I say this with all seriousness in my heart as a 2/7 Fox company 0311: Do not even fucking think about getting married before or during your first enlistment. In fact don't even have a girlfriend, especially one that is long distance. The Marine Corps should seriously issue the book "The Rational Male" and teach it in boot camp. It's almost as important as your rifle. Almost.
Ugh, me neither. I should have added that I speak from experience. Long distance relationship for 3 years of my enlistment. All the money I spent on phone calls and flying her from the midwest to California. The things a pussy starved 19 year old Marine will do. Haha. Love your channel. Video request for you: Would you do a video on what a Marine that has been to combat knows/learns in combat that us no-combat-seeing pre 9/11 Marines don't know? In other words, Non-combat grunt vs combat grunt. Thanks. Semper Fi, brother.
I dig the Raiders- force Recon and the whole shebang... Eagle globe and anchor Has a transcendence that permeates our being as Jar heads.. leathernecks.. As Marines... i am an 8531/ P.M.I. range- coach- and also 8552/0917 M.M.A.I.T. I am always gonna be a Staff Sgt. Always gonna be an 0811/0812. Life long Martial artist... 21 year Marine Honorably discharged.. Warrior..... but Even though alot resonates with me... The Eagle globe and anchor must mean more simply due to Becoming a U.S. Marine is one of the most respectable important decisions i have ever made. It all starts there... the high speed low drag stuff cannot happen unless u make it through boot camp 1st.
I'm not in the military, but I thank you guys for your service. I can't imagine it being the hardest thing in the world fighting your country, possibly being in some distant land, and the last thing you want to worry about is the person you trust most being with someone else. I don't know how I could ever do that if I was in that position.
I agree wholeheartedly! I had over a dozen girlfriends who all wanted to get married, have kids, live on base, etc...they knew the benefits and heard the stories of other enlisted wives. I didn't do it because I didn't want to leave any children behind should I have died in combat and didn't want to get a divorce. Now, I'm 47 years old, still have no kids, have only been married once (and divorced 14 months later), but have had dozens more girlfriends who I knew I had no business dating and were not 'wifey' material... I guess working security in strip clubs after my discharge didn't help with my dating selections but hey, it is what it is. My suggestion would be if you are looking for a 'wifey' type of woman, look for her in your local church...and then get to know her well before you tie the knot. That way, you know she will be faithful to you and will be accountable to someone in the church. Otherwise, good luck looking...My search continues 25+ years later... Semper Fi!
As a Marine veteran, I didn't have a clue about any of this stuff while I was in. It's crazy all the stuff I've learned about the Marine Corps after I got out. I almost feel like I missed out on a lot of opportunities. Either way, Semper Fi to my fellow Devil Dogs out there.
D dub I agree, in '83 (2311), my career planning consisted of my S-1 handing me my sep orders an asking staying or leaving? I left, an I still hate that decision. Ive done well but I sorely miss the infantry, I still very much miss it all. Be well guys.
excellent, great real info. You guys are so correct about Marine Infantry. It was a very tough life. Long training days, weeks, months. Long humps with very heavy packs, little sleep, repetitious training, endless immediate action drills, land nav, pace count, movement to contact, patrolling, weapons training, crappy MRE's, crapping against a trees, sleeping in cold holes, wet days and nights, walking endlessly at night, getting lost, cramped, smelly 16 hour AMTRAC rides, nerve racking helo rides, spiders, chiggers, snakes, mosquitos, tank trails, beach sand, steep mountains, heavy rubber boats, waiting for chow, I loved it and wish I was a young man and could go back to those times, Semper Fi, Echo 2/2, 2nd MarDiv
Then you don't know a lot about what the original raiders were or what kind of men served in the Army special forces. Those people were trained killers. There are special operation groups that are not even trusted by the branch they serve in. Hope this helped you out.
Nick Koumalatsos i May be getting charged with steroid possession while in college, am I screwed when it comes to clearance/becoming an officer. I was recently raided looking for weed (which wasn’t found even it was it would be the least of my worries) and 1 full bottle and 4 partial bottles were taken. I’m not even using anymore but they took all my PCT drugs. This happened last night and I was not charged with anything besides getting an appearance ticket for a marijuana pipe.
Nick Koumalatsos what piss me off is that you had a felony and still qualified to acquire a security clearance. I had no felonies or misdemeanors. I had to be squeaky clean when I applied for MARSOC. It’s such a double standard when your white. Smh CWO3 Retired USMC
@@NickKoumalatsos82 It's made you into a whiney lil bitch who is doing nothing to stop covid, but moan. Apart from your love of the marines and prostate exams. Tell us about what you did to stop the spread. Oh and how Trump is your hero. Oh did you mention you were a marine.
All these questions about what they intend to do, after Bootcamp and SOI/MCT, fellas these guys are serious about "start here", yellow footprints and it's encompassing training might and most likely will change your mind about things. After your 12 weeks you'll have a better understanding of what direction you'll take.
yabozoable ,U R ON THE MONEY 💰 ON THAT,FAKE'S come OUT,when itZ Go TIME...GOD BLESSS R BEST OF THE BEST N KEEP EM SAFE,AT GO TIMEZ...U R ALWAYZ N R PRAYERS U.S.BEST OF THE BEST....
