The late Jim Valvano, former head basketball coach at NC State, famously said: "If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special..." This podcast was a syne wave of these three components, and that's why this was stellar in every way. Outstanding questions, and Chris exudes humor, humility and honesty. Godspeed, gentlemen!
Thank you Chris for sharing these personal experiences and thoughts. I'm Active Duty Army Retired as an SNCO with 21 years service and this interview helped me immensely.
This "podcast" is terrific, educational, entertaining, and more. I'm impressed by the level of dialogue shared here. I had no expectation of hearing such an insightful, intelligent dialogue. I recommend this podcast for general audiences for sure. Thanks!
Dude, I failed in 1986. Please, you cannot show up in too good shape. And when you get there, don’t “taper off.” Keep pushing: pull ups, running, push-ups, sprints. It will be worth it! The only failure, is the failure to try.
@@Ash12428 no, unfortunately I am stationed at bliss in a RSTA squadron. These guys dont use mortars the way they should. I'm great at my job, but I want to pursue way more.
Nice 12B reference “Trading frags with the guy.” Holy shit. That’s insane and sounds like one hell of a party. I appreciate the episode. There are 20 years of vets walking the streets. We need this
This is Incredible fellas, makes me proud and inspires me to be a better American listening to Great Americans sharing intimate experiences and how they navigated the trials and tribulations... Love and Respect
Ha, small world! Chris was my squad leader in the scout platoon and I remember when he made it thru selection. Great guy and learned a lot from him. Dude was also crazy funny. Damn, hearing y’all talk brings back a lot of memories. Best wishes to Chris. Rltw
I was stationed in Germany, 11M. We had a few guys go back to the states for Ranger school and SFAS. Most failed. Only one guy I know of came back with a Ranger tab. It was very difficult once in Germany as an 11M to get ANY Army school. 01-04’
As a Pre GWOT Enlisted/ NCO with 3/75 at Benning....going to OCS in 2003, I was a 2/11th IN IOBC Tac in 2002. Spot on with former 11M not being able to leave their formations. Tabs were rare and Mike Golfs in Mech world were looked at the same way master rated Jump Masters are viewed.
This was a great podcast. Many great elements, the ups and downs all the while just shows the struggle of a successful soldier at a high level of operation. Appreciate the open and sincere dialogue, some sad outcomes but some great success as well. Thank you guys.
Thank you for your show. First time listening and enjoyed Chris’s story. It helped me think about some of my military experiences different. Truly appreciate your channel and look forward to listen to other stories. Thank you again. I showed up at Bragg in early ‘01 and deployed twice.
Things have changed since then. My first enlistment was in a heavy mech and we STAYED in the field. For over a month at a time usually. We spent sometimes 10 months out of the year in the field.
Irony - I went to Navy Recruiter 99 and he couldn’t guarantee BUDS and wanted me to be a carpenter then go to BUDS, No-Go. Went to Marines and he couldn’t offer squat but the title of “Marine!”! Air Force Recruiter seemed too civilian! Army recruiter guaranteed Airborne Infantry w/ Ranger Contract Optional. Week before graduation at Delta 2/58 they tell me I am a 11C. I was like WTF does that mean. What it meant was the day I graduated Airborne school, I was instructed to go no where along with 10 others. Heart broke wanted to go home! 2 week gentlemen course on the Javelin, No PT, No Parade Rest, was a 2 week break!
2:09:30 Damn, that is the coolest cool guy story I heard on the internet. Mark Bowden or someone (if not Chris) should get on this ASAP and write a book. It sounds like it could be a spiritual sequel to Blackhawk Down.
It's funny that hes talking about Mike Eyer from the 82nd, he was my CSM that I was PSD for in Iraq. Small world. I remember his grumpy former SAS ass.
