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RETIRING FROM SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMES WITH UNIQUE CHALLENGES; FEAT RET. MARINE RAIDER CODY ALFORD
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- čas přidán 9. 09. 2018
- Ret. Marine Raider MSgt Cody Alford and Marine Raider Nick Koumalatsos discuss transitioning out of special operations and the struggles that can come with entering into the civilian world.
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These dudes just perfectly explained why so many good Marines do 4yrs and bail.
TheDude like you read my mind lol. Just being an 0311 sucks so bad. I miss my buddies but fck that shit lol
Not just Marines, throughout the whole Military Branches. If it wasn't a whole political game passed those 8years Im pretty sure, majority of enlistees would still be in.
1oo% agree it's why I EAS at Nov 17, 2017 due to the shit they explained.
I left after my first enlistment in 2004 because I was just spent at that point, even though I was only 22. Still regret it to this day.
It's not just the marines. I was in the Army and had the same exact experience.
I WANT EVERYONE TO READ THIS:
When I enlisted in the United States Marine corps I was lucky. I had an extremely good Recruiter and Gunnery Sargent. On my way back home (four hour drive) it was just me and my Gunnery Sargent in the car. He said one thing to me that I will never forget.
He said: You have to remember this Abe, when you become a Marine you're all on the same level. Yes you have to listen to rank, have to respect your leaders BUT don't EVER let someone disrespect you. If you need help, get it. It doesn't matter what they say to you speak up against them. You do you but as a team. You're not letting your team down you're getting yourself in a spot through help to help your team in a much better way.
Had a Sgt Major tell me the basically the same thing. Said, 'see that young devil?one day youll have to take orders from those dipshits.always remember, you were a man before you were a Marine' said with regard to watching some officers run a fucking flag up upside down
Sergeant as in Gunnery Sergeant
Gunnery sergeant *
Well Abe Peterson, this is the second podcast that I've listened to and it looks like I'm one or two years behind. Interesting enough, an evolution has taken place. I volunteered in 1968 and left to San Diego in 1969 when I was turned 18. I was awarded the highest scores on physical fitness in San Diego, and after AOI at Camp Pendleton then assigned an Illustrator MOS . You should have seen everyone's faces, including mine, trying to figure out what was an illustrator when the MOS assignments were made. Anyway, after my tour overseas, I got out to take care of my father. USMC 69-73
@@barnesrm76 yea there is always some clumsy fucks around,idk how they make it in army hah
Before I left for Parris Island my recruiter told me I would go through culture shock. No one told me I would also go through culture shock when I got out.
True that
It was worse getting out than going in.
Literally everyone of your SNCOs probably warned you about it.
@Dave Chappelle Depends on the MOS.
@@JH-hx2cl It can be if one doesn't transition properly and understand the mentality of the non military world. You must know how to express your experiences and change it into the civilian When I got out of the active duty Corps in 96 I worked a few different jobs when I was in school full time. I was still a reservist until 2000 and even after college it took a few places of employment to truly feel like you fit in.
The hardest thing I have ever faced was retirement, my whole identity was serving. Reinventing myself has been the toughest battle for me, through the love of Christ, supporting family, life after service will be good.
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How old are you sir?
no it won't. life is service. service to country, service to family. any other thing is just bullshit. otherwise retire and seclude yourself to the woods with family and farm.
Yes, exactly, I am a former Ranger from 2nd Battalion, and you hit your comment right on point! You feel unimportant, and you don't have a direction of where to go next. Who are you now? Who will you be? Who were you before.
You do have to reinvent yourself and it is tough, but where to take your fight next, that is the big question. Then the means we use in these combat roles don't always translate on the surface level. I am speaking about violence of action specifically. Sometimes leadership methods to transfer, but re-learning to communicate with non-military, non-operators, can be very difficult.
But we do have a mission state-side, it is to provide for our families and our communities always through the lens of morals and ethics.
Yeah. My job description was basically "killing people and breaking their shit". Me and Christ are going to have an awkward conversation come judgement day.
Cody, not only do you have the heart of a lion, but you also have the heart of a servant. Making sure that the guys under your command are not only taken care of physically, but mentally. You sir are a great human being! Don’t forget that!
As an infantry E-5 (2007-2016) with multiple combat tours I experienced a bit of scrutiny as I transitioned out. Towards the end of my run, a lot of emotions I had bottled up started arising. I started noticing i wasn’t the same. Irritability, anxiety, couldn’t concentrate, couldn’t even stand up and talk to my guys at times. So I went to the concussion care clinic in Lake O’Neal and got myself checked out. I discovered I have TBI from all the fun I’ve been having during my enlistment. I had a senior Marine ask me when I was going to stop going to appointments. When was I going to start acting like a "real" Sergeant. listening to you and Cody talk about these unspoken issues really brings it home. I love the Marine Corps but I started to dislike the Marines around me. I started to feel as if I was just another number. At the end, I felt like I was being thrown away. I’ve been watching your videos more and more and I just want to say thank you for talking about it. Semper fi!
