171 episodes

Real combat stories from the military's elite. This podcast highlights the courageous, outrageous, crazy, and surreal experiences veterans recall from their toughest days in the foxhole, cockpit, and front lines. We interview JTACs, Special Operators (Delta), Special Forces, Jet Pilots, Combat Aviators, Infrantrymen, Marines, and vets from over 50 years of combat experience.Interviews touch on the toughest missions these vets faced, how they handled them, their first combat experiences, how they found their way to the military, and how they managed after leaving the combat behind.

Combat Story Ryan Fugit

    • History
    • 4.8 • 1.1K Ratings

Real combat stories from the military's elite. This podcast highlights the courageous, outrageous, crazy, and surreal experiences veterans recall from their toughest days in the foxhole, cockpit, and front lines. We interview JTACs, Special Operators (Delta), Special Forces, Jet Pilots, Combat Aviators, Infrantrymen, Marines, and vets from over 50 years of combat experience.Interviews touch on the toughest missions these vets faced, how they handled them, their first combat experiences, how they found their way to the military, and how they managed after leaving the combat behind.

    F-15E Weapons System Officer from Marine Helo Mechanic | Mike “Pako” Benitez (Round 1)

    F-15E Weapons System Officer from Marine Helo Mechanic | Mike “Pako” Benitez (Round 1)

    Today we hear Round 1 of a two part Combat Story with former F-15E Strike Eagle Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) Mike “Pako” Benitez. In this episode, we follow Mike’s very unlikely path to the cockpit that begins with a career in the Marine Corps as a helicopter mechanic and aircrew member in the very first push into Afghanistan to fighting in Iraq during Fallujah II.
    Mike’s path is anything but direct as he found his way to becoming an expert tactician and aviator in the F-15E. Since retiring, Mike has gone on to create The Merge (themerge.co) newsletter - which has 20K subscribers - and podcast - which has 40 episodes as of this airing. The Merge brings defense and tech news and insights in a more lighthearted and interesting approach that I’m confident most listeners of Combat Story will appreciate!
    We only found Pako thanks to former guest Ryan “Stinger” Fishel who was a beneficiary of the tough love and tutelage of Pako (Stinger mentions a crusty older Weapons Officer during his interview who made Stinger look info up as opposed to handing it to him - that was Pako). Stay tuned for a follow-on episode after Rounds 1 and 2 with Pako to hear both Pako and Tom “Gunny” Moser be interviewed together about their experiences in Afghanistan and Syria leading units together.
    Join hundreds of others with our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan each week about the show, life, and the military.
    This episode was sponsored by HelloFresh! Go to www.HelloFresh.com/combatstoryfree and use code combatstoryfree for FREE breakfast for life!
    Thanks to our sponsor, Mint Mobile. To get the new customer offer and your new 3-month unlimited wireless plan for just $15 a month, go to www.mintmobile.com/combatstory. Additional taxes, fees, & restrictions apply. 
    🔗 Find Mike Online:
    - The Merge https://themerge.co/
    - The Merge Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheMergeMedia
    🔗 Find Ryan Online:
    - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory
    - Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats...
    - Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory
    - Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial
    - Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial
    - Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus
    - Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
    Join hundreds of others with our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan each week about the show, life, and the military.
    👇 Show Notes:
    00:00 - Introduction
    00:52 - Guest Profile: Mike Benitez
    02:13 - Start of Interview
    02:37 - PAKO Callsign
    07:45 - Finding Aviation
    10:03 - Family Military Background
    11:17 - Recruitment
    13:43 - Bootcamp
    21:29 - Time in Marines
    23:43 - 9/11
    33:23 - Hello Fresh Ad
    34:37 - Time As A Mechanic
    40:15 - First Raid Outside the Wire
    50:25 - Reenlistment to Weapons Officer
    01:06:30 - Mint Mobile Ad
    01:07:51 - Transition From Marines to Air Force
    01:11:12 - Path to Strike Eagle
    10:18:24 - Welcome to First Air Force Unit
    01:20:00 - First Operational Squadrant
    01:39:07 - First Danger Close
    01:42:02 - First Fatality
    01:42:03 - Listener Feedback

