Combat Story

Ryan Fugit
  • 4.8 (1.2K)
  • HISTORY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Combat Story

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.

  1. Inside the Command Post in Pakistan During the Bin Laden Raid | Earthquake Relief | Leadership Lessons | Vice Adm (ret) Mike LeFever

    2 DAYS AGO

    Inside the Command Post in Pakistan During the Bin Laden Raid | Earthquake Relief | Leadership Lessons | Vice Adm (ret) Mike LeFever

    Today’s Combat Story is with our first Navy Vice Admiral, Mike LeFever, who spent 38 years in uniform supporting US National Security across the world. Rising from an Annapolis wrestler to a surface warfare officer, Mike was selected to command a strike group, would serve at the US Embassy in Pakistan as the head diplomatic officer (during the Bin Laden raid), and finished his military career as the Director of Strategic Operational Planning at the National Counterterrorism Center, within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/combatstory Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Mike has gone on to write a book about leading through crises titled End Game First: A Leadership Strategy for Navigating a Crisis, and, since leaving service, has stayed very busy with roles as a CEO for a cyber and tech company; a senior advisor and mentor at the McChrystal Group; Performance Ambassador and Speaker for Liminal Collective and Arena Labs; works on the Cipher Brief with friend of the show Glenn Corn and more. This is a really and insightful discussion with an incredibly senior, accomplished, yet thoroughly humble leader and I hope you enjoy his sense of humor, honest talk, and experiences at the highest levels of both global affairs and military strategy as much as I did. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter   Find Mike LeFever Online: https://nationalsecurity.gmu.edu/mike-lefever/ End Game First: A Leadership Strategy for Navigating a Crisis   Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle   Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction 00:44 Introduction to Combat Story and Host 01:03 Meet Vice Admiral Mike Lefevre 01:34 Career Highlights and Leadership Roles 02:25 Personal Insights and Experiences 02:53 Memorable Moments in Islamabad 07:07 Significant Events and Challenges in Pakistan 09:06 Reflections on Leadership and Service 09:54 Unexpected Career Path and Surface Warfare 15:04 Leading Earthquake Relief in Pakistan 19:10 Building a Humanitarian Task Force 24:14 Navigating Crisis and Leadership Lessons 32:04 End Game: Strategic Planning and Execution 35:07 Military Influence in Pakistan 35:29 Anecdotes from Bab N Abad 36:41 Building Relationships in Pakistan 39:44 The Bin Laden Raid 42:36 Post-Raid Reflections 44:00 Geopolitical Challenges and Operations 53:14 Leadership and Mentorship 55:20 High-Performance Training 57:44 Current Endeavors and Reflections 01:02:02 Personal Reflections and Closing Thoughts

    1h 8m
  2. Killing 3 Enemy Tanks in 10 Seconds | HR McMaster | Army General & National Security Advisor | Battle of 73 Easting

    FEB 1

    Killing 3 Enemy Tanks in 10 Seconds | HR McMaster | Army General & National Security Advisor | Battle of 73 Easting

    Today is an amazing Combat Story as we sit down with the legendary retired three star General HR McMaster whose 34 years of service included everything from spearheading the last great tank-on-tank engagement in the famous Battle of 73 Easting to serving as President Trump’s National Security Advisor.  McMaster has been a dream interview for our program for years and it does not disappoint. We cover so much in this episode from exactly what it felt like in the tanks on that fateful day taking on and destroying the Tawalkana Division of the Iraqi Republican Guard in minutes to leading a Cavalry Regiment that successfully and overwhelmingly destroyed Al Qaida in Tal Afar in Iraq in 2006 (it’s an amazing description of combined arms warfare) to chance encounters with world leaders like Henry Kissinger. We spend some time discussing the General’s most recent book, At War With Ourselves about his time in Trump’s White House. It’s an amazing look inside what the West Wing is really like and the decisions that have to be made and personalities that need to be managed. Fans of this show will love this book. We get McMaster’s perspective from the Battle of 73 Easting but if you want an even more detailed description of that battle, check out our interview with McMaster’s Platoon Leader Tim Gauthier who was a part of that fight https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O10yS95ak5M I sincerely hope you enjoy this glimpse into one of our country’s greatest and most selfless leaders as much as I did. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter   Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle   Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction 00:42 Introduction to Combat Story 01:01 Interview with General H. R. McMaster Begins 02:34 Discussing Competitiveness and Sports 05:25 McMaster's Military Background and Family Influence 07:02 Love for History and Reading Habits 11:20 Training and Leadership in the Military 23:03 Path to Becoming an Armor Officer 30:15 Preparation for the Battle of 73 Easting 36:22 Frustration and Anticipation on the Battlefield 37:22 Encountering the Enemy: First Skirmishes 38:18 Rain, Fog, and Sandstorm: The Challenges of Movement 39:59 Engaging the Enemy: The Battle Begins 40:49 Tactical Maneuvers and Repairs 42:19 The Heat of Battle: Tank Engagements 49:24 Operation Restoring Rights: A New Challenge 51:23 The Strategy and Execution of Operation Restoring Rights 01:03:19 Reflecting on Leadership and Service 01:13:57 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

