Episodios

  • Generation Kill to MARSOC: Jason Lilley’s Combat & Personal Journey

    Generation Kill to MARSOC: Jason Lilley’s Combat & Personal Journey
    Aug 16 2025

    In this unfiltered Combat Story episode, we go deep with Jason Lilley — Recon Marine, MARSOC Raider, CIA Global Response Staff, and co-creator of Savage Actual. Jason opens up about his path from a turbulent youth to serving in some of the most elite units in the U.S. military, facing the chaos of Iraq and Afghanistan, and building a new life as a creator and veteran advocate.

    In this episode:

    • From family struggles to joining the Marine Corps
    • First Recon, Generation Kill, and the invasion of Iraq
    • Intense firefights in Fallujah and Afghanistan
    • Life in MARSOC and the CIA’s Global Response Staff
    • Losing brothers in combat and to suicide
    • Using humor and brotherhood to survive the worst moments
    • Creating Savage Actual with Patrick: gaming, military authenticity, and raw veteran stories

    🌐 Connect with Jason:

    • Savage Actual YouTube: youtube.com/@SavageActual
    • Savage Actual Website: savageactual.com
    • Jason’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasonmlilley
    • Jason’s Instagram: instagram.com/reconraider79

    In this episode, Jason Lilley shares his riveting journey from being a Marine grunt to working for the State Department and CIA. He details his intense experiences during the Iraq invasion, life-altering moments in Fallujah, and the camaraderie formed in the face of danger. Lily also opens up about his struggles with depression and finding purpose post-service, running a YouTube channel and podcast, Savage Actual. Watch as he discusses the highs and lows of military life and his ongoing journey to harness his experiences for a meaningful civilian life.

    Timeline

    • 00:00 Introduction
    • 01:36 Personal Struggles and Joining the Marines
    • 04:15 Combat Experiences and Reflections
    • 13:48 HelloFresh Sponsorship
    • 15:35 More Combat Stories and Reflections
    • 18:24 Loss and Brotherhood
    • 29:03 Savage Actual and Patrick
    • 31:27 Would You Do It Again?

    📌 Tags & Keywords:

    #MarineCorps #ReconMarine #MARSOC #GenerationKill #CIA #CombatStory #VeteranStories #SpecialOperations #SavageActual #Fallujah #IraqWar #WarriorMindset #MilitaryPodcast
    Más Menos
    34 m
  • Trump-Putin Alaska Summit: Former CIA Officers Break Down Looming Meeting

