The Team House

Mick Mulroy, a former intelligence and defense official, dissects the U.S. National Security Strategy and its significant shift towards a 'West Hemisphere-first' approach. He questions the implications for global power dynamics, highlighting concerns over U.S. leadership and the fading focus on traditional allies. The conversation explores the impact on Ukraine, Russia’s new status, and the economic prioritization over democratic values. Mulroy warns of a potential isolationist future while addressing the challenges Europe faces in security and migration.

Mike Croissant, a former CIA analyst with 22 years of experience, discusses his fascinating career in counterterrorism. He shares gripping stories from 9/11 and his work tracking extremist threats. Listeners will learn about disrupting a NYC subway attack and dismantling Taliban financing networks. Mike also delves into the emotional impact of the Afghan withdrawal and honors WWII veterans in his book, Bombing Hitler’s Hometown. His insights on intelligence operations and personal anecdotes make for a compelling listen!

Sean Naylor, a veteran national-security reporter and author, joins to discuss a captivating sighting of Osama Bin Laden in 2005 captured by a CIA contractor. They dive into the backstory of how the photos were obtained, the initial certainty followed by doubts in the CIA, and the tensions with the ISI over sharing information. Naylor elaborates on Bin Laden's movements and the implications of the CIA's findings, while teasing upcoming investigations, including the controversial Havana Syndrome. Their insights reveal the complexities of intelligence operations and international relations.

In this discussion, Mick Mulroy, a former CIA paramilitary with a wealth of special operations experience, and Andy Milburn, a former U.S. Army Special Forces officer, tackle pressing geopolitical issues. They analyze a recent shooting involving National Guardsmen and the implications of PTSD on veterans. They also address the challenges faced by Afghan allies seeking refuge and the effectiveness of special operations forces, particularly in potential military actions in Venezuela, emphasizing the need for legal oversight and ethical military engagement.

Join Martin Herzog, an author and journalist with a deep understanding of counterterrorism, as he delves into the founding of GSG-9, Germany's elite counter-terror unit. He explores the harrowing events of Munich '72, the disastrous security failures that followed, and how they catalyzed the birth of GSG-9. The gripping accounts of the Lufthansa hijacking and the daring Mogadishu raid highlight the evolution of Germany's response to terrorism. Herzog also shares insights on GSG-9's international influence and the enduring lessons of their operations.

Varpas De Sa Pereira, a decorated retired Marine Corps officer and Tier 1 special operations operator, shares his profound insights on transitioning from military to civilian life. He introduces his groundbreaking psychological model, Warrior Withdrawal, which links the emotional struggles of veterans to substance abuse symptoms. Varpas discusses the loss of identity and community post-service, advocating for mental health solutions and group support for veterans. His journey to clinical psychology also highlights the need for pre-separation mental health services in the military.

The hosts dive into the controversial 28-point peace plan for Ukraine, questioning its origins and implications for both Ukraine and NATO. They explore the ongoing battlefield dynamics, highlighting Europe’s responsibility in supporting Ukraine. The discussion then shifts to Venezuela, considering potential military actions and its ties to drug trafficking. They also assess Taiwan's precarious position amid U.S. foreign policy shifts and examine how recent Chinese military purges might influence negotiations. Future conflicts in other global hotspots are also on the horizon.

Major General Pete Gallagher (Ret.) is a revered U.S. Army signals officer with a 35-year military career, known for modernizing military communications. In this fascinating conversation, he shares the impact of his father's death on his military pursuit and his journey through elite special operations. Gallagher discusses critical events like the 9/11 response, the establishment of joint recon capabilities, and the personal cost of leadership, including the loss of his son's comrades. His insights on resilience and communication provide a profound look into military life.

original air date - 9/30/22This episode dives deep into the combat career of Ranger Nicholas Moore, tracing his journey from early deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq to some of the most significant operations of the post-9/11 era. He recounts the inside story of Operation Red Wings, the hunt for Marcus Luttrell, the Extortion 17 shootdown, and the brutal 2011 gunfight where he was wounded. Moore offers a raw, detailed look at leadership, loss, and what sustained the Rangers through two decades of continuous war.Grab Nick's book here:https://www.amazon.com/Run-Sound-Guns-American-Afghanistan/dp/1472827090Help Support the show here:https://www.patreon.com/TheTeamHouse00:00 – Start & Origin story 07:05 – In Ranger School on 9/1111:05 – First Afghanistan Deployment & Early Missions18:05 – Iraq Invasion & the Jessica Lynch Rescue41:05 – Operation Red Wings: Turbine 33 Shot Down52:10 – All-Night Climb Toward the Crash Site57:44 – Rangers Find Marcus Luttrell in the Village1:01:14 – Recovering the Fallen SEALs on the Mountainside1:22:23 – Extortion 17: Planning, Shootdown, and Ranger Response1:39:07 – Securing the Crash Site & Recovering All 38 Fallen1:55:10 – The 2011 Gunfight Where Nicholas Moore Was Wounded2:12:40 – Finishing His Career & Leaving the RegimentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-team-house--5960890/support.

The hosts delve into Ahmad al-Sharaa's covert collaboration with U.S. counterterrorism since 2016 and its impact on regional stability. They discuss the pragmatic necessity of aligning with questionable partners for intelligence gains. The conversation shifts to Saudi Arabia's role in the Middle East, the implications of potential military actions in Venezuela, and the complexities of the U.S. foreign policy landscape. They highlight the ongoing developments with Kurdish forces, Israel-Saudi dynamics, and the significance of counter-narcotics operations.