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Chris White - The truth about Blackwater in Najaf Iraq - The Bridge #14
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 เม.ย. 2024
- Join Travis Haley with special guest, Chris White, as they reflect on the events that took place 20 years ago in Al-Najaf, Iraq.
April 4th, 2024 will mark the 20th Anniversary of the Battle of Al-Najaf, Iraq. It was on that day in 2004 that a small team of coalition forces and Blackwater Contractors faced off against the overwhelming force of the Mahdi Army. In spite of the many obstacles stacked against them, acts of courage, duty, and perseverance enabled the defending coalition and Blackwater Contractors to hold off the Mahdi Army while Blackwater Air Teams provided critical sustainment equipment and life saving evacuation efforts. The Battle of Al-Najaf represents one of the largest insurgent attacks during the Iraq War, we stand together on 4/4 in remembrance of the brave men who selflessly risked everything to save their brothers.
Bridging gaps within our industry one conversation at a time. The Bridge is not a show about firearms, training, or the military as some might expect. It’s about people; connecting with others, sharing experiences, exchanging perspectives, and healing together through sometimes vulnerable conversations about difficult topics. We hope to help and heal others as we do so for ourselves by airing these conversations for all to hear. Thanks for listening! We hope you enjoy the show.
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![[UNCUT] หวั่นขาดความเชื่อมั่น ศาล รธน. วินิจฉัยคดีถอนถอนนายกฯ เศรษฐา | คนดังนั่งเคลียร์ | 14 ส.ค. 67](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8hKvQe_vh3o/mqdefault.jpg)
I was with Whiteboy in Najaf. He was a consummate professional and led the team, and I am eternally grateful for him and the broader team protecting us. I've been trying to connect with Whiteboy for a few years now. Happy Seigeaversary WB. (Roland)
Do you have any remorse?
My friend was killed over there. For nothing
@@choossuck7653 No matter what my brother, he fought for his brothers beside him.... He did not die for nothing, no matter the reason for why he was there. For all that mattered was his brothers. Remember that. I am sorry man, stay strong.
@@choossuck7653 remorse? dude when someone shoots at you you return fire. I am sorry for your loss.
@@lithium1770 they smoked kids bro. Unarmed kids. Not everyone did it but it happened and more than a few times. We shouldn't have even been there and the war criminals responsible for us being there hopefully will be held accountable. I lost friends ober there 🔥🔥💀
@@choossuck7653 i feel for you and can tell it left a chip on your shoulder. Not one man was sent to Iraq at gun point. These brave men stepped forward and said send me. The government lied to them, lied to us, they just lied. Once you get there you can't just get on a plane and go home and when some people are trying to kill you because they want you to leave you either die and watch friends die or fight back. Had you been there and saw your friend get shot you would have returned fire. If I was your friend the last thing I would want you to do is shame my courage and my sacrifice by acting like it meant nothing to you. Your friend made a choice and it wasn't an easy one he didn't know the truth when he left and neither did anyone else. It's easy to Monday morning quarterback the war but it isn't right
Got to Najaf in December of 04, with the Army, we took over from the Marine Raiders. Those Marines were savages! The militia definitely learned the hard way.
We chewed some of the same dirt together. Was with 1/4 and the marsoc dudes were actually Detachment One. Prequel to MSOB. One of my deployments overseas was to Najaf. Crazy crazy cemetery stuff. Thank the Lord for His mercy. Be safe
Bro hell yes, fucking get some. I deployed in 04. Semper Fi
11 rows of medals…carried a model 37….my type a guy..lifelong love for nam vets and listen to em all many many hrs and never gets old…chuck Norris and sly sent me into wantin to know about these guys that feared nothing and loved there buddies so much….
….a model 37 like a deer slayer riot model…..
The original Najaf rooftop video was the very first combat video I ever saw as a kid when I downloaded it off Limewire. It’s the video that showed me the reality of the shit and got me behind a rifle.
Bro you know that ain’t a good website right?
@@GeckoDays You asking that questions just highlight how you still don't understand lol. Everyone know knew limewire was bad; didn't stop us though, lmao
@GeckoDays the website was just p2p sharing of files back in the day. The content was put up by users. You have to check anything you download. Sandbox it if you have to. Any p2p sharing is gonna be sketchy. Even if you pay for it.
Back in the day Limewire is where I got most my legit stuff. Mine was running 24/7 for months at a time and I never made a penny off it, but I didn't pay for TV ever again either.