    Trump-Putin Alaska Summit: Former CIA Officers Break Down Looming Meeting
    Aug 15 2025
    🎙️ Time-Sensitive RH Intel: Trump-Putin Alaska Summit Analysis 🌍🇺🇸🇷🇺 Join Ryan Fugit and Glenn, both seasoned former CIA officers 🕵️‍♂️, as they unpack the high-stakes Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska 🏔️—a pivotal moment for US-Russia relations and the Ukraine conflict. This timely episode dives deep into international diplomacy, geopolitical tensions, and the shifting dynamics of the global security landscape. Get a daily intel brief delivered to your email at https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ to get a curated set of insights and reporting on Russia, China, Iran, the MIddle East and more from a national security perspective. With decades of intelligence experience, Ryan and Glenn offer unparalleled insights into: 🔹 The strategic implications of the Alaska summit 🔹 The battlefield realities shaping negotiations 🪖 🔹 The symbolic significance of the meeting’s location 🔹 How this summit could influence NATO strategy and future diplomacy You’ll also learn the hidden history of Alaska’s role in U.S.-Russia affairs, the motivations of key players, and the possible paths forward for Ukraine, Russia, and the West. 💡 Key Takeaways: 🤝 The summit is a rare, high-stakes opportunity for dialogue. 📍 Alaska offers strategic advantages, including fewer ICC challenges. 🎯 Russia’s tactics aim to strengthen their bargaining position. ⚠️ Risks remain for Ukraine in potential negotiations. 🪢 U.S. strategy must balance pressure with incentives. 🕊️ Diplomacy is essential—some conflicts can’t be won militarily. 💪 Ukrainian resilience will be a decisive factor. 📢 Sound Bites: “This is a high-stakes meeting.” “Putin’s actions serve the ego of one man.” “We need to incentivize the Russians to behave.” 📌 Keywords: US-Russia relations, Ukraine conflict, Trump-Putin meeting, Alaska summit, NATO, international diplomacy, geopolitical tensions, global security. 🎧 Listen now for a gripping, no-spin breakdown of what’s happening behind closed doors—and what it means for the future of international power. Time sensitive RH intel: join Ryan Fugit and Glenn, both veterans of the CIA, as they navigate the intricate landscape of international diplomacy and geopolitical tensions. This is a timely episode focused on the pivotal meeting between President Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska, they explore the strategic implications for Ukraine and the broader global stage. Drawing from decades of experience, Ryan and Glenn provide an in-depth analysis of the current US-Russia relations, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the potential outcomes of this high-stakes summit. Discover the historical context behind Alaska's role in this meeting, the symbolic significance of the location, and the potential impact on future negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, and NATO. As they dissect the motivations and strategies of key players, Ryan and Glenn offer unique insights into the challenges and opportunities facing international leaders today. Whether you're interested in the nuances of diplomacy, the dynamics of power, or the future of global security, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the forces shaping our world. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that goes beyond the headlines to uncover the realities of international relations. The Trump-Putin meeting is a high-stakes opportunity for dialogue.Alaska's location for the meeting is strategic, reducing ICC challenges.Russia's battlefield tactics are aimed at improving their negotiating position.There are concerns about Ukraine potentially losing ground in negotiations.The U.S. must consider both sticks and carrots in its approach to Russia.Diplomacy is crucial; not all conflicts can be resolved through military means.The long-term impact of the war on both Ukraine and Russia will be significant. Connect with Glenn at https://greatsouthbayinc.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context Setting01:21 The Significance of the Alaska Meeting04:36 Current Battlefield Dynamics in Ukraine08:03 Negotiating Positions and Red Lines11:33 Future Predictions and Strategic Considerations15:03 The Broader Implications for Global Politics18:18 Understanding Putin's Motivations22:06 The Impact of War on Russian Identity24:02 Vitaly Klitschko: A Leader in Times of Crisis25:13 Navigating Diplomacy with Russia29:41 The Importance of Dialogue and Negotiation31:59 Strategies for Engaging Russia34:46 Long-term Consequences of the Conflict
    Más Menos
    37 m
  • Former CIA Officers Talk Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Iran, China on Restricted Handling w/ Glenn Corn

    Former CIA Officers Talk Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Iran, China on Restricted Handling w/ Glenn Corn
    Aug 10 2025

    🔥 New Podcast Drop! This exclusive crossover episode introduces my brand-new show Restricted Handling 🔒 — hosted by me - Ryan Fugit - and former CIA Chief of Station Glenn Corn 🕵️‍♂️.

    🎯 Combat Story fans — don’t worry. That show will continue strong under decorated Marine Sniper & Recon Operator AJ Pasciuti 🦅. But if you crave deeper dives into intelligence, military operations, and high-stakes geopolitics, Restricted Handling is your new must-listen.

    🕵️ What’s Restricted Handling?

    In the Intelligence Community, “Restricted Handling” refers to certain intel only shared with those who absolutely need it. Here, you’ll get human-enabled + AI-powered daily briefings plus exclusive deep dives with former CIA officers into:

    • Russia 🇷🇺 & Ukraine 🇺🇦 war updates

    • China’s global ambitions 🇨🇳

    • Iran, Israel, the Middle East 🇮🇷

    • Espionage & spycraft 🕵️‍♀️

    • Military strategy & special operations 🪖

    • Geopolitical flashpoints 🌍

    • Big economic power plays 💰

    These aren’t academic think pieces — they’re firsthand accounts from those who’ve operated in the shadows shaping global events.

    💡 Key Takeaways from This Episode:

    • 🇺🇦 Trump’s evolving stance on Ukraine — and what it signals.

    • 💰 Secondary sanctions targeting India and others to pressure Russia.

    • 🏛️ Why summit locations reveal hidden diplomatic strategies.

    • ⚰️ The human and psychological toll of the Ukraine war.

    • 🌏 Armenia’s pivot to the West and U.S. role in peace talks.

    • 🇱🇧 Hezbollah’s political struggles in Lebanon.

