I was a British soldier during the troubles in Northern Ireland, I left the British Army and joined the French Foreign Legion, my best friends in the Legion were a couple of ex IRA guys, we are still close 30 years later.
@@ibrahimadiop7074 the best way to put it is that the French Foreign Legion is a conventional military corps with elite level screening in the French Army. Légionnaires are trained for conventional warfare throughout their regiments. You got infantry, engineer, cavalry and paras in the legion. The most notable of the latter being the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment in Calvi. But make no mistake, despite grueling selection, constant harassment from légion cadres and unending ruck marches in a strict military setting, their elite standards don't put them on par with French Special Forces or say Green Berets, SEALs, Rangers, Delta etc. However, the 2nd FPR being a paratrooper regiment has a commando section (like all para regiments in France) and those are the groupement commando parachutiste. Or Paracommando Group. These guys will go through legit selection but still won't be considered special forces as they aren't part of the French Special Operations Command. They are Commandos, but not SF. Same goes with the Foreign Engineer Regiment that has an alpine commando section where same thing again, sélection, training, mountain commando warfare. The only French Special Force units under the COS are ARMY 1er RPIMa 13e RDP 4e RHFS AIR FORCE CPA10 CPA30 Escadron Poitou NAVY Commandos Marine
The Irish have always been coming here and making it a better place. This guy certainly did his part for us . Thank you sir for your service and sacrifice for our Country .🇺🇸 🇮🇪.
Love this guy, he is more American than most Americans! I've seen him in other Field Craft videos, but never new his whole story, subscribing to this channel, this guy is a true warrior!
Between fieldcraft, Mike drop, and vigilance Elite are the most realistic people in our armed forces. If you haven't checked out the other two channels do so you won't be sorry you'll be addicted
As an Irishman and an ex irish military infantry soldier it was amazing to hear Kevin give an honest description about Ireland and his background loved the podcast it was amazing 👏 thank you 😊
I am Irish and let me tell you now some of his stories about Ireland are to play up to a certain fanbase. For example like me being from a similar background he would of relied on government help growing up, he can sit their and bullshit thinking Americans don't know the difference but the fact we are a semi socialist country saved plenty of us and helped keep us above water including his own family. I would advise anyone who doesn't like some socialist ideals we have in Ireland not to want to live here as we have free healthcare, free schooling and we pay unemployment benefits each week.
Mike is probably the best interviewer I’ve seen in these kind of interviews. Really just interviews, period. The perception that is required to understand & not only communicate with canines, but train them, is beyond most people. Haven’t met him, Mike is a good dude, by any metric I can think of.
I don't ever want it to come to that. I got chills when he said that. Can you imagine the relief in a community when their violent oppressors figure out that the school of violence is about to start and they are kindergartners.
I am Irish, lived here all 33 years of my life. I have a similar background to him I live around 25 minutes from where he grew up and I can tell you now for a fact he talks so much waffle here it's painful. The narrative he pushed on this Podcast in relation to Ireland is for a certain type of American, he knows who he is playing up to here.. Some of the things he says are utter shit.. While the free healthcare has issues it is essential to many from a working class background who otherwise couldn't afford it. Him sitting on this podcast talking like he is above it or government assistance is bullshit (dole) (Family allowance) for example, as all families from poor areas needed some help from the government. Especially ones like his and mine! He is sitting here now as he has became successful like a snob, it disgusts me as it would 99% of the Irish population. His attitude is arrogant and ignorant as he would not expect many Irish people to watch this. In Ireland we believe in free healthcare, schooling, and a decent welfare system that can help those in need, it's a core part of our society. So yes maybe he is a bad Irishman.
@@Cybernetic800 Another Irishman here. I tend to agree with you. It's also not a very balanced debate when the two of them are so pro gun, having earned their living from them. We have little if any gun related death in Ireland and certainly no school rampages, and the reason is tightly controlled gun access. Also, I'd rather risk being burgled than being shot. Americans should try living in Ireland to know the difference before making a more informed decision on the issue. Disclosure, I've lived in America for nigh on 6 months.
@@noelmcmahon4390 the thing is also with tight gun control it means if you where to be robbed the likelihood of the robber having a gun is slim to none.
@@Cybernetic800 im from dublin. Im from a working class area and are liberal socialist nanny state goverment has this country in ruins. The european union has destroyed are sovereignty. We have career politicians who are in it for the pension and wage and are morally bankrupt. I think what he said was very accurate.
On the brief 2nd Amendment discussion between Kevin and Mike at around 2:25:00 regarding Australian gun laws. I'm an Aussie, and felt no safer when the government basically banned semi automatic rifles in the late 90s, and the same when they basically banned pistols in the early 2000's. The bans have done very, very little. We still hear of shootings in Australia every other day, usually with stolen or illegally obtained handguns. It just makes it harder for the cops to track the firearms.
It’s not exactly like anyone seems to have too much difficulty in finding guns down here, just the law abiding citizens have to struggle with mountains of red tape to get a single shot rifle
Once it's gone, it's gone, they won't give you back those rights. We see it in the USA with full auto. De facto illegal for the average person. For "safety".
As an American, I'm terribly sorry your government was able to force gun confiscation upon the citizens of Australia. For an incident, based upon my research, that was an obvious hoax at multiple levels. Please put all of your efforts into overturning those laws and joining the USA as a Country able to defend itself from, after the CV debacle, governments that are tyrannical anti-human dark Satanic pits of evil. Using overwhelming violence from the citizens.
As an Irishman who grew up in Belfast during the troubles in the 80s and 90s and moved here to the land of the free, I've been waiting for this for a while. You're a legend Kevin, I wish I could ever get the chance to meet/ train with you. Great guest Mike, one of the best podcasts.
The best way I can thank Kevin for his service to Ireland and America is to wish him continued good luck in building better relations with his family, and living a long and happy life.