Limewire. Man if I knew then what I know now lol.
Good ol limewire!
Awesome to have the bridge back!
Chris White trained my ships VBSS in 2004, awesome dude!
20 years already, dang time flies.
Thinker's before shooter's , self reflection and remembrance are keys to being a thinker.
Thank you for changing my opinion on contractors. I passed on two jobs in the early 00's - one easy pass in the DRC and the other for Iraq in 04. The stigma that was attached back then in the UK was so heavy that it in the end I let it go. No regrets because I wouldn't be where I am now, but kudos to you. Subscribed and looking forward to learning more.
Thank you Travis and HSP team. Godspeed.
Hey Chris! You got me into training kickboxing back in Bahrains base gym, I stuck it out and did a few other things for almost ten years. Wanted to say thank you and no more dojo pants for me in the gym!
Thank you for doing this, I was in Uzbekistan on Nov 5 2001. Hard to believe it's been that long. Cheers gentlemen
I ended up reading the conversation as I could barely hear it... turn it up! Still, two legends with great stories and wisdom to share!
History is vital to living through combat. This old Vietnam guy is enjoying this truth! Having been drilled by NVA Easter 72,I was blessed to spend 13Yrs. With guys from WW I threw VN in the hospital learning I was not ALONE! Now that I'm alive ag ain I have 6 kids learn History and say about the service (W.B.) statement "there are worst things to do w/your life."
So much of your conversation takes me back to my Marine Coro service in a completely different way. I was not a field operator. I was a Unit Diary Clerk/Admin/ Poge.
Im boot camp one of my drill instructors was Staff Sergeant Malinic. He was from 2nd Force Reconnaissance but had done tbings within Special Services to had been deployed with SEALs, Delta, Rangers, Green Barets, TACPs, Vietnam, Philippines, Beruit, Panama, War on Drugs Columbia, Syria, Afghanistan, Thailand, and such over the years. He had to have gotten busted a couple of times in his career cause a SSgt. should be higher rank having joined in 1965. He was a bit older than my dad, who did two tours in Vietnam with Rangers.
SStg Malinic never let us wast time especially when 3 weeks into boot camp Iraq invaded Kuwait and he knew we were going to war. As his boys he was going to make sure we were trained and would come back. Waiting for chow? Well we would have three to six people he picked off to the side on the grass between buildings fighting hand to hand, training fake knives, bayonets on rifles, training fake hand guns etc.... Always training.
I was attached to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance but stayed at Lejeune assigned as the one man administration for the Short, Sick, Lame, Lazy instread of deployed to Desert Storm. To listen to your to you two the office politics, back stabbing and rank/award fanagaling from certain people was just as vicious as it was in the office.
Semper Fi Brother
Semper Fi
Semper Fi!
Travis worked that bushmaster for the win! Regardless of the 260 yard phantom lure .. you stacked em. Fantastic interview ! Chris White much respect. I think I drank a beet next to that cat at the Ready Room bar in 1989 lol
The final few minutes of advice are profoundly important.
White Boy is even known by us South Africans that we're in Iraq! He is the Lord of routes!
TIA
Definitely a good one. Glad to see the show is back 🤙🏻
Chris White really changed my perception of exceptional people who fight for contracting reasons, i.e. the 'highest bidder'. I expected a conceded "I am better than you," persona, expressing disdain, revulsion, and disrespect for people not as capable as they are; he expressed respect for other peoples talents, intelligence, and experience in their respective fields and appropriate disrespect for political game-play where people, in this case especially, soldiers with total disregard for the needs, outcomes, and lives that have been placed in harms way.
I have now, a great deal of respect for Mr. White, and others, for the dedicated and determined work they do; I really hope they are never used against the people of the United States of America who still honor, follow, and wish to sustain the tenets of the original Constitution of the United States.
Thank You for the Educational Interview.
With Respect, Enjoy
Exactly
White boy was a solid dude. He was an instructor for an SOTG CQB school I went to at Pendleton
WhiteBoy needs to write a book, and a well done accurate 4hr. movie. I will watch. Amazing guy alot of knowledge. Thank you WhiteBoy. 🙏
Hey Travis, fascinating vid chap, being a limey I see things a bit differently but one thing that I do agree with is we need to document, you don’t have to be SF either, plenty of good guys in the regulars as well - but knowledge and skill is key. I think as we age it’s easier to want reflect but these informal ‘storytelling’ should I feel be part of training, and also life lessons - what integrity, discipline looks like and even small steps and acts can make all the difference.
by this time was tons of really good seasoned guys in regulars,
I met Chris in early ‘03. Great guy, professional and well respected.