    • 1 hr 43 min
    Inside Look at The Unit (not Delta Force) from Operator Adam Gomal | Getting Shot | Taking Out HVTs

    Inside Look at The Unit (not Delta Force) from Operator Adam Gomal | Getting Shot | Taking Out HVTs

    Today we have an amazing Combat Story with someone from the very elite Special Missions Unit community who was part of an organization still referred to only as The Unit for operational security purposes: Adam Gomal. Not to be confused with Delta Force (which is also often referred to as The Unit), this SMU blended intel and special operations in combat and non-combat theaters and remains highly secretive and rightly so.
    Adam recently wrote a fantastic book - the first about this organization - titled “The Unit: My Life Fighting Terrorists as One of America’s Most Secretive Military Operatives” that details the experiences of someone operating in this shadowy, kinetic, and clandestine world so other fellow unit operators would have something they can point much the way DEVGRU and Delta can explain the great work they did by referencing other excellent books written about those experiences.
    Since the work remains so secretive, however, you’ll notice we’ve implemented some controls to protect Adam’s identity, including not clearly showing his face on camera and distorting his voice. We are able to vouch for Adam’s experience thanks to previous guests who know him personally and worked with him directly. Additionally, Adam’s book went through the lengthy publication review process with DoD, indicating his story is, in fact, legitimate.
    With that, please enjoy this amazing story from an epic and unlikely upbringing in Egypt to being ambushed downrange, shot in the stomach, surveilling HVTs, and delivering missile strikes that have a 90 minute time of flight, and more from one of the very, very few cleared to talk about their experiences.
    Join hundreds of others with our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan each week about the show, life, and the military.
    Thanks to our sponsor, Mint Mobile. To get the new customer offer and your new 3-month unlimited wireless plan for just $15 a month, go to www.mintmobile.com/combatstory. Additional taxes, fees, & restrictions apply. 
    🔗 Find Adam Online:
    - The Unit: My Life Fighting Terrorists as One of America's Most Secret Military Operatives
    https://www.amazon.com/Unit-Inside-Americas-Secret-Military-ebook/dp/B09Y457JN5
    🔗 Find Ryan Online:
    - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory
    - Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats...
    - Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory
    - Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial
    - Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial
    - Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus
    - Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
    Join hundreds of others with our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan each week about the show, life, and the military.
    👇 Show Notes:
    00:00 - Intro
    08:36 - Connecting with Foreign Fighter Through Interrogation
    16:26 - The American Dream: Coming to America with $500 and no English
    36:04 - Mint Mobile Ad
    59:59 - First deployment
    01:05:15 - Close calls in an Arms Market
    01:09:50 - Getting shot downrange and fighting your way out
    01:24:16 - Deciding to stay in or get out after being shot
    01:26:22 - Hostile counterintelligence environment and Embassy attack
    01:31:07 - Tracking down a high value target and delivering a TLAM
    01:46:15 - The Operator Syndrome
    01:54:42  - Listener Feedback

    • 1 hr 57 min
    Dropping Danger Close with F-15E Strike Eagle Fighter Pilot Tom Moser (Round 2)

    Dropping Danger Close with F-15E Strike Eagle Fighter Pilot Tom Moser (Round 2)