I can relate... After spending 21 years in the armed forces doing something so similar some where else. English born into a Predominantly Afrikaans armed force was a challenge on its own. My Moms side was English, my Dads parents were Irish and Dutch. Your stories bring back so many memories and so much of the issues that you both discussed are absolutely the same, anywhere in the world. Anyone coming from that background will have such similar experiences both good and bad. One of the best interviews I have ever watched. Well done and thank you so much for sharing. PTSD and related issues are battles we fight seemingly alone. We feel isolated and angry at the world. Anger is an acceptable emotion for us. Its bred and trained into us. You could not have described it better. I love your narrative. Thank you. Keep these interviews coming. Wish you both all the best in your peacetime en devours and the future. God bless you and what great warriors
It took me about 5 mins into 1st Mike Drop to fall in love with your work Mike. As an Army vet, I love the stories. They bring me back to my days as a young 91W in Afghanistan , running with the infantry platoons for a year in the mountains.
That was a great watch, what a story and what a life Kevin has lead! As a middle aged, adventure and freedom loving englishman who's never been in the military, you guys have made very different choices to me and I have the upmost respect for who you are and what you've become. America has so much positivity and despite the recent and ongoing troubles, I really think you'll get it sorted out for the better and I would hope without mass blood shed, because as was touched on by Kevin in his stories of the troubles in N. Ireland, things get real complicated, real quick and there can never be any winners. Civil wars make loser of us all. The Catholic/protestant thing was started by Henry the eight around the 1550s is still echoing in the UK after nearly 500 years. Once the genie is out of the lamp its impossible to put it back.... About "kel-tic" v "sell'tic" as far as I understand it, its pronounced Kel-tic for things like the celts and celtic culture but if you're Scottish and talking about the Glaswegian football team (no, not soccer but what is the original football!😄) who's fan base is traditionally Roman Catholic (as opposed to Rangers, who are protestant) its pronounced "sell-tic". I think it dates back to different dialectic pronunciations in Gaelic between celts who lived in Scotland and celts who lived in Ireland. Anyways, I hope for a better 2021 of peace and prosperity to all in the US.
I grew up in Ireland around the same time as Kevin and I can't fault his explanation of the Northern Ireland conflict, as well as life in the Republic. One note would be that since the foundation of the state power has passed between the two main political parties. Neither could be called socialist, although the Labour party was sometimes in coalition with either of the large parties. The Catholic church, under the papacy of John Paul II was virulently anti communist.
Not in the strictest sense but Government healthcare, unemployment allowance, housing, education, open border immigration, shared multi-nation economy and a government funded national broadcaster.I was born and raised in Limerick. Been stateside for 5 years. I guess my point is that it doesn’t matter what the parties say their system is, proof is in the pudding. My mam and dad can’t travel more than 5km from their house now with Covid around. I would say socialism is the least of their worries. Totalitarianism might be more apt. I was resistant to the “socialism” label when I heard it for the first time over here too. I guess when it quacks like a duck though..
I should qualify too that if you are referring to when you grew up specifically I have no idea. I’m thirty years old. No secret to anyone though that Ireland is very much on the left. I would say that a number of prominent, socialist house representatives over here could only dream of having an electorate as compliant as my peers back home.
How refreshing. I agree 100% with both you guys. I was a Marine for 8 Years then went to the New Zealand Army for 7 months, Missed the Corps so, then went back to the U.S. Marines and retired as a GySgt. in 2002. I am 60 now and can not believe where our country is at right now. Love this interview.
One of the best podcasts yet, besides you on Shaun Ryan's podcast thanks mike. Hearing that we have Patriots standing by is such a relief. From my family to yours thank you
I've listened to this over 3 times. There are many gems embedded in this. Given the fact that this was ~2 years ago. What Mike Ritland was saying from ~34:30 to 42:30. Makes me sleep better at night. Like Winston Churchill's apocryphal quote. "We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us." George Orwell in "1984", written in 1949. "People sleep peaceably in their beds at at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
Amazing to hear Kevin's daughter is gonna be part of FCS. Despite all the regrets, Kevin still has a lot of time to do right/better by his family, having one of his kids joining him at FCS is just amazing. Wish him all the best.
Hats off to all who've served this country...but especially to this man. Not even born in America, yet still spent so many years serving our country as a complete badass. Thank you sir!!!
I wish I could hear an in depth breakdown of all his ops. Not only would it be endlessly entertaining(at least for me anyway), but I can't imagine the amount of the real world tactical knowledge he has. He should definitely write a book. And to think there's cag, dev, agency etc guys with even more op experience is mind boggling and inspiring. Awesome podcast 👌
One of your best interviews Mike; and Kevin's one hell of warrior! Makes me more proud of my Irish ancestry...by a little different route. My ancestor arrived in America to serve time in the Crown Penal Colony in Georgia!
People have been asking Mike to get some foreign operators on for ages. How delighted was I that he chose an Irish one! Thanks for the podcasts, Mike! Please keep it up :)
Kevin, I really enjoyed listening to all the different experiences you've gone through. You are a determined man, glad you came to America and served with us, thank you.
I took a course with Field Craft not too long ago. I couldn't reccomend it more! I hope they up their output because everything is sold out, and I want to take more courses.
Kevin is a unique human being. How many people watching this video are thinking, f-ck if I could only go back in time 20 years what I would do differently. Then you get to the part of the massive IED that failed to detonate and his dead brothers in arms, and you just appreciate who he is and what he's done and be thankful there are people like him who went to the dark places of this world.
There's a famous quote, I think the English prime minister said it.... These rough men exist so that you can sleep comfortably at night. It was something like that
@@tyronemalone4158 Is this it? "These rough men exist so that you can sleep comfortably at night, not to opine about politics, which they don't know a goddamned thing about."
I grew up watching the Irish, IRA and Brits fight on television, so was fascinated by this show. Loved Mike saying, "There are a lot of people being incredibly violent and are that close from doing it." "Be real goddamned careful what you wish for!" ON POINT!
Greetings from Ireland. Great story & great interview. Only gripe is Ireland is not a socialist country. Never has been. Wish you all the best lad from Dublin !
First 20 minutes and its already on ofnthe best starts to an interview. Man thank you so much for your podcasts. These help my days so much. Love the stories, and perseverance you and your guests bring. Love the personal accountability yourself and Shawn Ryan bring in these interviews. Thank you bud.
