Global Recon

GRP 49- We have a very special episode for you guys today. Co-hosting this episode with me is Chantel Taylor. Chantel is a British Army veteran where she served for 12 years as a Combat Medic with multiple deployments and was involved in some heavy fighting in southern Afghanistan. Our special guest for this episode is Navy SEAL veteran Ray Mendoza, and Army Ranger Mike Baumgarten. Ray served for over 16 years 13 of those were as a SEAL, and Mike served for 10 years all with Ranger Regiment and has 10 combat deployments. Ray and Mike are producers for a show airing this veteran’s day on the History channel called "The Warfighters". Since 2001, the Army Rangers, the Navy Seals and the Green Berets have been fighting the War on Terror. It remains the longest war in American history. For the past 15 years, they have been at the tip of the spear, honorably risking their lives for their country and one another. “The Warfighters” is a harrowing and impactful portrayal of the triumphs and sacrifices the United Sta

GRP 48- Rest in Peace to Army Special Forces Staff Sgt. Adam S. Thomas, 31, was killed by an improvised explosive device while on foot during an operation against the Islamic State in eastern Afghanistan, defense officials said. I'd like to have everyone send prayers and positive energy to retired Special Missions Unit Major, and author of "Kill Bin Laden" Dalton Fury. The Major is battling through a tough situation and we want him and his family to know that we support him. Back on the podcast is Dan, the owner of Combat Flags. James a Marine Corps Combat Veteran of Iraq, and Mike a Special Forces Green Beret and veteran of Afghanistan and Iraq. We discuss Combat Flags, the careers of James, and Mike during and post-military. Mike works for an organization that fights child sexual exploitation, and James is a full-time Firefighter. We talk combat, PTSD, military specialties, and helping war fighters when they come home. Below is an excerpt from the episode. John: James can you talk about your experiences

GRP 47-Co hosting for this episode is retired Army veteran, Nick Betts. I interviewed Stu Pearson a retired British Army soldier who served for 20 years with 3 Para. The Parachute Regiment is an elite British Infantry Battalion that has been deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. Stu was on a rotation to Southern Afghanistan and was tasked with protecting the Kajaki Dam which provided power to a large number of people in the region. A Para sniper saw enemy activity that was out of effective targeting range so they planned to move to a concealed position closer to the enemy. En route to this position the sniper who was leading the movement stepped on a landmine. They'd walked right into a minefield. The Para's quickly stabilized him. They'd chosen flat ground not far so the MEDEVAC helicopter could extract the Para Trooper. While clearing the path Stu Pearson stepped on a landmine. Seven men were seriously wounded at Kajaki. Three of them lost legs, while Corporal Mark Wright, of the 3rd Battalion, The Parachu

GRP 46-First and foremost I want to send my deepest condolence's to the family of FDNY Battalion Chief Michael J. Fahy who was killed in the Bronx, New York today. Chief Fahy died responding to a reported gas leak from a house which subsequently exploded killing the Battalion Chief and wounding several others. He served for 17 years and was considered to be a rising star within the Fire Department. At the end of the episode, I added some audio as a small tribute. On for this episode is retired 3/75 Army Ranger Medic, and author Leo Jenkins. Leo served with Ranger Battalion for several deployments and played a role in the rescue and recovery effort of the fallen SEALs from the ill-fated Operation Red Wings. We discuss Leo's current lifestyle as a modern day nomad who travels from country to country mixing it up with the locals. It's a lifestyle and way of thinking Leo's embraced that really helped him deal with his post-military struggles. We discuss his involvement with a unique organization called The Team

GRP 45-My guest on for this episode is retired Green Beret Medic Sergeant First Class Michael Rodriguez. Michael spent 21 years in the US Army with his first deployment to Somalia with the 10th Mountain Divison, to his last deployment to Afghanistan with the 7th Special Forces Group. We discuss Special Operations medicine, the advances in technology as a result of war. First Sergeant Rodriguez was medically retired due to sustaining several TBI's (Traumatic Brain Injury) from IEDs. He sits on President George W. Bush's Military Service Initiative Advisory Council which engages in a wide range of activities that support veterans. Last but not least he's the Cheif Ambassador at the Green Beret Foundation. Below is an excerpt from the episode: John: Now for the Special Operations medical course the individuals going through are Rangers, SEALs, or Green Berets it's a course that all SOF attends. Was it like that during those days? Sergeant First Class Rodriguez: It was. The way it was when I went through it w