I'm glad you guys did this one. I went through Army Ranger School. And then was with the 2nd Battalion. Thank you for your service. And thank you for this information.
No matter how long you're out you still sort of miss it. If I could go back now and be with the same guys I'd start packing my shit right now. It's hard to find that brotherhood out here in the real world. Good talk from both of you. I appreciate.
Man I remember selection! It sucked every day! Run, swim, ruck....embrace the suck is what we kept telling ourselves! Went in January during the cold, kinda glad I did!
Nick Koumalatsos I went in 2017, beginning of January. Yes it was the MARSOC A&S. Had a hell of a time there. Met some great Marines and just like you said in the video, they were all there for the same reason.
I’d do it again. I loved recon and liked to find my limitations and push beyond them. Did I quit on living when I aged out? No I got a job and carried my ass on. And I still miss my friends God Bless them wherever they are. ABY
I over trained with what 10 Week program. I left A&S with an ankle the size of a baseball. I still feel the injury and that was 5 years ago. Was a memorable experience though.
Ranger School has nothing to do with special forces or Ranger Regiment. It is first and foremost a leadership school. It just so happens to be a relatively hard course. I was an Instructor at 6th RTB(Florida) and a graduate of class 5-92. My assigned ranger "buddy" during class was a Recon Marine who I thought I would never see again after we graduated. 4 years later he joined the Army and we ended up serving together in the 101st Long Range Surveillance Detachment(Division Recon).
I got a felony grand theft auto , a couple driving tickets , do you think I’ll be able to join the marines ?? I talked to one dipshit recruiter and he crushed my dreams saying that I’m fucked to try the army or navy I was like wtf!? Should I talk to another recruiter !?
True,.. but Ranger School predated the 75th Ranger Regiment by at least 24 years,... so the initial purpose was to train small unit leaders as Rangers.
My Marine father fought at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War. He was out of boot camp only 90 days beforehand. He said the Chinese had a lot of prisoners who have never been accounted for in the record books. I am only adding this to your story because he can't say it anymore and he thought it was important never to forget.
Great videos. Thanks for answering my question about the EGA vs Raider pin. Just a few thoughts from an old (turning 60 this year) Marine officer. 1. No way should a young officer be going to MARSOC evaluation. It is not the place for a junior officer. You are taking the place of an enlisted man who will be of greater service as an operator and serve longer than you ever will. The teams require little to no supervision due to the nature of the men that get selected. Most of the officer positions are really administrative in nature. They could easily be filled by experienced officers from the reconnaissance battalions who will have the respect the operators. If you really want to be a Raider, enlist and go through the process. Serve a few years and if you still want to be an officer you will have no problem becoming one. I knew a couple of Marine officers in the early 80's who finished out their tours, resigned their commissions and enlisted in the Navy just so they could try to become SEALS. I can respect that. 2. EGA vs Raider badge. Thanks for your honest response. I have deep respect for you guys. The original Raiders were disbanded back in WWII because of the fear of having an "elite within an elite". I would hate to see that happen to the Raiders again. My unsolicited advice to your brothers still serving in the Raiders would be to remember that they are Marines first, Raiders second. If they get away from that, I can see petty jealousies over cutting edge gear allocation and silly shit like getting to wear long hair and beards causing the career types to start making a lot of noise. Just my opinion, carry on.
Good points. As a former Force Recon Marine, I can relate. There have always been pushback by the Marine Corps on anything unconventional and it came back and bit them in the butt when we had no one to send to Afghanistan in the early days, as part of SOCOM. This notion that every Marine’s elite, is well naive, outdated and frankly serves no real purpose. The Special Ops community requires very focused, self motivated and highly skilled operators within the ranks. Many Marines are not up for the task because they don’t possess the skill sets. This isn’t being disparaging to the rank and file; it’s just the reality. So yes,.. egos have been bruised for years when it came to the perception of the Recon community.
I'm so glad I'm watching a video of two Marine Raiders give relationship advice! Exactly what I was expecting when I clicked on "Q&A With Two Marine Raiders" I'm just joking around, you guys are great, thanks for being awesome.
Hell im still trying too enlist. Not a citizen of the u.s yet. Had help from all marine recruiters, never quit training though been 2 1/2 years and still trying. I'm dedicated. committed. Quitting isn't in me. Nice video Nick you got yourself a new subscriber!
Love the video, and I'm super excited about the USMC Prep program. I've signed up and I'm going to save up to afford the program and begin my training. You guys are an inspiration and encourage young men like me to pursue the Corps. Thanks a lot
I'm doing well. Been out of the Corps for two years now, living in the D.C. area, working as an FSR, and my first born will be arriving in January. I'll hit you up on Tweeter.
@@NickKoumalatsos82 what did nick do in the battle to stop covid-19. He moaned on and on. Were you a marine, Nick. Tell us tales of how brave you were and how many innocents you machine-gunned. You kept us safe, Nick. I give you one massive finger. Now STFU. BUT TELL US ONE MORE TIME THAT YOU WERE A MARINE.
