Combat Story (Ep 41): Chris VanSant [Part 2] Delta Force | Ranger | All Secure | TYR Tactical
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- čas přidán 28. 06. 2024
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Today we complete the second segment of our Combat Story with Chris VanSant, a retired Army infantryman, Ranger, Green Beret, and Operator in 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment - Delta (1st SFOD-D). You can hear the first round with Chris at • Combat Story (Ep 38): ... .
We left our first interview with Chris at the height of his career: in the Unit, combat rotations, and close friends. We pick up in round two where things start to get more difficult and the optempo, intensity, and constant fighting begin to take a toll.
Chris describes how he overcame some very dark days that many can relate to and found new opportunities he never would have imagined.
He’s gone on to become the Chief Operating Officer of TYR Tactical and is a board member for Tom and Jenn Satterly’s All Secure Foundation, both of which continue to protect those in need.
I hope you enjoy this deep dive into combat and recovery from a very humble Tier 1 operator as much as I did.
Find Chris Online:
Instagram @vansanttyrtactical vansanttyrt...
Website TYR Tactical www.tyrtactical.com
Board Member at All Secure Foundation (Tom Satterly’s organization) allsecurefoundation.org/
Instagram @allsecurefoundation allsecurefo...
VA Article from July 2021 blogs.va.gov/VAntage/90423/ne...
Find Ryan Online:
Follow on Instagram @combatstory / combatstory
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Send us messages at m.me/combatstoryofficial.
Email ryan@combatstory.com
Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus
Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
#deltaforce #combatstory #chrisvansant #veteran #tier1 #CIA #ryanfugit # specialoperations #specialforces #aviation #rangers #allsecurefoundation #tyrtactical
Key Quotes
[6:40 - 6:47] You did form personal bonds like they were, they were very connected to the mission to what we were doing to the people we were trying to help.
[17:24 - 17:29] Fight or flight is the first response when someone thinks they may die.
[32:40 - 32:54] The biggest difference amongst organizations is that the time, energy, and training it takes to get to the point of coming at each other and not having a friendly fire incident is significant.
[44:32 - 44:40] You do it in the name of survivability. You do it in the name of the mission, you do it in the name of your teammates, but you shut everything out and you focus on what you're doing.
[44:46 - 44:59] All you're doing is categorizing, boxing up all of that emotion, all of that stuff that you don't understand because it doesn't make you feel good and you feel like it pulls that what makes you combat effective.
[57:39 - 57:46] You got to understand the individuals in your charge to get the best out of them; you got to know what motivates them, what makes them tick.
[1:10:05 - 1:10:11] Open up. Talk to the people that matter to you. It doesn't have to be a lot. It just has to be a few.
[1:19:11 - 1:19:17] There are winners and losers; a loser is just a winner that tried one more time.
Show Notes
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Guest bio
1:52 - Interview begins
2:37 - Chris’ thoughts on Afghanistan
14:18 - Where does the exhaustion come from?
17:18 - What are some other interesting fear responses?
17:24 - “Fight or flight is the first response when someone thinks they may die.”
20:11 - The next deployment
30:00 - Tactics and Procedures
32:40 - Different ways to attack a building.
36:23 - When did the trauma and stress start
43:33 - Early Indicators that will help others
48:25 - Pivotal moments during combat
57:39 - “You got to understand the individuals in your charge to get the best out of them; you got to know what motivates them, what makes them tick.”
58:48 - Starting to change
1:09:04 - Key things in your journey that you try to make sure a wider audience hears
1:10:05 - “Open up. Talk to the people that matter to you. It doesn't have to be a lot. It just has to be a few.”
1:13:13 - Getting fired from the Unit
1:18:53 - Pushing yourself
1:19:11 - “There are winners and losers. A loser is just a winner that tried one more time.”
1:22:40 - Pieces of advice
1:31:11 - Getting in touch with Chris
"Winner is just a loser that tried one more time", probably the correct version.
Fascinating stories and many important insights. Respect.
Yep, got it too. We can forgive that little slip.
It actually works both ways. A loser is a winner who tried one more time makes a lot of sense as well.
Ryan is turning out to be a great interviewer, and this is one of the best podcasts so far. He is respectful, sensitive and really thoughtful in the questions he asks. I think he brings the best out of his subjects. Chris Van Sant is amazing in revealing his journey and how all humans are capable of failing, losing almost everything. Then with some resolve, support, maybe a bit of love and some hard work they can recover. They can recover to become better people with great futures. I thought episode 41 was pretty special.
Yes he is a very good interviewer 👍
Full agree!
