Global Recon

GRP 109-I had the honor of having on Master Sergeant Changiz Lahidji. MSG Lahidji served on a Special Forces A-Team for 24 years. He was born in Iran and served in the Iranian Special Forces before immigrating to America. Changiz is a soldier at heart and wanted to serve his country. He joined the Army in 1978 and went on to become the first Muslim Green Beret in American history. Changiz was in a unique position to work special undercover assignments. He went undercover in Iran during the 1979 hostage crisis to spy on Iranian soldiers guarding the U.S. Embassy where Americans were being held, hostage. MSG Lahidji found himself in Afghanistan training the Afghani Mujahideen to fight against the Russian’s during the 1980’s. We talked about his role working undercover in New York City gathering intelligence on Omar Abdel-Rahman was also known as “The Blind Sheikh” an Egyptian born extremist who was connected to the 1993 World Trade Center Bombers. Changiz spent time in Afghanistan after 2001, as well as Ira

GRP 108-We have some great guest on for this episode. Back on the podcast is retired Navy SEAL Boyd Renner. Boyd served for 28 years in the Navy all of that as a Navy SEAL. With 23 years spent at Naval Special Warfare Development Group. Bob joined us as well and Bob served for 16 years as a Royal Marine in the British military. He spent the majority of his time deployed in combat before he was medically retired. Boyd and Bob shared some stories of their time in the service which can be hilariously funny or life changing events. We talked about Boyd getting his first tattoo with his wife’s DNA encapsulated into it via his company Everence. We discussed approaching and dealing with difficult situations in life, the meaning of tattoo’s, and many other topics. Enjoy. 0:00-Intro 4:09-Boyd’s first tattoo and military background. 6:06-Bob’s military career in the British Royal Marines 19:12-Running a protection detail for General Stanley McChrystal 43:40-Tattoos 1:04:40-Combat Story This episode is spon

GRP 107- Joining us for this week’s podcast is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and the United States Navy SEALs. Eddie Penney began his military career as a Marine. After his first contract was up he enlisted into the Navy and began the grueling process to become a Navy SEAL. Eddie served multiple tours of duty as a SEAL before joining Naval Special Warfare Development Group which is better known as SEAL Team 6. Penney shared his experiences in BUDs with us. We talked about deploying into combat and having the mindset required to serve as an operator over several years of warfighting. We talked about the “Contingent Group” which is a security company that offers a wide variety of security services that Eddie has started since leaving the Navy. Enjoy. 0:00-Intro 4:20-Becoming a United States Marine. Becoming a Navy SEAL. 16:05-Naval Special Warfare Development Group. 34:00- “I either want to die in combat, doing my job right now, or live till I’m 98 years old and see my great, great grand kids,” on

GRP 106-One Time Every Time: Trials and Tribulations of a Navy SEAL at War Chantel Taylor is back on the podcast co-hosting for this episode. We have a special guest on with us “Turbo” who is a retired Navy SEAL. Turbo served as a SEAL for a number of years. After 9/11 he became the second amputee of the war. He couldn’t give details but he was wounded upon insertion into an area attempting to rescue Americans. He was rescued after 18 hours in -20-degree weather on a 10,000-foot mountaintop. His leg was amputated below the knee. After 9 months of rehabilitation, he rejoined his team and deployed into combat. We talked about his experiences going through BUDs (Basic Underwater Demolitions/SEAL) training. We touched on the mental and physical aspects of overcoming a difficult situation. After retiring from the Navy Turbo has done a number of events and competitions in honor of wounded and fallen warfighters all over the country. We discussed Everence and his role in it. Everence encapsulates DNA which can

GRP 105- Very special guest on with me for this week’s podcast. Retired Special Operations Sergeant Major Chris Dutch Moyer came on. SGM Moyer served in the U.S. Army for 31 years. He first served as a Tanker, an Infantrymen, and an Army Ranger, before going deeper into the Joint Special Operations Command. We talked about the mindset required to remain at the top of your game for so long. We talked about coming back from injuries as he’s gotten badly injured while training for combat.       The special operations forces are constantly training, deploying, and fighting. We talked about how the forces to some degree have burned out and how the military is getting better at mitigating the burnout. We talked about the “golden age of special operations” which refers to the last 16 plus years of war where the operators have lead the fight against America’s enemies. We discussed Africa, transnational terrorism, and the geopolitical threat posed by China. SGM Moyer shared some of the school’s and specialties he’s ha