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It is kind of funny but reading that was like reading my own story. Check out the link, I think you will appreciate it. It is actually the basis for my book that goes on pre-sale October 1 and available Nov 1. I imagine it will be like reading your own story.
-Nick
Yeah uncle same no longer loves you once you are getting out
Obviously an army dog. USMC we say Sergeant never E5
Unfortunately to say this problem is just a military one is not totally correct. After I separated form the Air Force I thought things would be better. They were different in some ways but not better. The problem is people. It's just human nature to use people and things and then throw away everything after it is no longer of use. Sad truth but life isn't always fair. Find someone to trust, love and respect and hang on to them till the bitter end.
Man, you just described my exact experience word for word (even the same years).
If you ever run into any issues like I did during transition, go to a Vet Center. Had it not been for those guys, I'm not sure where I'd be right now. They helped me get back on track and through the network, I was able to meet a lot of vets from current and past wars who had similar experiences (from combat and transition).
Leaving at 15 years was the hardest thing I've ever done. But my reasons for being in were becoming more and more difficult, I hate politics. Combined with having my shoulder rebuilt, both knees are shot and "bad" back from head to tail, it was time. It was a very hard 3 or so years before I could get my head and heart right after leaving. The realization that I was only going to be working for money, there was/is no higher/larger purpose, was devastating.
Your service will not end, it will only change form and there are many forms. Sure, maybe not the grand stage of war and peace, right and wrong etc. But in civilian life, there are just so many different ways to serve with a deep sense of purpose. So I would encourage you to remember that, and just take the next logical step on the mission you have been engaged in. Of course you've been out 3 years so maybe I'm just talking to myself here but I think it's important to remember for all who need to operate from a deep sense of purpose in their work.
I've been out for 8 years, just sharing my story. I'm more than okay now.
Fred, you've been brainwashed. Seek professional help. Immediately.
Well since math is hard for you obviously, I enlisted well before 9/11 happened. And since you need to have what any service member's higher purpose is explained to you; it would be a waste of time to even answer because you obviously will never understand. What smear did you supposedly read in my brief reply about my experience of getting out of the Marine Corps? What have YOU done to do anything for anyone other than sit behind a keyboard and research OTHER'S experiences, ideas and conclusions in life?
I got out at the end of 2015 and still ain't got it right. I miss the brotherhood and purpose.
First off, you dudes are both 110% stand up, righteous human beings. I can't thank you both enough for the material you guys put out and what it does for me on a personal level and on a daily basis...
Second, you make Raiders Roast look so god damn delicious. Like it was poured from the Holy Grail after being blessed by everyone of God's angels. (I'm a daily coffee drinker).
Ya'll ever wanna sit down for a cup- hollaaa.
I'm super impressed at the level of insight that Cody has about himself and his experiences. There is wisdom here that will transfer across all walks of life.
Cody's explanation of Fallujah in 2004 is spot on with my experience as well. We were ill-equipped, undertrained for the battle in which we engaged, and our combat medicine needs were completely lacking. The common joke was, "hey, Doc, I just got my fucking leg blown off." and Doc's response would be "take two Motrin, drink some fucking water, and suck it the fuck up, Devil Dog."
One of my best friends got severely fucked up in Fallujah in 2004. They shipped him home to heal. Once he somewhat healed up, they made him the battalion liaison for Marines that were KIA. He was sent to the funerals of all of the guys that we lost. He was alone most of the time until we got back too. After our second combat pump, he was a squad leader and lost one of his TLs. He took that really hard. Upon our return, he begged for help. He became extremely violent while drinking. He re-upped and I got out. I spent my entire time in the MC with him, from BC to SOI to the FMF...from day 1 to my EAS we were in the exact same unit. I saw him beg for continued help the last year I was in and he was repeatedly blown off and told to suck it the fuck up. One night he snapped and almost killed his wife. We all saw it coming. The MC is notorious for not taking care of their warriors, and it's a goddam shame!
I retired a couple of years ago from the USAF. I know...I know... Chair Force yadda-yadda-yadda. lol Anyhow, making the decision, rationalizing retirement and hitting that retire button is the hardest decision ever, so I totally get where these guys are coming from. But that is the first of many challenges in the whole transition to civilian life. My major issue was culture shock. In the military you are part of something, a family, a fraternity, and you have your place. In the civilian sector, you don't mean shit to anybody! These civilian folks for the most part; don't have that drive and determination to get shit done, and the work effort sucks balls. I eventually had to take time off to get myself right. Back surgery (lots of years on the flight line). Had to get my mind right too! During that time off I had to explore my options, because I was at a point that I had no meaning in life (not a good place to be). Then I realized that my favorite part of military life was taking care of my people. I jumped into HR, since I have a degree in it, and look at my position as similar to being a 1st Sgt (without the piss and vinegar, lol). For those contemplating retiring and getting out, please take note that your world is about to change. Yes, even after 2+ years of being out, I reach for my cover every damn time I walk out of the house. lol With that said, videos like this and the veteran community are here to help. Best decision I ever made was joining, 2nd best was getting out at the right time. I understand you care for your people and want the best for them while in, but you also need to make sure that you are not a detriment to your unit by being in it and not being happy! With social media and communications, you can totally make a difference and be that ear for those still serving! Great video and keep up the solid work!