GRP 44-9/11’s Fifteen Year Anniversary, Major Rusty Bradley, Counterinsurgency by Global Recon

GRP 43- For this episode I had two different conversations with two very interesting individuals. The first conversation is with former British Army Combat Medic Chantelle Taylor. A former Combat Medic she had a remarkable career in the British Army. Renowned for being the first British female soldier in history to engage and kill an enemy combatant at close quarters, she was the lead medic supporting an infantry fighting company during prolonged combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Chantelle is the director of tactical medicine within Spectre International/FVEY Group. She is an ambassador for GBV UNCOVERED an international online think tank dedicated to improving the medical and psychological care available to the survivors of sexual gender-based violence [GBV] in the world's conflict regions. Taylor transitioned into diplomatic security and for a further four years she undertook the role of primary protection officer for the Australian Ambassador to Iraq. Currently she specializes in the pro

GRP 42-On this episode I have former Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) solider Wes Kennedy. CSOR traces its unit’s roots to the first American, Canadian Special Operations unit which was a joint unit called the “1st Special Service Force”. Wes is the author of “Sports Vision Training for Shooting Performance”. We talk a little about the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM). We talk fitness, and mindset. Wes runs a company that helps prepare military athletes for the rigorous Special Operations selection programs across the globe. An article has come out recently written by Sean Naylor in the New York Times where the Airforce has developed some new technology to help them clean up old drone footage. During Operation Anaconda special reconnaissance units were tasked with heading up into the mountains, and identifying enemy fighting positons in order to call in air support. A highly respected Navy SEAL operator is being bashed on social media because the Airforce is claimin

GRP 41-On for this episode is former US Navy SEAL Corpsman, and Sniper Kevin Lacz. Kevin is the author of the New York Times best selling book The Last Punisher: A SEAL Team THREE Sniper's True Account of the Battle of Ramadi. Kevin was apart of a Sniper element with US Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. We talked about what its like going through BUDS which is the selection course for Navy SEALs. We talk Ramadi, mindset, SOF Medics, and some history. Below is an excerpt from our conversation. John Hendricks: The book is basically about your experience during a rotation to Ramadi. The insurgency moved from Fallujah to Ramadi. A very dangerous place. You were deployed with Chris Kyle, and he was a close friend of yours. Kevin Lacz: That 2006 deployment was the most pronounced out of my deployments. You’re right Ramadi at that point in time was kind of the epicenter of the insurgency in Iraq. It was also primed to be the template for the surge. We deployed in April 06 in support of the the 1st, the 502nd, the 36, 38 Mar

GRP 40- Dan, the owner of Combat Flags, and US Army veteran joined me for our 40th episode. We discuss the role of a PYSOP (Physiological Operations) Solider, OEF-P, and his company Combat Flags. Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines is a lesser known campaign to rid the Philippine’s of Islamic terror groups. We discuss the situation there, and what the Pilipino government is doing to counter the threat. Dan’s company Combat Flags, create these beautiful American flags put together using the uniforms of veterans from all branches. It’s really awesome work, and Combat Flags donates half of the money to Stop Solider Suicide. Below is an excerpt from the episode. John Hendricks: During the height of the Iraq war, now in Syria, and Iraq people who are critical of the war efforts would say things like we’re out there fighting farmers, and things like that. Which is very far from the truth. Apart of the truth is what removing Saddam from power was lifting that stringent, and strict security measures that kept ou

GRP 39- On for this episode are two guest who I had two different conversations with. The first guest is SGT Bryce Mahoney. SGT Mahoney served from 2001 until 2007. He served with the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, and E. Co 51st Infantry LRS (Long Range Surveillance). SGT Mahoney holds a Purple Belt in Royce Gracie BJJ, and is a father of 3. We discuss combative systems, his time deployed in combat, and a little politics. The second conversation I had is with Sikh Major Kamal Kalsi. Major Kalsi is a doctor, and entered the Army via a health Professions Scholarship Program. He comes from a long line of military service with members of his family serving in the Indian, British, and American militaries. Sikh’s have a strong warrior ethos’s, and history as warriors fighting oppression in they’re history. Below is an excerpt from my conversation with SGT Mahoney. John Hendricks: Can you share a war story, or something that stood out to you during your time in the military? Bryce Mahoney: Sound, and tr

