Thank you so much for this. The book “mission, men, and me” had a profound influence on me as a Marine Infantry Officer. One of the best books I have ever read.
Thank you for interviewing Pete Blaber!!! I was a 1/87 INF soldier 10th Mtn on Operation Anaconda March 2, 2002. Blaber was the man on that OP and his men saved our asses. Keep up the good fight. Thank you!!
Did you happen to meet any SAS troopers? Heard there were a couple of Aussies helping you guys out. I think one of their names is Martin (Jock) Wallace and Clint Palmer were pulling your guys out of trouble while fighting Talibs for 18 hours. Jock won got a Medal of Gallantry for that engagement
@@davewylie654 Yea we weren’t expecting the Bad guys to be up in the ridge line because that’s not the intel we got. Pete Blaber did put out before H- Hour that out HLZ was a Turkey Shoot!!! Damn generals said “It’s too late to chance the plan even though it was 24-48hrs before launch. They could have given us a heads up. Pete also talks about that. Giving ours troops some context and better understanding of the battlefield!!!
A warrior intellectual. Pete Blaber is one of my heroes and his book "The Mission, the Men and Me" influences me to this day. From this Marine to Pete, Semper Fi, sir.
Crossed paths apparently in Panama 89' I was with the 3/6 Infantry 5th ID (mech) such a great country. I have been fortunate enough to fish Panama for a living later in life
Why do Delta and the SAS seem more grounded, less inclined to brag or mythologize their roles as tier 1 operators compared to their chest bumping Seal Team 6 cousins?
It’s called professionalism. Something odd has been going on with SEALs, random deaths, coverups, drug abuse, lies, war crimes. No wonder they need a propaganda arm to keep trident clean.
The standards set by the men before them. They naturally draw a more "quite professional" by nature, where as seals would draw the guy that wants the stigma that goes with a seal
First heard about Pete Blaber in Sean Naylor’s book Not A Good Day To Die about Operation Anaconda in the early days of Afghanistan in the GWOT. His own book is quite good.
I have been subbed to this channel for a while as I go through spurts of watching combat related things. I am mostly interested in stories which really take you there, does this channel typically provide that?
Great interview! I have to agree, Ft Ord was an incredible post and opportunity as a young Soldier! Say what ya want about those Manchu's, those boys could hump those llamas! 107 MI LRSD were some if the best!
Read Pete's books. Always wanted to hear him talk! As a career Infantry Officer I loved reading about his initiative based decision making process and his steadfast support to his mission and men. During multiple operations he was able to withstand Higher HQ CG senseless and ego filled directives during Wolverine and Anaconda. Trebon; DEVGRU's Syzmanski and led with ego to deploy Slab and his Mako Team by Helicopter in daylight despite Pete's planning and execution of foot patrolling AFOs into the Shahi Khot.
641st thumb up Another great interview, listening to the perspective of the leadership, is very interesting and to hear you mention one of our past comments was the icing on the cake !
There was a lot of good in this podcast but I was very frustrated that it skipped all his initial training and initial 4 years of service. it seemed like there was a big build up talking about his childhood and whatnot learning all about military history and wanting to be in the military. then it completely skipped over him going in the military beyond him talking to a recruiter. the next thing you know he's in Delta selection. eventually he went back to talking about when he was a company commander at the Ranger Regiment when they went to Panama. but I would have liked to have heard at least a few minutes about his initial impressions going into officer candidate school, his first assignment, how he got the infantry MOS, why he went into the Ranger regiment and how that went initially. Thanks.
Civilian here. (not even an American one... But I still have a strong affinity to the US Military especially the US Army) but the book about the three Ms definitely made an impact on my life. Thanks. And citing 'Tilt' : !Airborne!
On Chryslers government bail-out, Lee Iacoca visited the factory floor, and told the employees, I know you know how to build good cars, Management is going to listen this time, or we're all going to be in the soup line. Word to that effect. Thanks for your service Mr. Pete!