As a retired gas passer I have come to realize that war is good and bad. The good comes from the medical advances we discover or invent, the technical progress we enjoy, and the value we put upon peace when finally it comes. The Crimean War was Florence Nightingale as the founder of modern nursing and ambulances. The Civil War was anesthetics and surgery. WW1 was gas attacks and shrapnel injuries and opium addiction. WW2 was blood typing and psychiatry for 'battle fatigue.' Korea was MASH helicopters and forward bases. Vietnam was the ICU and 'the Golden Hour' for shock and trauma. Dessert Storm didn't do crap except demonstrate the whole storage/ pre-position medical supplies was a total lie. The GWOT has brought us palpable advances in limb salvage and pain control through local infusions of local anesthetic via catheters and syringe pumps. As well as closed head injury/ concussion work. Short answer is don't expose your selves to IED's. Send a robot bomb dog.
I've listened to all of Chris' podcasts. From Unit guys, he is by far the most entertaining as well as open about his emotions. Tom Satterly as well. Can anyone recommend a close 3rd?
Lee Busby He did a Fieldcraft Survival Podcast with Mike Glover and Chris Vansant. Him and Chris went through selection together. It's episode 175. On soundcloud and I guess several other places. Not UA-cam though.
@@ArnoTrek "Lee Busby took on in the chest" "well what happened?" "he shot the dude 7 times in the face!" I laughed my ass off when I heard that. I don't know why.
I a retired 19D and I work for DA in testing. How do you deal with the looks/shock responce of talking about military experiences in a mixed civ audience. I was just sharing stories with a vet and a civilization guy I work with in passing and realized it was way out of their... life experience. That wide eyed kind of look. Its not even what I'd consider traumatic or graphic stuff. I know they only know me as a civilian but man I was med retired in 2016 and I still run into this.
They've released 'Unit' guys who admitted to having an ND on a range without anyone else around to witness it. Self integrity to come forward and admit it happened and then let go :/ The standard is EXTREMELY HIGH, anything less is grounds for release.
Thabk you so much for sharing your story. The battle for these fine young men and woman doesn't stop once the bullets do! We need more funding and awareness for America's true heros! 22 a day is completely unacceptable and a direct disrespect to our citizens in uniform
I already know I want to go to the unit that is my end goal for the military I’m going to try to go option 40 I hope I don’t end up 11c I don’t want to know anything about that trust me I don’t want to
The infantry battalions other than ranger battalions are very experienced and I can tell many of these people where not in long enough to get to train with highly capable infantry battalions that live the standards. So this young rangers really where not In long enough to be apart of the infantry. And their are many units of skilled infantryman that have tons of experience from continuous deployments and major battles in the war. So I dont think these people are well informed about the infantry. And all they do
Don't think anyone on this episode put down the infantry or anyone who was infantry in a non-special operations unit. Those who were on the show were infantry mortarmen (11C).
@@mattpagel2328 no not really .. read up on some more history..great men who are unknowingly fight for billionaire businessmen / politicians seeking power and money...
@@JP-ds3yj no place feels like home anymore. I don’t understand. I went to college, was a cop... I can’t make sense out of it. Is this the abyss Nietzsche spoke about? The monster? I feel empty inside now days. Just want to go back and back and back and back...
@@charliemike13 that is rough man, i think a lot of people can relate and it’s a tough sentiment. I know it sounds stupid but honestly setting small to medium goals and then working towards them may be something that could really help how you feel about your life. I’m not trying to generalize but I think most people have better lives than they think. Focus on gratitude and really make it a daily practice and I promise you will feel more fulfilled and less of a need to search for the one thing. Hope it helps, hope you kick life’s ass!
I doubt anyone can tell you anything if you can't find the information elsewhere already. That said, there are several reasons that one could guess, as to why. Anything from their own version of cultural support teams (with the benefit of in house training) to certain low visibility work, where the a male and female couple are subjected to less scrutiny by security services than a male or pair of males.