Nick Koumalatsos have had my eyes set on pararescue since I was little. I figured if I was going to be a badass I’m going to be the type of badass to save other badasses. While I’m on the topic have you had any experiences with PJ’s?
This one was great guys. A lot of great information in it. I should have thrown some questions in their for y’all to answer lol. Side note, your white board is a little out dated hahah. Keep up the good work. Look forward to seeing the training program you and josh put out. Hope it was an awesome trip.
Awesome video Nick and thank you for taking the time to somewhat explain what life as a MARSOC Officer is like. I just graduated from Marine Corps OCS and ultimately my goal is to go through A&S and become a MARSOC operator. If there is any other tips/suggestions you have for an individual like me please comment!
Absolutely EGA should be top of the list. I couldn't believe your association with a raider BN gives you higher pride than EGA. Not the answer I was expecting and not what I wanted to hear. But thanks for telling us the truth.
How do you become a MARSOC. Do you just join the MARSOC team or do you have to start off at the regular marines first then get asked to join the special op team.
Great video! I've been in the Marine Corps for 4 years now as an electrician on KC130s(POG MOS, I know). I'm still hell bent on joining SF, but I'm going to be 32 in February and even though I'm in great shape I just don't know if my body would be able to withstand the rigors of A&S and ITC. Any advice?
You guys are lucky you lived in the beginning of the golden years of Recon, MARSOC and the Raider transition time. The 80s were not so Recon friendly in the Corps. You were looked down on if you thought you were special by the majority of officers in those days and getting into Recon was next to impossible unless they plucked you from ITS personally. I was selected to go to RIP school after going and talking to and "trying out" for a spot with Charlie Company 2nd Recon BN only to be denied by my current A Co. 1/8 CO. Thought my life was over. Made the best of it, didnt become a shit bird and went to Beirut. Incidentally most of the Recon Marines attached to the 24th MAU were killed in the bombing of the barracks. Not sure if id have been there if id have been approved to go to RIP but who knows, maybe if Id had been there they would still be alive. They should have been in the field like us grunts were, not in a building and kept in a corner not to be seen or heard from. You guys are awesome and I envy your time and status you had in the Corps. Keep up the good work and the videos rolling brothers. SF!
I got a good question for you. Have you ever trained in CAMP BLANDING FLORIDA? Are you aware that this is home to special forces Green Beret, of the Florida National Guard? I did weapons training and qualifications as a Marine reservist with 4th amphibious assault BN. Based out ofJax NAS. Camp Blanding was south of Jax, about an hour away in Starke, Florida. Was curious if you had experience training in Camp Blanding with these guys. I seen them while we were coming back from the range, and later in the slopchute. Also, 4th amphibious assault BN was activated during first Gulf War and Iraq OIF. Camp Blanding was the immediate weapons training location of choice before sendoff to Pendelton for processing before deploying to theater. This was after my time in the unit.
This really gave me some hope. I've wanted to go USSOCOM for many years now, I just never know when the right time to do it is. Life throws a lot of curve balls.
Great video. Suscribed to your channel. I'm Army infantry and been toying with the spec ops idea but I like the line too much right now. BTW whats the knife name and model? I would like to check them out.
Another question. I worked as a contractor too in the Gulf War with the Maritime Preposition Ships Program. I was shipboard for 5 years. Was in Honduras, Korea, Saudi at Al Jubail 1990, 91, was in Diego Garcia in 1987, Guam, Saipan 88, 89. 94, 95. I was a military equipment mechanic. What did you do as a contractor, whom did you work for?
I know I’m super late, watched this video a few times but I wasn’t in the military, then watched it as I was joining and watching it now as I’m in lol, I’m going to try out for CCT or TACP in the USAF , I wanted to buy your program but like do you think it could help me specifically with these AF jobs or ? Also thanks for your service 🤙🏾
Marsoc recruiter came question came up about being married and going marsoc. He said you have to have a strong marriage. Recruiter was gone 320 days out of the year lol he said you are gone during the work up most of the time and deployments are long. Much respect
How are MARSOC/Raider roles different than other SF groups such as Navy Seals, Green Berets, PJ's, AFSOC? What makes Marine SF unique than other US Special Forces? How has Marine Raider impacted your life both positive and negative as a civilian?
jonathan wellman What makes them unique? They're Marines, enough said. PJs and AFSOC would be the same thing, their mission is basically rescuing downed pilots I believe. Green Berets train indigenous populations to overthrow oppressive governments and then help them draft new constitutions. I'd say Raiders are more similar to SEALs if you had to compare them to one or the other.
I'm really trying to compare them to other units. I'm trying to understand how they differ from other groups. (Sorry if I didn't spell or write something properly i'm fighting a sinus sickness which it makes hard to think clearly).
Im trying to join the marines... I have 2 felonies too...😢.. How were you able to get accepted?? I need help.. I wanna turn my life around.. For myself and my family..