GRP 38- On this episode I have the privilege of having a conversation with retired Special Forces soldier turned professional football player Nate Boyer. Nate served this country for 10 years. All of his time in the military was spent as a Green Beret on active duty, and then in a National Guard Special Forces unit. Nate’s story is truly inspirational, and he continues to serve his fellow veterans by contributing to veteran programs, and initiatives which are absolutely awesome. Below is an excerpt from the episode: John Hendricks: Nate, lets talk about what you were doing before the Army, and then what led you into the Army. Nate Boyer: I didn’t understand much about service, and sacrifice. I went over to Darfur on the boarder of Sudan, and Chad in sub-Saharan Africa. I did some relief work over there for a couple of months. It was over there that I gained my sense of patriotism. I became very proud of what we had here. I gained some perspective on what its like in the world. When I came back I had this f

GRP 37-On this episode we have three guys back on the show. G from Zulu Foxtrot. G is a Marine combat veteran with rotations to Fallujah, and Ramadi in Iraq during some of the worst fighting. Jason Economos is a MACV-SOG unit historian, and the author of an excellent novel on SOG called “Gentle Propositions”. Back on is a Global Recon fave Mike Stahl who is from the first generation of Special Forces Green Berets. Mike served in Vietnam on a Special Forces A-Team, and went on to become a team leader in the ultra secret MACV-SOG recon teams. Below is an excerpt from the episode: G: The idea, or concept of SOG, did that start from the military itself? Or was that the politicians saying we have an issue and we need to deal with it? Mike Stahl: “Well G, you got to go back to the “Bay of Pigs” when the CIA screwed up that, and they decided to turn all active military operations over to the military. Then you’ve got Kennedy giving us the Green Beret, and giving us that mission. It came out as a need, even though

GRP 36-On this episode I have Tu Lam ret Special Forces SGM, and owner of Ronin Tactics back on the show. Tu is a martial artist, hand to hand combat instructor, and a blade expert. We are hosting ringed blade seminars here in New York City the first weekend of August. Sat August 6th will be held at Cross Fit Giant in Edgewater NJ. We’re hosting two sessions per day. The first will be from 1-4 pm, and the second from 5-8 pm. Day 2 will be held at Brooklyn Athletic Club in Williamsburg Brooklyn same time slots. On this episode we discuss some of the methodology, and how Tu has evolved as a martial artist during his 22-year career as an operator. Below is an excerpt form the episode John Hendricks: When you talk about training the blurred area’s and I was out in Colorado I saw the way you were flowing, and I noticed you have the same philosophy for handling a pistol, handling a rifle, handling a blade. Is that a similar philosophy without giving away too much information, if your entering a room you have you

GRP 35-On this episode I have Nick Betts the owner of Krupto Strategic back on the show. Nick is an 8-year Army Sniper/Reconnaissance veteran with multiple deployments. We discuss the fact that the media mislabeled the Dallas shooter a sniper. We feel that the media fan’s the flames of this race issue, by not reporting honestly and giving a full picture of what’s going on. Nick shares a war story from a deployment to Ramadi, Iraq when he was working with US Navy SEALs. Below is an excerpt. Nick Betts: Ramadi, 2006. We were working with the SEAL teams. My team was staying at this little outpost in the middle of the city called “Eagles Nest”. The SEALs called up our TOC (Tactical Operations Center), and let us know that they were running operations in our A0 (Area of Operations). The SEALs inserted at 4AM they get up on the roof, and once the sun came up because they were in this specific sector anybody with a gun was getting shot. They were pretty much up there for terrorist elimination. As soon as the sun w

