Regimental Reconnaissance Company with Mike Edwards, Ep. 81
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2024
- Mike Edwards served in 3rd Ranger Battalion and the Regimental Reconnaissance Company (RRC) across 18 deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other places. In this interview we discuss his combat jump into Iraq in 2003, a rather hot deployment to Mosul, Iraq in 2005, and then the selection and training for RRC and what those deployments were like before he became an instructor at the military free fall course.
Apologies that this was not a live show, we had some internet issues with the snow storm here in New York. We hope to get that fixed but we decided to do a recording and upload it instead to make sure you guys got a good interview. The only thing you missed before we hit the record button was Mike and Jack talking about their time in the Ranger Regiment together and how Jack was a private running away and hiding from Mike who was a new tabbed spec-4 at the time! Special thanks to Mike and our viewers for their patience!
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We got a great bonus segment for you guys today where Mike goes into detail about a massive firefight in Afghanistan where a blended team of Seal Team Six, Canadian SOF, RRC, and "Other Coalition Forces" hit a terrorist training camp. www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-segment-at-47974568
this really makes me want to join your patreon.
Regarding the sound issue Jay speaks of it actually for me was just Dave that was very low and I would turn the volume way up and Mike or Jack would about blow my speakers so not sure what was up with Dave's sound but he was super hard to hear
Should have "JC" on there...that would be an interesting interview.
Small world, I remember when they made Mike take over the mortar platoon for a time at 3/75. He handled it with grace for a guy coming from RRC, happiest I ever saw the mortar platoon while he was there.
Yeah I remember the mortar guys where stoked when he showed up.
@D Line Dan I hope you are doing well brother.
@@_____J_____ yes
@@dcdoomy4182 tell me your discord name and # numbers so that I can invite you
@@dcdoomy4182 we currently only have SF and Rangers but there is at least one other guy I know of who wants to be a CCT
I came across a short of this man talking about why he liked the mp7. I immediately had to know more about him, I thought this dude is a real hero and seems like one of them guys that people just flock to and respect him and enjoy being around him. I found this video and started scrolling through the comments. I have seen a comment section before that has a bunch of positive comments about a specific person, but I have never seen a comment section like the one on this video showing love and support for this guy. It’s all people that know him, that have trained or been trained by him. It’s family members and lifelong friends etc… every single person is saying the same thing. How good of a man he is how much people love him and how many people he has helped. Wow this man is an absolute legend.
Super proud of my hubby. I can truly say I am married to a hero. Mike truly loves this Country, and has sacrificed more then most know.
#America🇺🇸 #Godisgood
Kendall, Hope you are well. I tried to watch live last night but no go. Take care!
You should be. And we should be proud of your sacrifice as well. Thank you.
Proud to call him and you friends. Love you girl
@@ridgeridge9116 thank you for all the kindness you have showed our family.
@@crjcrj8443 thank you so much. It wasn’t always an easy tasks. With God all things are possible.
best MFFI I had, also watched him save a young rigger's life in an upsidedown out-of-control spin. Mike is a legend in Regiment.
Thanks brother.
Thanks brother. That’s means a lot to me.
@@davidedwards3222Mr. Edwards , may God Bless you and your family. May God Bless you for your service and sacrifice. Service to the Greatest country in the world the United States of America.
Everytime I see this dude in a interview I think to myself. This is like all around the coolest dude iv ever seen.
Mike Edwards was my Unforgettable RIP Instructor! I was lucky enough to be in RSTB while he was in RRD... Endless Props, Love, and Respect to this man.
He was my RIP Instructor as well.
You guys are awesome. Thanks for the great comments and I’m glad I was able to serve with ya’ll in the Regiment.
@@jimro9383 i thaught he died.., everyone is saying rip instructor .. i guess that's another acronym
@@yobb89 RIP stands for Regimental Indoctrination Program. It was later replaced by RASP 1.
@@jimro9383indoctrination aka mind control
Just came across this. I love listening to stories from Rangers. They are the best and Mike is a great American patriot and hero. Thank you for your service.
I know this guy!! Literally one of the best genuine guys I know and a great friend.
Thanks brother.
@@davidedwards3222 what?
@@chrishandsome4267 😅
Michael is my 1st cousin!! I'm so proud of him! Thank you so much for your service!❤
Thanks Cuz
@@davidedwards3222 love Mike. Legend
I was in the Army 20 years. Pace count, terrain analysis - Land Nav. was never easy for me. I have a lot of respect for those who master it.
I always thought it was so easy. I did multiple courses without even using a compass lol.
Ft. Bragg was through a swamp. PFC with an EIB. My first unit picture has a face scar and an EIB. Be all you can be.