So stoked to see a new episode out, keep them coming and we’ll keep supporting!
@The Bridge - you ever hear from Ben Thomas? Would love to see him on The Bridge - hear his whole arc. Darkness and all.
A very good episode, thank you very much Travis.
Thanks for sharing. Awesome edition of The Bridge!
We need soldiers. Big problems recruiting and big wars coming clearly. Tell the stories. Inspiring men to b men is more important than ever. At least you won't b misleading the kids. Some bodies gotta do the job. It should b a mandatory thing, but it's not.
I’ve said a number of times that people sign up for god and country for our hometowns, family and friends but when things get real the fight is for the man on your left and your right, for the brothers.
I’ve heard that for 40 years.
Great interview but TURN THE AUDIO UP!! Thank you for your service and understanding WE THE PEOPLE
I deployed the being of 05, and remember hearing the story's about Najaf and contracts hanging of bridge. Being in Fallujah back then was shitty, and uncanny.
Where has Mookie been these days?? Haven't seen him since the Tactical Response Team Room.
Y’all need to make a movie about this to graphically tell the story.
20 yrs ago! Were you 1st force? That was my about my time over with the 13th MEU-SOC
Thanks for your service sirs. You're stories are an insight into history that hopefully does not get pushed to the side. Love you guys. Stay strong and safe everyone.
I’d love to see Mookie come on the show. What a personality!
White boy see’s him and it’s lights out for Ben Thomas
What’s the name of the French documentary
I was in Najaf 2004. Shit was wild
You are a thug your service is nothing you fought for keeping Israel safe that's it
Whatched this last week and came back to see if anybody knew where to watch the I believe Travis said French documentary that showed the Iraqi side of this battle. I may be wrong on the details but does anybody know what he's talking about and where to watch it?
1:40 the Swiss have the best civilian national militia of Europe. Just like every US Marine a rifleman, so are all military aged Swiss citizens.
The man in the arena is one of Theodore Roosevelts most famous speeches.
Good stuff gents
I knew it! Thor & Whiteboy...
Anyone have the French documentary mentioned?
WOW.......but also DAMN IT ALL, this will have to wait. BUT I WILL MAKE THE TIME to watch it. Many thanks gentlemen.
Ha. I haven't heard man love Friday in a very long time. RLTW 3/75
I lived in Switzerland for almost 4 years! The Swiss required every male is in the military reserves and or some kind of service! The take there weapons home (all automatic)and have a basic combat load! When you drive around look up you’ll see bunkers that are setup interlocking fire. Every village has a community bunker! They would shoot artillery over the house that live in ,it drove me crazy! During WW2 the Germans wanted cut through Switzerland general said to Swiss general “we have a million army The Swiss general said “we have half million man army and we will shoot twice”they drove around !
If it wasn't for Blackwater there would have been a draft. Stop loss was already implemented. Only one thing comes after that.
Great commentary, you made some good points. I get upset watching people make money off of what I considered a duty and obligation to my country. Thank you
We're back baby!
Anyone have a title name for the french Documentary?
Hey big shout out to your pilots, need to catch up with them. I was very fortunate to have had the chance to learn from a few as we go. Anyone heard from S.W. Initials? Pilot type.
Vince Lombardi definitely got that quote from Theodore Roosevelt 😂😂
They need to create a separate program for Females, to then augment the A-Teams,Seal Team, Marsoc, it would prioritize their capabilities,& just makes sense
Is Hacksaw still with us? Would love to hear his story on a podcast. 🚁
Great episode and insight into that day. Thank both you guys for all you both have done for this country. I know he has had his controversies but is there any chance to get mookie out and on the show to talk about his and travis' experience during najaf? Love mookie, wish he would have never dropped off the map
Go watch Whiteboys interview on Combat Story as well....Its fire....
Awesome episode! Thanks for putting out great content. Whiteboy, if you see this, give Rocky a call, Brother.
The nickname story reminds me of how a bunch of men, strangers to eachother, can get around a bbq grill with beers, have a good time and never know each other's name at the end of the day. Good times.
Great episode! Welcome to The Bridge Fam, Chris!
Holy crap, The Bridge posted a new vid after like two years?!?!
