

505: Lessons in Blood. General Greg Knight on Ramadi and Leadership
68 snips Sep 10, 2025
General Greg Knight, a former member of Vermont's 1st Battalion 172nd Armored Regiment, shares his gripping experiences from Ramadi. He discusses the harsh realities of leadership, emphasizing humility and resilience amid challenges and casualties. Knight reflects on the emotional weight of loss, mentorship in combat, and the complexities of reintegrating veterans into civilian life. He also highlights innovative safety solutions during operations, the vital lessons learned from brotherhood, and the significance of creating supportive communities for veterans.
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Memorial Built By Soldiers
- The 228 Brigade Combat Team memorial in Ramadi used iron, shattered glass, stained wood, and suspended dog tags to symbolize sacrifice and souls.
- The obelisk's design by soldiers became a lasting tribute relocated to the Pennsylvania National Guard Museum.
From Troubled Youth To Coast Guard
- Greg Knight grew up an Army brat, joined the Coast Guard at 17, and found structure and purpose in military life.
- He thrived on order and discipline after a chaotic home life and credits service as life-changing.
Late-Start OCS Transformation
- At 34 Knight accepted a waiver to attend accelerated OCS and lost 22 pounds under intense training at Fort Carson.
- The experience opened doors and became a career capstone despite being physically brutal.