Jocko Podcast 514: Devastating Loss, and Everyday Combat in Ramadi. With Army Medic, Adam Anderson
Nov 12, 2025
Join Army medic Adam Anderson, who bravely served during the Battle of Ramadi, as he shares gripping firsthand accounts of battlefield medicine, devastating losses, and the weight carried long after combat. He discusses the emotional impact of losing fellow soldiers, including Christopher Swanson, and his journey through recovery and reintegration as a veteran. Along with fellow veteran Ryan Jackson, they explore the importance of support systems like Canines for Warriors and candidly address the ongoing challenges of life after service.
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Training Gaps Drove Early Combat Risk
- Early medic training lacked practical trauma rehearsals like tourniquet application under stress.
- Adam highlights how TCCC and prefabricated tourniquets later transformed battlefield survival.
First Combat Cases And Rapid Learning
- On his first deployment Adam treated a mortar casualty whose leg was blown off and later helped secure and save other wounded after a 17-person mortar strike.
- He assisted with airway management and lifesaving interventions that kept critically injured soldiers alive.
Germany: Travel, Tattooing, And Training
- After his first tour Adam celebrated hard in Germany and trained constantly instead of enjoying Oktoberfest.
- He used German weekends to travel, tattoo, and stay fit while preparing for the next deployment.
