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
Man USA has changed a whole lot since Ronald Reagan was President.
It was worse getting out than going in.
Literally everyone of your SNCOs probably warned you about it.
@Dave Chappelle Depends on the MOS.
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.
Check this out: czcams.com/video/JdbCbbocy7Y/video.html
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!
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
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!
czcams.com/video/JdbCbbocy7Y/video.html
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).
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!
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 🪖
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!
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!!!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
The Military will never change. Especially The Navy & the Marine Corps. Both of you men did the right thing getting out!
Every single marine is a BADASS. I could just imagine the special ops Marines. Thanks for everything. We civilians truly appreciate your service.
Well said, Deep respect for the marines. I took care of many a Marine (Devil Dogs) out of Kaneohe. Tripler, they went through some crazy shit in Fallujah, and I never forgot how it fucked with their heads and souls. I can't say enough about how badass the marines are and for all they do...a greatful nation
Nicholas Brookins ahhhh, good ole 'crippler' army hospital.
Having an after plan is everything. Didn’t have one and just spun my wheels with nothing but regrets. Great pod cast
Marine Raiders have some kick ass heritage, unknown to most.
Dude 11.5yrs and E8?? Holy fuck brother, thats incredible. Im sure you earned it. Semper Fi
u guys are beastssssss
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
I was on Motrin for 30years, just sucked it up.I love the fact that your focus was taking care of your Marines
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
These are the people I supported and proud of it
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 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.
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.
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
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.
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 !
Thank you for yalls service. These are the real heroes
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.
Love you guys! Thank you for serving!
Nothing has changed in the past 50 years concerning individual quest for excellence and the intimidation for addressing concerns or illness, indoctrination in 1963 was No Physical Handicaps or Incapables Of The American Fighting Man. Excellent Presentation!!
15yrs still a lot, my father joined the Marines in 1963 and retired 2005. Thanks for your service.
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
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.
its awesome hearing you too speak so openly about this
That Dunder Mifflin mug tho👌🏽💯
The office goes hard as f on ship n deployment
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.
Raiders have a unique history. Didn't know what a raider was until a couple months ago.
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!
Thank you....thank you.....As a 30 yrs retired Marine, I love this conversation.
Thank You Guys For Your Service.
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.
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 .
Always on point. Thank you for that. You guys are awesome.
I cannot begin to express the gratitude that I feel for you guys. Thanks you so much.
Thanks for the honesty, my son is joining and will be shipped out soon. I will do my best to show the support that he might need from me. As far as I am concerned you guys will always be heroes, thanks for the sacrifices.
Thank you both for your service!
Real amazing interview Thank you all for your service .
Thank you all for your service and fighting for our freedom god bless you all brothers 👌🙏
I should add, I admire you both very much!
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.
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!
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.....
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!!
Thank you guys for your service!
This conversation is so insightful. Men operating at a very high level still dealing with how to stay motivated. What an interview.
Hoorah and God bless you both.
GREAT content and way to support our troops! Thanks for this.
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!
7 tours, god bless you brother
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
Great conversation guys! It's awesome to hear how important taking care of yourself has become just as important as taking care of your Marines and gear. Keep the conversation going!!!
Great insightful conversation. Keep it up.
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.
Truest fucking conversation I have ever heard from real men! I felt horrible about leaving after twelve years but, I refused to be the lazy shit bag NCO that slacked off for the next ten years. I feel more secure about my twelve years of service. At some point and time we as Military Veterans we have to take care of ourselves mentally and physically. We have lost too many brothers in arms to self harm and abuse. Great video!
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
Much Love and Thank You for your honesty!
Congrats brother. I wish you the best in your next chapter in life!
Thanks for your service
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.
Great video. Sad you guys are both out. People like you two should be the ones running our military.
I could listen to ya'll talk forever. Just easy to follow and interesting conversation. Thanks for the video.
Thank you for your Service gentlemen, ex-Army.
Thank you for your service and time.🇺🇸
Two very smart, very cool guys. Thank you for your sacrifice.
I stumbled across this video and I'm glad I took the time to watch it. As a Marine (2006-2014), the transition period is still rather difficult for me at times. Nick what you said resonated with me. "It's my reponsibility to have a good life." I'm finally coming to terms and turning over a new leaf and finding myself happy again with life. As you and Cody stated, we learn to suck it up and just deal with it and when that type of mentality is so forefront within your mind it's so hard to get around. Much love to you both and Semper Fidelis!!!