“Wait til the varsity team shows up” there’s 20 years of combat veterans walking the streets right now. Most looking for that adrenaline fix they miss from combat years ago. Give them a reason to dust those skills off. Give them a reason to keep the oath they took to defend this country against all enemies foreign and domestic and you won’t stand a chance.
As Kevin says, there are the sheep out there. Don't shoot the sheep. They are the majority of well-meaning liberals and are genuine people, just easily led astray. Many of that kind of people flocked (see?) to the banners of freedom in 1941.
Can’t like your comment enough people are f***ed once our veterans and patriots start standing up. I wish they could do it now and not go to prison. I wish people could stand up instead of watching cities burn. it’s funny you can burn down a city with no consequences but can’t defend your city from terrorists unless you wanna spend time or life in prison. The people rioting right now are 100% terrorists and not protestors. The day is going to come where we can stand up and protect our country if you don’t respect our history it’ll repeat itself there’s definitely a civil war coming on and they’re going to realize pretty fast that the people that have guns and support gun rights and don’t cry like bi**hes about everything also have a hell of a lot more balls, courage and ammo than they do and aren’t scared to stand up for our country and our future generations. I’m ready and willing to die for our country and our freedom and the freedom of my daughter maybe future children and grandchildren and everyone else’s kids and grandchildren to live free in the greatest country in the world.
@E-Tron unfortunately most politicians are turds, including this POTUS who is manipulating patriotism for his own purposes. Who is the enemy and what power do they have? The only domestic "enemies" the US has are people intentionally seeking to destroy the Republic.
Ex. 98Y Army here. Love your podcast Mike, best one yet. This one and J.P, really helped me in dealing with being separated from service. Thanks for what your doing...saving lives, no shit !
It is, in a very basic way. I used to hang out a former IRA bar & heard a lot of that side of the story, but learned alot about the breadth of the issues from the little he spoke about. Definitely more to learn. Especially from guys like him that were there.
Mike, you are smashing it with your guests! They are unique, relevant, and important to what's happening in our country. With that said, it shows how much you love this country and you want the truth told.🇺🇸
I fuckin love you Mike!!! Thank you for sacrificing so much for the love of your country!!! All I can say is I'm glad we are on the same side. God bless America and those who protect her!!!!!!!!
Great interview nice see the Irish represented . What a great dude and on point . Best to you all and all who served and continue to serve the free world . Irish blessings 👊🏼☘️
Wow....Owens has a crystal clear understanding of what is happening in this country, right now. His perspective is so refreshing, given we rarely hear from someone with his background, and upbringing. Great interview.
Thank you for this podcast, it's the best one I've ever heard! I'm a student of history and I learned a tremendous amount here. God bless you Kevin from a man who came from Irish, Welsh and English stock. You should be a household name, but no matter, you are still my new hero. To think that a man like LeBraun James can denounce someone who tweeted support of the freedom protests in Hong Kong, yet whole heartedly throw in with thugs and criminals in the BLM movement, and get nothing but love and praise by the media is a travesty. I for one am grateful that there are men like you amongst us.
Amazing podcast with two amazing dudes. Kevin is a remarkable human, who has lived more life than a lot of us will ever dream of. Also, as a father to a toddler, I just want to express my thanks to Mike for mentioning that kids don't necessarily come first. Parents have life shit to take care of and its a good thing for kids to see the price that needs to be paid to survive.
Having a chill segment after combat was missing during the Vietnam war. You went from the field to home in days. I sat in the kitchen looking at the walls.
Im so glad I bumped into your cast. I live in California and I'm a former Marine who grew up in the country 80 years ago. I live around very few vets and all now are dead. So listening to your cast and the guy's you interview is the only normalcy I get. Thank you so much for doing this. I have always thought of special forces men as special people far beyond our heddled masses.
@Juan Frede until you're at a certain age where they don't deem you worth helping and putting money into your medical care isn't worth it because you don't have much mileage left on your chassis. Free NHS here too, and trust me, it's NOT what they want you to believe. That's the thing, both Kevin and I have seen that side of the field and we can compare it through personal experience.
Thanks both of you for serving. And and ty for the amazing interview. 2 true American and LoL Irish American hero’s. I have my pit max, who has been with me now 8 years and he has saved my life and is my best friend. I am truly sorry about your brother and I know he was k9, but for Vinnies loss. Again Ty both.
This man was my very first squad leader in Kosovo back in 2000. Very knowledgeable man at the time, (I’m sure more so now), cares about his soldiers, made sure we were squared the fuck anyway and knew our shit, we knew EVERY position with the squad and platoon. Showed us a different way of urban combat, this man Kevin Owens is nothing but and ASSET to any unit, or mission he and his soldiers, squad, team is assign to. Regardless of differences and myself being stupid at times, it was an HONOR to serve under his leadership. Thank Staff Sgt Owens, (I’m sure different rank now), be safe and stay safe. Private Cothran.
Thanks for this Mike! Kevin is one cool dude! Going to get some resilience CBD... .as a Irish catholic myself..My Mom was the same way!...Threw him, in him, with him, in unity with the holy spirit!...he lived in a council estate! Ole Kevo here is a badass! Oh and Kevin dont forget the IRA was so strapped to Kev, that we had Whitey Bulger over here sending shit to. The protestant population got SAS support same as the Afghans in the 80s with stingers....
Brilliant interview; well done both of you! Kevin’s comments regarding Senior Careerist officers pushing out anyone they view as too focused on practical operational issues to support the guys in the Fleet are absolutely spot on. This is exactly what I witnessed first hand as a Joint Staff officer on what turned out to be my last tour after 25 yrs USMC.
The brief moment you spent talking about the family dynamic was the most interesting and insightful part of this entire podcast. My father was never in the military, but he was a police officer in a major metropolitan area of the country. There were aspects of family life he had to sacrifice in order to be the best at his career: missed birthdays, missed holidays, constantly changing hours, etc. In the aspect of sacrifice, police and military careers are similar. That said, your kids want to know you. Even if you experienced ugliness, your children want to know what it is that made you the man you are today. If you share a measured amount of that ugliness with them, you will share part of yourself with your children, which, ultimately, is all every child wants. After becoming a police officer myself, I can say it has taught me much more about my father, and ultimately brought us closer together as men. The importance of closeness between father and son/daughter/child can not be exaggerated.
