived in Guam 2.5 years as well. What a career! A super Patriot.
I saw a photo of this guy and thought for sure it was a "stolen valor" scenario when I saw a trident damn near on his collarbone of an Army uniform. What a career. How many people operate in a SOF unit in two separate branches?
Aaron Barnes A lot actually. There are several SEALs who were former PJs, rangers, and marine spec ops guys. My friend is a former ranger working on going through the SEAL pipeline right now.
Christopher Haist Actually he was only an SF guy and SEAL. He was ranger qualified but never did a day in batt. He went through Ranger school and got the tab but never went through RASP and earned his scroll.
Christopher Haist very cool
Seal to soar and seal to delta is really only time it happens and thats once in a blue moon
@@chaist94 Thanks for that input, just ordered it. I can only imagine some of the things these guys go thru, and I am sure there are some explosively funny moments. Looking forward to reading it.
You represent the Warrant Officer Ranks very well! CW3, USA, retired.
Took a toll on his family as he said... wow! I feel for his him and his family... Many thanks to a service folks like him and his family who worked so hard and endured so much to protect our nation. So impressive! I definitely cannot do what he and his family has done.
Great video! My sincerest thank you to Mr. Rutledge and his family for all they have done and sacrificed for me, my family and this great country!!!
"Be all you can be." One unit would send me to Ranger School because I was on orders to PCS, so I volunteered for SFAS. 6 years from retirement. The Army will give all the adventure you can handle. Just volunteer and say yes to every course you are offered or asked if you want to attend. If the seat is available, go get it.
The best thing I ever did. Dep’d In with a buddy out of H.S. The Corps gave me a solid foundation to build from. Got to travel, do a lot of cool stuff, but the price is you gotta constantly be training. In the infantry a fleet Marine was good to go, hard at times but I was where I wanted to be. (Echo 2/1) RAH!
~Lifer; Semper Fi🇺🇸
Crop duster. Of course!!! Such a humble smarty-pants. A warrior. Glad he's on our side. I'm sure his dad is very, very proud.
It was like watching a movie for 50 minutes. This guy is fascinating.
This man is impressive. Best lesson: don't look too far ahead, one thing at a time. Beat that thing and move on.
True.. Very True
The pic of this gentleman intrigued me so I knew I wanted to listen to the video for a few moments, without intending or wanting to listen to the whole thing. But once it got going, this has been hands down one of the best interviews of a military guy I have ever listened to. Thanks for bringing this to us here.
What a fantastic story! I live in WA and my wife is from Moses Lake, her father is a farmer. They know the crop duster pilot if you need a contact.
You're right, salt of the earth people!
My dad was a pilot flying AC-119's in Vietnam, B-36's B-25's C-124's, WB-50 weather plane out of Guam and Japan and the C-141. The 119 was an upgrade for the Puff the magic dragon, AC-47.
I've seen those crop duster pilots, holey crap it's an air show in itself. Very cool stuff!
great talk! my brother flew cobra and the apaches for the rest of his 32 year career! thanks for your service!
This interview reminds me of why this is still the greatest country in the world, with this level of talent and drive CW4 Lessons exemplifies the the men our armed forces, it makes me proud to be an American. Thank you Mr. Lessons for you dedication even though you have loved every minute of it....a true American solider, and all this is coming from a former Marine.....we know great when we see it.
Thank you so much for your service sir! You are such an inspiring, down to earth excellent example of a true leader. Navy SEAL & Nightstalker/SOAR AND commander of an air wing at West Point? Wow!!
This is my favorite part of TH-cam. I grew up in the 80s and very early 90s before joining the Army reading books written by Vietnam SEALs and Rangers and grunts and pilots, but hearing them tell their stories in person beats it every time.
What a great podcast. Was in the Army for 23 yrs as a Huey crew chief, then transitioned to Blackhawks as a flight engineer, for several yrs was stationed at Hunter Army Airfield supporting the Ranger Bn. We were the best at that time flying blacked out under goggles. Then they started the 160th SOAR and we lost several pilots to the 160th….those 4 yrs working with the Rangers & training with them were some of the best times I had. Desert Storm as a senior E-8 special Ops NCOIC with US Central Command working directly for General Schwarzkopf. Got promoted out of aviation cause of my rank, went to spook school and finished up a SGM Counterintelligence Agent. I still miss flying a lot, like you I got my private pilot’s license courtesy of Uncle Sam at Ft. Hood… I congratulate you in a super rewarding career in our great service. Best wishes to you & family in your retirement.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Were you in 160th then? If so, Did you run across Maj Don Campbell?