What I find amazing about these people is how gentle and humble they are, regardless of nationality or ethnicity, yet are the biggest, brave bad asses in the world 👊👊
*It is truly fascinating to listen to Peter Blaber. He is an uber intelligent man, and yet, he's down to earth. Blaber should be the D-Boy poster boy for his exemplary leadership, common sense, and measured effective aggression.*
I can't tell you how excited and thrilled I was when I saw that you had done an interview with Commander Pete Blaber. I've read, actually listened to on audible, "the mission the men and me" four times so far because I loved it so much, and kept looking and looking for interviews with him and couldn't really find any. I thought it was rather odd because usually before someone has a book come out they do interviews, but I don't know, I couldn't find any. So to have this show up on the TH-cam home page today really made my day, my week, the entire month! And now I'm going to audible to buy this new book. I hope he uses his military experiences to illustrate the different point it sounds like the book will cover, because they interest me more than the reason why he's telling them. Which is not to say that I don't learn anything, because I have used concepts from his first book and am sure that will be the case with this one as well. Thank you so much for having him on.
Another great interview, Ryan. I enjoy,and look forward to, all of these fantastic stories of human endurance, bravery and patriotism. You present it well. Thank you!
Another absolute legend in the community & a prime example of an American Hero! Really lookin forward to this one, keep Killin' It man your content never disappoints! Thank you for continually putting out great educational, eye opening, entertaining & helpful content both for the listener and you as well as your guest!
@@joesgotya9930 yeah definitely, I also like the Shawn Ryan Show & Mike Drop as well. Not really a fan of Cleared Hot, Jocko Podcast or the others personally.
@@kevinmorthorst521 yeah I wouldn't say he's as talented as the other guys with podcasts doing interviews, but he gets good guests & has a really cool studio set up.
I never heard of Delta when I was in (80-84). I did know of Rangers and Special Forces. I had a Ranger as a fire team leader in AIT at Ft Lewis and Special Forces conducted jungle training at Ft Sherman when c2/47 went through.
This is exactly the type of person we need to elect to the oval office. I am grateful to Pete and those like him for choosing to try and make everyone they can wiser and humble enough to push themselves farther than they ever could. I would vote for Pete as my president. Blaber for President 2024!
I've been moving since 9am est and Im Still packing. Sitting in my soon to be old apartment, packing boxes, and listening to another great interview. Thanks Ryan!
amazing interview! If only leaders like this weren't extremely rare in the military nowadays. I had one great lieutenant overseas that tried to fix the problems from above but he didn't have enough pull to actually get things going. You can't fix stupid
Thank you for this interview. I've read The Mission, the Men, and Me, and it was great to watch Mr. Blaber in person. He is the epitome of what a good leader should be.
Roger's Rangers was a British unit, both in the French and Indian Wars, as well as the war for independence. He offered his services to Washington, but was rejected. It's a long standing myth that American colonists had somehow cornered the market on guerilla warfare, when it was the British who were far more open to it, and even had official units who enshrined and operated by those doctrines. Line warfare was still the preferred method of waging war, though, and not because they were stupid or had some sort of death wish. It was because the primary weapon available in large numbers to any army was the smooth bore musket, which was notoriously inaccurate. Combine that with the simple fact that these wars preceded anything resembling remote or radio communications by many decades, and you come to realize that if you wished to maintain anything resembling fire superiority and unit cohesion, you were going to need to keep your men in tight formations. This methodology was still in use after the advent of mass produced rifled muskets during the American Civil War, because communications amidst a dreadfully loud and smoky battlefield were near impossible, and that the average soldier (yes, even the southern one) was just not a very good shot. That last little problem is one that modern armies still face today; the average recruit, even the country boys who think they're naturals, simply can't shoot to save their own lives, and so they need extensive training.
True. The North American Indian invented Ranger tactics long before the British or their American colonists and others were using Ranger tactics long before them. I read this morning in the book of Joshua how the Israelites surprised and overcame a much larger force after a long night march. A really good book on the development of open order techniques and the use of sharpshooters during the US Civil War is “Shock Troops of The Confederacy: The Sharpshooter Battalions of the Army Of Northern Virginia”. The author gives credit to the French in Algeria for developing open order techniques before the Confederacy did.
Yes listening to the beginning about Robert Rogers was driving me nuts. If you give me something so wrong to begin with I question everything that follows.
I dont generally idolize other men, but Pete Blaber is a man of unique force and intelligence. His simple essay, The Mission, The Men, and Me: Lessons from a Former Delta Force Commander (given to me by an AF CCT); is probably the best collection of lessons Ive ever read. Should be on every CC's book list...
