RISK! A Breath of Fresh Air: RISK! Reacts (feat. Ray Christian)
Nov 11, 2025
In this captivating discussion, Brian Simpson, a stand-up comedian and former Marine, shares his harrowing story of serving in Kuwait during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He reveals the chilling reality of malfunctioning gas masks, with a staggering 50% deemed defective. As Simpson reflects on the absurdity of his biological attack drills and the dread of potential missile strikes, guest-host Ray Christian offers poignant insights and connects their military experiences. It's a raw, personal narrative that brings the weight of war into sharp focus.
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Drill Frequency Breeds Complacency
- Repeated, unrealistic drills breed complacency, making real alarms harder to take seriously.
- Brian shows how overtraining without consequence undermines preparedness.
A Trivial Pursuit Revelation
- During a Trivial Pursuit game Brian learns a 1996 test found 50% of US military gas masks defective.
- He spreads panic among fellow Marines and feels betrayed by the system.
The Military As A Middle Preserver
- Brian realizes the military isn't a meritocracy but a system that tolerates failure to stay middling.
- He concludes Marines become cogs—replaceable and expendable—rather than valued individuals.