Fascinating Interview. This guy is an exceptional teacher (what to expect from any FCS instruction) and I have found through out my life, most Americans don't appreciate nor do they truly understand what a great country we live in. Kevin Owens gets it.
Glad to see Kevin being impartial with the IRA/British topic: I'm English and grew up during all that period, have read many books etc. on The Troubles and yes, the British were heavy handed, but so were the Northern Irish too against the Irish, let's make that clear. The British started it, the Northern Irish embraced it, and the IRA fought against it, however, the IRA are absolutely guilty of killing hundreds of civilians too.
@@barra6709 Well, let me correct myself since I'm speaking from the point of view of an American. A conservative in Ireland is comparatively socialist to someone here in America.
I really like Mike Ritland's podcast, and especially like the casual but clever way he interviews. Ritland's a very knowledgeable guy, and I think he's pretty smart. This episode is great. What an interesting background, this Kevin Owens has.
I just want to say the way the video being broke down into named segments is awesome because I can’t sit and watch the whole podcast at once and YT, in its infinite wisdom, always seems to restart when I try to continue watching it. It makes it so much easier to pick up where I left off. Absolutely awesome Mr. Ritland!
I rarely if ever comment, but I think this has to be one of your best ever interviews! Mr Owen's is a wealth of knowledge, and you brought that out Mr Ritland! My ancestry being Irish I'm surprised I didn't listen to this sooner!
I was a British soldier during the troubles in Northern Ireland, I left the British Army and joined the French Foreign Legion, my best friends in the Legion were a couple of ex IRA guys, we are still close 30 years later.
Would you call foreign legion special forces? How skilled would you say they are?
@@ibrahimadiop7074 Legion is nowhere near special forces. It's not like what the movies show. 2REP is the closest thing they have.
@@ibrahimadiop7074 the best way to put it is that the French Foreign Legion is a conventional military corps with elite level screening in the French Army. Légionnaires are trained for conventional warfare throughout their regiments. You got infantry, engineer, cavalry and paras in the legion. The most notable of the latter being the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment in Calvi. But make no mistake, despite grueling selection, constant harassment from légion cadres and unending ruck marches in a strict military setting, their elite standards don't put them on par with French Special Forces or say Green Berets, SEALs, Rangers, Delta etc.
However, the 2nd FPR being a paratrooper regiment has a commando section (like all para regiments in France) and those are the groupement commando parachutiste. Or Paracommando Group. These guys will go through legit selection but still won't be considered special forces as they aren't part of the French Special Operations Command. They are Commandos, but not SF. Same goes with the Foreign Engineer Regiment that has an alpine commando section where same thing again, sélection, training, mountain commando warfare.
The only French Special Force units under the COS are
ARMY
1er RPIMa
13e RDP
4e RHFS
AIR FORCE
CPA10
CPA30
Escadron Poitou
NAVY
Commandos Marine
ZaediusRA1000 thanks for the reply man that’s really helpful🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿
ZaediusRA1000 great answer mate thank you
The Irish have always been coming here and making it a better place. This guy certainly did his part for us . Thank you sir for your service and sacrifice for our Country .🇺🇸 🇮🇪.
❤️🇺🇸
✊✊💋
Of the 3,464 Medals of Honor awarded from the United States Military, some 2100 have been awarded to Irish-American recipients.
🇮🇪🤝🇺🇸 brothers until death
Kevin is the one true “most interesting man in the world”. I’ve never heard a more colorful and spectacular backstory.
informed a brother about this podcast.. My exact words to him!
Love this guy, he is more American than most Americans! I've seen him in other Field Craft videos, but never new his whole story, subscribing to this channel, this guy is a true warrior!
Between fieldcraft, Mike drop, and vigilance Elite are the most realistic people in our armed forces. If you haven't checked out the other two channels do so you won't be sorry you'll be addicted
I love how he immediately spotlighted the current indoctrination of US public school systems.
As an Irishman and an ex irish military infantry soldier it was amazing to hear Kevin give an honest description about Ireland and his background loved the podcast it was amazing 👏 thank you 😊
Me to
@@aidan544 no way bro
Where you based in Dublin?
@@eoghanleinster Dublin now but from Galway
@@aidan544 cool 😎 bro
Up galwat😁💪
Kevin’s career is basically a call of duty game. So crazy...
🤣🤣🤣
Its better than that
This guy needs to write a book for real.
It’s all the call of duty games
Disrespectful, that wasn't your intent but this man career should never be compared to a call of duty game
Kevin is the shit. Infectious energy and freaking awesome stories
I am Irish and let me tell you now some of his stories about Ireland are to play up to a certain fanbase. For example like me being from a similar background he would of relied on government help growing up, he can sit their and bullshit thinking Americans don't know the difference but the fact we are a semi socialist country saved plenty of us and helped keep us above water including his own family. I would advise anyone who doesn't like some socialist ideals we have in Ireland not to want to live here as we have free healthcare, free schooling and we pay unemployment benefits each week.
this is honestly one of the best podcast i've ever herd/seen
Agreed..
This is one of the internets GOLD !
That's Mike drop. Always the best!!
Same. Best of Mike Drop for sure. Even better than when Kevin's boss Mike Glover was here, which was my previous favorite.
Couldn't agree more!
as a retired vet (1970 - 1991) this interview was impressive. Thanks brothers for the your words and time.
Kevin really needs to write a book, the guy has a ton of great stories. Would love to hear more about his time in Mogadishu.
I'm not a reader but I'd buy his book.
Yes. Please write a book Kevin!
Mike is so good at asking questions and then staying on the guest in a professional way to get some sort of answer. I really respect that ✊
He does his research as well. This and the Vigilance Elite podcast are my favorites
Mike is probably the best interviewer I’ve seen in these kind of interviews. Really just interviews, period.
The perception that is required to understand & not only communicate with canines, but train them, is beyond most people.
Haven’t met him, Mike is a good dude, by any metric I can think of.
I always laugh when he squeezes out a bite story haha
I've probably watched this about 10 times now. Mike is still my favorite podcaster and Kevin is still my favorite guest to date.
This is the best interview you have done.