So glad to see this interview with Pete Blaber! I was hoping someone doing podcasts/TH-cam interviews would pick up this amazing guy's service, his story and the great ideas he presents in his books. Bought "The Mission, the Men and Me" when it first came out. (Unfortunately, after I had retired after 21 years as an infantry leader...but still found everything he imparted as useful in my follow-on civilian career.) I just received my copy of "The Common Sense Way" and am looking forward to reading it. One thing his original book revealed and was amplified by Sean Naylor's books, "Not a Good Day to Die" and "Relentless Strike" is the impact that inept leaders within JSOC (and could be traced up the chain to the SECDEF level) had on those like Blaber (and you could also say Dalton Fury/Tom Greer - "Kill bin Laden") while trying to carry the fight to the enemy. Rumsfeld was a micro-manager who featured himself "the brightest kid in the room" and surrounded himself with generals he could easily manipulate. While Blaber doesn't name names, Naylor does. MG Dell Dailey and his deputy BG Gregory Trebon were problematic leaders who seemed to second guess "the men on the ground" and interfere. Daily's volcanic temper (as mentioned by Blaber) during the fight at the cloverleaf in Tikrit is an example. What was Robert E. Lee's statement about unstable commanders? "I would not trust a man who cannot control himself to control others." Had Blaber or Tom Greer been allowed to press the fight, bin Laden might have been dead well before May of 2011.
🤣😂 I was with 617th SOAD, 160th SOAG, stationed in Panama for Just Cause. We operated throughout the country. On the ground, I was as more afraid of getting shot by friendlys than the PDF. Seemed like a bunch of nervous kids.
Great guest! I love his books and his leadership principles have had a profound impact on my life and my leadership style as a civilian. “It’s not reality unless it’s shared”“when in doubt Develop the situation” “don’t get treed by a chihuahua”
Real leadership is knowing when to tell your boss he is wrong and save your crew, even if it costs the leader a high price... Unfortunately nobody does that anymore 🤢
I grew up about the same time and remember Iran hostages and Delta"s attended rescue and the difference between Carter and Regan. My first station was Ft Ord. Great interview.
Respect and Remember Foundation R2 Staff Sgt. Ryan Christian Knauss 9th PSYOPS Battalion (SPECIAL FORCES) 20210820 Rock Of The Marne Sir Thanks again from Us All Charlie Co 3rd Battalion 7th Infantry Regiment 3rd Infantry Division... My Family Sends you Much Love Colonel Pete I appreciate your Mission Long Live Love And Hammer Down Sir
I share much in common with this fine officer. I had Vietnam vets as my senior cadre in Basic Training. A former S.F. officer was my BC and we stuck to tried and true. We also embraced: Improvise, Adapt and Overcome. I realized, later in my time in the Army, that few adopted this mentality and would wait rather than do all within their authority to prepare for contingency, ahead of time. I would, as a junior enlisted man, give suggestion, after good consideration, as to what to prepare for so we might act. Thank you LTC Kennedy. Echo 2/13, Forty Rounds!
I've shared this with my 24yrold nefeue with an attemp to help inspire and motivate him , I've been lucky enough back at age 19 to have the opportunity to do an apprenticeship working at a local aero space defence industry back in 1996 the local South Australian economy has since collapsed making it very hard to get carea opportunities far less full time work, hopefully this helps Shead light on an option to consider with your story.much Respect
I use learnings from "the mission, the men and me" frequently as a fire officer- love the book and loads of respect for the experience that made it possible! Operational sweet spot sounds new- not sure if that was mentioned in the book... but I'm using it because I know at a fundamental level EXACTLY when those happen.
It's amazing how much of us grew up the same. I still believe the working at commi Google is bullshit, but this connects me with good people.... my people
It doesn't matter to the main point, but it's an odd error from this guy. Getting it right would have illustrated his point even better. Robert Rodgers fought for the British against the French in the French an Indian War. His story comes from that war. Rodgers also fought for the British(after being turned down by Washington who suspected he was a spy) in the American Revolution.
Yes 🤘🏻 I haven’t even listened yet but “The Mission, The Men, and Me” was recommended by a Captain early in my army days. So many great lessons but “always listen to the guy on the ground” has stuck with me and I have taken it with me to every workplace and situation. I know it might be heresy but this book is IMO a 20th century “Art of War”
So the biggest myth is delta was somehow secret. The chuck norris movie made the famous. And we ask chuck at a event and he gave the names on the 2 delta operators that were on set. He was approached by DOD because the idea was. If we can spew some propaganda we have this unit to counter terroist taking hostages. Maybe if we could give them something to fear, they would think twice about taking hostages. But delta was never secret. We wanted it know for recruiting purposes and enemy deterrence.
