

#36 Lt. Col. Scott Mann - Operation Pineapple Express
Sep 26, 2022
Retired Green Beret Lt. Col. Scott Mann orchestrated Operation Pineapple Express to rescue Afghan allies during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He shares gripping stories from the frontline, including the emotional toll on Afghan commandos and the urgency behind the covert extraction efforts. Mann discusses the importance of preparedness and military relationships, along with the cultural complexities of Afghan society. As he reflects on the lessons learned, he warns of the resurging global terrorism threat in the wake of the withdrawal.
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Humility Lesson
- Scott Mann learned a valuable lesson in humility during his early days as a Green Beret in Colombia.
- His Colombian counterpart schooled him, emphasizing that partners often possess superior knowledge.
Paraguay Partnership
- In Paraguay, Mann's team needed training areas.
- Their Paraguayan counterpart helped, demonstrating the value of long-term relationships.
Building Relationships
- Special Forces teams build on pre-existing relationships or rely on pilot teams to establish initial contacts.
- Long-term relationship-building is crucial for mission success.