Brian B yeah Brother I concur. I retired 3 years ago from the Marines and I waited 3 months before I started a job in the civilian sector. That was not long enough! My first year on the job was painful to say the least. The other employees were absolutely disgusting and no one seemed to care that their production level substandard. The only thing that helped me adapt to that new environment was another’s Marine that also worked with me. I also struggle with establishing a new identity for myself. I’m trying not to be so critical about though, just taking it one day at a time. Take care.
As an ex squid, I can tell you that the ribbing most likely comes down to jealousy. You guys do your bases right. :)
Agree 100%, from a proud fellow airman.
You can find your team in the civilian world as well. You'll find a group of folks who need you and can be there for you when you need them. It's not life or death, but the right employment is rewarding in more than just pay.
Brian B aau uqmiiokia
Is served with Aaron Torian in Helmand Province in 2014. He is one of the greatest human beings I ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Thats exactly why I got out the Marine Corps 6 years in the infantry and everything y’all talked about is exactly why I got out it just got old and annoying but Semper Fi brothers stay motivated
Great message.. Former Airborne Infantry here. I think that veterans and active duty need to realize that they shouldn’t be ashamed for asking for help. I struggled for 10 years and finally started getting involved with a few veteran groups. That’s helped me tremendously. A combat vet Counsler told me that our issues are normal for our experiences, war is abnormal.
As an NCO with only 10 months left on contract I can’t thank you two enough for this video. Solid principles and theories to go back and spread to my Marines. Appreciate y’all!
That Dunder Mifflin mug tho👌🏽💯
The office goes hard as f on ship n deployment
I just pray that you 2 heroes get FULL RETIREMENT after your years of service... You've sacrificed SO MUCH!!! You both are hard chargers!!! I appreciate you both!!!!
Very insightful conversation. It is a shame that most American's are not aware of the sacrifices that those in the military make for us.
What I’ve noticed about Marines is a genuine nature. No pretentiousness. True warriors. Adaptable, ruthless, and humble. Really proud and lucky to have them on our side 🪖
I was never in the Recon or Raider community but as a Marine, I've witnessed and felt the same way about the Marine Corps as you both do. I did 22 and retired but it was a hard fight with myself to stay that long to the point were I was afraid to get out. I loved the Marine Corps but over the years it turned into this rewarding people for the way they look in uniform over what they knew or did in the Marine Corps. I personally put out and did so much for the Marine Corps. Volunteered for deployments when others would not go, volunteered for quotas, courses and whatever shit job nobody else could or would do for 18 years. I get injured and can't deploy one time and now I'm shit and nothing I did in the past matters to anybody. At that point I knew it was time to get out but was afraid of not having the brotherhood and structure outside of the military. Now that I've been out for nearly 6 years, it was the best thing I could have done. Don't get me wrong, I love and miss the Marine Corps but this next step in life has been great for me and my family.
u guys are beastssssss
It takes more courage to leave the Marine Corps than it did to join (10 years for me). You are going to miss it. You're going to miss it every damned day. But life goes on and so we must.
Eric W Why leave if u gonna miss it u plonkers are dumb as fuck
To all who are still serving and to all those who have. Thank you for everything you have done. Dont forget that there are people who care about you in the civilian world
One of the most interesting conversations I've ever heard.
I've been out of the military for a long time now, but I remember that generally if you went down for any reason it was considered a weakness. There was a stigma effect.
Nobody wants to be the weak link. Nobody wants to be looked at as a weak link.
That's not just the Marines... It's any branch. Any job.
I think that part of that is inherent to the military. They need to promote strength in order to make the member stronger and the force stronger.
But there does come a point when it caves in on itself and becomes a liability rather than a strength. The military hasn't been able to identify that breaking point yet....probably because it hasn't occurred to them that they should look for it. Like you guys said, it's not their mission.
So, why look?
Great video. Thanks a lot for sharing the guts. You know what I mean.
All the msgts that I worked with (pre 9/11) were in their 40's or 50s and beat down by life with no hope in life outside of the corps. refreshing to see young hard chargers pushing the ranks and taking charge or their life.
Thank you both for everything you have done for us. You are really America's true heroes... I hope my kids grow up to have the heart that you all have. Willing to give up your life for a perfect stranger is truly heroic.
I'm humbled and honored to have been in the same service as you warriors.
