Mike Glover: "It Was a Good Run Killing a Bunch of Bad Guys" | Peak Points
Nov 21, 2024
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Mike Glover, a former Green Beret and CIA contractor, shares gripping tales from his deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. He discusses the emotional turmoil of wanting to rejoin the military after 9/11 and the challenges he faced in leadership roles. From intense training experiences to reflecting on close quarters battle, Glover dives deep into camaraderie and personal growth during combat. He also emphasizes the importance of personal defense training and medical preparedness, offering essential tips for emergency situations.
The September 11 attacks profoundly motivated Mike Glover to re-enlist and engage in the fight against terrorism immediately after his discharge.
His experience leading Afghan commandos highlights the critical importance of building trust and adapting resources in challenging military operations.
Deep dives
Experiencing War After 9/11
After serving in the military, the speaker experienced a life-altering moment when the September 11 attacks occurred only a week after his discharge. This event ignited a strong desire to return to military service, driven by a sense of urgency and the need to make a difference in the fight against terrorism. Despite the emotional turmoil of witnessing the tragedy, he felt a deep instinct to engage in combat and fulfill his long-held dreams of serving in special operations. This combination of fear for the nation and personal ambition pushed him to immediately pursue re-enlistment into the Army.
Challenges of Command in Afghanistan
Once deployed to Afghanistan, the speaker faced the daunting task of leading a team of ten Special Forces operatives who were responsible for training and commanding 144 Afghan commandos. The initial conditions were challenging, with minimal support and resources, requiring swift acclimatization and training of the Afghan troops to ensure operational effectiveness. The lack of equipment and proper uniforms for Afghan allies posed significant obstacles, forcing creative solutions like sourcing supplies from a non-profit organization to provide necessary gear. The urgency of the mission demanded rapid training and the establishment of rapport with the Afghan troops, which began immediately after their arrival in theater.
Operational Experiences and Combat Engagement
In the following weeks, the speaker's team was thrust into combat operations shortly after arriving in Afghanistan, participating in missions that tested their abilities and grit. Despite the lack of preparation time, they engaged in operations that involved establishing connections with local leaders and executing tactical movements in hostile environments. The Afghan commandos showed resilience and dedication during these missions, displaying their commitment to the objectives despite their limited training background. This experience underlined the importance of building trust and understanding the capabilities of local forces in order to achieve mission success.
Transition and Reflections on Military Life
Following a demanding series of deployments, the speaker was involved in establishing a counterterrorism program in Libya in response to the attacks in Benghazi. While the mission was poised for success and thoroughly planned, bureaucratic red tape and political climates limited their ability to take decisive action on the ground. This discrepancy, along with experiencing firsthand the frustrations of military bureaucracy, eventually led to feelings of disillusionment regarding military leadership and protocols. As career ambitions changed and opportunities shifted, the speaker transitioned from active duty to the National Guard, reflecting on the complexities of serving as a soldier while navigating the realities of political and command structures.
This episode kicks off the Shawn Ryan Show's "Peak Points" series, where we highlight the most impactful moments from previous releases. We're starting at the very beginning with Episode #01, featuring former Green Beret and CIA contractor Mike Glover. For longtime listeners, this segment is a great way to revisit a Hall of Fame episode. And if you're new to the show, it's the perfect starting point to get a quick glimpse of this incredible story.