    1h 16m
  3. Expert CIA Analysis - Africa, China, Russia, DRC, M23 | Two CIA Legends and Case Officers Share Insights

    JAN 31

    Expert CIA Analysis - Africa, China, Russia, DRC, M23 | Two CIA Legends and Case Officers Share Insights

    Today we have a fascinating discussion with two CIA legends from the Directorate of Operations: Glenn Corn and Paul Kepp. Both served for over 30 years in the government, most of that with the CIA and both served as Chiefs of Station at some of the most important posts in the world, leading from the frontlines. Glenn brought Paul on to discuss what’s going on in Africa in terms of Russian and increasing Chinese influence, regional players like Turkey and UAE, and specifically recent flare ups in the Democratic Republic of Congo or DRC with Tutsi militia group M23 taking over Goma. We cover what that means for the DRC, Rwanda, the people, regional players, global players, and the United States, particularly with a new administration in place. Please enjoy this deep dive from two legends discussing a topic that both feel deserves our attention globally. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter   Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle   Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction 00:48 Geopolitical Importance of Africa 02:58 Russia and China's Influence in Africa 06:17 Current Crisis in the DRC 07:11 Historical Context of the Conflict 09:02 Rwanda's Role and International Interests 16:22 US Administration's Response 24:18 Humanitarian Impact and Future Prospects 27:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    28 min
  4. Elite UK Para Sniper Hugh Keir | Surviving the Siege of Musa Qala | Gallantry Award

    JAN 25

    Elite UK Para Sniper Hugh Keir | Surviving the Siege of Musa Qala | Gallantry Award

    Today we hear a Combat Story from our brothers across the pond with a veteran and sniper from the UK’s elite Parachute Regiment or Paras, Hugh Keir. Hugh deployed to Iraq twice, Afghanistan three times, in addition to Northern Ireland and the Falklands.  Hugh survived the infamous siege of Musa Qala (you’ll be fascinated to hear about this experience and it will make you appreciate just how brutal fighting can be at times) where he and his unit were infiled into a brutal fighting position in Afghanistan completely surrounded by the Taliban. He was also recognized with a gallantry award for his actions in Helmand Province in 200 in just one of his several Afghan deployments.  Since leaving the military, Hugh has worked as a Close Protection Officer in the Middle East and in the UK, and is the host of the H-Hour Podcast, a long form conversation hosted with guests that have included politicians, actors, psychologists, UFC fighters, authors, campaigners, veterans, and more. I hope you enjoy this deep dive from our close partners over in the UK as much as I did. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter   Find Hugh Keir Online: 🔗 Hugh’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/hughkeir 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/hughkeir 🐦 X: https://x.com/hughkeir 📘 Learn more about Hugh: https://charliecharlieone.com/about-h-hour/   Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle   Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction 00:28 Introduction to Combat Story 00:47 Meet Hugh Heyer: UK Parachute Regiment Sniper 03:43 Growing Up in Wales 09:17 Joining the Military 26:00 Training Challenges and Selection 33:18 Bloody Sunday and Personal Connections 34:46 Marching Season in Ireland 37:34 Experiences in Iraq 42:40 Sniper Training and Promotion 49:20 First Firefight in Afghanistan 58:08 The Siege of Musa Qala 01:07:31 Facing Ammunition Shortages 01:09:35 Enduring Relentless Attacks 01:11:01 Casualties and Morale 01:15:31 Negotiating with the Taliban 01:16:18 The Unexpected Evacuation 01:18:43 Reflecting on the Siege 01:25:57 Gallantry Award and Strike Operations 01:35:28 Starting the H-Hour Podcast 01:38:39 Sentimental Keepsakes and Final Reflections 01:40:42 Conclusion and Podcast Promotion

