Inside the Green Beret and Ethics on the Battlefield: Dan Pace's Journey and Modern Warfare Challenges
Release Date: 06/22/2024
Wargames for Peace and How to Not be Part of Watergate with Ambassador David Miller
Combat Story
In this episode, we sit down with statesman and Ambassador David Miller, who shares his expansive and storied career, starting from his early days surveying economic impacts in Vietnam to his intricate experiences with the National Security Council and various international postings. We’re joined by Glenn Corn, who spent a career, much like Amb Miller, in service to the United States, but on the CIA side of the house and you get to hear what it’s like when Chiefs of Station and Ambassadors truly work together. Ambassador Miller recounts tales of working closely with influential figures...
info_outline
Ukraine, Russia and Military Weapons and Ammo with Arms Expert Tamerlan Vahabov | Drones, Arms Deals, Ukraine’s Future
Combat Story
Today’s Combat Story is a Frontline Perspective with Tamerlan Vahabov on Ukraine's Defense, Challenges, and Future. In this interview, Tamerlan tells us about his work as a former advisor to the Director of Defense Procurement and the Minister of Interior in Ukraine. He shares his compelling journey from Azerbaijan to Ukraine, highlighting his roles in government, law enforcement, and his direct experiences with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We dig deep into drone warfare and the intricacies of defense procurement, the challenges faced by the Ukrainian defense industry, and his ongoing...
info_outline
Expert Analysis Feb 18 on Russia Ukraine War w/ CIA Expert Glenn Corn | Battlefield, Geopolitics, New Russian Intel Unit, North Koreans in Russia, Russians in North Korea
Combat Story
Today we talk to CIA Senior Intelligence Service officer Glenn Corn who is calling in from Ukraine and dive into the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, with on-the-ground insights and analysis. We touch on Ukrainian concerns about being excluded from international peace talks, the mixed reactions to diplomatic efforts at the Munich Security Conference and in Saudi Arabia, and the potential implications of new Russian intelligence tactics. We also hit on a new Russian intel covert unit, possible involvement of North Korean troops supporting Russia, recent prisoner swaps, and the evolving role of...
info_outline
Inside the Command Post in Pakistan During the Bin Laden Raid | Earthquake Relief | Leadership Lessons | Vice Adm (ret) Mike LeFever
Combat Story
Today’s Combat Story is with our first Navy Vice Admiral, Mike LeFever, who spent 38 years in uniform supporting US National Security across the world. Rising from an Annapolis wrestler to a surface warfare officer, Mike was selected to command a strike group, would serve at the US Embassy in Pakistan as the head diplomatic officer (during the Bin Laden raid), and finished his military career as the Director of Strategic Operational Planning at the National Counterterrorism Center, within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ Try it risk-free...
info_outline
Killing 3 Enemy Tanks in 10 Seconds | HR McMaster | Army General & National Security Advisor | Battle of 73 Easting
Combat Story
Today is an amazing Combat Story as we sit down with the legendary retired three star General HR McMaster whose 34 years of service included everything from spearheading the last great tank-on-tank engagement in the famous Battle of 73 Easting to serving as President Trump’s National Security Advisor. McMaster has been a dream interview for our program for years and it does not disappoint. We cover so much in this episode from exactly what it felt like in the tanks on that fateful day taking on and destroying the Tawalkana Division of the Iraqi Republican Guard in minutes to leading a...
info_outline
Expert CIA Analysis - Africa, China, Russia, DRC, M23 | Two CIA Legends and Case Officers Share Insights
Combat Story
Today we have a fascinating discussion with two CIA legends from the Directorate of Operations: Glenn Corn and Paul Kepp. Both served for over 30 years in the government, most of that with the CIA and both served as Chiefs of Station at some of the most important posts in the world, leading from the frontlines. Glenn brought Paul on to discuss what’s going on in Africa in terms of Russian and increasing Chinese influence, regional players like Turkey and UAE, and specifically recent flare ups in the Democratic Republic of Congo or DRC with Tutsi militia group M23 taking over Goma. We cover...
info_outline
Elite UK Para Sniper Hugh Keir | Surviving the Siege of Musa Qala | Gallantry Award
Combat Story
Today we hear a Combat Story from our brothers across the pond with a veteran and sniper from the UK’s elite Parachute Regiment or Paras, Hugh Keir. Hugh deployed to Iraq twice, Afghanistan three times, in addition to Northern Ireland and the Falklands. Hugh survived the infamous siege of Musa Qala (you’ll be fascinated to hear about this experience and it will make you appreciate just how brutal fighting can be at times) where he and his unit were infiled into a brutal fighting position in Afghanistan completely surrounded by the Taliban. He was also recognized with a gallantry...