Loved the video, cleared out a lot of doubts. Category 5 hurricane Irma will hit me in a few hours, wont be able to watch your videos for some time. Thanks for everything nick.
I spent 7 years as an 0351. Got medically retired after my 3rd deployment. Still regret never trying out for MARSOC. Kills me to think about how I missed out on pushing myself and now too broken and fucking retired to try. Semper Fi Devils
I appreciate your words brother. I have such a huge respect for you. I try to stay out of my head. It gets hard at times. Semper Fi and thank you for being you. Such an awesome human being and Marine.
Hey Nick how do you deal with the toll on your body over the years with all the Recon and MARSOC training, I'm a radio operator with the Marines and my feet crack every step my shoulders pop and crack and couldn't imagine how you do it
Jalters Productions Don’t know if you got your answer, but one of my former Marines was assigned to MARSOC as a dog handler/CSE (Critical Skills Enabler). Did a tour or 2 with his team, and eventually attended/passed A&S plus ITC, to become a Raider.
Gentlemen, thanks for this great information. I hope you continue to share your experience with others because you guys are a great help! I'm currently set to attend assessment and selection in January. Unfortunately I'm dealing with some heel pain that is hindering my ability to train. Do you have any suggestions on working through injuries? I'm wondering if I should give myself more time to heal and just attend the class after January. Any of your advice/input would be extremely helpful. Thanks
Obviously a small community. Are all the other guys (Raiders) as laid back as you two? Or do they also look too seek out the super intense type as well? Really cook video by the way!
I strongly believe that the only reason why the Navy has the seal teams is because there was conflict between the Navy and the Marine Corps which started during the second world war. Do you guy agree?
sorry for a late comment, but im wondering what would a radio operator do in the support battalion? Would he go out with the team or sit in a shop and just set up the gear for them? i want to go become a RO in the support battalion, but i dont wanna sit around just setting up gear.
I say this with all seriousness in my heart as a 2/7 Fox company 0311: Do not even fucking think about getting married before or during your first enlistment. In fact don't even have a girlfriend, especially one that is long distance. The Marine Corps should seriously issue the book "The Rational Male" and teach it in boot camp. It's almost as important as your rifle. Almost.
Ugh, me neither. I should have added that I speak from experience. Long distance relationship for 3 years of my enlistment. All the money I spent on phone calls and flying her from the midwest to California. The things a pussy starved 19 year old Marine will do. Haha. Love your channel. Video request for you: Would you do a video on what a Marine that has been to combat knows/learns in combat that us no-combat-seeing pre 9/11 Marines don't know? In other words, Non-combat grunt vs combat grunt. Thanks. Semper Fi, brother.
canieto1 tom lykas says dont get married til your 30.. he is right especially for U.S. Marines.
I dig the Raiders- force Recon and the whole shebang... Eagle globe and anchor
Has a transcendence that permeates our being as Jar heads.. leathernecks.. As Marines... i am an 8531/ P.M.I. range- coach- and also 8552/0917 M.M.A.I.T.
I am always gonna be a Staff Sgt. Always gonna be an 0811/0812.
Life long Martial artist...
21 year Marine Honorably discharged..
Warrior..... but
Even though alot resonates with me...
The Eagle globe and anchor must mean more simply due to Becoming a U.S. Marine is one of the most respectable important decisions i have ever made.
It all starts there... the high speed low drag stuff cannot happen unless u make it through boot camp 1st.
I'm not in the military, but I thank you guys for your service.
I can't imagine it being the hardest thing in the world fighting your country, possibly being in some distant land, and the last thing you want to worry about is the person you trust most being with someone else.
I don't know how I could ever do that if I was in that position.
I agree wholeheartedly! I had over a dozen girlfriends who all wanted to get married, have kids, live on base, etc...they knew the benefits and heard the stories of other enlisted wives. I didn't do it because I didn't want to leave any children behind should I have died in combat and didn't want to get a divorce. Now, I'm 47 years old, still have no kids, have only been married once (and divorced 14 months later), but have had dozens more girlfriends who I knew I had no business dating and were not 'wifey' material... I guess working security in strip clubs after my discharge didn't help with my dating selections but hey, it is what it is. My suggestion would be if you are looking for a 'wifey' type of woman, look for her in your local church...and then get to know her well before you tie the knot. That way, you know she will be faithful to you and will be accountable to someone in the church. Otherwise, good luck looking...My search continues 25+ years later... Semper Fi!
As a Marine veteran, I didn't have a clue about any of this stuff while I was in. It's crazy all the stuff I've learned about the Marine Corps after I got out. I almost feel like I missed out on a lot of opportunities. Either way, Semper Fi to my fellow Devil Dogs out there.
D dub I agree, in '83 (2311), my career planning consisted of my S-1 handing me my sep orders an asking staying or leaving? I left, an I still hate that decision. Ive done well but I sorely miss the infantry, I still very much miss it all. Be well guys.
God bless 🙏
I feel the same way...What did miss??...