    1h 43m
  5. The Mad Minute | Ep. 004 | Interview with Glenn Corn | Events in Lebanon & Israel

    JAN 18

    The Mad Minute | Ep. 004 | Interview with Glenn Corn | Events in Lebanon & Israel

    In this special crossover edition of Combat Story and the Mad Minute, we discuss regional issues in the Middle East with 30 year CIA and State Department legend Glenn Corn. We delve into the significant recent developments in the Middle East, focusing on the ceasefire agreements involving Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah, as well as Lebanon's election of a new president after a prolonged political deadlock. Israel and Hamas reached a pivotal ceasefire agreement after 15 months of intense conflict. This truce, facilitated by international mediators including U.S. President Joe Biden, President-elect Donald Trump, and Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, aims to end hostilities and initiate the release of hostages and prisoners. The first phase, set to commence on January 19, 2025, includes a six-week truce during which Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Subsequent phases will address the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the reconstruction of the region under international supervision.  In Lebanon, the political landscape has undergone a transformative change with the election of army commander Joseph Aoun as president on January 9, 2025, ending a two-year vacancy. Aoun secured 99 votes in the parliamentary session, surpassing the required two-thirds majority. His election is seen as a diminishment of Hezbollah's influence, especially following the recent conflict with Israel and the assassination of veteran leader Hassan Nasrallah. In his victory speech, President Aoun emphasized a new phase for Lebanon, commitment to the ceasefire with Israel, and the establishment of a national security strategy. His presidency is viewed as pivotal for the country's postwar reconstruction efforts and economic recovery.  Join us as we analyze the roles of key figures such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas' interim political chief Khalil al-Hayya, and Egypt's General Intelligence Director Hassan Rashad in these negotiations. We also explore the implications of these ceasefires and Lebanon's presidential election on the geopolitical landscape, the challenges in implementing the agreements, and the prospects for lasting peace in the region. Don't miss this comprehensive discussion on the dynamic and evolving situation in Lebanon and Israel, providing insights into the complex interplay of political and military strategies shaping the future of the Middle East. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter   Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle   Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction 00:22 Lebanon's Political Landscape and Recent Changes 02:22 Hezbollah's Influence and Recent Developments 03:07 Impact of Israeli Actions on Hezbollah 08:40 Lebanese Armed Forces and Hezbollah Relations 10:27 Regional Winners and Losers 14:15 Advice for the New Administration 17:47 Personal Reflections on Lebanon 19:19 Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Agreement 22:10 Focus on Iran and Regional Dynamics 27:08 Global and Regional Concerns 28:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    29 min
  6. Fallujah II Reunion 3/5 Marines 20 Years After the Battle | Combat Story at the End WIll Bring You To Tears

    JAN 11

    Fallujah II Reunion 3/5 Marines 20 Years After the Battle | Combat Story at the End WIll Bring You To Tears

    Today is a special edition of Combat Story where former guest and retired Sniper and Force Recon Marine AJ Pascuiti invited us to spend two days with the Marines of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, some of America’s finest, as they reunited 20 years after the infamous Battle of Fallujah II in November and December 2004.  This episode was designed to be seen on video so feel free to head over to YouTube to watch it here. Special thanks to AJ for organizing and bringing this together for these Marines from Darkhorse. It’s amazing to think of these men who just walk the streets today with their families like any other American but were once the men we sent into the arguably the hardest fighting of the post-9/11 era to clear rooms and buildings for days on end against a determined enemy.   Thank you to the Marines of 3/5 for what you did in 2004 for the rest of us. Semper Fi.