    • 🇮🇷 Iran’s limited ability to respond to recent conflicts.

    • 🕵️ Rising global espionage activity.

    • 🪖 Wagner Group’s disruptive operations in Africa.

    📅 Chapters:

    00:00 — Introduction: The Global Geopolitical Chessboard ♟️
    02:13 — Trump’s Ukraine Policy Shift
    04:53 — Sanctions, Allies, and Economic Warfare
    07:30 — Russia’s Economic Pressures
    10:17 — The Politics of Summit Locations
    14:22 — War’s Human Cost
    16:16 — Armenia & Azerbaijan Conflict
    20:27 — U.S. Peace Negotiations Role
    26:06 — Middle East Power Shifts
    31:44 — Hezbollah’s Declining Influence
    34:26 — Iran’s Regional Weakness
    40:12 — Espionage & Counterintelligence Battles
    44:08 — Wagner Group in Africa

    🔗 Listen to Restricted Handling Daily: [Spotify Link]

    📌 Hashtags for Discovery:

    #RestrictedHandling #CombatStory #CIA #Espionage #Russia #Ukraine #Geopolitics #MilitaryOps #Intelligence #NationalSecurity #SpyStories #GlobalSecurity
    Más Menos
    52 m
  • The Toll it Takes: Delta Force Operator & Veteran Advocate Derek Nadalini

    The Toll it Takes: Delta Force Operator & Veteran Advocate Derek Nadalini
    Aug 2 2025
    Delta Force Veteran Derek Nadalini: Unfiltered Combat Stories, Hard Truths, & the Battle for Redemption Step inside the untold world of America’s most elite warriors. In this explosive episode of Combat Story, we sit down with Derek Nadalini, a former Delta Force operator, veteran of Joint Special Operations Command, Army Ranger, and Navy serviceman, for a raw and riveting conversation about the realities of modern war and the fight to find peace after the guns go silent. Check out our Newsletter Derek Nadalini’s Journey: From a military family shaped by Vietnam to a career that spanned the Navy, Army Rangers, and 13 years in the legendary Delta Force.What it’s like to assess for, join, and operate inside Delta Force—the US Army’s most secretive unit.First-hand accounts of high-stakes special operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and undisclosed combat zones around the globe. In this Interview, Derek Shares: Life-and-death moments: Surviving a midair collision under canopy, escaping massive IEDs, and combat missions with Australia’s SASR and Britain’s 22 SAS.Moral courage and split-second choices: The reality of targeting terrorists, the impossible decisions between life and death, and moments of mercy that haunt or heal.Brotherhood and sacrifice: The bond between operators, the unspoken fieldcraft passed down through generations, and stories of selfless courage—like shielding civilians from gunfire.The cost of war: The emotional burden, compartmentalization, and post-traumatic stress of maintaining relentless violence for years. Derek opens up about the struggle to reconnect with family and the price his loved ones paid for his service.Finding purpose after combat: Derek’s powerful transition from warfighter to musician and veterans’ health advocate. As director of outreach for MusicCorps, he uses music to heal invisible wounds and give hope to injured veterans. Key Topics Covered: Ranger Battalion to JSOC: inside the pipelineThe realities of combat: adrenaline, fear, courage, and aftermathDealing with PTSD, TBI, and the legacy of modern warsFamily, loss, and the cost of serviceHealing, redemption, and building a new life after the military Who Should Watch? Veterans, active-duty military, and military families seeking honest stories about service and sacrificeAnyone interested in special operations, Delta Force, Army Rangers, or real-life military historySupporters of veterans’ mental health and rehabilitation, especially through music and community About Derek Nadalini: Derek served in multiple elite units, including the US Navy, Army Rangers, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), and spent 13 years as a Delta Force operator. He is part of Spookstock and Operation Relief Fund. If you’re seeking a real, unfiltered look at the world of special operations and what comes after, this is the episode you can’t miss. 🔔 Subscribe for more Combat Stories from the world’s most elite operators. 👍 Like, comment, and share to support our veteran guests and their mission. Support Derek’s initiatives here: Spookstock - https://spookstock.org/wp-content/uploads/_pda/report-24.pdf Operation Relief Fund - https://operatorrelieffund.org/ Find Ryan Online: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats 📸 Instagram: @combatstory / combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle 00:00 Introduction 00:20 Military Career Beginnings 00:28 Transition to the Army and Special Forces 00:57 Family Military Background 01:55 Becoming a Veteran Advocate 02:41 Challenges of Civilian Life 03:58 Nicknames and Military Stories 06:29 Infantry and Ranger Training 07:27 Veteran Community and Camaraderie 10:50 International Operations and Collaborations 13:21 Combat Experiences and Reflections 33:51 Personal Sacrifices and Family Impact 37:52 Generational Differences and Legacy 40:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
    Más Menos
    42 m
  • Delta Force to Healing Force | Tom Satterly’s Battle Beyond the Battlefield

