The Team House

Former Chief of Ground Branch | Don Parnell | Ep. 335

Mar 26, 2025
Guest
Donald Parnell
Donald Parnell, a retired CIA Paramilitary officer with 35 years of service, shares gripping tales from his extensive career. He recounts harrowing experiences during early operations in Afghanistan, including a traumatic friendly fire incident. Parnell discusses the evolution of paramilitary roles post-9/11 and reflects on the complexities of working with local forces. He also tackles the current geopolitical turmoil in Ukraine and Syria, emphasizing the importance of international relationships and the personal impact of his service. A riveting glimpse into the life of a dedicated operative!
Ask episode
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
1
Intro
00:00 • 5min
2
From Athlete to Officer: A Life Journey
04:38 • 12min
3
Evolution of Paramilitary Operations and Personal Accounts
16:13 • 4min
4
Harsh Realities of Early Operations in Afghanistan
20:01 • 26min
5
Reflections on War and Humanity
46:18 • 24min
6
Honoring Service and Sacrifice
01:10:27 • 22min
7
Geopolitical Turmoil: Ukraine and Syria
01:32:30 • 24min
8
Reflections on Background Checks and Future Engagements
01:56:22 • 3min
9
The Legacy of Memoirs: Connecting Generations Through Stories
01:59:31 • 2min
10
Preserving Stories and Supporting the Podcast
02:01:27 • 2min