@@hounddog3476
"Good morning First Sergeant".
Turns out in real life you do that and you'd catch that cup of coffee in your face, back in those days First Sergeant's were guy's who'd been in Vietnam and weren't exactly in the best mood after 15 more years in the Army.
@@Flemdragonlmao how?
Proud to call him a friend as he is a true American hero ! Been friends since 16!
Tell your friend it’s weird to call people who are just trying to defend their homeland “bad guys”
@@pippi2285, yep. I’ll get right on that. 😂😂. It’s weird though, go to the people and they’re happy the US helped, seems only the folks pushing for tyranny that had a problem with it. Maybe they were the problem and the bad guys! Sounds like you don’t know the difference and are looking to virtue signal.
@@pippi2285defending their homeland by murdering and raping children? Killing innocent women and men for not obeying? Beheading people for wanting to have a freedom of choice? If you haven’t been over there and seen it first hand, and had relationships with the locals, just hush.
i have watched this episode 3. times... must say this is one of the best yet... very unique episode.
I had the honor of being trained by these guys on some stuff and I’ll say they are some of the most professional and tactically proficient people I’ve ever worked with.
Best of the Best. Definitely part of that 1% a lot of people claim to be.
I’ve been in their armory and talked to a few. (Well more just admired them) They were great dudes and they seamed like James Bond’s.
Mike's work with many different SOCOM types shows how well US military Tier 1 can handle interoperability and take advantage of another operator's or team's abilities whenever necessary.
I was always interested in RRD/RRC, they've always had a mystique behind them. So quite an awesome interview to touch on some of the things in that community. BRAVO!
This dude is an absolute beast
Good podcast. Eddie was my PSG for a bit. One of the most solid guys that have ever influenced me in the regiment. Same with ol’ one-eyed Kurt.
Thank brother. You were one of the best shooters ever! Thanks for the kind words.
I really enjoy this channel but I wish Jack and Dave would figure out audio levels. Every episode sounds like it’s recorded in a tunnel and everyone’s mics are out of sync.
We had some really frustrating technical issues on this episode. Thankfully you can hear Mike just fine.
@@TheTeamHousePodcast I agree please prioritize audio quality above all else. Good audio makes you feel like you're in the room with these guys. Video is important as well but audio must be a priority imo. Thanks for all the hard work =]
This was such a good one!! felt it could have been much longer and talked about more fun interesting things! have him on again soon! would be great!
I hope he goes on Mike Ritlands podcast
Damn, didn't know Henry Cavill was a Ranger and was also in RRC.
Lmao
He looks more like Guy Pearce to me lol
Lol for real
I can see him a future for him in movies, damn!
Lol, he was a green beret, cia. (Person of interest).
This guy looks like he is 35!, is an E8 and retired. He has good genes. As an 11C I appreciate you gave them good training. 11C are at the end of the day smart infantry.
Yup, we tell all the charlies that theyre smart so they dont feel too sad
@@Mr.Ut21 LOL, well played.
@@stevedunn2635 I truly felt like a genius tryna carry 150+ lbs of mortar equipment over the Yakima mountain range in a blizzard...
@@Mr.Ut21 spit coffee all over my keyboard. lmao.
High angle hell, hooah
Best podcast in a while. Audio differences between you and the guest was a little annoying. You guys fucking rock. Thanks for the content. This guy is a stud
Any chance you guys could bring Mike back for another interview?
Agreed. Not only has great experience but knows how to convey it. He must be a fantastic instructor
And TILT please, Crispy critter times are my fav
It’s happening this Friday Baby!!
No
I haven't made it through this entire video yet but want to thank you for posting this. It's been very informative and is so much different from when I was in. Best to all of you. RLTW.
Was with Edwards in Konduz in 2011 when he was in RRC. Great guy
Are you interested in joining a Discord I’m in with the goal of giving some advice to people who are looking to join the Regiment?
That was a great trip.
@@_____J_____ sure
@@Logie_Mills nice, can you send me your Discord name and # numbers so I can add and invite you
Thanks Mike, long healthy retirement!
Great show, loved hearing from Mike and learning about the RRC. Keep up the good work.
I think this was the best interview yet I liked it as much as the one about the CIA case officer/ former marine interview but I learned so much it was a great entertaining and educational video.
I am just now hearing about this channel. Great to hear stories from Brothers and the Regt. I am staying for more.
One of the coolest episodes I've seen. Id love to see Mike come back
🥲 Every single 11C at 1:11 🥲
P.S. FYI not a one single person ever volunteered to be in mortar platoon 💯🇺🇸
Served with Mike we went to Rip together good man
He had a never ending supply of thirst quenching liquid in that yeti.