    Delta Force to Healing Force | Tom Satterly’s Battle Beyond the Battlefield
    Jul 19 2025
    This is a unique Combat Story and part of a new Podumentary series where we interview some of our fan favorite guests and go even deeper on the moments in combat that forged them. This week we have Tom Satterly, former Delta Force Sergeant Major whose first battle was in Operational Gothic Serpent (Black Hawk Down) and his last was some battlefield in the post-9/11 era. Many will recall our original interview with Tom on Episode #11. Tom co-founded and runs the All Secure Foundation with his wife Jen. All Secure helps save vets who are dealing with challenging times. About All Secure Foundation A 501(c)(3) nonprofit launched in 2017 by Tom and Jen Satterly, the All Secure Foundation is dedicated to supporting Special Operations combat veterans and their families in healing from complex trauma and PTSD. Core Programs & Approaches: - Couples’ & retreat workshops for elite-warrior spouses, centered on trauma healing and reconnection. - Active-duty seminars on bases and community outreach to destigmatize mental health. - Online courses, tools, and coaching to support mental resilience at home. Podcast & writing (e.g., Tom’s memoir All Secure) amplifying real personal stories. Impact & Reach: - Annual retreats, such as Camp Homefront and Missouri workshops - Collaboration with DoD and other organizations to elevate mental health awareness. - Over $1.2 M in annual revenue (FY 2024) dedicated to program services and outreach. 👤 Quick Bio – Tom Satterly - Background: Retired U.S. Army Delta Force senior NCO with over 20 years of combat experience, including Somalia (Battle of Mogadishu), Iraq, Afghanistan. - Author of All Secure memoir (co-authored with Steve Jackson), detailing his battles with PTSD, a suicide attempt, and his journey to recovery. - Co‑Founder & CEO of All Secure Foundation (with wife Jen), pivotal in creating retreats, seminars, and compassionate care for veteran families. - Personal advocacy: Shares openly on Instagram and LinkedIn, hosts a podcast, and frequently speaks publicly on trauma and resilience. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/combatstoryTry it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats 📸 Instagram: @combatstory / combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Find Tom Satterly Online: 🔗 Official website: allsecurefoundation.org 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/AllSecureFoundation 📸 Instagram (org): @allsecurefoundation (instagram.com/allsecurefoundation) 📸 Instagram: @tomsatterly 📱 LinkedIn: Tom Satterly 00:32 Meet Tom Satterley: Delta Force Veteran 01:05 Early Life and Military Beginnings 01:47 Joining the Military: A Whim and a Decision 02:54 Military Training and Lessons Learned 06:51 Conventional Forces vs. Special Operations 09:55 The Reality of Taking Lives in Combat 12:56 Reflections on War and Combat 16:44 Near-Death Experiences and Losses 25:10 Post-Service Life and All Secure Foundation 33:07 Conclusion and Future of Combat Story
    Más Menos
    36 m
  • Combat from Echo in Ramadi | Marine Commander Takes Us Inside the Deadliest City in Iraq Scott Huesing