GRP 104- This episode is co-hosted by the creator of The Veterans Project U.S. Army Veteran Tim Kolczak. Our guest for today is British Army combat veteran Geraint Jones. Gez served multiple tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq. We took a dive into what it was like serving during the height of the Iraq war in Basra where the British military was primarily operating. Basra at the time was like the wild west and Gez shares stories of his time patrolling into some of these areas as well as the complexity of dealing with very tight rules of engagement as a British warfighter. He shares some hilarious and tragic stories of life in Basra. We touched on several topics to include tourniquet use, politics in war, dealing with extreme heat while conducting operations, and searching for roadside bombs. This is a good one. 0:00-Intro 11:48-British Army Infantry 24:28-Basra, Iraq 43:07-Rules of engagement 54:30-Operating in Iraqi heat 1:00:38- “Orders Are Orders” checking for roadside bombs in Iraq 1:13:50-

GRP 103-On with me for this week’s podcast is Chief Warrant Officer (W-4), U.S. Navy, Boyd Renner. Renner served for 28 years in the Navy all of that time as a SEAL. He served for 23 years with the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU). DEVGRU is the Tier 1 counter-terrorism component of the Navy. With a total of 12 combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq Boyd has a unique perspective. We discussed his role in Operation Red Wings 2 which was the mission to locate and recover Marcus Luttrell, as well as the SEALs that were killed on the quick reaction helicopter that got shot down attempting to provide back up to Luttrell’s team. We discussed leadership, tactical medicine, the burning out of Special Operations Forces, and a new product which just released from Boyd’s company called Everence. Everence is a patented technology that allows you to add DNA from a loved one directly into any new or existing tattoo. Everence is currently being offered at a special holiday discount. You can visit the

GRP 102- On for this week’s podcast is Australian Navy Clearance Diver Paul De Gelder. Paul served in the Australian Army as a Paratrooper before transferring into the Navy to serve in the elite Navy Clearance Diver teams. While working on a counter terrorism exercise in Australia Paul was attacked by a Bull shark. The shark nearly killed him ripping off his wrist and tearing through a large portion of his right leg which was eventually amputated. Being in a really dark space Paul was struggling with basic task and overwhelming pain as a result of his injuries. We talked about what this recovery process was like and the value of the human spirit. He was able to become an instructor at the Clearance Diver school, but wasn’t allowed back into the teams. Paul now does documentary film work, and television shows with Discovery. We talked about mindset and how to overcome adversity. Powerful. 0:00-Intro 7:00- Paul’s life pre military. Australian Army Paratrooper. 11:07-East Timor. An eye opening experience.

GRP 101-On for this week's podcast is former Marine Raider Nick Koumalatsos. Nick explained his early life which was a bumpy road as he was getting in trouble prior to joining the Marine Corps. Overcoming several obstacles he made it in and began his journey. We talked about his time spent in Force Recon, and the Marine Raider Battalions. Nick shared a war story from his Force Recon days in Fallujah, Iraq running Asymmetrical operations.  We discussed transitioning out of the military, and several of the different ventures Nick has been spearheading including the Raider Project. We talked about Youtube, traveling, drone cameras and much more. Enjoy.  0:00-Intro 3:40-Nick's early life struggles. Entry into the Marine Corps. 28:08-The difference between Force Recon and the Marine Raider Battalions  33:35-Force Recon in Fallujah  47:38-Nick's transition out of the military.  Check out some links below to follow up with Nick:  USMC Prep www.usmcprep.com   Week Marine Corps Recruit Training Prep Program  

GRP 100- For the 100th episode of the Global Recon Podcast we have an extremely special episode. On with us is retired Special Missions Operator Dave Nielsen. Dave served first with the 75th Ranger Regiment and then went into a Special Missions unit as an assaulter, dog handler, and sniper. His story was featured in the HBO documentary released on the 13th of this month called "War Dogs" executive produced by actor Channing Tatum. This documentary shows the story of three dog handlers and their canine counterparts from the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). It's a raw, realistic view of what it's like going into combat with these warrior dogs and what its like post-military. Dave talked about his combat jump into Panama in 1989 as a young Ranger. He shared stories of his dog "Pepper" who was killed while rooting out an enemy from a sewer hole in Iraq on the banks of the Tigris River. They searched for her all night but had to leave once the sun was coming up as they were in enemy-held territory. We tal