I started watching all kinds of CZcams since the pandemic altered my work schedule. This is the one channel that really glues me to the screen. If I have to stop mid-interview, I think about until I finish. This and other interviews are great one-of-kind treasures that document experiences that aren’t told as often as they should be.
+++ for both!!
I was never military, but it feels like he pulls from his debrief experience.
I truly appreciate operators like Chris, Tom Satterly, John Shrek McPhee talking about the toll that they went through and the challenges they faced. Especially battling the depression and other things. I always thought Tier 1 guys were unbreakable gods. Seeing that they are human beings makes me feel better about the stuff I’ve dealt with.
Yep, they cry too.
@@lesflynn4455 no they don’t, they just want you to think they do. honestly don’t even sleep, they wait
Yes, they are the most elite soldiers, yet in previous wars, battle fatigue was rebuked as weakness. Even Delta won't ever go through what SOG did in Vietnam. And the Pacific Islands and D-day and Battle of the Bulge, those soldiers endured far more than any soldier today...
@@aarone1981 cause we learned how bad that shit was for your body. It’s completely ignorant to hurt the body that badly and do long term damage when you’ve already invested millions into their training.
@@aarone1981 Each theatre and experience brings its own hell. None of the soldiers/operators past or present would discredit nor measure their suck fest to the other because only they know what it was like and credit eachother in their respective communities. Guys like you and i sitting infront of a computer screen while ordering McDonalds could only play the childish "Whats better SAS or Navy SEALs?!" game or compare a CAG operators expereince in the sweltering hot deserts of Iraq to a SOG member in the thick humid jungles .
This dude is super smart. What an asset for our Special Forces. 👍
Every operator I've ever met was highly intelligent. Despite what mainstream will tell you about people in the military being dumb, couldn't get into college, etc, some of the brightest people Ive met were in special operations....
Chris seems like a really good dude. It would be cool to have a beer and talk story with him. Thanks again for this podcast, Ryan! Great stuff. Semper Fidelis
I love how gingerly and tenderly they speak to each other. It makes sense, and I wish the average person would speak this way.
A shining example of genuine manhood and masculinity. A true example for men all around the world
1:07:30 I only did 4 years as an infantry Marine from 2002-2006 but saw quite a bit of combat in that time frame having been apart of 1/5 and being deployed to Baghdad, Falluja, and Ramadi. The whole time I was in we would always be reminded how were not real Marines “yet”. Out of boot camp it was “your just basically trained Marines” then out of school of infantry it was “your not a real Marine yet” then finally out of our first deployment to Iraq it was “you didn’t see “real combat”. It wasn’t until after our third deployment and my final year that we started being acknowledged as legitimate combat veterans but you were still left with the feeling of not being there yet
Hey Chesty P, FUCK those assholes who say that to you. What’s next, you have to get wounded?? Fuck them. I spent over 20 years (engineers) in the corps and never saw combat. Not my fault. I was always on the other end of the world when something pops off. Does that make me less of a marine? No
You have my respect Devil Dog
And mine as well,I'll even send you a couple boxes of crayons for free.
Respectfully,
Your grey water Uber co.
I'm thankfully he didn't take his life. This convo needs to be heard by many ppl. We need these story's . It makes ppl better. Thank God for this legendary war fighter. God bless chris
I never served, but one of my best buddies did. I can definitely tell I am a member of his support group. Podcast like this give me more tools in the shed on how to help him and a better perspective of what he went through.
Mad respect brother 🤲🏻
Refreshing listening to such an introspective, borderline intellectual ex-unit member.
I heard this man in other YT interviews and always thought he was a cut above in every aspect. Now I know. Well done, both of you. 👏👏👏
I couldn't agree more. I was compelled to watch this interview after seeing Shaun Ryan's. This was next level. Mad respect for this man.
This podcast, Mike Drop & Vigilance Elite are definitely the best combat/military oriented and focused by far! They're way more exciting, interesting and have better guests than Cleared Hot & Jocko's. These stories are incredible!
Agreed. Check out The Team House Friday nights. Lot of same folks. Great interviews.
I think Combat Story is more intellectual. They're all fantastic. Combat Story is growing fast, he'll be at 100k subscribers in 18 months.
I like Jockos too tho but sometimes it can be a bit repetitive and Andy’s can focus a little too much on getting out of the military
I highly recommend the Team House podcast hosted by two former Rangers, excellent podcast with fantastic guests
@@badkarmaonezero2010 Good podcast but I hope they have Eddie Gallagher on, they had a really bad episode with a NYT reporter that was terribly biased against Eddie.