    Combat from Echo in Ramadi | Marine Commander Takes Us Inside the Deadliest City in Iraq Scott Huesing
    Jun 7 2025
    Today we have a great interview with 24 year retired Marine and best selling author of Echo in Ramadi, Scott Huesing. Scott led the “magnificent bastards” of 2/4 Marines during one of the most brutal periods of the post-9/11 war from 2006 into 2007 during the Surge. Scott went from self-described terrible high school student to enlisted Marine to Mustang (a Marine Officer who was formerly Enlisted), serving on 10 deployments in multiple countries. In this episode, Scott takes into an intense fight to extract several pinned down Marines that included bringing M1A1s along to losing his first casualty just weeks into the deployment. Since leaving the service, Scott wrote the best selling book Echo in Ramadi, has helped others write their own books, run non-profits, and more. With that, please enjoy this wide ranging conversation with someone who made it through some of the hardest fighting in the war. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/combatstoryTry it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats 📸 Instagram: @combatstory / combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle 00:33 Introduction to Combat Story 00:52 Interview with Scott Houston 01:08 Scott's Early Life and Military Career 03:17 Bob Hamer's Undercover Work 07:36 Scott's High School Days and Joining the Marines 12:57 Marine Corps Brotherhood and Relationships 15:17 James Livingston and the Magnificent Bastards 21:30 Desert Shield and Desert Storm 26:37 9/11 and Its Impact 33:50 Preparing for Ramadi 42:12 The Surge Strategy and Urban Combat 43:48 Daily Firefights and Enemy Encounters 44:13 Super Bowl of Combat: Metrics of Success 44:57 Army vs. Marines: Different Approaches 46:08 Commanders and Combat Strategies 48:43 Living and Fighting in Ramadi 54:29 First Casualty: Corporal Dustin Libby 59:36 Compartmentalizing and Continuing the Fight 01:04:42 Challenges of Urban Warfare 01:08:18 The Bond Among Marines 01:15:31 Writing and Reliving the Stories 01:20:54 Celebrity Softball Classic and Philanthropy 01:26:34 Final Reflections and Encouragement to Serve
    Más Menos
    1 h y 30 m
  • Medal of Honor Leadership Ryan Pitts | Medal of Honor | Leadership in Battle

    Medal of Honor Leadership Ryan Pitts | Medal of Honor | Leadership in Battle
    May 24 2025
    Today we have a once in a lifetime interview with Medal of Honor recipient Ryan Pitts, who truly earned this prestigious award in the mountains of Afghanistan fighting off a very dedicated, organized, and determined enemy force. Ryan and I connected thanks to the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, a non-profit helping to share lessons of leadership from Medal of Honor recipients and the values they live by with people who lead at any level. In this episode, we dive into Ryan’s near death experiences (there are several) while downrange but we never venture far from what leadership is all about, from a private in the foxhole to a Colonel at the TOC. Ryan earned the Medal of Honor in the Battle of Wanat in Afghanistan in July 2008 when I was flying Apaches in eastern Afghanistan out of Khost. Ryan made sure some of the gun pilots from the 101st like Jimmy Morrow and John Gavreau were at his award ceremony at the White House because he felt they were a part of this effort as much as anyone (which you know this gun pilot loves to hear). Ryan is incredibly humble for having earned this amazing award and I was fortunate enough to spend a weekend in Chicago with him, the Center for Leadership executive staff, and another Medal of Honor recipient Col. Harvey “Barney” Barnum. They were treated like royalty at a Cubs game with everyone wanting a picture with these heroes. None of that has gone to his head, as you’ll hear in this interview. I’d also ask you to notice how he remembers the name of so many of the people he served with and how he speaks of this as a ‘their’ - collective - award and not his own. We need more leaders and people like Ryan out there and that’s exactly what the Center is doing. Please have a look for a Center for Leadership event or course near you by going to mohcenterforleadership.org. Special thanks to Andy, Elise, Tom, Forrest, John, and all the other folks who made this event possible. With that, please enjoy a detailed description of some of the most intense combat and true heroism from living Medal of Honor recipient, Ryan Pitts. The National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership exists to inspire, develop and empower leaders through the values of courage, sacrifice, citizenship, integrity, commitment and patriotism. Through fellowship programs, onsite training and a nationwide digital platform, we’re helping Americans of all ages learn what it means to lead with honor. Learn more at www.mohcenterforleadership.org and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn at National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, and on Instagram at @medalofhonorcfl and X at @MedalofHonorCFL. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/combatstoryTry it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Find Ryan Pitts Online: 🥉The National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership mohcenterforleadership.org and https://mohcenterforleadership.org/exclusive-qa-with-the-nmohlec-education-director/ 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/medalofhonorcfl/ 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MedalofHonorCenterforLeadership/ 💡 X https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-medal-of-honor-center-for-leadership Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats 📸 Instagram: @combatstory / combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle 00:49 Introduction 01:09 Medal of Honor: Ryan Pitts' Heroic Actions 01:31 Leadership and Humility: Lessons from the Battlefield 03:25 Early Life and Military Aspirations 04:16 First Deployment: Hard Landings and Combat Experiences 06:38 Joining the Military: Motivations and Family Reactions 14:10 Training and Preparation: From Basic to Airborne 22:22 First Combat Experience: Chaos and Heroism 28:17 Cho's Heroic Actions and Silver Stars 28:49 Chaos and Close Calls 29:22 Integration into Infantry 30:17 Leadership from the Bottom 32:34 Reflecting on Deployment Experiences 34:00 Facing the Reality of Combat 34:53 Coping Mechanisms and Downtime 37:30 Preparing for the Second Deployment 39:33 The Battle of Bella and Leadership Lessons 42:15 The Medal of Honor Event 55:02 Hand Grenade Range and Intense Firefight 55:36 Struggling with Injuries and Malfunctions 57:12 Leadership and Reinforcements Arrive 58:11 Courage and Sacrifice in Battle 01:03:13 Desperate Measures and Radio Communication 01:10:00 Final Moments and Evacuation 01:15:10 Reflecting on the Battle and Its Aftermath 01:18:04 Sentimental Items and Final Thoughts 01:21:26 Conclusion and Appreciation
    Más Menos
    1 h y 25 m
  • Life Changing Moment in Combat | Leads to Life of Service | Force Recon | Non-Profit Founder | Jake Harriman