I was a mortar man in the corps on the last withdrawal of afghan when Obama pulled us out of Helmand in 2k14. Only got to do that one pump. 8 month long deployment.
I was gracefully awarded with the CAR, BSM and a NAM. But compared to my seniors who were in afghan at the commencement of it or you guys I honestly feel it was under deserved. But I definitely relate to the " suck it up, quit being weak.bjust bury it and keep doing the mission" mentality.
I wasn't married or had kids but for the years to come, after my departure with the corps it took a massive toll not only on me but many of guys I served with who took their own lives.
At the end of the day we are humans and sustaining that level of mentality and tier doesn't mesh well with having a normal balanced family and home life. It just doesn't. You come off as cold, isolated, narcissistic and also as if a robot. We have to learn how to Seperste that and be proud to have done the job but move on with our own lives. Like you guys said there will be other to take our spot at work on the end. But not at home
So I applaud both of you for being open and getting out before it got worse
I resigned my commission after 13 yrs in the Field Artillery. After I finished my time as a battery commander I just couldn't look forward to my next position (S2). My kids were small and I had missed so much with them already. My wife had been carrying too much of the family burden for too long. My foot was screwed up and when I was on the firing line I was blowing my nose and black came out. It was the right time.
I figured I had my adventure and I did my duty to my country and it was time to take care of my family and follow another dream that I had. I started a business and built it up to 30 employees and sold it. As soon as people find out I left at 13 years I hear; "why didn't you stay until retirement?" I was never one to hang on to security. I always needed action.
After my kids were grown I joined a bike club and eventually became president of the club. I look back at my Army days and miss it some times but I pretty much avoid veteran's organizations and all the people I served with except one. I don't know why I feel that way.
I also hate the "you owe me " crap a lot of vets have. They only thing we are owed is respect.
I loved being a Marine, was in Aviation. After nearly 13 years I decided it was time to get out. 7 years to retirement and I just wanted out. I wasn't impressed with the leadership and there was virtually none to look up to. Made some great friends who I am still in contact with. Saw guys doing 20 years and 6 months later they were dead. For various reasons but they were dead.
I told myself I better get out while I am young because of the transition. Of course this doesn't compare to the ground pounders and special ops but I just looked around and said yeah It's time to leave. Do I wish I did my 20? Sure that little retirement check is nice to have. Trying to get a Gov job is nearly impossible and need a college degree. Did some of that while I was in the corps but not enough to get a degree. School just isn't my thing. I made the right choices in joining and leaving. I have to agree Marines don't need affirmation and when someone says "Thank you for your service"
I get so many mixed emotions. I don't know whether to thank them or punch them.
We're normally coming from a good place. Thank you for your service in the the U.S. Military.
You guys are extremely intelligent, and make clear, the heavy load that you’re still carry. Guys your M-4 must have started to feel like a 105
Howitzer. V/R Mike
Feel you bruh. Going home after 20 next December - Navy CWO. Did my time, gonna miss it but getting out for fam and health. Been deployed most of my career; no time to get fixed until now and still won’t be 💯. It’s a lifestyle most won’t ever know but it’s amazing. Mad respect to you both! Great video.
This needs to be heard by every combat arms soldier/marine/airmen/seamen. The shame/guilt mentality runs deep. You guys covered some phenomenal much needed talking points. Great Job, and thanks for the genuine honesty.
I was an Army MP 1993-2000. Went in just after Desert Storm and got out before 9/11 attacks. Because I did not deploy to any combat situations, I have and still am carrying a great load of guilt. Cody said “regrettable” feelings. I often wish I stayed in. I am suffering with severe anxiety and depression everyday.
I did my 4 years and the marines made me a better man but these guys are a whole other level of marine ! Wow ! Bless these guys !
These guys are identifying life for everyone but at an elite level! Feelings are all the same but at different levels of performance!
Truth and feelings are real at every level.
Holy f! Watching this really helps me getting more confident with my very own transition I'm going through right now. Because there's an entire life to live ahead! Thx for making such visa. You guys have made a good point! I hope you're all well to this day. Greetings from Germany
When I was starting a career we had a Navy Seal join us we were all thrilled to have this tough guy training and schooling with us. One night while at a training camp I came around the corner and saw this guy sitting on the floor up against the wall by him self I could tell he was dealing with issues inside. He was a little older than me I might have been 20years old. I walked on a little intimidated by this tough guy. It was a few weeks latter out on the job. That one of the apprentice lineman was hung up a line. They where working on clipping in the wire on a 500kv tower. The apprentice had not hung his ground on the line when the lineman came to his rescue he was burnt and fell off the tower. The line man died. The apprentice was ok. That week end this Navy Seal climbed up on one of the towers he drove out to on a Sunday with his wife and kids. While up on the tower he spoke out to God wanting to know why he never spoke to him. He ended his life there. This was a time when many a preacher were preaching that god talked to them. It bothered me a lot that I didn't offer a kind word of some kind because I was afraid of the tough guy. Take for what its worth. We lost a good man. Be kind my friends.