GRP 99-Our guest for this weeks episode is Jason Hall. Jason wrote the screen play for "American Sniper" and is the director for "Thank You For Your Service". His latest film is based on the book of the same title written by David Finkel. It's centered around Adam Schumann a U.S. Army Combat veteran and some of the final moments of this last deployment into Iraq with a focus on his return home. This movie highlights the struggle that some combat veterans face upon returning from war not only with the physical and mental damage , but in getting help from Veterans Affairs. Jason shared a funny story about how he met Navy SEAL Sniper Chris Kyle. We talked about what it was like working behind the scenes for this film, and some of the issues that are faced by combat veterans. Enjoy.  0:00-Episode overview 3:06-Jason Hall's career in Hollywood 5:47-How Jason met Navy SEAL Sniper Chris Kyle 17:57-Entering the window of a human brain that has undergone traumatic brain injury but doing so on a massive scale. Hel

GRP 98-On for this week's podcast is retired Master at Arms Benito Olson. Benny began his career in the Navy working in Bahrain where he developed an interest in dog handling. He eventually became a dog handler and was stationed back in the states. Benny was then recruited as a dog handler into the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) to support the SEALs as their dog handler. We talked what it's like working with military dogs and then working with Special Operations dogs in the SEAL teams. Benny deployed 5 times with the Tier 1 SEALs. He was paired up with SEAL dog "Digo". He shared stories of his first deployment where they conducted direct action raids in Iraq. Two of the DEVGRU assaulters were killed on this rotation. Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Nathan H. Hardy and Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Michael E. Koch. Benny shares the story of when he was severely wounded conducting a raid where they got into a brief gunfight killing two enemy fighters. Benny moved in

GRP 97- “Thank You for Your Service” written and directed by “American Sniper” screenwriter Jason Hall depicts Adam Schumann (played by Miles Teller) and other, real-life soldiers with the 1st Infantry Division. The movie, opening Friday, portrays their struggles with traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and suicidal thoughts following their return from Iraq to Fort Riley, Kansas. We have Schumann on for this episode to discuss his career in the Army as well as some of the challenges he’s faced over his 34 months on the ground in Iraq. We talked about PTSD and brain injuries. This is an incredible movie that I had the opportunity to attend an early screening back in August. I was literally gripping the edge of my seat. It’s very emotional. Enjoy. 0:00-Episode overview 1:08-Retired four-star general and former Secretary of State Colin Powell on Leadership 5:18-Introduction to Adam Schumann. Three combat deployments into Iraq for a total of 34 months of time on the ground.

GRP 96-Corporal Cameron Baird is one of Australia’s most highly decorated warriors. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions in leading a team of Australian Commando’s assaulting an enemy strong hold on June 22, 2013 in Afghanistan. Author Ben Mckelvey just published the book “The Commando: The life and death of Cameron Baird”. I have Ben on for this podcast alongside former Australian Special Forces operator Eddie Robinson. Cam and Eddie were best friends having grown up in Special Forces together. We talked about the process of writing the book, and Ben sitting down with Cameron’s wonderful parents Doug, and Kaye Baird. Ben and Eddie shared some details from the book and it really gives some insight into a man like Cam who not only was a remarkable warrior, but was also a deep thinker with interest in philosophy and history. Eddie shares a story of a time when they were on patrol in Afghanistan and the children of this particular village were running alongside the vehicle’s probabl

GRP 95- We know you’ve all been anticipating part two of the conversation we had with Mark Donaldson. Mark is a veteran of the Australian Special Air Service Regiment and recipient of the Victoria Cross. The VC is Australia’s highest award given for valor in combat. In this segment Mark talks about running operations with U.S Army Special Forces Green Berets in Afghanistan. It was on one of these operations in which the battle took place where Mark went above and beyond the call of duty. Mark walks us through that operation in vivid detail. The most important piece of this conversation is when Mark gives us the reality of it all when saying yes, he’s been celebrated for his actions that day, but for many it was the worst day of their lives. There are second and third effects for the family and friends of the warriors who were wounded, or killed during the chaos and confusion of that battle. It wasn’t said to dampen our moods, but to add perspective to what is generally looked at as something glamorous. 0:0