Yep would’ve been nice to know …marine spec ops was kinda vague concept back then
excellent, great real info. You guys are so correct about Marine Infantry. It was a very tough life. Long training days, weeks, months. Long humps with very heavy packs, little sleep, repetitious training, endless immediate action drills, land nav, pace count, movement to contact, patrolling, weapons training, crappy MRE's, crapping against a trees, sleeping in cold holes, wet days and nights, walking endlessly at night, getting lost, cramped, smelly 16 hour AMTRAC rides, nerve racking helo rides, spiders, chiggers, snakes, mosquitos, tank trails, beach sand, steep mountains, heavy rubber boats, waiting for chow, I loved it and wish I was a young man and could go back to those times, Semper Fi, Echo 2/2, 2nd MarDiv
dave Currently an 0331 with E Company, 2/2, 2nd MarDiv. Semper Fidelis from one Warlord to another.
Nick I would never had guessed you were such a troubled youth. You overcame a lot to join and made the best of it. Nice job.
Then you don't know a lot about what the original raiders were or what kind of men served in the Army special forces. Those people were trained killers. There are special operation groups that are not even trusted by the branch they serve in. Hope this helped you out.
Nick Koumalatsos i May be getting charged with steroid possession while in college, am I screwed when it comes to clearance/becoming an officer. I was recently raided looking for weed (which wasn’t found even it was it would be the least of my worries) and 1 full bottle and 4 partial bottles were taken. I’m not even using anymore but they took all my PCT drugs. This happened last night and I was not charged with anything besides getting an appearance ticket for a marijuana pipe.
Nick Koumalatsos what piss me off is that you had a felony and still qualified to acquire a security clearance. I had no felonies or misdemeanors. I had to be squeaky clean when I applied for MARSOC. It’s such a double standard when your white. Smh
CWO3 Retired USMC
Mc 007 should have got a lawyer
@@NickKoumalatsos82 It's made you into a whiney lil bitch who is doing nothing to stop covid, but moan. Apart from your love of the marines and prostate exams. Tell us about what you did to stop the spread. Oh and how Trump is your hero. Oh did you mention you were a marine.
All these questions about what they intend to do, after Bootcamp and SOI/MCT, fellas these guys are serious about "start here", yellow footprints and it's encompassing training might and most likely will change your mind about things. After your 12 weeks you'll have a better understanding of what direction you'll take.
Everyone wants to be a gangster till its time to do gangster shit
yabozoable ,U R ON THE MONEY 💰 ON THAT,FAKE'S come OUT,when itZ Go TIME...GOD BLESSS R BEST OF THE BEST N KEEP EM SAFE,AT GO TIMEZ...U R ALWAYZ N R PRAYERS U.S.BEST OF THE BEST....
I'm glad you guys did this one. I went through Army Ranger School. And then was with the 2nd Battalion. Thank you for your service. And thank you for this information.
2 of my cousins currently are Marsoc. Thank you guys for you’re service
Everyone interested in MARSOC should read always faithful always forward. It's all about selection.
Myles if you see this comment watch generation kill and than read level zero heroes. Nick is on the back of the book.
God bless 🙏
Thanks for answering my question Nick, Always a pleasure seeing you and josh.👊
No matter how long you're out you still sort of miss it. If I could go back now and be with the same guys I'd start packing my shit right now. It's hard to find that brotherhood out here in the real world. Good talk from both of you. I appreciate.
Man I remember selection! It sucked every day! Run, swim, ruck....embrace the suck is what we kept telling ourselves! Went in January during the cold, kinda glad I did!
Nick Koumalatsos I went in 2017, beginning of January. Yes it was the MARSOC A&S. Had a hell of a time there. Met some great Marines and just like you said in the video, they were all there for the same reason.
You are so right when you said that in the infantry 90% of the guys are disgruntled. The Grunt life is The Suck. -Bravo 1/3, 96-00.
I’d do it again. I loved recon and liked to find my limitations and push beyond them. Did I quit on living when I aged out? No I got a job and carried my ass on. And I still miss my friends God Bless them wherever they are. ABY
You weren’t afraid of never coming back home?
How dangerous where your missions in recon?
I over trained with what 10 Week program. I left A&S with an ankle the size of a baseball. I still feel the injury and that was 5 years ago. Was a memorable experience though.
Ranger School has nothing to do with special forces or Ranger Regiment. It is first and foremost a leadership school. It just so happens to be a relatively hard course. I was an Instructor at 6th RTB(Florida) and a graduate of class 5-92. My assigned ranger "buddy" during class was a Recon Marine who I thought I would never see again after we graduated. 4 years later he joined the Army and we ended up serving together in the 101st Long Range Surveillance Detachment(Division Recon).
Nick Koumalatsos Higgins. It was back in 1995-96
Nick Koumalatsos lol I heard that. Don't worry brother you aren't the only one to have issues with the law.
I got a felony grand theft auto , a couple driving tickets , do you think I’ll be able to join the marines ?? I talked to one dipshit recruiter and he crushed my dreams saying that I’m fucked to try the army or navy I was like wtf!? Should I talk to another recruiter !?
True,.. but Ranger School predated the 75th Ranger Regiment by at least 24 years,... so the initial purpose was to train small unit leaders as Rangers.