To Ryan Albright . ! First of all Semper Fi . God speaks to us today through “The Word” Hebrews 1:1 . “ The Bible is His Word ! Also read Galation
Ryan Albright . First of all Semper Fi !!
Ryan Albright . First of all Semper Fi !! God doesn’t speak to us as He did long ago . Read Hebrews 1:1 . He speaks to us today through The Bible . Also Read Galatians 1: 8-9 . If its not what the apostles taught , don’t believe it !! In others words if it isn’t in the Bible don’t believe it .
If anyone out there would like to do an online Bible study “FREE” Please contact me.
I Love The Corp But The streets of heaven are not guarded by the “United States Marines “ . Semper Fi !!
That's one reason I do not believe in the god that is perceived in the bible. I know there is something out there that created us but it's not the white man with the beard that everyone in churches try to tell you about. In our darkest times, even if we have someone there either dealing with the same thing or just there for support, we are alone. It would have pained me to know I might have made him stay with us a bit longer just by talking to him too, but we can't always make a difference in peoples lives or decisions. I hope that seal found his peace when he passed......
Wow, what a pussy, he took his own life while having kids and a wife....You don't know what a real tough guy looks like, it's very rarely a military guy.
I just gotta tell you guys it was refreshing to hear you guys talk on this subject. I have just over 13 years active with the US Navy and hit the wall myself as my service related injuries began to stack up and I couldn't effectively do my job. I have been out just over ten years and still wonder if I made the right decision getting out but listening to this video really helps me feel that I did the right thing and that I am not the only one that feels this way. PS - love the dory explorer band-aid joke. As an instructor who taught small arms and other various courses I would hand out pink barbie band-aids to any one who got an injury.
Having an after plan is everything. Didn’t have one and just spun my wheels with nothing but regrets. Great pod cast
When he explained the positive reinforcement with the catch story I felt that. That’s how I’ve lived my entire life. You don’t get a trophy for waking up in the morning, you get shit done and you earn the feeling of having accomplishment and that is rewarding enough. Believe me, my life has been filled with consequences and I’ve learned a ton from it in my 38 years on this earth. Get shit done, because if you don’t do it you and only you have to live with your conscience. And I’d also like to add (since I’m now on another topic) It also takes more strength to seek help than it does to try and act like everything is okay and try and put on a facade. Be who YOU want to be.
my wife and I have 15 years in the army and both have some of the same issues you guys are talking about .we both have been deployed many times and both have PTSD its hard to ask for help . We are retired now got help and loving life. Awesome show .
Mad respect for all of you MIlitary guys and veterans out there!Thankyou for all you do and done for our beloved Country. You are appreciated more than you know!
I was on Motrin for 30years, just sucked it up.I love the fact that your focus was taking care of your Marines
I spent no time in the service, but I have huge respect for you both and all the other men and women serving in our military. From the bottom of my heart I thank you all #DunderMifflin
The Military will never change. Especially The Navy & the Marine Corps. Both of you men did the right thing getting out!
Semper Fi. You guys are "rad" thank you for your continued service! 👍
I am a Marine, crazy.😁
Thank you for your service gents! Much respect for your Special Ops service. I have always envied the special ops groups. That commitment is huge and many many in this world will never understand what you sacrificed to stay at that level.
I have so much appreciation for you Warriors. I was forced to retire from Police work due to PTSD, I wasn't given a medical retirement I was discarded like an old car. I saw some crazy shit, but nothing like you guys saw. I had a four-year-old backed over by a truck, and it broke me, and I asked for help. The dumbest decision in my career because it cost me my career. Tired of the drugs that don't work, the sleeping meds that don't work. I hate to see the sunrise every day cause I don't enjoy life. I choose my career and would do it again, just hate that it's not just I treated like this its others who are suffering but fear to come forward for help. It's been 16 years and each day is worse than the last, not suicidal but my prayers at night are to ask God to take me in my sleep and give me peace. I am on my fourth marriage, it's tanking. Shrinks are a joke. Thank you for your service.
coming from a family that has had at least 3 people of each generation join the armed forces I have nothing but respect for the men and women of the military.I have read many accounts form soldiers leaving the service,but to sit down and listen to both Cody and NIck talk about their service and how they felt when it was time finish,really reminded me of my dad when he left the army which was over 30 years ago,it took him a long time to get over it and get his life balanced out.
I have two cousins who are due to leave the military in the next few years and I can only hope they find the life and peace that they have been fighting for over the last 15 years.
I would just like to take this chance to say that I have massive amounts of respect for the military both here at home in Britain
and abroad,especially the US whom I have read plenty about and from listening to my family that have served with American men and women.
to all former servicemen and women and those serving
stay safe,live well and I hope you all have the great life you deserve!