No not formally, but our missions were pretty much the same. Like I said lost about half our pilots to the 160th..we were deployed all over the world many times with the Rangers, loading out our Blackhawks on C5A’s…..we use to sneak up behind other aircraft totally blacked out, fly with them for a good while and they never knew we were there. Flying NOE nightly so low, many many times I had to pull pine tree limbs out of my struts/wheels 😂😂 after landing back at base. I excepted a 1SG Position in Korea for two yrs cause I had made E8……& couldn’t fly anymore. I started out at FT. Hood in the Army Security Agency doing spook work (Electronic Warfare) during Vietnam with Huey’s. Another elite unit that shutdown in late 1976. ASA was used all thru Vietnam in many different type missions, jamming, DF, & other missions. So it was natural for me to go back to spook work…as a Counterintelligence Agent… so I wound back up working for General Schwarzkopf as the senior Special Ops NCOIC and eventually Desert Shield/Desert Storm… then to the Pentagon……what a great 23 yrs….👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
What a humble stud muffin bad ass! Thank God for men like this. True legends! What a great example for young cadets at UMA.
So very honored to know this Warrior personally.
What a great guy. Very humbled and encouraged to see that we have men of this caliber on the side of the U.S. And thank you to the interviewer for facilitating this interview.
This guy is literally the real deal. I mean looking at his uniform is like what stolen valor douches would wear to look cool only now, it’s actually real! Kudos, Chief.
ThinBlueLine looks impressive and (battle hardened)
What a cool, grounded man. He’s a perfect example of what’s possible! Thank You for you’re years of service.what a great story.
Great adventure, great American warrior.
We are blessed as a nation to have such extraordinary men.
P.S. Guaranteed... his father is proud of this American-patriot son...God bless them both.
My friend in the army would tell me stories of SOAR pilots flying choppers like an 12 year in Grand Theft Auto. No one would say anything as you knew they just flew a super secret squirrel mission/or a direct action raid against a Taliban target.
Esquire Esquire - It was years ago, back in the early ‘80’s, and there was no SOAR. But there I was, stationed in Germany with 8th Infantry Division. We got an opportunity for an FTX over 10,000 Square Miles of the Germany. As a special resource, we had helicopter assets. One fine afternoon, 3 or 4 of us went out for a joy ride in a UH-1H. We were NOE (Nap of the Earth) flying just above the tree tops, doors open, knees in the breeze. We started up a valley that rose quickly. There was a very sharp pull up at the end to avoid hitting the hilltop. We quickly landed and the CWO proceeded to chew out the officer flying. Apparently, we had red-lined some torque gauge and the CWO was telling us we were lucky to be alive. But it was a blast. Like a 12 year old in GTA indeed.
@@donkemp8151 Oh, there was SOAR in the early 80s, just the very early incarnation.
@@donkemp8151 you realize the 160th was officially formed in 1981 right?
It was after o.p. eagle claw that they established SOAR. And they are best known for hostage rescue missions. I was ASD and did FARP missions for 1st batt. In Iraq.
@@stadster1 Yes there was and I was there. Task Force 160 later to be the 160th Special Operations Aviation Group, later to be the 160th SOAR. I was in C/160 May '83 to my retirement in March '88.
This is the best interview I've ever heard. One heck of a guy.
NSDQ, a good friends son lost his life in Afghanistan with this unit when his Chinook went down. Much respect.
One of the best interviews and stories on here. Well done 👍
Wow. What a terrific example of dedication, focus and humility demonstrated by this man. An example of America's finest, The other hero(ine) in this story has to be his wife who supported him throughout his career. Thank you both for your service to our country.
Glad I didn’t see that dude wearing a trident on an army uniform in public. I may have gotten my ass kicked. I actually listened to this entire interview. This guy is a good man I think
You think?
Not that he should have to do this but he likely has copies of his paperwork on him should anyone question him and phone numbers of people who can verify.
Again, not that he should have to do that.
Very entertaining listening to his rise from humble surroundings to the pinnacle of military aviation. Wish him the best of luck.
I am completely humbled by hearing this man speak of his experiences. Thank you for sharing such a great interview.
Congrats Mr. Rutledge! I still remember when we were in 4/160th. I hope everything goes well for you in you're transition to the civilian life. NSDQ!
I was in when there was no 4th batt...NSDQ
@@davidmc1489 what is NSDQ?
Night stalkers dont quit
I don’t know how I got here but I’m glad I did. Thanks CW4 Rutledge for your service. I’m going to show this to my boys.
I could listen to this dude tell stories all day, I've watched this entire interview probably 3 times now.
OMG, I thought that I was the only person that did the meal to meal method.. Making it through any of my military training, that worked for me.. 160 SOAR, Love and miss them! USMC, USMCR, US ARMY, and ARMY NATIONAL GUARD... Get yourself a trike ultralight for a daily blood pumping adrenaline rush.. Salute!
So he went from being a customer to a driver. How cool!!!
Imagine that first dress uniform inspection and a TAC Officer or other sees his Dress Greens and the stack of ribbons and that impressive Trident 🔱😳.
I’m sure he’ll do well in the civilian world; although he may be a little bored at times.
Day by day concept is such a great method of getting through any tough situation in life.
That takes a lot of motivation, dedication, smarts and being at the right place and time and having the right people know you. His stars and planets were definitely aligned.
That uniform would be a nice trap for the uneducated "Stolen Valor Crusade" wanna-be do-gooders. 😂
indeed ; )
Navy doesn’t allow service badges from the other branches but the Army allows you to wear a US Navy SEAL trident? That is the questionable part...