@@cm2973 no my answer is that you will not find anything specific about it, because most likely it is classified. And even if it isn't, people who served in a SMU will never openly discuss TTPs. However you can guess at least a couple of scenarios where a female presence is useful. It has nothing whatsoever to do with SJWs. These units care only about accomplishing the mission. Not ticking boxes.
The late Jim Valvano, former head basketball coach at NC State, famously said: "If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special..." This podcast was a syne wave of these three components, and that's why this was stellar in every way. Outstanding questions, and Chris exudes humor, humility and honesty. Godspeed, gentlemen!
He has done an episode with Mike Glover for fieldcraft survival podcast, which is just as great.
@@AGfrom83 I didn't find it. Will search again. Thanks!
@@billjordan5507 it isn't on UA-cam.
I listened on soundcloud. But I imagine it's on usual suspect podcast websites.
@@billjordan5507 its episode 157.
And he is on episode 175 again with Lee Busby who was also CAG, and works with him at TYR Tactical.
Thanks, Bill!
Thank you Chris for sharing these personal experiences and thoughts. I'm Active Duty Army Retired as an SNCO with 21 years service and this interview helped me immensely.
Appreciate that. Thank you for listening.
This "podcast" is terrific, educational, entertaining, and more. I'm impressed by the level of dialogue shared here. I had no expectation of hearing such an insightful, intelligent dialogue. I recommend this podcast for general audiences for sure. Thanks!
Thank you for the great feedback!
Yep, I met Chris in 03 at some chow hall in Iraq. I was in A.co 2-325 Mortars from 9/01 to 8/05. Great guy. Small world!
Brother, I am a sgt, 11C, and going to selection next year. This shit is golden.
Best of luck! Thanks for listening!
Dude, I failed in 1986. Please, you cannot show up in too good shape. And when you get there, don’t “taper off.” Keep pushing: pull ups, running, push-ups, sprints. It will be worth it! The only failure, is the failure to try.
@@Ash12428 no, unfortunately I am stationed at bliss in a RSTA squadron. These guys dont use mortars the way they should. I'm great at my job, but I want to pursue way more.
Mortars Lead the way! Spent my entire career in a 60 section with the 82nd. Dont have too much fun!
@@austinduncan5065 gl
Nice 12B reference
“Trading frags with the guy.” Holy shit. That’s insane and sounds like one hell of a party. I appreciate the episode. There are 20 years of vets walking the streets. We need this
Thanks for listening.
This is Incredible fellas, makes me proud and inspires me to be a better American listening to Great Americans sharing intimate experiences and how they navigated the trials and tribulations...
Love and Respect
Appreciate the feedback and thanks for listening!
Please interview Tom Satterley (CSM from the Unit , 1st SFOD-D).
Check your favorite podcast app for Episode 150 by searching "Mentors4mil". He was also on multiple episodes as a cohost thereafter.
Tom or eric spooner..CAG BROTHERS
Scott Spooner, brother of Tom, was on multiple times and was a breacher.
He has so many interviews already
Ha, small world! Chris was my squad leader in the scout platoon and I remember when he made it thru selection. Great guy and learned a lot from him. Dude was also crazy funny.
Damn, hearing y’all talk brings back a lot of memories. Best wishes to Chris.
Rltw
No way! Chris is awesome. Thanks for listening!
Scouts out!
The Box is Only SO Big, yes. To "TUNE IN", "Switch ON". Thank you Chris for your service, one heck of a 20 year service.
I was stationed in Germany, 11M. We had a few guys go back to the states for Ranger school and SFAS. Most failed. Only one guy I know of came back with a Ranger tab. It was very difficult once in Germany as an 11M to get ANY Army school. 01-04’
As a Pre GWOT Enlisted/ NCO with 3/75 at Benning....going to OCS in 2003, I was a 2/11th IN IOBC Tac in 2002. Spot on with former 11M not being able to leave their formations. Tabs were rare and Mike Golfs in Mech world were looked at the same way master rated Jump Masters are viewed.