    Life Changing Moment in Combat | Leads to Life of Service | Force Recon | Non-Profit Founder | Jake Harriman
    Apr 26 2025
    Today we have a fascinating Combat Story with Jake Harriman who is one of those guys who makes you feel incredibly lazy for not helping hungry people in Africa (seriously) and helping to heal the divide in America, one person at a time. It’s no surprise that Jake served alongside Todd Opalski (who long time fans of the show will know as the enlisted Marine Sniper who became a Marine officer, Force Recon leader, and was then invited to serve in the most elite unit in the US Military). You can’t help but do great things if you worked with Todd! Jake is truly an incredibly humble but accomplished combat veteran. He’s a Marine officer who led a platoon during OIF I in Iraq where he had a life changing moment that altered the course of his life. It’s a sad but very powerful moment that anyone can relate to. He would finally be admitted into the storied ranks of the Force Recon community where he conducted a mix of recon and surveillance and direct action missions downrange, including one that I’m sorry to say involves helicopter pilots that made one particular DA really hard for Jake, but also taught him a profound lesson. Despite many of Jake’s successes, he takes us through several moments of his life when he’s truly humbled from getting turned down at a chance to be a SEAL to being turned away from his audacious attempt to join the Force Recon community to being punched in the face by his team sergeant on an LZ. After leaving service, Jake continued to serve in a different way. He completed an MBA at Stanford and then started a non-profit that has helped over 300K people in remote areas of Africa and, at the same time, helped fight off extremism in these areas. More recently, he created the non-profit called a More Perfect Union that’s mobilized 35K members across the US to heal deep divides in this country, looking to service members of all kinds to step in and lead, just from a different foxhole. You can find more and help at mpu.us (mike papa uniform dot us). With that, I’m so excited for you all to hear this funny but powerful discussion with Jake Harriman. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/combatstoryTry it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Find Jake Harriman Online : mpu.us Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats 📸 Instagram: @combatstory / combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle 00:00 Introduction 00:52 Introduction to Combat Story 01:11 Meet Jake Harriman 01:45 Jake's Military Journey Begins 02:33 Life After Service 03:39 Jake's Treasured Recon Paddle 05:39 Reconnecting with Todd Osky 07:38 Jake's Path to the Naval Academy 27:21 First Taste of Combat 48:37 Maintaining Calm Under Fire 50:28 A Life-Changing Encounter 55:18 The Aftermath and Reflections 01:00:01 Transitioning Out of the Military 01:03:26 Building a New Path in Africa 01:23:18 Struck by Lightning and Other Challenges 01:25:26 More Perfect Union: A New Mission 01:31:39 Final Thoughts and Reflections
    Más Menos
    1 h y 34 m