Amazing podcast and an even more amazing human. Thank you, Chris VanSant, for your service, sacrifice, and, most of all, your vulnerability to sharing your story and struggle. God bless you.
Great interview, I’m an Army vet, who after getting out became a Paramedic in NYC, and was working on 9/11, I lost friends, co-workers, and an old partner that day, earlier that same year I lost my only daughter on 4/11, so those 2 events happened exactly 6 months apart and forever changed my life, I went down a very dark road for years after, I tried to drown those memories with the Bottle, became a raging but still functional Alcoholic, I put my wife and 2 sons through things that they never should have had to experience, in 2013 I was hurt badly at work, it was career ending for me, several surgeries later and being “fed” enough opiates to kill a horse from my pain management Dr which looking back on it I realize it was just a cover to basically legalize drug dealing that made both the Drs and big pharma rich beyond most peoples ability to understand, in 2018 I was just cut off by the Dr, which led me to turning to the streets to buy pills or suffer the withdrawals which if you’ve never experienced you simply cannot understand the pain and mental anguish of opiate withdrawal, well they quickly became to expensive and I was introduced to heroin, at first it was great, $20 worth would last an entire day, but that quickly changed to $50 a day, then $100 a day, then $200 a day, I had received a fairly large settlement from my injury in 2019, and that money was supposed to be used to buy a home and property down south and pay my youngest son’s tuition to a top rated trade school for welding, in just 6 months from the time I received the money it was all gone, in my dealers pockets, and now I found myself broke, a raging heroin addict, who left my wife and sons and lived on the streets and in trap houses in a completely run down violent town witnessing things no one should ever witness, I put the barrel of a pistol in my mouth several times but would stop and think about what my kids, wife, my mother who is still alive and I am her only child thinking to how I felt when my daughter died I could not put her or them through that, especially knowing what I would look like with my head half blown off that one of them would have to positively ID at the morgue, the closed casket funeral etc, I did still pray that I would just OD in my warped mind thinking that would be easier for them to move on, by the end of 2019 I had reconnected with my wife and had a lot of talks that weren’t east, and decided I needed to get clean, I moved 1100 miles south to an area I knew absolutely no one so it would make it difficult to buy and use if I went that route, I had to escape the area I was in as I just knew way to many dealers there that I could get whatever I wanted on the arm, moved in with my wife and youngest son who had already moved south months prior, and went through it, and I have been clean since 1/9/20, going through the few things I had left I found the suicide letters I had written to everyone and so glad I didn’t go through with it, they say I have PTSD from the years of working as a paramedic and seeing just how evil us hairless monkeys can be to one another, my wife asked to read them but I didn’t let her burning them instead, I still have a long road ahead of me, Chris thank you brother for the things you did for our country and I’m glad you didn’t become one of the 22, I’m proud of you, and Ryan thank you for doing these podcasts, know that you’ve helped a lot of people come to grips with not being ok and that it’s ok to talk about what they’ve been through and to seek help, 💙🙏🏻
Thank you men. Chris, your comments about ‘the op’ that created the hate monster ring clearly. I had an event 06 also that did the same. We did 270 days per year in country to avoid tax in our own country. For me that started 03.
Moving on, within 3 months I had no emotions. Period. Moving on to 09 thru 13 I can’t remember most of what happened
(My PTSD had been diagnosed in 04. Nothing to do with Iraq. My youngest Brother has died of a heart attack. I didn’t know it, but that flattened me.)
I’ve got a long way to go. I don’t like people or socialising. It’s a battle to go anywhere, even shopping. But at least now I recognise it’s me that’s the problem
Thanks again. You’ve both been more helpful than treatments I’ve had
Thank goodness we have humble and honest individuals like Chris VanSant to keep our country strong. We need similar men and women in US Armed forces to keep our country safe from those (hostile nations/terrorists) who want to take us out.
VanSant is a boss, If you look up Hooah in the dictionary it has a picture of him.
Easy to see why TYR chose him as a CEO. Chris is an excellent communicator and explainer. Easy to follow and understand.
I hope Ryan can get Msgt Kevin Holland on the show. A former devgru and unit guy. Impressive was Hell and not to mention an amazing story. I think he can answer The “devgru vs unit” question.
Been waiting for the second part, can't wait. Sure it'll be a great convo as always.
I wish I’d been on a team with Chris. He’s calm cool & collected to the n’th degree. Definitely an operator you’d have full confidence in all the time. Like a Steady Hand.
This guy has heart. I respect Chris and his story is awesome.
Love hearing Chris. He’s an awesome and humble dude. Great job Ryan.
