The Shawn Ryan Show

#259 Mike Durant - 160th SOAR Pilot Who Survived Black Hawk Down and 11 Days as a POW

Dec 4, 2025
Guest
Mike Durant
Mike Durant, a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer and Black Hawk pilot, shares gripping insights from his military career, including surviving the Battle of Mogadishu and 11 days as a POW. He discusses the tactical challenges and political decisions leading to the infamous mission, revealing how he used faith and writing to endure captivity. Durant also reflects on the camaraderie within the 160th SOAR, the evolution of the Armed Black Hawk, and his foray into politics post-military. His journey is a testament to resilience and leadership.
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ANECDOTE

Faith, Family And Small Milestones Kept Him Alive

  • Mike Durant drew courage from family and faith while captive, focusing on small milestones to survive.
  • He used stepwise goals to endure extreme hardship instead of trying to “eat the elephant” all at once.
ANECDOTE

From Security Mission To Nation‑Building Drift

  • Mike recounts how initial US operations in Somalia started as humanitarian security and appeared to succeed quickly.
  • He explains the later strategic shift toward nation-building that complicated and extended US involvement.
INSIGHT

Hearts And Minds Can Collapse Fast

  • Coalition operations lost legitimacy when local narratives framed US actions as hostile and predatory.
  • Mike argues disinformation and political missteps can flip public support faster than kinetic success can build it.
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