Thanks to you both for doing this - awesome podcast!
Glad you enjoyed it!
This was a great podcast. Many great elements, the ups and downs all the while just shows the struggle of a successful soldier at a high level of operation. Appreciate the open and sincere dialogue, some sad outcomes but some great success as well. Thank you guys.
Thanks for the great feedback and for listening.
Thank you for your show. First time listening and enjoyed Chris’s story. It helped me think about some of my military experiences different. Truly appreciate your channel and look forward to listen to other stories. Thank you again. I showed up at Bragg in early ‘01 and deployed twice.
Thanks for listening and subscribing to us, brother! Appreciate the feedback and looking forward your comments in the future.
Such likable guy, would love to have him as a team mate.
Things have changed since then. My first enlistment was in a heavy mech and we STAYED in the field. For over a month at a time usually. We spent sometimes 10 months out of the year in the field.
Crazy this popped up........... Chris is a stand up guy. Enjoyed the podcast. Thanks to all who have put it on the line for the US
Thanks for listening
Awesome interview! Any chance you could film these?
We hope to at some point. The costs of filming and editing is a lot more than audio.
Oh man that’s so hilarious! “Son you get the privilege of becoming a United States Marine” 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Yeah those Marines got some stark humor
I was working out... had to stop to breath a bit 😂
😂
I really appreciated this. For sure I have struggled with an attitude of entitlement. Things happen and I have wasted time asking 'why me?'
Great podcast guys! 👍 Chris VanSant, You’re doing good brother. Stay on the path.
Much appreciated! Thanks for listening!
I felt like I listening to two good friends converse at work. Like being back at Bn. Great atmosphere.
Glad you enjoyed it! That's EXACTLY the format that we go for each and every week.
Irony - I went to Navy Recruiter 99 and he couldn’t guarantee BUDS and wanted me to be a carpenter then go to BUDS, No-Go. Went to Marines and he couldn’t offer squat but the title of “Marine!”! Air Force Recruiter seemed too civilian! Army recruiter guaranteed Airborne Infantry w/ Ranger Contract Optional. Week before graduation at Delta 2/58 they tell me I am a 11C. I was like WTF does that mean. What it meant was the day I graduated Airborne school, I was instructed to go no where along with 10 others. Heart broke wanted to go home! 2 week gentlemen course on the Javelin, No PT, No Parade Rest, was a 2 week break!
I was in 2nd PLT D co 2/58 in 99- Drills were Cockrell & Kania….. I graduated OSUT in July that Summer & then went to jump school.
Right on, thank you guys!
Our pleasure!
Thank you Chris for all you have done
This is great thank you for posting.
My pleasure!
Thank you for your sacrifice Chris!
Great podcast! I love Chris's sense of humor.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Wonderful podcast. Thank you to all involved.
Glad you enjoyed it!
As a BKA of my left leg, this was pretty damn inspirational. The worst thing for me is getting up to pee in the middle of the night!
My dad was fighter pilot in England in the 60's when I was a kid. Santa showed up in a F-100 Super Saber. Thought it was normal.
Respect! Thanks for sharing.
RLTW!
C 3/75
1997-2001
JCT PLT & 3 PLT
Thanks for watching!
2:09:30 Damn, that is the coolest cool guy story I heard on the internet. Mark Bowden or someone (if not Chris) should get on this ASAP and write a book. It sounds like it could be a spiritual sequel to Blackhawk Down.
You just impacted someone thats listening... and coincidentally on his mother's birthday. Good shit guys. Semper Fi
It's funny that hes talking about Mike Eyer from the 82nd, he was my CSM that I was PSD for in Iraq. Small world. I remember his grumpy former SAS ass.
Thanks for listening!
Great interview!
Thank you!
As a retired gas passer I have come to realize that war is good and bad.