The Fieldcraft guys Glover and Owens are definitely top 2!
I'm the son of a Vietnam Vet (Airborne/LRRP).
It's never to late to rebuild a relationship with your children.
-Mike Drop 2020
~"Wait until the varsity team shows up"
Needs to happen!
I literally choked/laughed
There better be a Mike Drop Varsity hoodie in the works!
I don't ever want it to come to that. I got chills when he said that.
Can you imagine the relief in a community when their violent oppressors figure out that the school of violence is about to start and they are kindergartners.
GET SOME!!
"I'm not a very good Irishman, I'm an American" Proud to call you one Sir!!!
I am Irish, lived here all 33 years of my life. I have a similar background to him I live around 25 minutes from where he grew up and I can tell you now for a fact he talks so much waffle here it's painful. The narrative he pushed on this Podcast in relation to Ireland is for a certain type of American, he knows who he is playing up to here.. Some of the things he says are utter shit.. While the free healthcare has issues it is essential to many from a working class background who otherwise couldn't afford it. Him sitting on this podcast talking like he is above it or government assistance is bullshit (dole) (Family allowance) for example, as all families from poor areas needed some help from the government. Especially ones like his and mine! He is sitting here now as he has became successful like a snob, it disgusts me as it would 99% of the Irish population. His attitude is arrogant and ignorant as he would not expect many Irish people to watch this. In Ireland we believe in free healthcare, schooling, and a decent welfare system that can help those in need, it's a core part of our society. So yes maybe he is a bad Irishman.
@@Cybernetic800 At one time we where all Englishmen, not very good Englishmen and now we're Americans!
@@Cybernetic800 Another Irishman here. I tend to agree with you. It's also not a very balanced debate when the two of them are so pro gun, having earned their living from them. We have little if any gun related death in Ireland and certainly no school rampages, and the reason is tightly controlled gun access. Also, I'd rather risk being burgled than being shot. Americans should try living in Ireland to know the difference before making a more informed decision on the issue. Disclosure, I've lived in America for nigh on 6 months.
@@noelmcmahon4390 the thing is also with tight gun control it means if you where to be robbed the likelihood of the robber having a gun is slim to none.
@@Cybernetic800 im from dublin. Im from a working class area and are liberal socialist nanny state goverment has this country in ruins. The european union has destroyed are sovereignty. We have career politicians who are in it for the pension and wage and are morally bankrupt. I think what he said was very accurate.
On the brief 2nd Amendment discussion between Kevin and Mike at around 2:25:00 regarding Australian gun laws. I'm an Aussie, and felt no safer when the government basically banned semi automatic rifles in the late 90s, and the same when they basically banned pistols in the early 2000's. The bans have done very, very little. We still hear of shootings in Australia every other day, usually with stolen or illegally obtained handguns. It just makes it harder for the cops to track the firearms.
Criminals don't follow gun laws.
It’s not exactly like anyone seems to have too much difficulty in finding guns down here, just the law abiding citizens have to struggle with mountains of red tape to get a single shot rifle
Once it's gone, it's gone, they won't give you back those rights. We see it in the USA with full auto. De facto illegal for the average person. For "safety".
As an American, I'm terribly sorry your government was able to force gun confiscation upon the citizens of Australia. For an incident, based upon my research, that was an obvious hoax at multiple levels. Please put all of your efforts into overturning those laws and joining the USA as a Country able to defend itself from, after the CV debacle, governments that are tyrannical anti-human dark Satanic pits of evil. Using overwhelming violence from the citizens.
As an Irishman who grew up in Belfast during the troubles in the 80s and 90s and moved here to the land of the free, I've been waiting for this for a while. You're a legend Kevin, I wish I could ever get the chance to meet/ train with you. Great guest Mike, one of the best podcasts.
Have him on again in a few months or whenever available. Fascinating story, really fun banter ; absolutely one of my favorite podcasts.
The best way I can thank Kevin for his service to Ireland and America is to wish him continued good luck in building better relations with his family, and living a long and happy life.
I can relate... After spending 21 years in the armed forces doing something so similar some where else. English born into a Predominantly Afrikaans armed force was a challenge on its own. My Moms side was English, my Dads parents were Irish and Dutch.
Your stories bring back so many memories and so much of the issues that you both discussed are absolutely the same, anywhere in the world. Anyone coming from that background will have such similar experiences both good and bad. One of the best interviews I have ever watched. Well done and thank you so much for sharing. PTSD and related issues are battles we fight seemingly alone. We feel isolated and angry at the world. Anger is an acceptable emotion for us. Its bred and trained into us. You could not have described it better. I love your narrative. Thank you. Keep these interviews coming. Wish you both all the best in your peacetime en devours and the future. God bless you and what great warriors
Great to see a fellow Irish man on the show. Huge respect to the ARW - Glaine ár gcroí, Neart ár ngéag, Agus beart de réir ár mbriathar
Isn't this the dude that said "hehe I've killed a lot of dudes with 5.56" ? 😂😂
Indeed lol
Absofuckinlutely
And undoubtedly has 😂 dudes a total badass in my book. I wish I could hear an in detail breakdown of all his hottest ops tbh.
link?
@@Anmeldn its a garand thumb video. Him, Mike and a navy seal who also works at fieldcraft are in the thumbnail. They discuss rifle set up
Love the fighting IRISH GOD BLESS you all 🙏🇺🇸✝️💪
It took me about 5 mins into 1st Mike Drop to fall in love with your work Mike. As an Army vet, I love the stories. They bring me back to my days as a young 91W in Afghanistan , running with the infantry platoons for a year in the mountains.
That was a great watch, what a story and what a life Kevin has lead! As a middle aged, adventure and freedom loving englishman who's never been in the military, you guys have made very different choices to me and I have the upmost respect for who you are and what you've become. America has so much positivity and despite the recent and ongoing troubles, I really think you'll get it sorted out for the better and I would hope without mass blood shed, because as was touched on by Kevin in his stories of the troubles in N. Ireland, things get real complicated, real quick and there can never be any winners. Civil wars make loser of us all. The Catholic/protestant thing was started by Henry the eight around the 1550s is still echoing in the UK after nearly 500 years. Once the genie is out of the lamp its impossible to put it back....
