Silver Star Recipient Chuck Ritter

Chuck Ritter, a former deputy commandant of the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare NCO Academy, shares his military journey and experiences. He discusses his pre-army days, including his initial lack of interest in the military and his troubled youth. Chuck then talks about his time in basic training and his struggles with physical fitness. He shares his decision to attend Special Forces selection and the challenges he faced during the process. Chuck also recounts his deployment in 2008, where he was severely injured in an IED attack. He discusses his mental health struggles after the deployment and the importance of seeking help. Chuck shares his experiences in combat, specifically focusing on a mission in an Afghanistan where his team faced challenges in mission planning and limitations. They encountered a determined and skilled enemy force, engaging in an intense firefight where Chuck was shot three times. He also discusses the value of education and mentorship, the controversy surrounding the movie 'The Hurt Locker,' and his plans for transitioning to civilian life. Throughout the conversation, Chuck emphasizes the need for humility and the constant struggle to balance confidence with cockiness. Despite the hardships, he expresses his willingness to do it all over again.Mike is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer in the Army. Prior to commissioning, he served as an enlisted Soldier for 10 years. He is an advocate for mental health and taking care of the force. You can follow him on X @EODHappyCaptain and Instagram @EODHappyCPT   Thank you for listening! Be sure to follow along for new episodes and leave a review!