I read his book. Great book by an even greater man. Very humbling to listen to his views. Thanks for the awesome interview Ryan. You sit on my top 5 podcasts.
I was in the Army, 1st Ranger Bn back in the eighties..... Retired COP, and have been a warfighter since leaving the US Air Marshals as a contractor....can I interview with you
A genuine wise man. I grew up just a few miles from this man. I did not serve. But Judges allowed me to be a trial lawyer because they saw something in me that recognized common sense in the battles in the courtroom. In my career I mentored many young lawyers. The last 16 years I was a judge. I had the experience as an outdoorsman, farther from the city and that lasted through now.
I love it that he referenced “”we were soldiers…”. That book is hair raising, and unfortunately, has a lot of examples of what not to do in combat. Unnecessary tragedies, and extraordinary heroism. I can’t wait to read his book, he’s already got an incredibly relatable view on war, and how to fight it.
Super cool guy. When I was young I lived on the edge of Elmwood Park, very close to Oak Park. It was a beautiful area for young children. Pete has fascinating stories.
It is incredible to see and hear someone exercise the ability to actually decipher a battlefield. And then to have them inject common sense into the mix. Time and again PB and the men and units he lead were thrust into situations with horrendous odds against them. And they would make sense of these incidents and then emerge victorious, not to mention save countless lives that would have surely been lost if executive leadership had it way. These things didn’t happen by accident.
Have had his book, need to get new one. But these are the officers that are needed more than anything. They don't only worry about the power point, rather the whole picture.
I've had that droning feeling while metal detecting on the beach. I would go so far out and dark when going back to the car was hell. Luckily I had been in the Army.
When he talks about the making delta, and mentions if he had to do it again he would go into it over his normal body weight....🔥for anyone going for it.
Thank you so much for this. The book “mission, men, and me” had a profound influence on me as a Marine Infantry Officer. One of the best books I have ever read.
Thank you for your service sir🙏🏿💯
I read that book almost ten years ago and I still remember some of the lessons in it. Awesome book 📚 indeed 👍
Is it a given that you also read Nate Ficks?
I agree, it’s a brilliant book! I must of read it at least a dozen times
@@Rushil69420another great book
Thank you for interviewing Pete Blaber!!! I was a 1/87 INF soldier 10th Mtn on Operation Anaconda March 2, 2002. Blaber was the man on that OP and his men saved our asses. Keep up the good fight. Thank you!!
That mission was so nasty man. Buddy told me the 10th was stout as hell up there. Good shit brother
Did you happen to meet any SAS troopers? Heard there were a couple of Aussies helping you guys out. I think one of their names is Martin (Jock) Wallace and Clint Palmer were pulling your guys out of trouble while fighting Talibs for 18 hours.
Jock won got a Medal of Gallantry for that engagement
@Yo Joe 1-87 HQ Battalion Mortars
@@davewylie654 Yea we weren’t expecting the Bad guys to be up in the ridge line because that’s not the intel we got. Pete Blaber did put out before H- Hour that out HLZ was a Turkey Shoot!!! Damn generals said “It’s too late to chance the plan even though it was 24-48hrs before launch. They could have given us a heads up. Pete also talks about that. Giving ours troops some context and better understanding of the battlefield!!!
@@rp4712 Jock was on the same CH-47 as me.
A warrior intellectual. Pete Blaber is one of my heroes and his book "The Mission, the Men and Me" influences me to this day. From this Marine to Pete, Semper Fi, sir.
Crossed paths apparently in Panama 89' I was with the 3/6 Infantry 5th ID (mech) such a great country. I have been fortunate enough to fish Panama for a living later in life
Why do Delta and the SAS seem more grounded, less inclined to brag or mythologize their roles as tier 1 operators compared to their chest bumping Seal Team 6 cousins?
Both cut from the same cloth . Incredible individuals
It’s called professionalism. Something odd has been going on with SEALs, random deaths, coverups, drug abuse, lies, war crimes. No wonder they need a propaganda arm to keep trident clean.
The standards set by the men before them. They naturally draw a more "quite professional" by nature, where as seals would draw the guy that wants the stigma that goes with a seal
At least one of the two guys won the MOH at Takur Ghar. Those in the know will understand that statement. I admire Pete for letting NSW off the hook.
First heard about Pete Blaber in Sean Naylor’s book Not A Good Day To Die about Operation Anaconda in the early days of Afghanistan in the GWOT. His own book is quite good.
One of the most straightforward books on leadership and common sense is his The Mission, the Men and Me. Lots of respect from India, man!