Juan V were you 18 when it happened
My Marine father fought at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War.
He was out of boot camp only 90 days beforehand.
He said the Chinese had a lot of prisoners who have never been accounted for in the record books.
I am only adding this to your story because he can't say it anymore and he thought it was important never to forget.
That scuba bubble and marine wings that those force recon dudes wore still look badass.
Great videos. Thanks for answering my question about the EGA vs Raider pin. Just a few thoughts from an old (turning 60 this year) Marine officer.
1. No way should a young officer be going to MARSOC evaluation. It is not the place for a junior officer. You are taking the place of an enlisted man who will be of greater service as an operator and serve longer than you ever will. The teams require little to no supervision due to the nature of the men that get selected. Most of the officer positions are really administrative in nature. They could easily be filled by experienced officers from the reconnaissance battalions who will have the respect the operators. If you really want to be a Raider, enlist and go through the process. Serve a few years and if you still want to be an officer you will have no problem becoming one. I knew a couple of Marine officers in the early 80's who finished out their tours, resigned their commissions and enlisted in the Navy just so they could try to become SEALS. I can respect that.
2. EGA vs Raider badge. Thanks for your honest response. I have deep respect for you guys. The original Raiders were disbanded back in WWII because of the fear of having an "elite within an elite". I would hate to see that happen to the Raiders again. My unsolicited advice to your brothers still serving in the Raiders would be to remember that they are Marines first, Raiders second. If they get away from that, I can see petty jealousies over cutting edge gear allocation and silly shit like getting to wear long hair and beards causing the career types to start making a lot of noise. Just my opinion, carry on.
Good points. As a former Force Recon Marine, I can relate. There have always been pushback by the Marine Corps on anything unconventional and it came back and bit them in the butt when we had no one to send to Afghanistan in the early days, as part of SOCOM. This notion that every Marine’s elite, is well naive, outdated and frankly serves no real purpose. The Special Ops community requires very focused, self motivated and highly skilled operators within the ranks. Many Marines are not up for the task because they don’t possess the skill sets. This isn’t being disparaging to the rank and file; it’s just the reality. So yes,.. egos have been bruised for years when it came to the perception of the Recon community.
Thank You both for your service!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Just subbed ... Good see you Josh, hows the leg? Nick never got to meet you but you seem like a awesome dude... Keep up the work guys ... WITH YOU
Semper Fi warriors! I'm glad and proud you were out there for us.
Thank you for your service gentlemen!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I'm so glad I'm watching a video of two Marine Raiders give relationship advice!
Exactly what I was expecting when I clicked on "Q&A With Two Marine Raiders"
I'm just joking around, you guys are great, thanks for being awesome.
Hell im still trying too enlist. Not a citizen of the u.s yet. Had help from all marine recruiters, never quit training though been 2 1/2 years and still trying. I'm dedicated. committed. Quitting isn't in me. Nice video Nick you got yourself a new subscriber!
I want to become a Marine Raider so bad, my recruiter was with MARSOC so he can help me out :)
start becoming a fish, run run and run some more...
OUTSTANDING BOYS
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 RAIDERS4LYFE 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
SEMPER FI
GOD BLESS AMERICA 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Great video right here! Lots of valuable information. Thank you both for this video and for your service!
Nick Koumalatsos Did you have to get waivers to enlist? GED etc..,? I'm interested in enlisting but heard ged is a no go.
You're the man, Nick.
That's all I wanted to say.
As you were.
Crickets when asked what a MARSOC officer does. Priceless.
Love the video, and I'm super excited about the USMC Prep program. I've signed up and I'm going to save up to afford the program and begin my training. You guys are an inspiration and encourage young men like me to pursue the Corps. Thanks a lot
I ship out in November and it's pretty cool to see you guy's have this channel
Remember that marriage is a promise that you must never break. Sometimes you must love by obedience.
Title change: relationship advice with Marines
You absolutely need to do another Q&A.
Currently addicted to your videos. Great stuff. Other than coffee, this is the only other thing I'm addicted to. Keep up the good work.
I survived NTA JWT, Oki. You guys are awesome. My DI at PI was a Raider! Semper FI/Semper Mortalis
All I have to say to you is thank you for getting me back on track with this video your a ton of motivation
Thank you for these videos! Im at camp schwab right now so this really hits home. Looking forward to more of your Q&A.
Great video! I think you and all marine raiders are absolutely awesome! You should make more videos like this every once in a while.
Do another q&a.
Actually answer questions for guys who want to join.
"Back to step 1." Basically sums up so many questions
Awesome video. Would you be able to do another one talking about Marine Recon?
Good to see ya Nick. Looks like you're doing well. Miss ya brother.
I'm doing well. Been out of the Corps for two years now, living in the D.C. area, working as an FSR, and my first born will be arriving in January. I'll hit you up on Tweeter.
Thanks bud
gee, every MARSOC Operator i see they got them cool beards
excessive levels of testosterone lmao
@@NickKoumalatsos82 what did nick do in the battle to stop covid-19. He moaned on and on. Were you a marine, Nick. Tell us tales of how brave you were and how many innocents you machine-gunned. You kept us safe, Nick. I give you one massive finger. Now STFU. BUT TELL US ONE MORE TIME THAT YOU WERE A MARINE.