21:20 straight to RRC/RRD. Perhaps he’s the first one to openly talk about that JSOC unit. Cool stuff.
There have been others
They've got a Wikipedia page, it's sparse but it wasn't there a year ago so someone is bumping gums
No disrespect but I think you meant 21:20
@@lucag4769 Yes. May bad.haha
@@byronomboy no problem brother, I was just confused like 👀 “Where tf is the RRC talk like lmao.”
Ridiculously handsome, amazing skill set and job, charismatic and the coup de grace, his nickname is "Magnum" and it ain't because he's a big Tom Sellick fan or the (literal, lol) weapon he carries. Us regular losers stand no chance. Great interview. Sounds like a hell of a job to have. Would def watch a second interview.
Was listening for almost 1:20 before looking at the video. Dude looks exactly how I imagined he would. Definitely the guy everyone wants to be like.
Glad to see RRD still in existence, seeing that the Army didn't see a need for LRSD/C eyes and ears anymore.
Wow, no more LRSD/C? Things have really changed! But I like that the 75th has advanced with the times to benefit not just the Regiment, but DOD as a whole.
Can't help but be impressed!
@@USBP464 Computer models were used to conclude long-range surveillance companies were not in demand by ground commanders.
Defense analysts have said Army commanders have an aversion to risk and a growing preference to use technology such as satellites and drones for reconnaissance rather than insert small teams of soldiers. From Stars and Stripes article January 23rd, 2017.
@@frankv7774 - I'm sure the Army factored in terrain, weather and enemy technology in making such a decision. If it didn't, there'll certainly be a return to an emphasis on HUMINT and LRSD/Cs in the next war.
Hope it all works out.
@@USBP464 I will agree it was difficult to use traditional Hide/surveillance sites in the middle of a desert. And humping long distance in mountainous terrain proved difficult for un-accumaleted LRS teams. Ugly Face.
RRC picked up some of the LRS guys from Big Army. They allowed them to come to RRC selection without having to spend time in the line Bn. Smart move if you ask me.
That's funny. When I went through 31W ANCOC at FT Gordon, I had a RRD communicator (SSG going through BNCOC) try and "Recruit" me The one thing that brought me to a halt was the requirement to go to Regiment and do 2 years before I could try out for RRD. I was an E7, working for 10th SFG(A), Jumpmaster and Pathfinder.....I didn't grow up in Regiment and knew that it wouldn't be fun to be a non-tabbed E7 in Regiment. If I had the opportunity to go straight to RRD Assessment/Selection, I definitely would have given that a much harder look. I worked with RRD in Kosovo in 2002, and was VERY impressed by who they were and what they did..
Really good show, totally get the internet issues, glad it was recorded.
Great to see a couple old A Co guys! Mike’s a great dude. I miss the old days of all us heading out and hunting the back woods of FBGA.
Awesome story. I had no idea 3 platoon got hit like that. I had just left A co to work 5 RTB early ‘05.
YO katz its cox what's up buddy
@@coxinator-gr9hr sup dude! Hope you and your family have been doing alright. Send me an email @ seankatz375@gmail.com
@@capeclint sup Clint!
The Alice frame was the best "house" support ever designed.
It definitely was. It had its limitations but of all the frame systems we had it was definitely the best.
Dude is an absolute stud
What a cool dude! This was a great session! Mike's explanations were outstanding! Hope he can return to continue sharing his expertise and experiences.
Excellent Guest , Yea , He can talk , but he’s got A lot to talk about. I hope you get him back on again sometime.
Good Job Guys ✌🏻
You guys are so good at interviewing I forget that you guys actually did coolguy shit and all that. Anyway this was a pleasure to listen to as always keep em coming gentlemen :D
Thanks! Really appreciate the support!
I really like mike. Charismatic dude. He makes a lot of sense too.
The battleline podcast with Dave was excellent. Highly recommended.
what episode number was that?
@@42111 70
Mike projects the kind of attitude that I love.
I really appreciate the comment.
I thought this episode would never come. Please have him on again, I have so many questions.
great talk, gents
I appreciate getting to know more about RRC and also now knowing how it can tie into Mulroy's PMC mission. I'd love to see Mr. Edwards on again sometime.
Remember being @ Tillman on the Afg/Pak boarder during some heat from killing pak soldiers amongst talib. Some RRD showed up one afternoon lifted every big weight in our makeshift gym then disappeared into the hills for a week! Super mystique & bad ass vibes around RRC, we talked about it for days.
This show is so damn good.
So proud to be his fellow American. Thank you for your service.