Pete Blaber was described as one of the best creative thinkers from the unit
When I see Delta Force in the TH-cam video description, I make the Podcast a priority! Combat Story is the best for bringing ex CAG Operators on!
I have been subbed to this channel for a while as I go through spurts of watching combat related things. I am mostly interested in stories which really take you there, does this channel typically provide that?
@@MarkWalmsley One of the best podcasts, but there are many good ones now. Team House, Jocko, Mike Ritland, Mike Glover, and many others!
@@aarone1981 Team house for me is the top mil podcast at the mo. Followed by Jocko and Shawn Ryan’s
Great interview! I have to agree, Ft Ord was an incredible post and opportunity as a young Soldier! Say what ya want about those Manchu's, those boys could hump those llamas! 107 MI LRSD were some if the best!
Read Pete's books. Always wanted to hear him talk! As a career Infantry Officer I loved reading about his initiative based decision making process and his steadfast support to his mission and men. During multiple operations he was able to withstand Higher HQ CG senseless and ego filled directives during Wolverine and Anaconda. Trebon; DEVGRU's Syzmanski and led with ego to deploy Slab and his Mako Team by Helicopter in daylight despite Pete's planning and execution of foot patrolling AFOs into the Shahi Khot.
Thank god we have dudes like Pete in the Military. What an amazing guy! Great stuff! 👍🏻
It is too bad that many in leadership positions, civilian or military do not take this mans same approach when it comes to leadership
641st thumb up
Another great interview, listening to the perspective of the leadership, is very interesting and to hear you mention one of our past comments was the icing on the cake !
His next book should be "don't be in a hurry to die". It's a crazy amount of insight you learn from your senior NCOs.
this guy is like a modern day Marcus Aurelius, a warrior philosopher
Another home run, Ryan!!
🇺🇲💪💪🏾💪🏽💪🏿🇺🇲
I've been waiting for you to have Mr.Blaber on. Completely what I expected! He is a genius. Thank you for having him on.
There was a lot of good in this podcast but I was very frustrated that it skipped all his initial training and initial 4 years of service. it seemed like there was a big build up talking about his childhood and whatnot learning all about military history and wanting to be in the military. then it completely skipped over him going in the military beyond him talking to a recruiter. the next thing you know he's in Delta selection. eventually he went back to talking about when he was a company commander at the Ranger Regiment when they went to Panama. but I would have liked to have heard at least a few minutes about his initial impressions going into officer candidate school, his first assignment, how he got the infantry MOS, why he went into the Ranger regiment and how that went initially. Thanks.
Civilian here. (not even an American one... But I still have a strong affinity to the US Military especially the US Army) but the book about the three Ms definitely made an impact on my life. Thanks.
And citing 'Tilt' : !Airborne!
On Chryslers government bail-out, Lee Iacoca visited the factory floor, and told the employees, I know you know how to build good cars, Management is going to listen this time, or we're all going to be in the soup line. Word to that effect. Thanks for your service Mr. Pete!
Pete Blaber is the real deal. So glad you had him as a guest. Absolute legend. 👏🏻
What I find amazing about these people is how gentle and humble they are, regardless of nationality or ethnicity, yet are the biggest, brave bad asses in the world 👊👊
*It is truly fascinating to listen to Peter Blaber. He is an uber intelligent man, and yet, he's down to earth. Blaber should be the D-Boy poster boy for his exemplary leadership, common sense, and measured effective aggression.*
Thee best guest/ interview I've seen. I'm going to watch this over again, a life lesson for All.
I can't tell you how excited and thrilled I was when I saw that you had done an interview with Commander Pete Blaber. I've read, actually listened to on audible, "the mission the men and me" four times so far because I loved it so much, and kept looking and looking for interviews with him and couldn't really find any. I thought it was rather odd because usually before someone has a book come out they do interviews, but I don't know, I couldn't find any. So to have this show up on the TH-cam home page today really made my day, my week, the entire month! And now I'm going to audible to buy this new book. I hope he uses his military experiences to illustrate the different point it sounds like the book will cover, because they interest me more than the reason why he's telling them. Which is not to say that I don't learn anything, because I have used concepts from his first book and am sure that will be the case with this one as well.
Thank you so much for having him on.
Great guest, I too enjoyed the book by Mr. Blaber. Thanks Ryan!
Another great interview, Ryan.
I enjoy,and look forward to, all of these fantastic stories of human endurance, bravery and patriotism.