    Today we hear round two of our two-part Combat Story from seasoned F-15E Strike Eagle fighter pilot Tom “Gunny” Moser. Moser would go on to be a Weapons Fighter School graduate (the Air Force’s Top Gun), in addition to a Squadron and Wing Weapons Officer, and Squadron Commander. 
    In this episode, we dig into several combat experiences from the F-15’s front seat and what makes this aircraft so lethal. This includes the very first strikes into Syria in 2014 taking on ISIS where Gunny helped plan these missions and lead some of the first attacks into theater.  
    If you didn’t hear round one with Gunny, he’s finally made it to his Squadron after three years as a Marine infantryman (hence the call sign!) and a stint as a Police Officer (something he loved). He’s got an incredibly supportive spouse who told him to not come home if he didn’t get F-15s because there are only winners in their house!!
    Gunny is good friends with both former guest Ryan “Stinger” Fishel and our next guest coming in one week - Mike “Pako” Benitez - another F-15E Strike Eagle aviator. Stay tuned after our interviews with Pako to hear Gunny and Pako interviewed together about their time downrange as a front seater and back seater as standard bearer Weapons Officers!
    Join hundreds of others with our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan each week about the show, life, and the military.
    🔗 Find Ryan Online:
    - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory
    - Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats...
    - Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory
    - Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial
    - Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial
    - Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus
    - Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
    Join hundreds of others with our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan each week about the show, life, and the military.
    👇 Show Notes:
    00:00 - Introduction
    00:55 - Guest Profile: Tom Moser
    02:17 - Start of Interview
    03:10 - After Mission Debrief
    06:06 - '07 Deployment
    20:25 - Providing Cover for Marines on the Ground
    25:54 - Home Life
    29:24 - '09 Deployment pt. 1
    32:20 - Verstreppo Inspiration
    37:00 - '09 Tough Missions
    51:34 - Moral After Losing A Teammate
    54:40 - The Officer's Club
    56:20 - '14 Deployment
    01:15:00 - After The Last Deployment
    01:20:50 - Cutting Edge Technology
    01:23:49 - Deciding to Retire
    01:29:04 - New Career Path
    01:31:28 - Miss Most About The Military
    01:32:03 - Most Courageous Act
    01:33:48 - Favorite Role
    01:38:42 - Sentimental Items
    01:40:38 - Would You Do It All Again?
    01:41:23 - Listener Feedback

    • 1 hr 43 min
    F-15E Fighter Pilot, Marine & Police Officer | Fighter Weapons School | Tom Moser

    F-15E Fighter Pilot, Marine & Police Officer | Fighter Weapons School | Tom Moser

    Today we hear Round 1 of a two part Combat Story from seasoned fighter pilot Tom “Gunny” Moser who flew the F-15E Strike Eagle, served as a Squadron and Wing Weapons Officer, was a Fighter Weapons School graduate (akin to the Navy’s Top Gun), commanded a Squadron, and more. 
    In this episode, we follow Gunny’s circuitous route into the military first as a Marine 0311 (Infantryman), followed by a stint as a Police Officer, followed by a very decorated career in the Air Force. 
    Since retirement, Gunny has gone on to a career flying for the commercial airlines which we should all be grateful to know that we’ve got this seasoned combat aviator at the controls on our regular domestic flights!
    Special thanks to former guest Ryan “Stinger” Fishel for helping us find Gunny!
    And with that, please enjoy this first round discussion with someone who found his way to his dream job.
    Join hundreds of others with our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan each week about the show, life, and the military.
    🔗 Find Ryan Online:
    - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory
    - Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats...
    - Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory
    - Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial
    - Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial
    - Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus
    - Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
    Join hundreds of others with our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan each week about the show, life, and the military.
    👇 Show Notes:
    00:00 - Introduction
    00:59 - Guest Profile: Tom Moser
    01:57 - Start of Interview
    02:26 - Callsign 'Gunny'
    04:02 - Growing Up
    04:55 - Path to Military
    11:26 - Love of Flying
    12:25 - Choosing Enlistment Route
    16:46 - Exiting the Marines
    20:40 - Law Enforcement Career
    23:02 - Path to Aviation
    28:52 - Law Enforcement to Pilot Experience
    31:08 - Family Life
    35:09 - Close Calls
    39:00 - Mindset during Dangerous Jobs
    41:29 - Flight School
    47:25 - Getting Assigned Strike Eagle
    51:52 - Responsibility as an Aviator
    57:40 -  Strike Eagle Mission Set
    01:02:05 - Weapon Loadout for F-15
    01:08:53 - Hazing Stories
    01:12:11 - Schedule for Pilots
    01:14:24 - Weapons Officer
    01:21:06 - Why Not Marine Corps.
    01:22:17 - First Unit
    01:26:58 - First Deployment
    01:30:30 - First Flying Operation
    01:38:49 - Listener Feedback