Glad you guys talked about getting the men help instead just telling the to push harder. If you get guys help and keep them healthy, they are more capable of passing on lessons learned to younger guys. This improves the organization as a whole and gives those transitioning out of the teams a continued sense of purpose.
The brain is like a muscle. Train it hard and it becomes stronger. If you hurt it, you need to dial back the training, and put some ice on it until it's strong again.
thanks for this video. I'm getting ready to retire and listening to this can gave me an idea of what i can focus on.
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As a civilian with a beautiful family , Thank God for individuals like this and their services. No words and or actions could provide the appreciation that they all deserve. God Bless!
Thank you all for your service and fighting for our freedom god bless you all brothers 👌🙏
The Military as an institution is all about what you(the soldier) are doing for them in the here and now. What you did on deployment a year ago or more has no bearing on anything, Doesn’t matter the wounds you received, where you served and how good of a leader you were or the medals you won. I found that out the hard way.
Sounds just like the civilian job world. Only as good as the moment dictates except you have the comfort of knowing you have brothers to back you at the lower level which helps sometimes!
WickedSensation So true.
@x Dont you have something better to do loser ? Like getting out of mom's basement ? Thought so.
@x Man, you're living the life! $200k a year? Nice! That's the kind of money that will score you some real memorable vacations. Proud to see you on the internet calling strangers "penis breath". You're a real model human being, I hope I can be like you when I'm older.
x you’re fucking lying 😂😂😂
Thank you....thank you.....As a 30 yrs retired Marine, I love this conversation.
I am a veteran, former 75th ranger regiment 3rd batt bravo company 25bravo. When I transitioned out coming back to this world was very hard to comply with. Damn I miss batillon life.
Marine Raiders have some kick ass heritage, unknown to most.
This conversation is so insightful. Men operating at a very high level still dealing with how to stay motivated. What an interview.
I am a medically retired Marine Harrier pilot. I’m doing my doctoral dissertation on Marine aviator retention. We are bleeding pilots like crazy. We often look at these issues from a quantitative perspective; however, my study is a qualitative analysis of the subject matter. Basically, I will be gathering information just as you two are doing, by telling people‘s stories. After I’m done, maybe I can help tell the stories of our MARSOC Marines.
Dude 11.5yrs and E8?? Holy fuck brother, thats incredible. Im sure you earned it. Semper Fi
7 tours, god bless you brother
Seeing this video come up in my notifications helped me grit my teeth and make it through work today. Semper Fi Brothers!!!!
Don't grit to hard bro, you will get chips and that shit is expensive on the outside... lol Thanks bro!!
15yrs still a lot, my father joined the Marines in 1963 and retired 2005. Thanks for your service.
I've been out a long time and still miss the service. However, these two have the courage to tell the folks around them they need help. Good for them. BZ
25 year law enforcement guy here. First and foremost I really appreciate and respect the hell out of all the combat vets out there. We have some issues with our employment that parallel some of what you guys were talking about. Never projecting weakness being at the top of the list. This was an outstanding topic to be covered and it was covered well. In my profession we have a saying that you can't help a situation if you don't ever reach the scene. This, at least when I was coming up, was usually directed toward driving habits. But it should most importantly be referred to ones mental well being. You can't help anybody if you cant keep your cheese on the cracker. In fact, that is how you get people hurt. If you have issues, getting help is not a sign of weakness. You owe it to your family, your team and everybody around you to get things put right so those around you don't pay for it. Thank you for the video guys, for the rest of you thanks for the service. Keep your heads on a swivel and stay safe.
Great convo! Really proud of these Patriots! How the hell is there 25 thumbs down? These are great American Heroes! Thank you men, for your service!
I also feel like you should make a smaller cutdown video of the segment at the end where Cody talks about Courage, Honour and Commitment. That was absolutely awesome and is an incredibly powerful message.
Not all civys understand. I wish I could have worked up the balls to sign up. I thank you guys every chance I get. It's not enough but I want you to know I appreciate the hell out of you. Thank you to our veterans and currents.
Love you guys! Thank you for serving!
Jesus.....I served way back '91-'95 and that shit was prevalent back then.....it's cool hearing someone say it out loud. Glad to hear that the culture is at least changing for the good!
This is really great stuff, forget 30 minutes, lets keep this conversation going. Keep up the good work Nick and Cody.
czcams.com/video/JdbCbbocy7Y/video.html
That's why i got out. It hurt to see how little Every one cared for the junior marines and those of us who looked after them, and help them, got shunned
I feel, and this is purely opinion based, the best thing a service member can do when they leave the armed forces is to take a deep self assessment of their self, and cut out toxic habits. Ego and identity want to remain in the role of Marine or whichever, however, the outside world doesn't function like the military. You need to adapt to new surroundings and move forward. Constantly yelling, or ego tripping will get you nowhere. If booze is an issue, (which to many of us it is) cut it out, it's possible, you wont be weak for not drinking. If you're having rage issues, seek counseling. At the end of the day, it's your life. Make it count. Be present in the now. Thanks for the videos!