info_outline
The Mad Minute | Ep. 004 | Interview with Glenn Corn | Events in Lebanon & Israel
Combat Story
In this special crossover edition of Combat Story and the Mad Minute, we discuss regional issues in the Middle East with 30 year CIA and State Department legend Glenn Corn. We delve into the significant recent developments in the Middle East, focusing on the ceasefire agreements involving Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah, as well as Lebanon's election of a new president after a prolonged political deadlock. Israel and Hamas reached a pivotal ceasefire agreement after 15 months of intense conflict. This truce, facilitated by international mediators including U.S. President Joe Biden,...
info_outline
Fallujah II Reunion 3/5 Marines 20 Years After the Battle | Combat Story at the End WIll Bring You To Tears
Combat Story
Today is a special edition of Combat Story where former guest and retired Sniper and Force Recon Marine AJ Pascuiti invited us to spend two days with the Marines of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, some of America’s finest, as they reunited 20 years after the infamous Battle of Fallujah II in November and December 2004. This episode was designed to be seen on video . Special thanks to AJ for organizing and bringing this together for these Marines from Darkhorse. It’s amazing to think of these men who just walk the streets today with their families like any other American but were once the...
info_outline
Tactical Submarines | Launching Missiles and Torpedoes from Subs | 30 Year Navy Vet | Rob Peters
Combat Story
Today we have a Combat Story first as we hear firsthand from Rob Peters who spent almost 30 years in the Navy on submarines from the mid-1990s to just this year. Rob served on five different subs and commanded twice. In this episode we cover some of the different types of subs, the training, and the mission sets, to include special operations forces support and delivery, attack parameters, missile launches and more. Exclusive $35-off Carver Mat at AuraFrames.com. Use code COMBAT at checkout to save! We found Rob thanks to a former guest and forever friend of the show Todd Opalski, the...
info_outline🪖 Today’s Combat Story dives deep into the career and combat experiences of former infantryman turned Cavalry officer turned Special Forces Green Beret, Dan Pace. Dan retired after over two decades of service in the military, seeing combat in both Iraq and Afghanistan on both the enlisted and officer sides of the house.
📬 Stay Updated: Subscribe to our Newsletter https://www.combatstory.com/newsletter
💪 Support Us: Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/combatstory
📚 Dan recently wrote a book titled "It Was What It Was: A Tale of the 1st Infantry Division in Iraq (2006-2008)" where he details his experiences, particularly those with the 1st ID in Iraq during a pivotal moment in the war. In this episode, we dive into the transition from enlisted to officer and conventional to SF, some of the tougher moments in combat, and how perspective may change from that of a soldier to an officer.
🎖️ General Petreus on the book: "...the timeless tale of a young leader and his soldiers on the ground seeking to find meaning and purpose in the gritty, visceral reality of war at the small unit level.
🎧 Enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with retired Special Forces officer, Dan Pace.
🔗 Guest Online Information:
📧 Contact Dan: [email protected]
📘 It Was What It Was: A Tale of the 1st Infantry Division in Iraq (2006-2008) https://www.amazon.com/Was-What-Infantry-Division-2006-2008/dp/B0CW3MH7KT
📚 Grey Zone Ethics Courses https://danielvpace.com/courses.html
👨✈️ Join host Ryan Fugit in a gripping episode of Combat Story as he delves into the remarkable military career of Dan Pace, a former infantryman, cavalry officer, and special forces Green Beret. Dan shares his intense experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, from frontline battles to coordinating medevacs. Explore his journey from enlisted to officer roles, the evolution of military strategies, and the personal toll of long deployments. The episode also addresses innovative countermeasures against IED threats, fortified vehicles, and ethical dilemmas faced by troops and leaders. This raw and insightful look into Dan's life and the complexities of modern warfare sheds light on the creativity, resilience, and moral challenges within the military.
🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:
🌐 Ryan’s Linktree
🛒 Merch Store
📸 Instagram: @combatstory
📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial
🔍 Learn more about Ryan
🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
- 00:00 Intro
- 01:03 Meet Dan Pace: From Infantryman to Green Beret
- 02:35 The Story Behind the Book Title
- 03:36 Reflecting on the Surge and Its Impact
- 09:23 Joining the Military: A Whimsical Decision
- 15:16 First Deployment Experiences
- 20:11 Life in Afghanistan: Challenges and Reflections
- 33:37 The Decision to Become an Officer
- 34:18 Encouragement and Motivation
- 34:57 Transitioning to Officer for Better Opportunities
- 36:03 Financial Incentives and Career Moves
- 36:51 Branching and Trading Roles
- 37:47 Formation of Brigade Combat Teams
- 40:52 Deployment and Initial Challenges
- 47:00 Extended Deployment and Coping Mechanisms
- 01:03:00 Leadership Decisions and Ethical Dilemmas
- 01:09:34 A Life-or-Death Decision
- 01:10:11 Moral Dilemmas in Combat
- 01:12:14 Humor Amidst Chaos
- 01:14:03 Economic Stimulus in a War Zone
- 01:14:52 Transition to Special Forces
- 01:22:20 Ethical Challenges in Special Forces
- 01:32:45 Training Mishaps and Close Calls
- 01:38:25 Reflections and Farewell