This is the first Podcast that I subscribed to. I don't regret it. Well done, Ryan, as always. 👍
I have listened to Chris several times and learn something every time on perspective. Chris if you’re reading this thank you cause I have had my own struggles with depression and anxiety. Unsure of what to do or how to move forward but I have learned to talk about it and be more of an open book with those close to me. I have a few failed relationships that have really stung but it’s been the genesis of me unearthing the underlying root causes and feel what I need to to feel better in life. Moreover, I have learned more about being that so called “good person” and have come to focus on what I can give and do to enrich lives. Better late than never.
Another phenomenal interview Ryan. I looked forward to part 2 with anticipation! Chris, your personal story is inspiring. Your view to not change anything in your past good or bad, or decisions made.....spot on. These circumstances affect who we are.
Your skills as an interviewer are superb. Thoughtful, intelligent questions that evoke intelligent thoughtful responses.
Ryan, the way you interview your guests. Awesome. Keep doing you!
Another awesome interview (part 1 and 2) with another awesome human being, who also happens to be an awesome warrior. Thanks to you both for your service, and thank you Ryan for bringing these awesome people into the spotlight to share their stories. Lastly, thank you Chris for sharing your story, and thank you for being one of those who continued to get back up when knocked down and for paying those times when someone took a chance on you forward and helping others! God Bless you both!
The accident that occurred between delta and devgru he’s talking about on his 05 deployment is when Andy Stumpf and Tyler Gray got hurt. They were a mixed team on that op and friendly fire via grenade or breach injured Tyler.
Absolute thank you for this interview as well as others. Appreciate ya
I have been a fan and follower since the beginning and must admit most of my streams have been through apple podcast during my work commute or while I’m fishing etc and haven’t watched many of the videos but watched the second part of Chris’ interview and I was truly humbled by his sincerity, passion and experience in his eyes and facial expression. His story shows in his face with every experience he shares so much it felt like I was sitting across the table from him. Another one of my favorites so far and another truly remarkable human being. Thank you truly for service and sacrifice. 🤝
The best show podcast, and the top 3 interview. Great example of our Heavenly Father’s Grace, Mercy, and the wiles of how the human body has free will to listen to either the Holy Spirit, or the evil spirits.
Great day. GOD Bless
Great job, Ryan. 3 + hours went by fast. True art. Great human being in Chris VanSant.
Brilliant testimony, Chris. Very few can imagine the human costs of endless war but you summed it up in a very personal way that speaks to so many of our fellow vets. Yours is a story that can heal others. Thank you. ❤️🇺🇸
Great interview. Chris, thanks for your service and sacrifices, god bless.. Go Army.
Stellar two parter! Godspeed to ALL!
Great interview with with such a great individual as Chris VanSant!
Stumbled into the first part . Great interview . Chris is a great one to listen to . I bet he is a Tier 1 asset to those he helps with his charity work . Bravo Chris , Thanks For Your Service .
Loved listening to this today. I did not serve myself but my parents both Navy Vietnam Era. All of these podcasts available have made me way more aware that we're surrounded by warriors and we need warriors and they need support in any way. Thanks for the service and love this podcast.
If you wanna know more about the interrogator that broke Mohammed Ibrahim, watch Mike drop- Eric maddox. He was the interrogator attached to the unit guys tracking saddam. It’s a legitimately incredible podcast. Watch all the combat story episodes first lol then check the Mike drop one.
Hell yeah I was thinking about where to find that when it was mentioned, but this interview went so deep I forgot.
@@luthiervandros That guy is awesome!
@@Bourbon101LRSD he’s a total beefcake. Badass.
This was an amazing 2 part podcast. Thank you Ryan for hosting and posting, a big thanks to Chris for sharing and being transparent and honest about all of your journey.
Ryan, you are such a talented and compassionate interviewer. That is the highest complement I can pay to a man's man.
And to Chris, I would say the same, and also add my gratitude for all you have done and suffered on behalf of our nation and its non-veterans like me. It warms my heart to hear how you have grown and prospered as a human being, who took himself to the point of desperation and back again to emotional health.
I have personally been involved, for twenty years, in supporting the families of Tier One operators who have not come home. From this experience, I believe I have met with the finest citizens our USA has ever produced. You men deserve the admiration, gratitude, and utmost respect in all the ways we can proffer it to you. Your lives are shining examples of what it means to be a good human being,
Man, this was deep, god bless you guys
Fantastic interview. What a guy.
Ryan man.... I could watch this podcast every month. Thanks guys
This was amazing Ryan. Thank you.