Agreed man. Alcohol was my enemy. When I got out, my shenanigans were not tolerated at home. Once I gave it up, everything began to fall into place.
Yeah, I got fired from a job when working as a civilian PSC, after having been in the military, then working in civilian Fire/EMS (Medic), because in life/death situations I was raising my voice, either to be heard above the herd, or for emphasis because someone wasn't moving fast enough getting into or out of a building, getting a med kit set up, etc. I had to learn the difference between "aggressive" and "assertive". (Gee, I thought there wasn't any!) On top of that, I was working with college grads who'd never had been in the military. I got frostbite from working around all those snowflakes. Much prefer working with vets. They understand.
@@roadscholar9323 Agree 100% "Much prefer working with vets. They understand." For me and my "humble experience"
I've gone through some of the most "intense" training on planet earth, to "prepare" me to survive and handle any and all, including the "worst case situations" but then I need to "dumb" my self down! for some "Ignorant Shit Bird"!?!? But! I have also ran into fellow Marines that have served after I have and I still questioned "wait"! "You served in the Marine Corps"!?!? So after a while, I learned that I should start my own Business or just keep my "mouth shut"!!
Thanks for the candor on getting help and how to make the most/best on what we did/do, one Recon Marine (80's for me) to another. It's hard on us, in every way imaginable.
Driving through those gates for the last time was one of the most euphoric, and giddy moments of my life.
Thank you for your Service gentlemen, ex-Army.
its awesome hearing you too speak so openly about this
E8 in like 12 years is impressive.
I was an 0351 for 4 years. Got out as a terminal lance with a tour to Iraq and Afghanistan
SOF man. Fast trackin since 1942
@@natas0733 What are you trying to say? Legitimate question, would you mind elaborating?
I served in the 90s Army MLRS, from one vet to all vets , thanks for serving!!! Transition to civie life is hard, but we always overcome... Hooay- Ooshhaaa
Thank you for yalls service. These are the real heroes
Thank you guys for being real. Semper Fi. Preemptive is the key, and the maintenance being taught to the junior marines is what the service should encourage. Bless you and all of those who answer the call.
Dude, took the words out of my mouth. Every single thing you guys hit on is what I have learned and been able to reflect on in my transition. I assure you that these same issues occur in non-recon/raider units. I got so fed up with the “whose d*** is bigger games” and “who has a bigger stack” crap. When I finally got a job outside the military, it was at a veteran owned and operated gun range. Even though it felt good being around the boys again, the same mentality hasn’t changed for these guys. It’s just a toxic attitude towards life. Some of these guys have been out for like 10+ years. They won’t let their pride down and fix issues so it drives them into an early grave....and they are okay with it 😳
Have you seen this? czcams.com/video/JdbCbbocy7Y/video.html
The Harbor Site Yes! Watched the whole thing a while back. I’ve shared it with a few of my buddies. Learned that only some people are willing to listen. Those are usually the ones that truly want to get issues resolved and succeed at the rest of their lives.
Former 2ND Recon Battaltion, Charlie Compamy, (MOS 0321), mid-80s. This is a pretty good interview/pod cast. What he said is true for the most part.
It was very difficult to pass RIP back then, then ARS was easier, most went to Dive School, team leaders went to Army Ranger School to get the logistical aspects drilled in to their heads since they would be in charge of small teams behind enemy lines mostly doing Green Operations. I would agree 35 years later, that is was tougher getting out than actually getting in to the Recon Community at Camp LeJeune, NC. Both were tough as nails but getting out was slightly more difficult because we were trained killers for the goverment and then you just go home. Don't think they had training then on how to leave and go back home and stay out of jail. The transistion for me was something I never saw coming and it hit me hard. I lost a lot of brothers in Beirut in 83" and the nightmares are probably something I will live with until I meet my maker. Was it all worth it, HELL YEA!! I was Marine Recon, only 800 of us in the world back then. Less than 1,000 today and it's 35 years later. There is a cost.....
These are the people I supported and proud of it
Dude, I've honestly never thought about when military members leave the service about the loss of their whole social world. That's sad af. Then once you reach a certain age how do you make new friends or friends that understand what you've been through? Thats not even mentioning trying to start a new career at a certain age. There needs to be more discussion around that.
One of the best if not the best video I've ever watched on CZcams. Very motivating to show my Sailors. On point and honest. You guys are creating positive change in a cultural environment.