About "kel-tic" v "sell'tic" as far as I understand it, its pronounced Kel-tic for things like the celts and celtic culture but if you're Scottish and talking about the Glaswegian football team (no, not soccer but what is the original football!😄) who's fan base is traditionally Roman Catholic (as opposed to Rangers, who are protestant) its pronounced "sell-tic". I think it dates back to different dialectic pronunciations in Gaelic between celts who lived in Scotland and celts who lived in Ireland.
Anyways, I hope for a better 2021 of peace and prosperity to all in the US.
I grew up in Ireland around the same time as Kevin and I can't fault his explanation of the Northern Ireland conflict, as well as life in the Republic. One note would be that since the foundation of the state power has passed between the two main political parties. Neither could be called socialist, although the Labour party was sometimes in coalition with either of the large parties. The Catholic church, under the papacy of John Paul II was virulently anti communist.
Not in the strictest sense but Government healthcare, unemployment allowance, housing, education, open border immigration, shared multi-nation economy and a government funded national broadcaster.I was born and raised in Limerick. Been stateside for 5 years. I guess my point is that it doesn’t matter what the parties say their system is, proof is in the pudding. My mam and dad can’t travel more than 5km from their house now with Covid around. I would say socialism is the least of their worries. Totalitarianism might be more apt. I was resistant to the “socialism” label when I heard it for the first time over here too. I guess when it quacks like a duck though..
I should qualify too that if you are referring to when you grew up specifically I have no idea. I’m thirty years old. No secret to anyone though that Ireland is very much on the left. I would say that a number of prominent, socialist house representatives over here could only dream of having an electorate as compliant as my peers back home.
Every party in Ireland is now far left and globalist.
Agreed. As is The norm people in general are highly uneducated about what socialism is or is not.
@@tonyaughney8945 Ridiculous. I guess you would like to believe that.
How refreshing. I agree 100% with both you guys. I was a Marine for 8 Years then went to the New Zealand Army for 7 months, Missed the Corps so, then went back to the U.S. Marines and retired as a GySgt. in 2002. I am 60 now and can not believe where our country is at right now. Love this interview.
One of the best podcasts yet, besides you on Shaun Ryan's podcast thanks mike.
Hearing that we have Patriots standing by is such a relief.
From my family to yours thank you
I've listened to this over 3 times. There are many gems embedded in this.
Given the fact that this was ~2 years ago. What Mike Ritland was saying from ~34:30 to 42:30.
Makes me sleep better at night. Like Winston Churchill's apocryphal quote.
"We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us."
George Orwell in "1984", written in 1949. "People sleep peaceably in their beds at at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
I would listen to a whole podcast on mogadishu.
Ya we want to hear it
Fuckin right
Check this one out with Kyle Lamb.
th-cam.com/video/yFwivrpFHE0/w-d-xo.html
Yep...
There is one on the free range podcast from a delta guy and a spec air unit commander
What a great podcast. I’m from the north of Ireland he explained the history very well
Yea he was right on
Yep I agree. Nice and balanced
Tbf Irish soldiers especially ranger wing hate the IRA very much. Theyll get shot by the IRA just as fast as a British soldier would
@@kimjongun2536 Provide one example of the 'RA killing Irish special forces shitbag.
@@kimjongun2536 wrong
Amazing to hear Kevin's daughter is gonna be part of FCS. Despite all the regrets, Kevin still has a lot of time to do right/better by his family, having one of his kids joining him at FCS is just amazing. Wish him all the best.
Hats off to all who've served this country...but especially to this man. Not even born in America, yet still spent so many years serving our country as a complete badass. Thank you sir!!!
I wish I could hear an in depth breakdown of all his ops. Not only would it be endlessly entertaining(at least for me anyway), but I can't imagine the amount of the real world tactical knowledge he has. He should definitely write a book. And to think there's cag, dev, agency etc guys with even more op experience is mind boggling and inspiring. Awesome podcast 👌
One of your best interviews Mike; and Kevin's one hell of warrior! Makes me more proud of my Irish ancestry...by a little different route. My ancestor arrived in America to serve time in the Crown Penal Colony in Georgia!
People have been asking Mike to get some foreign operators on for ages. How delighted was I that he chose an Irish one! Thanks for the podcasts, Mike! Please keep it up :)
May be one of the best military podcast I’ve ever listened to
I spent a few years of my teens in the same town Kevin grew up in. What a success story for him. Well done Kevin.
My recruit platoon SGT back in the day served with this guy in the Irish Rangers, to say Kevin is a warrior is a grave understatement. Legit bad ass.
Irish rangers, that just sounds badass lol
@@jaketaylor2923 yeah that does halve a ring to it
“An Irishman that doesn’t drink”! That’s one of the seven signs of the Apocalypse! 😂
might by why he's killed so many people?
LOL
😍🤣totally true!!!
Just goes to show , an irishman who doesn't drink is unstoppable
Right! 🤣
Really, though, It’s not that rare. Not common, but not rare.
People learn from bad examples.
Kevin, I really enjoyed listening to all the different experiences you've gone through. You are a determined man, glad you came to America and served with us, thank you.
I took a course with Field Craft not too long ago. I couldn't reccomend it more! I hope they up their output because everything is sold out, and I want to take more courses.
Kevin... the baddest thing from Ireland since Thin Lizzy.
Weren't they from Birmingham?
@@markb7614 no
@@inquisitorsneed2 you are right! Dunno why I thought that!!😆
I agree with Mike, people in the US need to see this to see how good they really have it. Too many people nowadays don't know what they have.
000
I literally asked for this in the comment section of a previous Mic Drop. 🤘🏻
Kevin is a unique human being. How many people watching this video are thinking, f-ck if I could only go back in time 20 years what I would do differently. Then you get to the part of the massive IED that failed to detonate and his dead brothers in arms, and you just appreciate who he is and what he's done and be thankful there are people like him who went to the dark places of this world.
There's a famous quote, I think the English prime minister said it.... These rough men exist so that you can sleep comfortably at night. It was something like that
@@tyronemalone4158
Is this it? "These rough men exist so that you can sleep comfortably at night, not to opine about politics, which they don't know a goddamned thing about."
