Somalia & Ukraine: Army Ranger veteran James Lechner
Apr 3, 2024
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Army Ranger veteran James Lechner discusses his experiences in Somalia during Black Hawk Down and in Ukraine. He shares intense details of missions, survival in battles, and transition to supporting Ukrainian military. Comparisons of unity between Ukraine and the US are also explored.
Jim Lechner's experience in Somalia emphasizes the significance of precise mission objectives and tactical decisions under challenging circumstances.
Lechner's insights on the Ukraine conflict reveal the contrasting morale and strategies between Ukrainian and Russian troops.
Deep dives
Jim Lechner's Experience in Somalia and Ukraine
Jim Lechner, a former U.S. Army soldier with extensive military experience, recounts his time in Somalia in 1993, where he was part of a mission to capture the leader of the Somali insurgency. Despite facing challenges, including the well-known Black Hawk Down incident, Lechner highlights the mission's specific objectives and constraints under the Clinton administration. This deployment marked a pivotal moment in his military career, showcasing the intense experiences and tactical decisions made during the operation.
October 3, 1993 Mission in Somalia
On October 3, 1993, Jim Lechner and his team embarked on their seventh mission in Somalia to target the top leadership of the Somali insurgency. This mission was based on human intelligence sources and aimed to dismantle the leadership structure supporting the insurgency. Despite facing difficulties in tracking the leader, the mission intensified with a significant meeting identified in the insurgent stronghold, leading to a critical operation on the streets of Mogadishu.
Engagement in Combat on October 3, 1993
During the mission, Jim Lechner actively participated in the combat as a fire support officer, coordinating with snipers on helicopters to engage enemy threats. As the operation progressed, unexpected challenges arose, including encountering modified rocket-propelled grenades utilized by the insurgents. The mission swiftly transformed from a planned precision strike to a chaotic and intense firefight, necessitating quick adaptations and strategic maneuvers.
Impacts of the Somalia Mission and Ongoing Ukrainian Experience
The repercussions of the Somalia mission left a lasting impact on Jim Lechner, reinforcing the importance of instinctual reactions and rigorous military training during high-risk operations. Transitioning from his past experiences, he delves into his recent involvement in Ukraine, providing insights into the ongoing conflict against Russian forces. Lechner's observations highlight the contrasting morale and strategies between Ukrainian and Russian troops, emphasizing the complexities and challenges faced on the battlefield.
Michael talks with Army Ranger veteran LTC (Ret.) James Lechner about his book "With My Shield: An Army Ranger in Somalia" about his experience on the ground in Mogadishu in 1993 during the Black Hawk Down raid. They also discuss his recent experience in Ukraine.
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