@@BaffinSailor so a former Navy and seal team member going to the Marines. That would translate to a scuba , golden wings and parachute badges right?
@@kurtstergar1042 Marines would be the exception to the rule. However it is very rare for a SEAL to change over to the Marines. Even with the trident the SEAL wouldn’t be active with the teams.
@@BaffinSailor just as rare as it is for a Seal to go to the army?
This was a rabbit hole. The gentleman reminds me of the depth of a person to have his responsibilities . My own nephew is very soon retiring from the SF. He unfortunately is banged up pretty bad. 20 yr.s of missions have left him with a spine that complains all day. He seldom shares the chatter.
This guy carries that same energy and intelligence. Ft.Bragg is going to see my face this Spring. Having watced this,soldier feel like a trip to his original and final assignment is the best place to praise him.
All the best soldier.
I’d like to see a follow up. Maybe a “story after the fact”. As a someone former in the special operations community it’s nice to see how we’re handling the transition. Good idea for a series! “Transition after specops”. There, I got you.
That's a fantastic idea.
Outstanding video. Really enjoyed the podcast. Good luck to CW5 Rutledge on his retirement. You are a true hero!
A written description of his career would be a blacked out book.
Mr. Rutledge is an extraordinary warrior and a man who possesses incredible leadership qualities. This is one of the most inspiring interviews that I have watched in many years.
What a SPLENDID brave young man, thank you for helping to keep us safe. Stay in touch with your friends while you are transitioning ❤️🌸
One of the best interviews of a legit badass I have witnessed or heard! Out F**kn Standing job!
Thanks for your dedication and service Mike! I'm a vet as well, USMC.
Where I came from, military pilots are officers. With all his capabilities he is a 3 star at least and what an amazing man. Salute to you Sir.
Wow! What a career and life story. Would love to sit down and have a beer with him. Thank you for your dedication and service to our great Republic!
Thank you for your service Michael. You are the kind of people that makes me believe that things will turn out alright.
I agree. Trying to compete one block of training at a time was what helped. I couldn't see completion much less graduation. But if I could make it through that particular block of training ( 1 to 3 hours) I could make it to the next one. When the next block came, well I'll start over again, thinking if I can just make it through. Graduating was a combination of finishing one block at a time.
Thank you for your service to our country. Remember everyone deployed. God bless America.
Just got back from SD funeral for my Aunt Leone. She was on the receiving end of family without Dad for years and years on end. I so love and miss her. She is the propellent that drives great men like Michael. May God bless every military wife and every thing they do and every breath they take. We love you all.
The 160th folks are all great folks all the way down to the lowest ranks... Have had the pleasure of transporting them home and afar many times, and always the image of professionalism, even when we had delays getting them home... Awesome interview, and will be checking out the book!!
So many wonderful, life lessons in this interview. Outstanding podcast episode!
I went to Pathfinder School with Mike in 97. We had a good time on the FTX with the guy from Djibouti. He liked MREs.
This was amazing to watch -- It's unreal i'm able to do something as simple as open a browser, and I can listen to a person of this tier. Thank you for taking the time to make this... I only wish i had been able to see something like this in my teens or even early 20s.
This is what a great American looks like. He’s not the only one, there are many others, but this is what I think of when I think of what makes America great. Guys like him. We can all try to emulate his attitude and incorporate his values in our own lives.
I also heard this kind of mentality also from Shrek McPhee who said it’s a daily survival thing. Just do what you have to do today, tomorrow is another day. I think that makes them more resilient.
Wow.. great interview with a great man. Congratulations and thank you for a wonderful video!!👍🏼🇺🇸🇨🇱🇪🇸👍🏼
My first glance at the picture, I thought this was one of those
Stolen Valor videos.
This is a Real and Rare Motivator.
SEMPER FI‼️🍻
I would love to see someone from the stolen valor police call him out
@@minonuno3041 that would not end well. 😂
WOW! Hey Mike! I was in Warrant Officer Candidate School (Purple Raptors) and Flight School 21 for Uh-60's with Mike. I have a few awesome stories of him just from spending a year with him at Rucker. One of the best is when we decided as a "class" (it was really Mike's idea) to out run our cadre back to the barracks near the end of our course. His reasoning was that "They can't fail all of us...yeah we might get our dessert rights taken away, but who cares!" The cadre had a process of smoking us by having one dude run us a couple miles to a point...where there were a couple more cadre waiting to smoke us with pushups, situps and other creative exercises, and then a different guy would run us the two miles back to the barracks. This was our way of getting back at the cadre. At the one-mile-to-go mark we all took off in a dead sprint (mike leading the way) and beat our cadre back. He was yelling at us the whole way to "F*n STOP...or You're gonna pay for this!" We didn't stop...and we lost our right to eat dessert at dinner and they took down our sign we had painted with our mascot on it...TOTALLY WORTH IT! Yeah, good times MIKE..Glad to see you made it to almost 30 years brother. I did my 20, two Iraq deployments in the UH-60..one as Air Assault and one as MEDEVAC. Best Job I Ever had!