@@davidc3839 was? if you join the marines, aren't you a marine until you are dead?
@@A10-p1q1n I have no idea. I do know they have a duty to never stop talking about it.
David C what are you even trying to say
thank you for your service.
All of the team members I've known say the same thing. "I miss the Team".
I love these type videos. Almost makes me want to join the Marines.
Nick Koumalatsos have had my eyes set on pararescue since I was little. I figured if I was going to be a badass I’m going to be the type of badass to save other badasses. While I’m on the topic have you had any experiences with PJ’s?
This one was great guys. A lot of great information in it. I should have thrown some questions in their for y’all to answer lol. Side note, your white board is a little out dated hahah. Keep up the good work. Look forward to seeing the training program you and josh put out. Hope it was an awesome trip.
The conversation at at 16:40 is awesome!! Great video guys
Awesome video Nick and thank you for taking the time to somewhat explain what life as a MARSOC Officer is like. I just graduated from Marine Corps OCS and ultimately my goal is to go through A&S and become a MARSOC operator. If there is any other tips/suggestions you have for an individual like me please comment!
Nick Koumalatsos understood. Thanks again.
Great plan brothers! I over trained and burned my body early in the game! You guys doing a good job, I learned this the hard way! Semper Fi ABY
Absolutely EGA should be top of the list. I couldn't believe your association with a raider BN gives you higher pride than EGA. Not the answer I was expecting and not what I wanted to hear. But thanks for telling us the truth.
Thanks for making these videos nick I would love to be a raider some day too
How do you become a MARSOC. Do you just join the MARSOC team or do you have to start off at the regular marines first then get asked to join the special op team.
There is no way you can convince me that you are not Bradley Cooper
alteye1 😂😂
alteye1 its either coopers’ look alike stunt guy or its his other brother
Informative and honest love the video guys 👍
Alright. I always liked your channel but we are simpatico now. Glad you do what you do. Keep it up.
Great video! I've been in the Marine Corps for 4 years now as an electrician on KC130s(POG MOS, I know). I'm still hell bent on joining SF, but I'm going to be 32 in February and even though I'm in great shape I just don't know if my body would be able to withstand the rigors of A&S and ITC. Any advice?
This is exactly what I needed to hear...
Wow great video. Could you explain more about the physical requirements for recon?
You guys are lucky you lived in the beginning of the golden years of Recon, MARSOC and the Raider transition time. The 80s were not so Recon friendly in the Corps. You were looked down on if you thought you were special by the majority of officers in those days and getting into Recon was next to impossible unless they plucked you from ITS personally. I was selected to go to RIP school after going and talking to and "trying out" for a spot with Charlie Company 2nd Recon BN only to be denied by my current A Co. 1/8 CO. Thought my life was over. Made the best of it, didnt become a shit bird and went to Beirut. Incidentally most of the Recon Marines attached to the 24th MAU were killed in the bombing of the barracks. Not sure if id have been there if id have been approved to go to RIP but who knows, maybe if Id had been there they would still be alive. They should have been in the field like us grunts were, not in a building and kept in a corner not to be seen or heard from. You guys are awesome and I envy your time and status you had in the Corps. Keep up the good work and the videos rolling brothers. SF!
I got a good question for you. Have you ever trained in CAMP BLANDING FLORIDA? Are you aware that this is home to special forces Green Beret, of the Florida National Guard? I did weapons training and qualifications as a Marine reservist with 4th amphibious assault BN. Based out ofJax NAS. Camp Blanding was south of Jax, about an hour away in Starke, Florida. Was curious if you had experience training in Camp Blanding with these guys. I seen them while we were coming back from the range, and later in the slopchute. Also, 4th amphibious assault BN was activated during first Gulf War and Iraq OIF. Camp Blanding was the immediate weapons training location of choice before sendoff to Pendelton for processing before deploying to theater. This was after my time in the unit.
I have observed that Marines are special people.
my Grandfather was recon Marine WW2.. recieved Bronze Star and Purple Heart
This really gave me some hope. I've wanted to go USSOCOM for many years now, I just never know when the right time to do it is. Life throws a lot of curve balls.
don’t forget you aren’t getting any younger and pipelines can take a while.
I'm shipping in 5 weeks to bootcamp with MOS 0321. Hopefully I'll be one of the guys who makes it through BRC like you did.
Awesome video! What was y'all's run time around A&S. I'm good with pull ups and crunches but my run time is ass.
When I was at MLG Corporals course, yalls raider building was right across the street and all the guys were really big and had tatoos.
Great video. Suscribed to your channel. I'm Army infantry and been toying with the spec ops idea but I like the line too much right now. BTW whats the knife name and model? I would like to check them out.
Man Nick is hot. Thanks for your service guys!!!
Great job guys!
These two don't strike me as guys that were scared to join.