    15 min
  7. Tactical Submarines | Launching Missiles and Torpedoes from Subs | 30 Year Navy Vet | Rob Peters

    12/21/2024

    Tactical Submarines | Launching Missiles and Torpedoes from Subs | 30 Year Navy Vet | Rob Peters

    Today we have a Combat Story first as we hear firsthand from Rob Peters who spent almost 30 years in the Navy on submarines from the mid-1990s to just this year. Rob served on five different subs and commanded twice. In this episode we cover some of the different types of subs, the training, and the mission sets, to include special operations forces support and delivery, attack parameters, missile launches and more.  Exclusive $35-off Carver Mat at AuraFrames.com. Use code COMBAT at checkout to save! We found Rob thanks to a former guest and forever friend of the show Todd Opalski, the Marine sniper and recon operator invited into Delta. He and Rob met in an unusual way and Todd, a decorated combat leader himself at the highest level, suggested I interview Rob not just for some unique and humorous insights from a life underwater, but also for the leadership experiences and learnings Rob shared with Todd. That’s high praise in my book. With that, please enjoy this deep dive into the deep ocean of submarines with Rob Peters. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter   Find Rob Peters:  Instagram: bubblehead_hikes Youtube:  bubblehead_hikes Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle   Show Notes: 00:00 Intro 00:46 Meet Rob Peters: A Navy Submariner 01:48 The Unlikely Meeting of Rob and Todd 02:58 Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail 08:36 Rob's Military Background and Family Influence 10:21 Joining the Navy and Discovering Submarines 15:10 Submarine Training and Challenges 27:23 Understanding Submarine Operations 37:29 Qualification Process for Submarine Officers and Enlisted Personnel 40:09 Roles and Responsibilities on a Submarine 41:13 Watch Rotations and Qualifications 42:17 Submarine Systems and Operations 45:32 Practical Jokes and Hazing on Submarines 47:44 Missile Launch Procedures and Experiences 56:00 Challenges of Operating a Submarine in Rough Seas 01:12:13 Training and Preparation for Submarine Missions 01:22:33 3D Battle Space and Torpedo Mechanics 01:24:46 First Command Experience 01:26:43 The Burden of Command 01:28:49 Lessons from a Near Miss 01:36:45 Funny Mishap Stories 01:44:30 Integrating Women on Submarines 01:53:52 AI and the Future of Submarines 01:57:31 Reflections on a Military Career

    2h 5m
  8. Syria Analysis and What’s Next from CIA Senior Intelligence Service and Diplomat / Former CIA Chief of Station Glenn Corn

    12/10/2024

    Syria Analysis and What’s Next from CIA Senior Intelligence Service and Diplomat / Former CIA Chief of Station Glenn Corn

    Welcome to a breaking-event interview on the extraordinary and rapidly unfolding developments in Syria, covering late November to the present. In this special episode, we’re joined by retired CIA Senior Intelligence Service Officer and former State Department Diplomat Glenn Corn. This conversation is part of The Mad Minute — Glenn’s series delivering sharp geopolitical analysis and expert interviews on critical global issues. Glenn brings unmatched expertise to this discussion, with over three decades of service in the US government, including assignments in Turkey, Russia, and extensive work on Middle Eastern affairs and counterterrorism. If you're curious about Glenn's remarkable career, we previously explored his experiences in both the CIA and State Department on Combat Story. In today’s episode, we dive into the key events leading to Assad’s departure from Damascus, the swift advances of HTS and SDF forces toward the capital, the broader implications for regional players, and what strategic moves the US should consider next. Now, let’s get into this essential analysis with Glenn Corn. Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter   Find Ryan Online: 🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story: 🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle   Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to the Breaking Event 01:16 Timeline of Recent Events in Syria 02:57 Key Players and Their Roles 03:52 Russia's Strategic Moves 04:44 Understanding Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) 07:17 Demographics and Historical Context 08:55 Implications for Regional Stability 13:10 Potential U.S. Strategies 17:59 Challenges and Opportunities 25:58 Global Interconnections and Final Thoughts

    37 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
1,218 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Ryan Fugit
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    208
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Ryan Fugit
  • Show Website
    Combat Story

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