I'm so amazed at the humility and compassion of these world class warriors. Having watched many interviews with DEVGRU and Delta guys, there is definitely a difference in their mannerisms and personalities which I find very interesting. Great job Ryan!
Great talk Chris and in the words of Mack....luv ya buddy.
Great interview again! Thank you.
Wow great Ryan you do a great job. Chris your feedback and experiences gave me perspective on my own combat experience on my tours in the middle east. It's been 20 years since being in combat on my first tour and your words hit home. Thanks brother.
Just Amazing. Chris, Keep up the great work!
Phenominal! Truly!
God bless you Chris, that's an order.
incredible humility
Freaking awesome interview man, great job!!
You do a great job sir with your interviews ! And you have an amazing story yourself sir!
Thanks very much! Chris does not disappoint in this round!
@@CombatStory his story is an inspirational one , he definitelyis not a person who gives up easily.
I would love to see you do more interviews with folks FroM The agency if they would bee we able to talk. I enjoyed Bob Baer books , and he was good on hunting Hitler
I love these stories u get both the badas and human side of these amazing men
Thanks Ryan n Chris,
Thanks for the message you delivered.
This was outstanding Ryan! 👏
So glad I listened to both episodes. You guys are awesome.
Another awesome episode. Thanks.
What a great guest and excellent interview. Ty for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your story!
Thanks for sharing your incredible journey!
Fantastic interview! Well done, Ryan!
I wish you both the best!
Wonderful interview with some very candid responses. Nicely done on both sides.
Awesome Stuff Ryan! Thank you for this channel.
What an incredible story. Losing Delta is hard to take. They are the supermen. I feel for Chris for that. He's an example of how you can do anything your mind will let you do. We live our greatest years doing the most fantastic things and then we're not doing that anymore. There's that transition to the next great thing.
Always trying to reach for the moon when you've been there done these incredible things.
This man looks absolutely terrifying - I’d hate to get on either one of these guys bad side smh , damn .
Thank you Chris.
Awesome story. Thank you
Great interview and a true hero!
I'm glad guys like Chris, Tom Satterly, Tom Spooner and his brother, etc. are doing the work to talk about this stuff. A tiny minority of Americans, Canadians, Brits, etc. serve and an even smaller number talk about stuff like this when it needs to be talked about.
Thanks for sharing brother. That's a tough thing to do but beneficial to the young guys...
One of your best interviews! Thank you, donated to all secure foundation
In the subtitled part "starting to change" Chris talks about not feeling anymore and not being personal with teammates. I always figured that is how it is supposed to be at that level. Like once you get to the top and have done so much you're just professional about it and no longer running on emotions. As far as the not being personal part, it just seems like the mindset would be "look we're all at the most elite level we know what to do, so just do your job."
Much love brother............
I was in 1-229th attack helicopter btn
In the early 1990s dit ATB at hood, then went to ft bragg, i came from 2/3 infantry, so going to aviation was an amazing eye opening experience
I passed the fast test and put a packet together to go warrant...but wife and new baby lol wasn't having it...i look back sometimes and rethink my decisions, but three sons and three grandkiddos later
No regrets
Love your podcast
Coming from someone who gaurded apaches at west ft hood
With no bullets lol
Keep up the good work
Ryan
Takes me back and makes me 😃 smile
Your one of the best interviewers out there in this space
"Rogan Quality"
Chris, I had a good buddy who was a commo guy on your initial push in '03. Doug C and Ben F already told you that you'd be colder than ever before and no one believed the old guys before the trip. My ranger buddy called you everyone's little brother on C2 for that push. Very glad you are telling your story and the life trials that follow. Actually cathartic for others. Ryan, good stuff// Be Safe
This was a great podcast cheers Ryan and Chris
The only thing apparently missing in this hero’s life is God! That’s the one thing I haven’t heard this amazing man mention. God Bless you both!
great interview-thank you for sharing
This guy is highly intelligent .another level soldier
high quality content - thank you brutha
An AMAZING MAN.
Fantastic!
What a great interview :). Wow
Damn good show! Yall some patriots! Keep up the great work brothers!
Damn that went deep quick.
Awesome podcast - really good way to understand his point of view
Great podcast guys. 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Pretty sure he was talking about Tim Kennedy in the beginning?
Great Interview!
Great interview
Amazing podcast. thank you.
What a guy !!
Thank you so much @chrisvansanttrytactical and @combatstory you are the inspiration that the world needs, and the voice that push me to be better
Thank you, shared.
I believe he meant to say 2003, April 2, 2003 they encountered a large Fedayeen Force ( full of opium I bet). The war didn’t kick off until 200303200200 DTG if I do recall General