#80 John Lovell - 75th Rangers’ Deadly Gunfight and Near-Death Ambush | Part 2
Oct 24, 2023
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John Lovell, a former Army Ranger and founder of the Warrior Poet Society, shares gripping stories from his combat deployments during the Global War on Terror. He recounts a near-death experience during a deadly ambush in Afghanistan, emphasizing the chaos and quick decision-making required for survival. Lovell discusses the emotional hurdles faced by soldiers transitioning to civilian life and highlights the importance of teamwork and resilience in high-stress situations. His reflections bridge military experiences with personal healing and the quest for purpose.
The importance of staying calm and composed in high-pressure situations and learning to control fear and react effectively.
The necessity of making calculated decisions in the chaos of combat to protect oneself and the team.
The resilience, adaptability, and mental strength required in combat situations to overcome fear and make split-second decisions.
Deep dives
Early experiences and preparation in combat
In this podcast episode, the speaker reflects on their early experiences in combat and the preparation leading up to their first deployment. They discuss the mixture of fear and determination they felt, constantly praying for guidance and focusing on doing what they were told. The speaker emphasizes the importance of staying calm and composed in high-pressure situations, and how they gradually learned to control their fear and react effectively. They share personal stories of freezing in a doorway during an intense mission and struggling to navigate a challenging battlefield. Despite their mistakes and moments of fear, they highlight the valuable lessons learned and the growth they experienced as a result.
The aftermath of the first kill
During the podcast, the speaker recounts their first kill in combat. They share that it did not affect them emotionally, as it was a necessary action to protect themselves and their team from a known terrorist. They express that they slept peacefully afterward and never experienced any issues with the act. The speaker also reflects on the potential impact of accidentally shooting a noncombatant, highlighting the importance of maintaining discipline and making calculated decisions in the chaos of combat.
Adapting to the demands of combat
The speaker shares their experiences of prolonged missions and constant clearing of rooms, highlighting the physical and mental demands of combat. They discuss the physical exhaustion and muscle fatigue that comes from intense and prolonged combat situations. The speaker mentions how they had to adapt their tactics and grip on their rifle to cope with fatigue, emphasizing the importance of maintaining control over their weapon even in challenging physical conditions. Lastly, they stress the mindset of taking the fight to the enemy and remaining aggressive and offensive rather than defensive.
Surviving a Near Ambush and Overcoming Fear
In this episode, the host recounts a near ambush experience where his vehicle was hit by an explosion, and he and his team were under intense gunfire. Despite being the lead driver, he managed to react quickly and get the vehicle off the X. The following day, he was selected as the bait to draw out the enemy and execute a counter-ambush. He describes the fear and tension as he walked up the valley of the previous ambush, knowing that the enemy was closing in and their escape route was limited. In a tense moment, he took an elderly man as a hostage, using him as cover and allowing his team to be ready for a potential fight. In the end, the trucks passed by, the hostage was safely handed over for questioning, and the team rejoined to continue their mission. This experience highlights the resilience and adaptability required in combat situations, and the mental strength needed to overcome fear and make split-second decisions.
Loss and Dealing with Grief in the Military
The host briefly discusses the loss of his buddies in combat and acknowledges that overcoming loss is an ongoing process. He emphasizes that loss doesn't necessarily make one stronger, but instead reinforces the determination to honor fallen comrades by continuing their mission or finding a new purpose. While he doesn't delve deep into coping strategies for grief, he recognizes the tragedy of the suicide epidemic among veterans and highlights the importance of addressing mental health and reducing stigma associated with seeking help.
The Challenges of Reintegration and Finding a New Mission
The host talks briefly about the difficulties of transitioning from military life to civilian life. He mentions that overcoming the challenges of reintegration is an ongoing process and acknowledges that some veterans struggle with finding a new sense of purpose after leaving the military. The host also addresses the issue of operator syndrome, referring to the psychological and emotional struggles experienced by special operations personnel. He emphasizes the need for support and understanding for veterans as they navigate this transition and find a new mission or purpose in civilian life.
John Lovell is a former Army Ranger turned creator, homesteader and best-selling author. Lovell is the founder of the Warrior Poet Society, a values-based community geared towards training, preparedness, and spirituality.
Part two of this four part series is all about Lovell's career as an Army Ranger in 2nd Ranger Battalion. Lovell served on multiple combat deployments during the Global War On Terror. Lovell vividly recounts the early days of the war, shortly after the 9/11 attacks and a deadly ambush that would be one of the closest calls of his career.