The good comes from the medical advances we discover or invent, the technical progress we enjoy, and the value we put upon peace when finally it comes. The Crimean War was Florence Nightingale as the founder of modern nursing and ambulances. The Civil War was anesthetics and surgery. WW1 was gas attacks and shrapnel injuries and opium addiction. WW2 was blood typing and psychiatry for 'battle fatigue.' Korea was MASH helicopters and forward bases. Vietnam was the ICU and 'the Golden Hour' for shock and trauma. Dessert Storm didn't do crap except demonstrate the whole storage/ pre-position medical supplies was a total lie. The GWOT has brought us palpable advances in limb salvage and pain control through local infusions of local anesthetic via catheters and syringe pumps. As well as closed head injury/ concussion work. Short answer is don't expose your selves to IED's. Send a robot bomb dog.
Awesome interview
The realistic conversation I have heard in a while
Thank you! The format we strive for each week.
I've listened to all of Chris' podcasts. From Unit guys, he is by far the most entertaining as well as open about his emotions. Tom Satterly as well. Can anyone recommend a close 3rd?
Lee Busby
He did a Fieldcraft Survival Podcast with Mike Glover and Chris Vansant.
Him and Chris went through selection together.
It's episode 175. On soundcloud and I guess several other places. Not UA-cam though.
@@AGfrom83 Yea I saw that one too but thanks for the suggestion.
@@ArnoTrek "Lee Busby took on in the chest"
"well what happened?"
"he shot the dude 7 times in the face!"
I laughed my ass off when I heard that. I don't know why.
@@AGfrom83 Lee has a heart of gold. I wish Chris and Lee the best and I hope they found peace.
CSM EYER was mine in 1-6 IN in BAUMHOLDER
I a retired 19D and I work for DA in testing. How do you deal with the looks/shock responce of talking about military experiences in a mixed civ audience. I was just sharing stories with a vet and a civilization guy I work with in passing and realized it was way out of their... life experience. That wide eyed kind of look. Its not even what I'd consider traumatic or graphic stuff. I know they only know me as a civilian but man I was med retired in 2016 and I still run into this.
CVS, humble beyond belief & a righteous guy..
MASTER SGT. MICHAEL L. MCNULTY
Died on June 17, 2005
Dover Delaware damn i was down there not to long ago lol
1:14:10 I couldn't do all that type of life and deployments with a family. It's either one or the other.
Thank you
Can u get Dale Comstock and Leon bracey?
wait so this guy went from delta to green berets? isnt that a little backwards
They've released 'Unit' guys who admitted to having an ND on a range without anyone else around to witness it. Self integrity to come forward and admit it happened and then let go :/ The standard is EXTREMELY HIGH, anything less is grounds for release.
He went through selection WHILE he was a member of Task Force Green so that he wouldn't be 11B/C if he ever left, not because of disciplinary reasons.
Boy he's the youngest delta operator I've seen (not that I've seen many) since earl fillmore, thank God he didn't end up the same way as earl
Tom Satterly was 24 during Gothic Serpent.
@@alek9411 thats crazy, thank the lord he didn't die. I thought delta was mostly comprised of older gents
@@eriktruchinskas3747 it generally is I believe, 30s and 40s.
@@alek9411 how badass must these younger guys have been to be accepted into the unit
Thomas Payne the medal of honor recipient passed selection at 22
If you look up Chris VanSant on UA-cam, there are real videos of him on there
RIP SGT Robert "Creature " Budrick 1SFG, contractor. #22aday #veteransuicideawareness #tbi #survivorsguilt #GRS
Thabk you so much for sharing your story. The battle for these fine young men and woman doesn't stop once the bullets do! We need more funding and awareness for America's true heros! 22 a day is completely unacceptable and a direct disrespect to our citizens in uniform
Great content the apitamy of professionalism
Thank you for listening!
Epitome
11B Out fucking standing!
Unit guys are truly grey men.
Who would dislike this podcast I’m so confused
7 socialists
Thanks for listening!