    • 1 hr 41 min
    Two SEALs Talking Combat Operations

    Two SEALs Talking Combat Operations

    This is our first JOINT Combat Story where we bring two combat veterans on the show to talk about combat operations they were part of together. This time we’re fortunate to have Sam Mackey and Joel McGuire, both former SEALs, who speak about some of the toughest moments they had deployed to Afghanistan. 
    I always wanted to have two guys who fought side by side to see what they remember, where they each have gaps and to watch the bond firsthand that was forged in those difficult moments downrange. 
    For those who listened to the individual interviews with both Sam and Joel, you’ll recall that Sam was somewhat of a free agent SEAL being shipped to various teams to support operations for weeks or months at a time given his unique sniper skill set. Joel was leading a team at a smaller FOB that needed all the help they could get and welcomed Sam with open arms.
    Please enjoy two seasoned vets get down to what actually happened on particular ops when they were downrange together.
    This Combat Story was sponsored by Factor, America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Delivery Service. Use FACTORMEALS.com/combatstory50 and use code combatstory50 to get 50% off!
     
    🔗 Find Ryan Online:
    - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory
    - Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats...
    - Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory
    - Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial
    - Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial
    - Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus
    - Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
    Join hundreds of others with our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan each week about the show, life, and the military.
    👇 Show Notes:
    00:00 - Introduction
    00:42 - Guest Profile: Sam Mackey and Joel McGuire
    01:40 - Start of Interview
    02:13 - Joel and Sam post deployment relationship
    05:50 - How Joel and Sam met
    21:28 - Factor Meals Ad
    22:45 - Deploying A Sniper in Battle
    31:40 - Sam and Joel Reminiss Same Gun Fight
    42:12 - Hairy Engagements
    47:29 - Deployment During Bin Laden Raid
    49:54 - Favorite MRE
    51:59 - Favorite Part About Teams
    01:02:44 - Joel Grazed In The Range
    01:10:31 - Advice to A Future SEAL
    01:12:34 - Outsider Mugs
    01:13:08 - Listener Feedback

    • 1 hr 17 min
    Black Hawk Down - Setting the Record Straight | Silence and Light Musician - Brad Thomas Catchup

    Black Hawk Down - Setting the Record Straight | Silence and Light Musician - Brad Thomas Catchup

    We sit down with previous guest and former Ranger and Delta Force operator Brad Thomas as he sets the record straight about what happened back in Mogadishu and how his recollection of one event (as he shared back on Episode 58) was different than what another person remembered. 
    Join hundreds of others with our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan each week about the show, life, and the military.
    In the former interview, Brad describes a "jackass lieutenant" running around during the battle collecting fastropes because they were an accountable item. The individual in question listened to the interview and contacted Brad to explain what was actually going on.
    Being the standup guy that he is, Brad immediately wanted to acknowledge this new information and share that we often don't recall things as they were.
    Many will recall Brad gave up a promising musical career to serve, first with Ranger Battalion and then finding his way into Delta Force. His first combat experience was in Mogadishu in what we know as Black Hawk Down as part of 3rd Ranger Battalion in a true baptism by fire.
    Since leaving the military, Brad returned to his passion: music. He gathered a group of veterans who now make up the band “Silence and Light” and saw far more success than they expected on their debut album.
    We sit down today to discuss misinterpretations on the battlefield and clarify a situation discussed in Brad's interview from two years ago (Ep58).
    🔗 Find Brad Online:
    - Instagram @bradthomas_official
    - Silence and Light Website https://www.silenceandlightmusic.com/
    - Silence and Light Merch http://www.silenceandlightmusic.com/
    🔗 Find Ryan Online:
    - Ryan’s Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory
    - Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats...
    - Instagram @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory
    - Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial
    - Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial
    - Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus
    - Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
    Join hundreds of others with our weekly Combat Check-In Newsletter (www.combatstory.com/newsletter) to get a short email from Ryan each week about the show, life, and the military.

    • 28 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
1.1K Ratings

1.1K Ratings

AlphaBuddy1 ,

Outstanding

Ryan does a great job of interviewing these individuals! The stories highlight the actions they have taken in service of their country! Very interesting and informative!

rodgwilldodge ,

What a career!

Tom moser’s story was not only entertaining but it really his experiences hit home reminding me of what my life was like as an Air Force aviator. I really enjoy the way you share these experiences and bring the stories to life for the listeners!

Rodger McElrea. USAF retired

hdhehdbejbdjwjavaghhshjs ,

Need better audio/mics

Love this podcast, but can hardly hear audio quality. I will continue to support, just wanted to share my honest opinion.

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