You present it well.
Thank you!
Another absolute legend in the community & a prime example of an American Hero! Really lookin forward to this one, keep Killin' It man your content never disappoints! Thank you for continually putting out great educational, eye opening, entertaining & helpful content both for the listener and you as well as your guest!
Combat Story and Team House are bar none the best
@@joesgotya9930 yeah definitely, I also like the Shawn Ryan Show & Mike Drop as well. Not really a fan of Cleared Hot, Jocko Podcast or the others personally.
@@C-24-Brandan ☝️
@@C-24-Brandan I can’t take Shawn Ryan seriously.
@@kevinmorthorst521 yeah I wouldn't say he's as talented as the other guys with podcasts doing interviews, but he gets good guests & has a really cool studio set up.
This was a good and unique interview.
I always thought Blaber was a pseudonym lol when I read his book. Like "blabber"
I never heard of Delta when I was in (80-84). I did know of Rangers and Special Forces. I had a Ranger as a fire team leader in AIT at Ft Lewis and Special Forces conducted jungle training at Ft Sherman when c2/47 went through.
Thanks for this interview! I’ve read Pete’s book twice, and strive daily to incorporate his views in my daily interactions. Great stuff!
Pete Blaber is legendary for his aggressive approach in the war on terrorism in Afghanistan. Much respect for such Tier 1 special operator.
This is exactly the type of person we need to elect to the oval office. I am grateful to Pete and those like him for choosing to try and make everyone they can wiser and humble enough to push themselves farther than they ever could. I would vote for Pete as my president. Blaber for President 2024!
Thank you for your service. I loved the energy, lessons, and enthusiasm.
I've been moving since 9am est and Im Still packing. Sitting in my soon to be old apartment, packing boxes, and listening to another great interview. Thanks Ryan!
amazing interview! If only leaders like this weren't extremely rare in the military nowadays. I had one great lieutenant overseas that tried to fix the problems from above but he didn't have enough pull to actually get things going. You can't fix stupid
Thank you for this interview. I've read The Mission, the Men, and Me, and it was great to watch Mr. Blaber in person. He is the epitome of what a good leader should be.
I was thinking if you can get Slabinski on to talk about operation anaconda and clear up some discrepancies 🤔
Roger's Rangers was a British unit, both in the French and Indian Wars, as well as the war for independence. He offered his services to Washington, but was rejected. It's a long standing myth that American colonists had somehow cornered the market on guerilla warfare, when it was the British who were far more open to it, and even had official units who enshrined and operated by those doctrines. Line warfare was still the preferred method of waging war, though, and not because they were stupid or had some sort of death wish. It was because the primary weapon available in large numbers to any army was the smooth bore musket, which was notoriously inaccurate. Combine that with the simple fact that these wars preceded anything resembling remote or radio communications by many decades, and you come to realize that if you wished to maintain anything resembling fire superiority and unit cohesion, you were going to need to keep your men in tight formations. This methodology was still in use after the advent of mass produced rifled muskets during the American Civil War, because communications amidst a dreadfully loud and smoky battlefield were near impossible, and that the average soldier (yes, even the southern one) was just not a very good shot. That last little problem is one that modern armies still face today; the average recruit, even the country boys who think they're naturals, simply can't shoot to save their own lives, and so they need extensive training.
True. The North American Indian invented Ranger tactics long before the British or their American colonists and others were using Ranger tactics long before them. I read this morning in the book of Joshua how the Israelites surprised and overcame a much larger force after a long night march.
A really good book on the development of open order techniques and the use of sharpshooters during the US Civil War is “Shock Troops of The Confederacy: The Sharpshooter Battalions of the Army Of Northern Virginia”. The author gives credit to the French in Algeria for developing open order techniques before the Confederacy did.
Yes listening to the beginning about Robert Rogers was driving me nuts. If you give me something so wrong to begin with I question everything that follows.
I dont generally idolize other men, but Pete Blaber is a man of unique force and intelligence. His simple essay, The Mission, The Men, and Me: Lessons from a Former Delta Force Commander (given to me by an AF CCT); is probably the best collection of lessons Ive ever read. Should be on every CC's book list...
Hi Ryan great podcast again - quick question - I am based in South Africa can I apply for the job opportunities with Trust Safety Institute?
Pete, great interview. I was with C 2/9 in Panama. We also were operating in Panama City. I was also on the DMZ in late 1988. HOOAH!