GRP 34-On this episode I conducted two interviews. The first is with T a Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman (SARC) in the Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC). T spent a number of years in the US Navy attached to MARSOC, and we were able to discuss some aspects of trauma medicine. T is apart of a company called Cro Medical Gear which is owned and operated by SARC’s. They are working on developing a product line of medical gear for the advanced care provider initially, and then will release products for civilians as well. The Second interview was with 3 former Army Rangers from the 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment who run a podcast called The Choke Point. Chance Davis SSG Former Ranger Medic, James Webb SGT Ranger Retired, and Paul Martinez SSG Ranger Retired. These guys are awesome indivus who’ve overcome many obstacles, and who stay busying farming, and working with other veterans. They’ve got books in the works, and are forming an organization to help veterans in need. Below is an

GRP 33-On this episode we have Jay Paisley back on the show. Jay served for 20 years in the US Army with 15 of those years in Special Forces. He was an 18 Delta Special Forces Medic with the 5th Special Forces Group, and went on to serve as a medic in a Special Missions Unit. We discuss the responses to mass shootings on the first responders side of the house. In some detail that most people aren’t discussing, and bring to light some ideas that are certainly worth exploring as a nation when it comes to trauma medicine. Wouldn’t it make sense for High Schools to teach students over the course of 4 years how to deal with basic trauma using tourniquets, and other devices? Below is an excerpt from our conversation: John Hendricks: The military in the last 15 years of constant deployments either to Iraq, Afghanistan, or elsewhere have dealt with mass casualty events. Guys are wounded from gunfights, stepping on mines and IED’s, and things like that. From what I understand, and I’m not 100 percent sure on the ex

GRP 32- On this episode we have Chuck Ritter back on the show. Chuck is the First Sergeant at the Special Forces Senior Leader Course at Fort Bragg. On for the first time are Atomic Athlete Owner’s Jake Saenz - Former Ranger Regiment Team Leader, Founder of Atomic Athlete, and Jordan Smothermon - former naval nuclear operator who’s been professionally coaching for 4 years. Ronin Tactics is coming to NYC!!! (6-7 AUG 2016) Classes are open to everyone. Two Days Ronin Tactics “Ring Blade” Seminar that will build on each session. We will be hosting a two 3 hrs seminar per day for two days. First session- Body movement, empty hands, centerline and off-center line blade and saber blade attacks. Second session- Trapping, Foot Movement, Control over Opponent, Pick and reinforce pick attacks. The links to purchase your slot, and for full details will be listed at the bottom of this page. Here is an excerpt from the episode. John Hendricks: That’s an interesting point you’ve made about having the right mindset with

GRP 31- On this episode myself, and Major Rusty Bradley (ret) discuss the attack in Orlando, as well as some solutions for dealing with this threat of Global Terrorism. On the show for the first time are my friends from Agilite Tactical a company comprised of former Israeli commando’s who create innovative new gear used by the IDF, and Special Op’s units around the globe. Special Coupon Code for Global Recon followers: GlobalRecon10   This gets followers 10% off their whole purchase through June 21st. So be sure to check out www.agilitegear.com and use the coupon GlobalRecon10 for a 10 percent discount off your entire purchase. Below is an excerpt from the episode. John Hendricks: Ellie you served during the second Intifada what exactly was that for people who won’t know? Ellie Isaacson: The second Intifada was a period between the end of 2000 to 2003. It started off with a series of terrorist attacks, and had gotten to a stage where it was literally daily suicide bombings, daily shootings. I joined up in

GRP 30- On the 30th episode of the Global Recon Podcast, I’ve had the honor of having on Retired Special Forces Major Rusty Bradley. MAJ Rusty Bradley served 21 years in the US Army and US Special Forces. He was recently medically retirement for wounds received in combat. He is the author of the bestselling book “Lions of Kandahar” and has been published in Time magazine, Soldier of Fortune, Veritas, War on the Rocks and numerous other publications and blogs. He has earned 4 Valor awards from 3 different countries. Major Bradley is one of only 40 US service members in the history of the US military to receive the Medal of Valor from the Canadian Prime Minister. Myself, and John Lovell discuss the Invasion of Normandy, and of the Army Rangers who scaled the 100ft cliffs at Pointe Du Hoc, under withering enemy gunfire, and were able to complete their objective of clearing out enemy fighting positions along the top of the cliff. Below is an excerpt from the interview with Major Bradley. John Hendricks: You go