Oohhh it could be. I think it is man.
Well done on finding that
I grew up watching the Irish, IRA and Brits fight on television, so was fascinated by this show. Loved Mike saying, "There are a lot of people being incredibly violent and are that close from doing it." "Be real goddamned careful what you wish for!" ON POINT!
Greetings from Ireland. Great story & great interview. Only gripe is Ireland is not a socialist country. Never has been. Wish you all the best lad from Dublin !
We need a round 2 story time with Kevin what a machine , puts this right up there on the favourite list
First 20 minutes and its already on ofnthe best starts to an interview. Man thank you so much for your podcasts. These help my days so much. Love the stories, and perseverance you and your guests bring. Love the personal accountability yourself and Shawn Ryan bring in these interviews. Thank you bud.
💥💥Fourteen kids .God Bless your Mother. 🇮🇪 🇺🇸
“Wait til the varsity team shows up” there’s 20 years of combat veterans walking the streets right now. Most looking for that adrenaline fix they miss from combat years ago. Give them a reason to dust those skills off. Give them a reason to keep the oath they took to defend this country against all enemies foreign and domestic and you won’t stand a chance.
Amen brother. Fucking look out.
As Kevin says, there are the sheep out there. Don't shoot the sheep. They are the majority of well-meaning liberals and are genuine people, just easily led astray. Many of that kind of people flocked (see?) to the banners of freedom in 1941.
Just focus on the communist Antifa members with black bandanas and don't shoot anyone else. Some of you just want to shoot anybody.
Can’t like your comment enough people are f***ed once our veterans and patriots start standing up. I wish they could do it now and not go to prison. I wish people could stand up instead of watching cities burn. it’s funny you can burn down a city with no consequences but can’t defend your city from terrorists unless you wanna spend time or life in prison. The people rioting right now are 100% terrorists and not protestors. The day is going to come where we can stand up and protect our country if you don’t respect our history it’ll repeat itself there’s definitely a civil war coming on and they’re going to realize pretty fast that the people that have guns and support gun rights and don’t cry like bi**hes about everything also have a hell of a lot more balls, courage and ammo than they do and aren’t scared to stand up for our country and our future generations. I’m ready and willing to die for our country and our freedom and the freedom of my daughter maybe future children and grandchildren and everyone else’s kids and grandchildren to live free in the greatest country in the world.
@E-Tron unfortunately most politicians are turds, including this POTUS who is manipulating patriotism for his own purposes. Who is the enemy and what power do they have? The only domestic "enemies" the US has are people intentionally seeking to destroy the Republic.
Ex. 98Y Army here.
Love your podcast Mike, best one yet. This one and J.P, really helped me in dealing with being separated from service.
Thanks for what your doing...saving lives, no shit !
I'm English and I've never heard such a good analysis of the troubles. Very interesting to hear his perspective
I could listen to Kevin and Mike talk all day. Seriously. Hope and pray that the stars align and can take a class from Mr. Owens someday.
For such a badass dude he seems really cool and humble. Wow the stories are great im glad he's on my team though ill tell ya!!!
Never really knew much about the Northern Irish conflict, this part was very informative.
rather basic overview of a very complex situation
It is, in a very basic way.
I used to hang out a former IRA bar & heard a lot of that side of the story, but learned alot about the breadth of the issues from the little he spoke about.
Definitely more to learn. Especially from guys like him that were there.
I would Say Kevin Owen's is the most famous person from Ireland. Great life skills and morals!
Take that conor McGregor
Never heard of him until now!
@@briandoherty245 same. I say that with shame
Mike, you are smashing it with your guests! They are unique, relevant, and important to what's happening in our country. With that said, it shows how much you love this country and you want the truth told.🇺🇸
God bless them all true Patriots Amen 🇺🇸🇺🇸♥️♥️🙏🙏✝️ Trump they stand up for.♥️♥️♥️🙏🙏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I've been waiting to hear this guys story for awhile now. I think we need that Mogadishu podcast Kevin was talking about. That shit sounded crazy.
100%, that Mogadishu podcast would be the bollox!!
I fuckin love you Mike!!! Thank you for sacrificing so much for the love of your country!!! All I can say is I'm glad we are on the same side. God bless America and those who protect her!!!!!!!!
Great interview nice see the Irish represented . What a great dude and on point . Best to you all and all who served and continue to serve the free world . Irish blessings 👊🏼☘️
Wow....Owens has a crystal clear understanding of what is happening in this country, right now. His perspective is so refreshing, given we rarely hear from someone with his background, and upbringing. Great interview.
This is probably one of the best interviews you've had mike
Thank you for this podcast, it's the best one I've ever heard! I'm a student of history and I learned a tremendous amount here. God bless you Kevin from a man who came from Irish, Welsh and English stock. You should be a household name, but no matter, you are still my new hero. To think that a man like LeBraun James can denounce someone who tweeted support of the freedom protests in Hong Kong, yet whole heartedly throw in with thugs and criminals in the BLM movement, and get nothing but love and praise by the media is a travesty. I for one am grateful that there are men like you amongst us.
holy shit, this is by far one the coolest dudes i ever heard!!! amazing podcast!
Amazing podcast with two amazing dudes. Kevin is a remarkable human, who has lived more life than a lot of us will ever dream of. Also, as a father to a toddler, I just want to express my thanks to Mike for mentioning that kids don't necessarily come first. Parents have life shit to take care of and its a good thing for kids to see the price that needs to be paid to survive.
Always a good day when there’s a new Mike Drop. Keep me coming 🇺🇸
Having a chill segment after combat was missing during the Vietnam war. You went from the field to home in days. I sat in the kitchen looking at the walls.
This was absolutely phenomenal. Between this and and your interview with Shawn Ryan, really fantastic stuff this week Mike. Thank you sir.
Im so glad I bumped into your cast. I live in California and I'm a former Marine who grew up in the country 80 years ago. I live around very few vets and all now are dead. So listening to your cast and the guy's you interview is the only normalcy I get. Thank you so much for doing this. I have always thought of special forces men as special people far beyond our heddled masses.
Shout out to George for doing Sandy and making this all possible.