So glad to see this interview with Pete Blaber! I was hoping someone doing podcasts/TH-cam interviews would pick up this amazing guy's service, his story and the great ideas he presents in his books. Bought "The Mission, the Men and Me" when it first came out. (Unfortunately, after I had retired after 21 years as an infantry leader...but still found everything he imparted as useful in my follow-on civilian career.) I just received my copy of "The Common Sense Way" and am looking forward to reading it.
One thing his original book revealed and was amplified by Sean Naylor's books, "Not a Good Day to Die" and "Relentless Strike" is the impact that inept leaders within JSOC (and could be traced up the chain to the SECDEF level) had on those like Blaber (and you could also say Dalton Fury/Tom Greer - "Kill bin Laden") while trying to carry the fight to the enemy. Rumsfeld was a micro-manager who featured himself "the brightest kid in the room" and surrounded himself with generals he could easily manipulate. While Blaber doesn't name names, Naylor does. MG Dell Dailey and his deputy BG Gregory Trebon were problematic leaders who seemed to second guess "the men on the ground" and interfere. Daily's volcanic temper (as mentioned by Blaber) during the fight at the cloverleaf in Tikrit is an example. What was Robert E. Lee's statement about unstable commanders? "I would not trust a man who cannot control himself to control others." Had Blaber or Tom Greer been allowed to press the fight, bin Laden might have been dead well before May of 2011.
Next time @combatstory ask Pete about the gorilla suit in Bosnia!!!
1st of all RLTW ! 2nd $50 says it was the same 82nd unit shooting at us Torios Tocumen to punta Padilla the 82nd shot at everyone more than the PDF
🤣😂 I was with 617th SOAD, 160th SOAG, stationed in Panama for Just Cause. We operated throughout the country. On the ground, I was as more afraid of getting shot by friendlys than the PDF. Seemed like a bunch of nervous kids.
Amazing podcast. Thanks much Ryan, and commander. Great learning stuff 🙏
Great guest! I love his books and his leadership principles have had a profound impact on my life and my leadership style as a civilian. “It’s not reality unless it’s shared”“when in doubt Develop the situation” “don’t get treed by a chihuahua”
Thanks so much great talk Absolutely loved the ending. Truer words have never been spoken
I still have "The Mission, The Men, and Me" (2008) on my bookshelf. "What's your recommendation?"
God bless U and thank you for all that you have done for this greatful nation. 🙏
Quite frankly, trust and Google don't belong in the same sentence.
I am interested in your institute.
Real leadership is knowing when to tell your boss he is wrong and save your crew, even if it costs the leader a high price...
Unfortunately nobody does that anymore 🤢
Lol, "there's 32 'things' in there........".....maybe try another word?
"Principles"
"Rules"
Just busting your balls, man.....ATW!
I grew up about the same time and remember Iran hostages and Delta"s attended rescue and the difference between Carter and Regan. My first station was Ft Ord. Great interview.
Cool dude I’d like to work w someone like him
Respect and Remember Foundation R2
Staff Sgt. Ryan Christian Knauss
9th PSYOPS Battalion
(SPECIAL FORCES) 20210820
Rock Of The Marne Sir Thanks again from Us All
Charlie Co
3rd Battalion 7th Infantry Regiment 3rd Infantry Division...
My Family Sends you Much Love Colonel Pete I appreciate your Mission Long Live Love And Hammer Down Sir
I share much in common with this fine officer. I had Vietnam vets as my senior cadre in Basic Training. A former S.F. officer was my BC and we stuck to tried and true. We also embraced: Improvise, Adapt and Overcome. I realized, later in my time in the Army, that few adopted this mentality and would wait rather than do all within their authority to prepare for contingency, ahead of time. I would, as a junior enlisted man, give suggestion, after good consideration, as to what to prepare for so we might act. Thank you LTC Kennedy. Echo 2/13, Forty Rounds!
Outstanding discussion. Impressive leader
Heard quite a lot about Pete on the book “Alone at Dawn”
I've shared this with my 24yrold nefeue with an attemp to help inspire and motivate him , I've been lucky enough back at age 19 to have the opportunity to do an apprenticeship working at a local aero space defence industry back in 1996 the local South Australian economy has since collapsed making it very hard to get carea opportunities far less full time work, hopefully this helps Shead light on an option to consider with your story.much Respect
The first casualty in a battle is the battle plan
I use learnings from "the mission, the men and me" frequently as a fire officer- love the book and loads of respect for the experience that made it possible!