Lol... good story on the callsign. Mine was "slidebite." Let's just say I was prone to taking a high grip on a G19.
I have my volume up all the way and it's still hard to hear.
Time for a hearing aide
@@maxwackerman9863 or maybe the audio is just bad or you can just tell the kinda you have and maybe I can get some of those.
Praise God we are not without insight!
Travis, you should try and get Hacksaw on the Bridge, I think a lot of people including myself would love that! Thanks for all the hard work you guys do!
Great podcast
You live and you learn
I just realized that is Travis Haley. We got old
I love how Chris White sounds just like Larry David of "Seinfeld" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" notoriety.
Love the podcast/youtube but audio on Apple Podcasts is super quiet and hard to hear for some constructive criticism haha
39:00 could you imagine taking what you need and your pilot turning telling you to lose another 200 lbs so you can fly?
That's insane.
Geez. 20 years ago. I was contracting then. Thanks for this,
(Maqtada had his hands all over Najaf, Al Hillah, Ramadi, Wasit, Numinayah etc - he walked that freaking fence with both sides)
You should have WB on again
Dude wasn’t talking I. The mic you can barley hear him
Good stuff
I'm joining the Marines in 1 year
Why in a year? And why marines?
I’d buy you a beer
I wanted to join marines aviation back in 08 fresh out of highschool, unfortunately it wasn’t a guarantee I would actually get into aviation so I told the recruiter I’ll pass. fuck man they wouldn’t stop blowing up my phone for weeks. Good luck to you buddy make smart choices. Avoid drinking and smoking at all cost it will be your down fall. Once you hit your late 20’s early 30’s you will understand.
@@gunnerwright7793
Because then I'll be 17 and I always wanted to join the Marines
@@DeathByGelato😂
Its odd that a 1/8" AR will stabilize 77gr SMKs but 1/9" won't. I've used it for PRS without issues for gas gun division. Maybe the higher velocity with my handloads out of a 20" (2,900 vs 2,750) gave it a bit more RPMs to stabilize.
Edit: your SG is around 1.4 which is marginally stable, so that makes sense.
I was in Bagdad from '04 to '05, conducting local security for the ICC and the Al Rashid Hotel. We got buzzed by your little birds countless times. Periodically, you guys (Blackwater) would come in with your principal. I did not envy you guys at all. Especially when Najaf kicked off.
I remember this pretty well, but what I do remember is thinking of how shity our government and Military are at times . The fact that Blackwater contractors had to come in and save the day. running Choppers and medvac. if you guys weren't on that building with y'all's experience. that would have gone a very different way. First time catching your podcasts glad I stumbled upon it. I always wanted to hear about this from you guys who were there. I've read about it a little bit in Eric Prince's book. But I'd rather hear it from the guys that were there. As in you guys. RLTW 3/75
I haven’t heard Mookies name in a hot minute, is he still ok?
Roosevelt made the comment long before a National Felon's League coach
Raise the audio.... 6 videos are fine get to this one cant hear anything without cranking speakers
Chris is fun to ride motorcycles with as well
Let’s goooo HSP!!!
100% in my police career it was there “ are those who do, and those who teach”!
Definitely need a guy for timestamps. Great content here, step it up a notch.
“Sense of duty”……..a forgotten concept by some Americans. It isn’t taught as much as it use to be.
Please adjust the audio such that WB and Travis are "equal" to the ear. I listened on both Apple and YT, both are disjointed
Great interview 🫡
I had to stop about 20 minutes in because of how hard the audio was to hear. Could you maybe talk to the guests before hand about talking directly into the mic?
A fist distance lol, I see why Joe Rogan always says this now, but great interview none the less.
Outstanding show!
Cant hear them.. :/
Theodore Roosevelt wrote The Man in the Arena.
Good stuff. Worked with Mike and Gold in A-Stan.
Outstanding episodes!
25:29 absolutely correct. Actually combat proven SOP TTP’s are critical
Was hard to get air casvac out on Duke birds until the mortar outside the dome was hit afaik.
@The Bridge I’ve worked with Tom within the last decade, who was directly involved in the Fallujah incident and whom I suspect the “other guy” is in your conversation about those events. He’s still up to some sketchy, irresponsible shit. Give me a shout if you want to chat about it.
Theodore Roosevelt… Man in the Arena, 1910 Paris France
I don't know what to make of the information here when compared to all the negative information floating around about Blackwater. My perspective is, that I just want to understand the truth.