I fought to stay in my unit and the corps despite my injuries, I had 3 knee surgeries, had been shot twice and stabbed, 8 times and received a few broken ribs and some other injuries on missions. So the powers that be had decided in 1998 that I would be Med-Sep'd (Medically Separated from Service). I fought the Med Boards for 3 years while still active and going on missions. Every psychical test they gave me I passed, I could run, do push ups, hump my ass off, completed a 5 mile run with a 90 lbs pack, shot expert, passed all my PFT's in the top 2-4% for my MOS. Regardless the harder I tried to stay in the harder they pushed to get me out, as art of the "downsizing of the Marines", and on Sept 19th 2001 they succeed. 9 days after 9/11 I left the Marines to become a firearms and tactics instructor in Nevada. I missed my Marines so fiercely that I was writing congressmen, senators, and even president Clinton and later Bush to please allow me back into go to battle with my Marines.All to no avail. My Fellow Marine and the Best man at my wedding Nick Sprovtsoff and other guys I trained kept writing me saying things like "Hey, Gray why aren't you here, you taught us all how to be badasses and now you're just going to sit this one out?" So I got trained as a private military contractor and went to find my boys and show them I was there with them... I did 2 years in Afghanistan on 90 day rotations. I did Iraq. Because where ever my guys were I wanted to be there. I lost 23 Marines I knew between Iraq and Afghanistan. I attended 9 funerals before I just couldn't go to anymore. I had to go through those "Voluntory" separation courses and failed Sensitivity training twice and then the counselors were like, "ok whose next?" It took me a few years to learn how to work with Civilians , especially women. Had a female breakdown crying about some stress of her office job and I was standing over her shouting at her like a drill instructor to shut up, suck it up, act like a leader and grow some fortitude, needless to say the sensitivity training didn't kick in. In truth I am still just sucking it up 19 years later but, I am doing ok. Keep fighting the good fight guys, find a way to fix the broken systems of the Marine Corps.
First and foremost thank you for your selfless sacrifice on behalf of our country. Your TBI, depression and anxiety are casualties of this selfless sacrifice, and I appreciate your discussing it. My husband suffers from depression, anxiety due to his law enforcement career. I too have maternal history of the depression / anxiety and have gotten support long ago. You two rock stars discussing these conditions and supplying that "invest in yourselves" continues the legacy of serving your country / others. From an average woman in an average life THANK YOU GOD BLESS YOU.
I wish i had NCO's like you. I probably would've stayed in the Corp and did 10-18 years more
Served a bunch of years (19) with British Special Forces and can say that they at least are on the ball enough to try and instill resilience and remove the numbing stigma of mental illness and the "need" for help. It's hard enough to ask for as it is when you are supposed to be top tier predators ( no one is immune from anxiety, depression). Good for you Cody for having the balls to tell it like it is and seek help. Good luck with whatever you do.
I did 17 and this happens in all branches. I still find myself talking to other members of the service, active and retired to be more satisfying. Because talking to someone who has never experienced the military is like talking to a dog. They look at you like you make this shit up. I've been out 20 years. But you will always remember. Watching you guys talk is something I had to work out myself and figure out. So glad I found this video. Keep up the good work. Always look forward and learn from your past.
Gentlemen, this was great and enlightening. It's great to see my Brothers from other services explain what their stigmas, challenges, and successes were while they were serving. I appreciate what you are doing and always look forward to new releases. Bravo!
Great coverage of complex targets, esp the medical stuff. I was a SARC X22yrs and getting my guys to take it seriously was a CHORE. When I left as an HMCS, I had the "salty lifer SNCO disease" and a less than Recon attitude - took me a long time to figure that out, but I did know it was time to go.
Great video, much appreciated and subscribing.
I should add, I admire you both very much!
I was Marine Corps infantry from 95 to 99. And it is mind blowing hear the same stuff you guys are talking about now that I dealt with back then.I would have thought over that 20 years that we would have evolved.
Fellas, thanks for sharing. I completely agree with the points highlighted on this video. I was medically retired after 15 years active service, approximately 3 years ago. I came up in the infantry and was with MARSOC in its infancy (early 2007-2011) on the East Coast. I, like most of us in this community, had to deal with the stigma of seeking proper medical attention and care for acute issues that turned chronic. After several lumbar surgeries and procedures, and dealing with the guilt, depression, and anxiety of losing what we have held so dear for so long as warfighters, it's a very sobering and difficult process of transitioning to civilian life. Thankfully, I have a strong family and loving spouse that helped to carry me through this very low time. It is still a struggle, but I am a productive member of society as a medical professional now, and always try to help other veterans going through similar situations. Thanks for sharing your stories. Keep the narrative going in hopes of raising awareness so others in our community can seek the care they need.
Guys in any of the teams are masters of communication and are so articulate its ridiculous, there’s a swagger/confidence there
You two have such level heads. Props
Great video. Sad you guys are both out. People like you two should be the ones running our military.
Thank you both for your service to our Corps! Semper Fi!!!
Also, would like to thank you for your insight with pain n mental health recognition!! It took me almost 15yrs after I got out (94’) to seek MH. Served with E 2/7 n B/D 3rd Recon Bn n Recon Co 4th Marines after 3rd was disbanded in 93’😢.
Best of everything to you both!!! 🤙🏻🇺🇸