Another question. I worked as a contractor too in the Gulf War with the Maritime Preposition Ships Program. I was shipboard for 5 years. Was in Honduras, Korea, Saudi at Al Jubail 1990, 91, was in Diego Garcia in 1987, Guam, Saipan 88, 89. 94, 95. I was a military equipment mechanic. What did you do as a contractor, whom did you work for?
Fucking a, Meps is reviewing my medical for the ARMY,
Yall got me trying to join the marines now.
I know I’m super late, watched this video a few times but I wasn’t in the military, then watched it as I was joining and watching it now as I’m in lol, I’m going to try out for CCT or TACP in the USAF , I wanted to buy your program but like do you think it could help me specifically with these AF jobs or ? Also thanks for your service 🤙🏾
Marsoc recruiter came question came up about being married and going marsoc. He said you have to have a strong marriage. Recruiter was gone 320 days out of the year lol he said you are gone during the work up most of the time and deployments are long. Much respect
Then I am in the wrong. Much love hope you have a blessed day
How are MARSOC/Raider roles different than other SF groups such as Navy Seals, Green Berets, PJ's, AFSOC? What makes Marine SF unique than other US Special Forces? How has Marine Raider impacted your life both positive and negative as a civilian?
jonathan wellman What makes them unique? They're Marines, enough said. PJs and AFSOC would be the same thing, their mission is basically rescuing downed pilots I believe. Green Berets train indigenous populations to overthrow oppressive governments and then help them draft new constitutions. I'd say Raiders are more similar to SEALs if you had to compare them to one or the other.
I'm really trying to compare them to other units. I'm trying to understand how they differ from other groups. (Sorry if I didn't spell or write something properly i'm fighting a sinus sickness which it makes hard to think clearly).
Im trying to join the marines... I have 2 felonies too...😢.. How were you able to get accepted?? I need help.. I wanna turn my life around.. For myself and my family..
In 2013 officers did have to go through ASPOC to weed out for selection.
Subscribed, lotta respect for you guys....Wish I could do something in the military, but I'm going to be a doctor.
Nick Koumalatsos Haha thanks man. I'll keep that in mind when I'm pushing through. Holds a lot of weight coming from someone like you.
I love the Marines Flag in the back..
I dropped out in the 10th grade got my ged and joined the marines in 2004 I was a POG I wish I was a Recon badass
I just graduated bootcamp. What are some of the issue/problems or challenges you faced when getting to school and the fleet?
Loved the video, cleared out a lot of doubts. Category 5 hurricane Irma will hit me in a few hours, wont be able to watch your videos for some time. Thanks for everything nick.
i loved how this was edited
very cool video, good stuff!
I spent 7 years as an 0351. Got medically retired after my 3rd deployment. Still regret never trying out for MARSOC. Kills me to think about how I missed out on pushing myself and now too broken and fucking retired to try. Semper Fi Devils
I appreciate your words brother. I have such a huge respect for you. I try to stay out of my head. It gets hard at times. Semper Fi and thank you for being you. Such an awesome human being and Marine.
Hey Nick how do you deal with the toll on your body over the years with all the Recon and MARSOC training, I'm a radio operator with the Marines and my feet crack every step my shoulders pop and crack and couldn't imagine how you do it
Hey I got a question. For Example, is a MARSOC K9 Handler considered a " Raider " and get the badge or are they considered something else?
Jalters Productions Don’t know if you got your answer, but one of my former Marines was assigned to MARSOC as a dog handler/CSE (Critical Skills Enabler). Did a tour or 2 with his team, and eventually attended/passed A&S plus ITC, to become a Raider.
oh shit! i remember josh when he came to fort polk.
You have probably been asked this alot but can you become a marine raider or a recon without being in infantry?
George TM short answer, yes.
Yup....Nick happened to do both. He was Recon first before becoming a Raider, after being a former admin Marine, I believe.
Gentlemen, thanks for this great information. I hope you continue to share your experience with others because you guys are a great help!
I'm currently set to attend assessment and selection in January. Unfortunately I'm dealing with some heel pain that is hindering my ability to train. Do you have any suggestions on working through injuries? I'm wondering if I should give myself more time to heal and just attend the class after January. Any of your advice/input would be extremely helpful. Thanks
I want to be a MarSOC officer. After becoming an officer should I go through MarSOC selection immediately or not, and why or why not?
Obviously a small community. Are all the other guys (Raiders) as laid back as you two? Or do they also look too seek out the super intense type as well? Really cook video by the way!
Recently I had a good friend of mine pass away in the c 130 crash this past July. My question is how does the community help the families and such ?
I'm a young marine and wondering what the best workouts to prepare for A and S are. I do a lot of lifting and running. Not too much cross fit.
Reconnaissance for the Marine Corps. 0321 for myself. ABY
Great post gentlemen👍
I strongly believe that the only reason why the Navy has the seal teams is because there was conflict between the Navy and the Marine Corps which started during the second world war. Do you guy agree?
sorry for a late comment, but im wondering what would a radio operator do in the support battalion? Would he go out with the team or sit in a shop and just set up the gear for them? i want to go become a RO in the support battalion, but i dont wanna sit around just setting up gear.