GRP 94-It’s a great honor to have United States Marine Corps Major Scott Huesing on the podcast. Major Huesing served for 24 years with 10 deployments conducting operations in over 60 countries worldwide. He’s the author of the upcoming book “Echo in Ramadi”. Now Major Scott A. Huesing, the commander who led Echo Company through Ramadi, takes readers back to the streets of Ramadi in a visceral, gripping portrayal of modern urban combat. Bound together by brotherhood, honor, and the horror they faced, Echo's Marines battled day-to-day on the frontline of a totally different kind of war, without rules, built on chaos. In Echo in Ramadi, Huesing brings these resilient, resolute young men to life and shows how the savagery of urban combat left indelible scars on their bodies, psyches, and souls. We discussed Transnational terrorism, Ramadi, Leadership in combat and Gold Star families. 0:00-Episode overview 2:17-Conflict in Africa, transnational terrorism 11:29-Ramadi, Iraq 18:07-Leading Marines in combat,

GRP 93- It’s with great reverence that I introduce our guest for this week’s podcast. Mark Donaldson is a retired Australian Special Air Service Regiment trooper and recipient of the Victoria Cross. The Victoria Cross is Australia’s highest award for most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valor or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy. It’s the Australian equivalent to our Medal of Honor. We discussed Mark’s early life and motivation for joining the Army as he experienced a traumatic event with the loss of his mother at the age of 19. We discussed how one can turn a tragic event into a motivating force. We discussed the mindset required to train for and get selected into a Special Operations unit like the SAS, and how that same mindset can help surmount obstacles in life. We discussed leadership, the bottom-up approach, and the changing strategy and role for western forces in Afghanistan. This is part one of the interview. The second part will be re

GRP 92- We’d like to send our condolences out to the family and friends of everyone affected by the horrific attack in Las Vegas. We’d want to withhold any commentary, or analysis until the facts from the official investigation come out. Chantel Taylor is back on the podcast. We touched on a variety of different topics to include situational awareness, the attack in Marseilles, France, and the refugee situation in Europe among many other subjects. We’ll play the second half of the discussion where retired Green Beret HP Lefler and I went over the book “Five Years to Freedom” written by Army Colonel Nick Rowe. Colonel Rowe was captured in 1963 in Vietnam. 0:00- Episode overview 3:11:00-Attack in Marseilles, France. Situational Awareness. 9:11:00- Refugees in Europe. 16:55:00-SERE training in the U.K. 22:33:00-Modern Warfare compared to the great wars. Rules of engagement. 31:06:00- “Out of the frying pan into the fire”, Che Guevara You can purchase a copy of "Five Years to Freedom" here: www.amazon

GRP 90-Co-hosting for this episode is retired Green Beret HP Lefler. Lef spent time as an instructor at the Army’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) school. SERE is a program, best known by its military acronym, that provides high-risk personnel such as Special Operations Forces, and aircrews techniques and principles to be followed if captured by the enemy. We went over the book “Five Years to Freedom” written by Army Colonel Nick Rowe. Colonel Rowe was captured in 1963 in Vietnam. At the time of his capture, he was a Special Forces Officer working as an advisor to the South Vietnamese Forces. Prior to 1965 when large numbers of American combat troops were sent to Vietnam, only small numbers of Special Forces advisors and support personnel were in theatre. Rowe was captured alongside Medal of Honor Recipient Captain Humbert “Rocky” Versace, and Sergeant Dan Pitzer. Rowe is one of 34 American prisoners to escape captivity during the Vietnam war and went on to design the Army’s SERE program.

GRP 90-Co-hosting for this week’s podcast is U.S. Army Special Forces veteran HP Lefler. For this episode we decided to come up with some tips and ideas on how to plan for a trip into a place like Egypt. As Americans, or Westerners traveling into a country in North Africa it can be exciting and dangerous. The tips and ideas we give you are to help mitigate some of those risk. Last week there was a training accident at the Special Forces Qualification Course in which 1 student was killed, and several other people were injured. We’d like to send our condolences out to the family and friends of 32-year-old Staff Sgt. Alexander Dalida of Dunstable, Massachusetts. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation. We talked about the dangers of training for war in the Special Operations, Combat Arms, and support for Combat Arms in the military really is. There was a terrorist attack in London a few days ago with the terrorist constructing a poorly put together device which partially detonated woundi