#5 Mike Ritland - Navy SEAL / K9 Dog Trainer (Part 1)
Aug 26, 2020
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Mike Ritland, a former Navy SEAL and renowned K9 trainer, shares gripping tales from his military career, including responses to major operations like the USS Cole attack. He discusses the deep bond between military dogs and their handlers and emphasizes the need for effective training to reduce high euthanasia rates among dogs. Ritland also highlights his transition from combat to the canine world, revealing the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of community support, and the mission of his Warrior Dog Foundation.
Navy SEALs faced intense challenges post-USS Cole incident, highlighting their sacrifice and resilience.
Vigilance and strategic patrolling prevented further attacks on the ship, showcasing SEALs' alertness and readiness.
Successful salvage of USS Cole amidst risks and challenges demonstrated Navy SEALs' expertise and determination.
Covert operation securing the port underscores Navy SEALs' covert skills and dedication to mission success.
Discipline and strategic restraint in engaging threats exemplified Navy SEALs' specialized training and leadership guidance.
Deep dives
Deployment to the Coal
After a guided missile cruiser transferred the team to the coal, they spent two months guarding the ship with six sets of human remains found on board. The team dealt with the aftermath of a suicide bombing that killed sailors. The experience included being surrounded by devastating scenes, intense smells, and the challenge of protecting the ship.
Responding to Threats
Upon threats to the ship from suicide bombers, the team was vigilant and patrolled the waters around the coal to prevent any further attacks. Despite close encounters with small boats, no shots were fired. The experience involved maintaining a high level of alertness and being prepared for potential threats.
Recovery and Return of the Ship
The Marlin Spike, a floating dry dock, was used to recover the coal from the harbor. The ship was salvaged after significant damage and listed heavily, finally being transported back to Louisiana for repairs. Despite challenges and a near incident with an approaching boat, the coal was successfully salvaged and returned to service.
Embarking on a Covert Mission to Protect US Navy Ships
US Navy ships were directed to secure only at the specific port, prompting a covert operation. In plain clothes, a team engaged in thorough searches of arriving ships to ensure safety. Despite encountering risks, the team was successful in fortifying the port, spending a challenging yet fulfilling month in covert operations.
Maintaining Discipline in the Face of Potential Threats
Despite facing high stakes in wartime operations, the team showcased exceptional discipline by refraining from engaging potential threats aggressively. The leadership's clarity and guidance ensured that the team navigated tense situations with strategic precision and minimized unnecessary risks, showcasing the superior discipline characteristic of special operations units.
Encountering Unexpected Resistance and Ensuring Safety
During a critical mission to secure a palace, unexpected confrontations unfolded. The team faced intense hostilities, resulting in significant engagement and challenges. Amidst the chaos, the team's resilience and determination prevailed, leading to the successful neutralization of threats and victory in securing critical locations.
Struggling with Addiction After Returning Home
The speaker reflects on his struggles with alcohol addiction after returning home from deployment. He discusses how his drinking behavior escalated from occasional to daily, leading him to recognize the potential danger of this pattern. This realization prompted him to drastically reduce his alcohol consumption over the years to maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Finding Purpose in Business and Dog Training
The speaker highlights the importance of finding passion and purpose in his business and dog training activities. He credits these pursuits for his personal growth and satisfaction, emphasizing that pursuing meaningful work is the key to long-term happiness. By immersing himself in his business and dog training, he found fulfillment and avoided falling into unhealthy patterns or feeling aimless in life.
Creating Historic Events with Bold Choices
Bold choices are highlighted as crucial elements preceding monumental events. The speaker emphasizes the significance of taking bold actions to shape historic moments and successful outcomes. By citing examples of influential decisions leading to impactful results, the podcast underlines the importance of courage and determination in achieving extraordinary feats.
From Business Challenges to Triumphs
The podcast delves into the speaker's entrepreneurial journey, revealing a path marked by setbacks and resilience. Starting businesses, facing betrayals, and having to rebuild from scratch, the speaker reflects on the grit required to overcome hardships. Through personal experiences like financial struggles and reinvention after failures, the narrative emphasizes perseverance and the relentless pursuit of success amidst adversity.
In episode #005 of "The Shawn Ryan Show" (a 2 part series), Shawn sits down with Mike Ritland. Mike is a former Navy SEAL who responded to the USS Cole, participated in one of the largest SEAL Team operations that has ever occurred with SEAL Team 3, and kicked off the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003. He later became one of the world's most recognized protection K9 dog trainers, a New York Times best selling author three times, and amongst many other accomplishments, he founded the "Warrior Dog Foundation" which is a not for profit organization that rehabilitates and gives attack dogs returning home from war.
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