Operational sweet spot sounds new- not sure if that was mentioned in the book... but I'm using it because I know at a fundamental level EXACTLY when those happen.
It wasn't a bear but those pigs can ABSOLUTELY kill and eat you! I'm guessing that the rifle he carried was without ammo but if it was then no problem
It's amazing how much of us grew up the same. I still believe the working at commi Google is bullshit, but this connects me with good people.... my people
It doesn't matter to the main point, but it's an odd error from this guy. Getting it right would have illustrated his point even better. Robert Rodgers fought for the British against the French in the French an Indian War. His story comes from that war. Rodgers also fought for the British(after being turned down by Washington who suspected he was a spy) in the American Revolution.
combat, in Columbia... Speak on it Son!!!
Yes 🤘🏻 I haven’t even listened yet but “The Mission, The Men, and Me” was recommended by a Captain early in my army days. So many great lessons but “always listen to the guy on the ground” has stuck with me and I have taken it with me to every workplace and situation. I know it might be heresy but this book is IMO a 20th century “Art of War”
I knew I liked you Ryan. Go Trevians!! Once a Trev always a Trev. Thank you for being a vessel to tell these stories
So the biggest myth is delta was somehow secret. The chuck norris movie made the famous. And we ask chuck at a event and he gave the names on the 2 delta operators that were on set. He was approached by DOD because the idea was. If we can spew some propaganda we have this unit to counter terroist taking hostages. Maybe if we could give them something to fear, they would think twice about taking hostages. But delta was never secret. We wanted it know for recruiting purposes and enemy deterrence.
I thought he ment multiflora rose. Hate those things. But those are not vines.
When Grenada kicked off, my unit B1/35th was on standby, but got turned back.
This guy is so amazing. His lessons can be applied on everything in life.
In a Australia, those type of vines with spikes and hooks, are called the “waitawhile” plant.
💯🔥🔥
I worked with a man his uncle is delta force. God bless you all
Legendary Unit Operator
These interviews are the best!
Every leader in the military should take the time to watch this.
Great Interview!
Modernities Real Life J.I. Joe....
I read his book. Great book by an even greater man. Very humbling to listen to his views. Thanks for the awesome interview Ryan. You sit on my top 5 podcasts.
I certainly hope Pete doesn’t think guys came in every night in Vietnam ? SOG, Force Recon Marine grunt units and LRRP ?? Jeez
1:19:39 - Medal of Honor 2010 first level 😎
Hindi Kush Remix Intensifies
I was in the Army, 1st Ranger Bn back in the eighties..... Retired COP, and have been a warfighter since leaving the US Air Marshals as a contractor....can I interview with you
You should interview Israel Wright and Cameron Fath from shift fire on TH-cam
A genuine wise man. I grew up just a few miles from this man. I did not serve. But Judges allowed me to be a trial lawyer because they saw something in me that recognized common sense in the battles in the courtroom. In my career I mentored many young lawyers. The last 16 years I was a judge. I had the experience as an outdoorsman, farther from the city and that lasted through now.
I love it that he referenced “”we were soldiers…”. That book is hair raising, and unfortunately, has a lot of examples of what not to do in combat. Unnecessary tragedies, and extraordinary heroism. I can’t wait to read his book, he’s already got an incredibly relatable view on war, and how to fight it.
Super cool guy. When I was young I lived on the edge of Elmwood Park, very close to Oak Park. It was a beautiful area for young children. Pete has fascinating stories.
Just finished THE MEN THE MISSION AND ME and its pretty damn good.
Algorithm.
Pete Blaber is as godlike as a soldier can be!
Australia needs politicians, just like Pete.
We must keep hoping !!!!
Good evening Gentleman
KEEP UP THE FIRE. Sir
Hooah!
It is incredible to see and hear someone exercise the ability to actually decipher a battlefield. And then to have them inject common sense into the mix. Time and again PB and the men and units he lead were thrust into situations with horrendous odds against them. And they would make sense of these incidents and then emerge victorious, not to mention save countless lives that would have surely been lost if executive leadership had it way. These things didn’t happen by accident.
Have had his book, need to get new one. But these are the officers that are needed more than anything. They don't only worry about the power point, rather the whole picture.
I've had that droning feeling while metal detecting on the beach. I would go so far out and dark when going back to the car was hell. Luckily I had been in the Army.
When he talks about the making delta, and mentions if he had to do it again he would go into it over his normal body weight....🔥for anyone going for it.