Jocko Podcast 518: Six Days in Hell, And Why That Was Just Normal. With Army Ranger Crazy Joe Claburn
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Dec 10, 2025 
Retired U.S. Army officer Joe Claiborne, known as "Crazy Joe," shares his harrowing experiences leading the 'Gunfighters' in Ramadi during intense combat. He reveals how he transformed Charlie Company into a formidable fighting force amid daily firefights and ambushes. Joe discusses the challenges of operating under constant threat, the importance of tactical psychology, and the emotional toll on soldiers. He reflects on casualties, command accountability, and the lasting legacy of their sacrifices in Iraq. It's a gripping dive into frontline leadership and the realities of war.
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Reality Of Daily Combat In Ramadi
- Joe Claiborne recalls being mortared, RPG'd and sniper-shot multiple times in Ramadi and calls it "Welcome to war."
- He emphasizes the daily, relentless intensity of combat and how commonplace heavy attacks became for his company.
From Unstable Childhood To Military Drive
- Joe describes a turbulent childhood, leaving at 13, living with an uncle, and finding a military lineage in his grandparents.
- That background and early exposure to the military shaped his drive to enlist and become an officer.
Early NCO Influence Shapes Leaders
- Early leaders and NCOs shaped Joe's leadership by forcing him to share hardships with soldiers and set the example.
- That formative experience taught him to lead from the front and earned deep trust with his troops.