Great stuff. I remember going through rip and being at the chow Hall and seeing that table of guys with the Carhartt khaki pants on the polo shirts on long hair and I don't know who the f*** those guys are but whatever they do I want to do that.. turn on my first deployment my team leader was tight with one of you guys and hedtake me over to his own personal little office and sleeping quarters is a little Hut in the yard all kind of crap tinkering around on it.. great stuff is always Rangers lead the way
Thank you for sharing this with us.
This is great material, thank you, Jack and co.
Another excellent interview! RLTW
ATW
SLTW so....🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️
Great stuff as always. Good info on a phenomenal unit and soldier.
This guys a legend.
Dudes a legit stud. Def wanna hear more from him... maybe some more operational stories next time..
Damn loved his nonchalant I smoked dudes with x weapon NBD attitude.
Amazing interview.
Alright, it's set, Big Mike is coming back
Another bad ass American Patriot!
This was very interesting and informative. Thanks guys!
SGT Smitty
USA RET
Great friend , ranger brother !
Mike was one of the best you guys have had. I knew nothing of RRC and this was super cool. I have heard some speak of SOCOM becoming one force so no Army, Navy stuff just SOCOM??? How would this look and maybe some pros and cons might make a cool episode
Awesome interview with awesome information.
Awesome talk and awesome guest
Awesome stuff love the ranger content especially the recce stuff
Been waiting for this one.
oh cool! I was in RIP in 2008 and I want to say I remember a cadre member with the last name Edwards being around. I wanted to say you were moving on to something else at the time.
Why is Jack and Dave's volume so low..its been like that in the last episode or 2!??
Great interview! The Team House keeps getting better and better! : )
Thanks guys for helping me I also had a advocate solicitor and barrister
Great episode guys!
Curt Conklin a legend.
Hell yeah!!! One of the best medic I’ve ever served with
Fair winds Chris Bobo, I miss that dude!
This was a great podcast
best interview
I wanna hear more stories from this guy, that check point was a nearly storie to hear.
He was one of the Cadre when I went through RIP...fucking destroyed us at Cole Range...good times
Same.
Who the fuck doesn't like doing cqb! Of most training, thats 1 of the most fun by far.
Great video!
Your views will be thin! I heard of this Unit acronym 2x while in the Army from some Batt Boys. That Unit seemed more secretive than Delta.
For sure
Not more secretive, just lesser known. Very capable unit tho. CAG is king. You're probably thinking of ISA. Intelligence support activity.
What Batt Boys means?
@@JohnDoe-zw3xs battalion boys as in us army rangers
I was in RIP when 9/11 happened...at the time everyone was wondering who these dudes were sporting the longer hair.
Did some details for them while in RIP Hold. Dude walked over in fields with a beard, long hair, and some Merrells on to pick us up. Definitely a woah experience coming from Sand Hill then Airborne.
I hear ya...best part about these guys is they are never heard of, never interviewed on mainstream programming, always the silent professionals. Good stuff.
Put into perspective, RRC is smaller than SFOD-D/Delta/CAG and SEAL Team Six/DEVGRU.
Yeah all of those units have multiple companies SFOD(which now has a new name it’s not CAG OR ACE) has multiple SQUADRONS ST6 has multiple Teams look up how many companies or people are in those brackets RRC is ONE COMPANY that’s 3 platoons and a headquarters element that’s not necessarily operational originally there was only 3 platoons for each ranger battalion but once they got moved up to JSOC they still support ranger batt but they kept the same structure so when he says small it’s ridiculously small you know EVERYONE, there is no stolen valor with this unit you can’t fake it
This dude should play the next marvel superhero.
1:10:30 lmfao when he goes “ok”
“Your George Bushy bush will not save you!”
4:10 haha “light infantry.” Nothing light about light infantry.
Awesome conversation - really enjoyed it. Might I suggest that you work on volume-leveling?
Good dude.
Interesting to hear what Mike thinks about the new MI Ranger Battalion? Also, how does he see the utility of the Rangers in missions short of war against adversaries like Russian and China who will smartly avoid open conflict with us?
MET-TC
I'd image there would still be a need for Rangers regardless of conflict or the intensity of .
I was in the MICO. I’m not sure about his opinion on the company, but all my instructors (including Edwards) knew I was MI going through RIP and they were very fair with me. I think part of that treatment was reflective of the rarity of my MOS within Regiment.
Any way you guys can get billy waugh?
You gotta bring him back on
I think with the way the world
is going and combat is evolving re: China/Russia/Africa, SMU’s like rrc, the new AFSR, etc are the way forward. Door kickers like rangers/seals/cag will always be needed but combat us going to become more nuanced. Plus with more technical fields it gives you better options in agencies and contractors after you leave.
How often are guys actually doing HAHO or HALO jumps into Afghanistan? I feel like you never hear guys talk about using it very often