Hahah awesome
Absolutely priceless Sir...lol. Bout chocked on my dip laughing...smh.lol....Holy Christ.
You sir get a pass from choking yourself
@Juan Frede Yeah, no debts right? Except for your freedom of choice and tax.
@Juan Frede until you're at a certain age where they don't deem you worth helping and putting money into your medical care isn't worth it because you don't have much mileage left on your chassis. Free NHS here too, and trust me, it's NOT what they want you to believe. That's the thing, both Kevin and I have seen that side of the field and we can compare it through personal experience.
Great to see another Irishman. Really enjoyed the interview guys.☘️
So glad you had Kevin on the show Mike, great episode!
He’s #1 on all leaderboards and across all platforms!
Kevin P Owens seems like a genuinely good chap. Interesting life. Looking forward to hearing about it.
Thanks both of you for serving. And and ty for the amazing interview. 2 true American and LoL Irish American hero’s. I have my pit max, who has been with me now 8 years and he has saved my life and is my best friend. I am truly sorry about your brother and I know he was k9, but for Vinnies loss.
Again Ty both.
Kevin’s a badass could listen to him all day
I freaking respect these guys more than words could convey. God bless America!
Every second of this episode is freaking sick. I love this episode! Every aspect.
Kevin is a true warrior and a gentleman. I like the way he expresses himself with out the explicative adjectives. Comes off way more intelligent.
I wish I could give this interview 10000 thumbs up.. great stuff was glued to the screen the whole time..
One of the best Mike Drops I've ever listened to.
Great episode. Kevin is a real character and is a good story teller. RIP K-9 Vinnie.
This man was my very first squad leader in Kosovo back in 2000. Very knowledgeable man at the time, (I’m sure more so now), cares about his soldiers, made sure we were squared the fuck anyway and knew our shit, we knew EVERY position with the squad and platoon. Showed us a different way of urban combat, this man Kevin Owens is nothing but and ASSET to any unit, or mission he and his soldiers, squad, team is assign to. Regardless of differences and myself being stupid at times, it was an HONOR to serve under his leadership. Thank Staff Sgt Owens, (I’m sure different rank now), be safe and stay safe. Private Cothran.
Thanks for this Mike! Kevin is one cool dude! Going to get some resilience CBD... .as a Irish catholic myself..My Mom was the same way!...Threw him, in him, with him, in unity with the holy spirit!...he lived in a council estate! Ole Kevo here is a badass! Oh and Kevin dont forget the IRA was so strapped to Kev, that we had Whitey Bulger over here sending shit to. The protestant population got SAS support same as the Afghans in the 80s with stingers....
The bulger money never got through. But gaddafis certainly did in millions upon millions 💸💸
@@Irish780 don’t forget the German guns too
Brilliant interview; well done both of you! Kevin’s comments regarding Senior Careerist officers pushing out anyone they view as too focused on practical operational issues to support the guys in the Fleet are absolutely spot on. This is exactly what I witnessed first hand as a Joint Staff officer on what turned out to be my last tour after 25 yrs USMC.
ive been waiting for this one, hoping its long
the final upload clocks in at a rock solid 162 minutes 👊
@@MikeRitland Way to go Mike!
I've been checking in daily to see when this was posted. Nice one Mike! Love your work.
That’s what she said
And that my friend is definitely “what she said!”
The brief moment you spent talking about the family dynamic was the most interesting and insightful part of this entire podcast. My father was never in the military, but he was a police officer in a major metropolitan area of the country. There were aspects of family life he had to sacrifice in order to be the best at his career: missed birthdays, missed holidays, constantly changing hours, etc. In the aspect of sacrifice, police and military careers are similar. That said, your kids want to know you. Even if you experienced ugliness, your children want to know what it is that made you the man you are today. If you share a measured amount of that ugliness with them, you will share part of yourself with your children, which, ultimately, is all every child wants. After becoming a police officer myself, I can say it has taught me much more about my father, and ultimately brought us closer together as men. The importance of closeness between father and son/daughter/child can not be exaggerated.
Phenomenal interview! Enjoyed every moment. You’re killing it with these awesome guests!
Fascinating Interview. This guy is an exceptional teacher (what to expect from any FCS instruction) and I have found through out my life, most Americans don't appreciate nor do they truly understand what a great country we live in. Kevin Owens gets it.
right on Mike!, will be out just in time for my workout. No music... just mike drop and a pull up bar!
This is one of the best, if not the best Podcasts I've ever heard.
Glad to see Kevin being impartial with the IRA/British topic: I'm English and grew up during all that period, have read many books etc. on The Troubles and yes, the British were heavy handed, but so were the Northern Irish too against the Irish, let's make that clear. The British started it, the Northern Irish embraced it, and the IRA fought against it, however, the IRA are absolutely guilty of killing hundreds of civilians too.
Not to mention the IRA are hardcore Marxists.
@@NoQuestions4sked not correct at all. Only the fracture grips groups PIRA, INLA were Marxist.
@@barra6709 They're all uniformly socialist even if they're not Marxist socialists.
@@NoQuestions4sked not sure how you figure that. Two conservative political parties came out of the Old IRA
@@barra6709 Well, let me correct myself since I'm speaking from the point of view of an American. A conservative in Ireland is comparatively socialist to someone here in America.
I really like Mike Ritland's podcast, and especially like the casual but clever way he interviews. Ritland's a very knowledgeable guy, and I think he's pretty smart. This episode is great. What an interesting background, this Kevin Owens has.
This is the guy who help develop the MK22 for SOCOM and he's one hell of a character. Very interesting dude!
I just want to say the way the video being broke down into named segments is awesome because I can’t sit and watch the whole podcast at once and YT, in its infinite wisdom, always seems to restart when I try to continue watching it. It makes it so much easier to pick up where I left off. Absolutely awesome Mr. Ritland!
I love it when Mike was getting fired up about current events. Just wait til the varsity team shows up!!!!
I rarely if ever comment, but I think this has to be one of your best ever interviews! Mr Owen's is a wealth of knowledge, and you brought that out Mr Ritland!
My ancestry being Irish I'm surprised I didn't listen to this sooner!
Thank you gentlemen, for a very engaging conversation . Slainte' ...