GRP 179-Alone At Dawn: The Story of John Chapman and Airforce Combat Controllers With Dan Schilling

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GRP 178-Those that know do, Those that understand teach: My conversation with Army Special Ops Vet Rick Hogg

April 12, 2023

You can access the full episode on Apple Podcast (Apple users), or Spotify(Android users). Be sure to like, share, subscribe, and download the episodes. Thank you.

I sat down with Rick Hogg, a Special Operations combat veteran who served 29 years in the US Army and operates a training company called "War Hogg Tactical." Rick spent time in the infantry before assessing and being selected for Army Special Forces. Rick would deploy into combat 13 times working in various roles, including handling K-9s. His final deployments were to counter ISIS terrorists in Iraq.

Spending that much time in combat arms takes a mental and physical toll on a human being, and Rick advises current operators on dealing with some of these challenges. We discussed Master Sergeant Joe Andres, Rick's teammate, who was killed in action on December 24th, 2005, in Iraq, and once again, Rick gives incredible advice on how to deal with the loss of a loved one. We dived into running dogs in combat and how he and his teammates are alive today because of the skill of special operations K9s, particularly his dog Duco, who he retired from the Army. Rest in peace, Duco.

Main Takeaways

82nd Airborne
Special Forces
Dealing with loss
13 combat deployments
Falling out of a helicopter in combat
K9s saving lives on the battlefield
Advice to active military

All of Rick's links for social media and his podcast can be found on his website:

https://www.warhogg.com

This episode is sponsored by 4 Patriots, a survival food company. You can visit ⁠⁠www.4patriots.com⁠⁠ and use the code RECON for 10% off

Connect With John Hendricks

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GRP 177-The Recruiter: My Conversation With Douglas London A 34 Year Veteran of The CIA

April 5, 2023

You can access the full episode below, or on Apple Podcast (Apple users), or Spotify(Android users). Be sure to like, share, subscribe, and download the episodes. Thank you.

We hear from a former CIA officer, Douglas London, who spent over 30 years working for the organization. London's growing up in the Bronx, gave him the street smarts necessary for specific roles in the government. We learn about the rigorous training pipeline for case officers and how the agency shifted focus after 9/11. London provides fascinating insights into the internal workings of the CIA, the sacrifices made by its officers, and the challenges and adversities they face in their work. We also discussed the emerging importance of OSINT. This podcast offers a glimpse into the world of intelligence and espionage, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in national security and the role of covert operations in America's foreign policy.

Main Takeaways

Growing up in the Bronx
Joining the Marine Corps
Becoming a CIA Officer
OSINT
Havana Syndrome
China
Russia

Get your copy of Douglas London's book:

The Recruiter

Follow Douglas on Twitter

@douglaslondon5

This episode is sponsored by 4 Patriots, a survival food company. You can visit ⁠⁠www.4patriots.com⁠⁠ and use the code RECON for 10% off

Connect With John Hendricks

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GRP 176-It is better to be on the move than being still: A Conversation with Sandra Eira A Sami Native At War In Ukraine

March 29, 2023

You can access the full episode on Apple Podcast (Apple users), or Spotify, and Anchor (Android users). Be sure to like, share, subscribe, and download the episodes. Thank you.

Sandra Eira, a Norweigan Sami native and volunteer of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, is my guest for this week's podcast. She worked as a fisherman in the Barents Sea for ten years which is among the most dangerous professions in the world, before serving on the Sami Parliament in northern Norway. During her four years in the Parliament, she studied for a career as a health professional.

After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, she immediately traveled to Kyiv to join the fight. Upon arrival, her team was sent to Moshun to halt the Russian advance toward Kyiv. In the ensuing chaos, she was separated from her unit and believed them to be killed during the heavy fighting. This resulted in her being the only medic in a mass casualty situation. After successfully repelling the Russian advance, she reunited with her unit, and they traveled to the southern front. Her team consists of former American Special Operators giving them a wide range of skills and allowing them to rotate in and out of different battles. We discussed their roles, including time spent in Bakhmut, the difficulty of pausing your life to go to war, and much more. Tune in.

Main Takeaways

Sami Tribe
Working as a fisherman for ten years in the Barents Sea
Serving in the Sami Parliament for four years
Fighting in the battle of Moshun
Serving in the southern front
Serving in Bakhmut

Follow Sandra on all social platforms

@dirtydozeneira

This episode is sponsored by 4 Patriots, a survival food company. You can visit ⁠⁠www.4patriots.com⁠⁠ and use the code RECON for 10% off

Connect With John Hendricks

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GRP 175-Inside the War Against ISIS: A Soldiers Journey From The Italian Military To A Kurdish Special Unit

March 22, 2023

You can access the full episode on Apple Podcast (Apple users), or Spotify (Android users). Be sure to like, share, subscribe, and download the episodes. Thank you.

This episode has been published and can be heard everywhere your podcast is available.

GRP 175-Inside the War Against ISIS: A Soldiers Journey From The Italian Military To A Kurdish Special Unit

We hear from Alex Pineschi, a veteran of the Italian Mountain Troop who served a Kurdish Special Unit and spent five years fighting ISIS in Iraq. Pineschi worked counter-piracy operations in Africa as a security contractor before traveling to Iraq to help train troops in their fight against ISIS. He would eventually join a newly formed Special Operations unit and participate in several major battles, including the first phase to retake Mosul. This podcast provides a unique and insightful perspective on the ongoing fight against terrorism as an ideology. Pineschi owns a tactical training company and runs courses in Northern Italy and Switzerland.

We discussed western volunteers joining the war against ISIS and going to fight in Ukraine. We also talked about Alex's difficult transition back into Italian society and much more. Tune in.

Main Takeaways

Italian Military
Working counter-piracy
Training Kurds in Iraq
Joining a Special unit
War Tourist
The ideology of terrorism
Transition back into society

Get a copy of Alex Pineschi's book, visit his website, and follow his social media:

⁠⁠PESHMERGA: FACING DEATH - The First-Hand account of the Italian volunteer that fought ISIS⁠⁠

⁠www.APTAC.it⁠

⁠Instagram⁠

This episode is sponsored by 4 Patriots, a survival food company. You can visit ⁠⁠www.4patriots.com⁠⁠ and use the code RECON for 10% off

Connect With John Hendricks

Music provided by Caspian:

⁠⁠www.caspian.band⁠