I already know I want to go to the unit that is my end goal for the military I’m going to try to go option 40 I hope I don’t end up 11c I don’t want to know anything about that trust me I don’t want to
What's 11c?
@@X_Meechie_X indirect infantry man which is mortar man
@@Chavylifts oh alright thanks👌🏼
3/75!! Represent.
Awesome guy and interview!
Appreciate it!
Mike is awesome, funny dude.
Way better pod cast than Team House vids , . Benning as Jump was a party RIP was culture shock
The infantry battalions other than ranger battalions are very experienced and I can tell many of these people where not in long enough to get to train with highly capable infantry battalions that live the standards. So this young rangers really where not In long enough to be apart of the infantry. And their are many units of skilled infantryman that have tons of experience from continuous deployments and major battles in the war. So I dont think these people are well informed about the infantry. And all they do
Don't think anyone on this episode put down the infantry or anyone who was infantry in a non-special operations unit. Those who were on the show were infantry mortarmen (11C).
God loves the infantry.
perfeck opportunity
He was 23 at selection. Are you kidding me?!?!
Pretty common age. I was 23 when I went too.
Get em young to fight in stupid covert wars
@@TheInfantry98 pleb these are Spartans different purpose.
@@AZDesertExplorer mhm sure
@@mattpagel2328 no not really .. read up on some more history..great men who are unknowingly fight for billionaire businessmen / politicians seeking power and money...
3rd time listening to this
Appreciate that!
dang 10 commercials in less than 10 minutes of podcast
Skydive smiles
When I get to heaven St Peters gonna say; How'd ya living, how'd ya'earn Your Pay ?
I replied with a whole lot of anger...
Rltw
Jim Deans hua.
That’s all I want to do... deploy. How does “chaos” make so much more sense?
It doesn’t. And it’s not everything. Be careful where you put your expectations.
@@JP-ds3yj no place feels like home anymore. I don’t understand. I went to college, was a cop... I can’t make sense out of it. Is this the abyss Nietzsche spoke about? The monster? I feel empty inside now days. Just want to go back and back and back and back...
@@charliemike13 that is rough man, i think a lot of people can relate and it’s a tough sentiment. I know it sounds stupid but honestly setting small to medium goals and then working towards them may be something that could really help how you feel about your life. I’m not trying to generalize but I think most people have better lives than they think. Focus on gratitude and really make it a daily practice and I promise you will feel more fulfilled and less of a need to search for the one thing. Hope it helps, hope you kick life’s ass!
@@JP-ds3yj Thank you! Even taking the time to reply helps! I will get back up. Just been rough. I know I can.
Controlled Chaos.
Anyone wanna share what the damn purpose of chicks in SMUs are? Particularly why they need to be freefall qualled when they arent doing direct action.
Every role in SMU is important with criteria for each role. We'll leave it at that.
@@Mentors4mil I can appreciate the need to keep certain details from the public. Thank you for acknowledging the reply.
I doubt anyone can tell you anything if you can't find the information elsewhere already.
That said, there are several reasons that one could guess, as to why.
Anything from their own version of cultural support teams (with the benefit of in house training) to certain low visibility work, where the a male and female couple are subjected to less scrutiny by security services than a male or pair of males.
@@AGfrom83 Ok, so basically your answer is that there isn't a readily apparent reason outside of SJW nonsense.
@@cm2973 no my answer is that you will not find anything specific about it, because most likely it is classified. And even if it isn't, people who served in a SMU will never openly discuss TTPs.
However you can guess at least a couple of scenarios where a female presence is useful.
It has nothing whatsoever to do with SJWs. These units care only about accomplishing the mission. Not ticking boxes.
Just audio, no video
We all figured that out, but thanks for the valuable contribution.
@@Make-Asylums-Great-Again your mom went to The University of Phoenix and didn’t graduate good
“Unpack”. Faux Intellectual speak.
What would a true intellectual say instead?
Its an annoying and overused term.