Former Action Guys Podcast podcast artwork

PODCAST · government

Former Action Guys Podcast

Former Action Guys Podcast is a way for veterans, first responders and others to share their stories that the world has never heard in a casual, conversational format that allows a natural flow of information about their career and lives. Justin Cramer is a former Marine JTAC Evaluator that completed 5 deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and on the USS Makin Island. Justin served with 1st ANGLICO, 10th Marine Regiment, 3rd Battalion 6th Marine Regiment and others before leaving the military after 12 years in 2018.Some content is not appropriate for children or listeners because of the graphic description of combat and other traumatic events.Support the showhttps://patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://jcramergraphics.comhttps://ANGLICOshop.com

  1. 288

    Ep. 242 | Chris Janecek | CH-46 Pilot, FAC, 3rd ANGLICO

    Chris Janecek was an enlisted armorer with 3rd ANGLICO while he completed college and worked towards becoming a Naval Aviator. Chris got his wish and was selected to fly the CH-46 Sea Knight. He flew the twin-rotor helicopter during the invasion and follow-on deployment to Iraq before being assigned to 3rd Battalion 1st Marines as a Forward Air Controller for his third deployment to Iraq.Support the showhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comChris's bookhttps://us.amazon.com/dp/B0GQ4Q87M7/ref=zg_bsnr_g_9681306011_d_sccl_2/000-0000000-0000000?psc=100:00:00 Intro | Artemis II00:03:04 Iran CSAR Mission | Rescue of DUDE4400:10:09 3rd ANGLICO00:16:50 Flight School00:21:51 CH-46 Selection | Training00:28:49 CH-46 Safety Record | Aviation Risks00:34:53 Invasion of Iraq00:51:46 Iraq Air Threats01:03:00 How The War Changed | 3 Deployments to Iraq01:14:33 3rd Battalion 1st Marines FAC Tour01:22:53 CH-46 is Decommissioned

  2. 287

    Ep. 241 | Joshua Shores | MARSOC Raider, Marine Infantry, Fire Fighter

    Joshua Shores is a Marine Infantryman who served with 1st Battalion 5th Marines in Ramadi then a MEU. He went on to MARSOC and was part of the first Bravo Company to stand up after the unit's formation. Check out his book Counting on Death at the link below.Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguysJosh's linksWebsite: https://www.countingondeath.comBook: https://a.co/d/03jtRhfB00:00:00 Intro | Tracy Offutt00:01:51 The Infantry | Joining After High School00:17:42 Infantry and Pre-Deployment Training00:23:38 Friendly Fire | Hand Grenades00:32:51 Ramadi00:38:22 IEDs and Drones00:43:22 The Façade of Safety00:45:07 M249 SAW | First Firefight00:48:33 Afghanistan vs Iraq00:52:14 Military vs Civilian00:59:58 Journalism and Fire Fighters01:10:36 Security Contractor Opportunities01:13:43 1st MSOB Bravo Co01:16:51 The Cost of Awards | Professional Warfighters01:30:02 Stay In or Get Out

  3. 286

    Ep. 240 | War in Iran | Morgan Lerette

    Morgan Lerette is former Airman, and Army intelligence officer, and Blackwater Contractor. We talk about what's happening in Iran as of March 3rd.Support the showhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comBuy Morgan's Bookhttps://www.amazon.com/Guns-Girls-Greed-Blackwater-Mercenary/dp/B0C7P83DL600:00:00 Intro00:05:18 TikTok Wars | OSINT00:09:44 Target Identification00:12:40 Boots on the Ground00:15:42 Government Succesion | Who Takes Over?00:21:44 Bombing Campaign00:29:56 Anti-Drone Tech00:36:33 Intelligence Wafare00:40:18 OSINT00:43:35 Why Did We Attack?00:52:18 Geo Politics | Cutting off China's Oil Supply00:56:33 What Happens Next?01:06:21 US Troops on the Ground01:22:09 Erik Prince

  4. 285

    Ep. 239 | Kowshon Ye | Combat Camera Marine

    Kowshon Ye is a Combat Camera Marine who worked as a videographer and photographer for Marine Corps Installations Pacific in Okinawa before assignment to 1st Marine Division. He supported B Company 1st Battalion 5th Marines and 7th Marine Regiment during two separate deployments to Afghanistan.Support the showhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://www.jcramergrpahics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comKowshon's sitehttps://kowshonye.com/welcome00:00:00 Intro | Combat Footage00:02:09 Joining the Marines | Okinawa00:12:03 Defense Information School00:18:36 1st Battalion 5th Marines00:25:37 First Patrol in Sangin00:28:44 Patrol Loadout00:31:44 Role in the Patrol00:39:04 The Battlefield Gets Active00:52:27 Warrant Officer Program00:57:43 Photography Setup00:59:41 Military Social Media

  5. 284

    Ep. 238 | Neal Fauver | Marine Rifleman, Iraq Veteran, Podcaster

    Neal Fauver is a former Marine Rifleman who served with 3rd Battalion 6th Marines in Iraq. Neal is also the co-host of the Tales from the Corps Podcast.Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguysNeal's linkshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3pIOrn5w9pk4YtERb83Kwwhttps://www.facebook.com/share/1ACVRp858R/?mibextid=wwXIfrhttps://www.wwiibeyondthecall.com/s/order#most-popular

  6. 283

    Ep. 237 | Mike Francis | Marine Assaultman | 3rd Battalion 6th Marines

    Mike Francis is a former Marine Assaultman who deployed three times with 3rd Battalion 6th Marines to Afghanistan and Iraq. Mike is also a host of the Tales of the Corps podcast and founder of the Shakker professional networking app. Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguysMike's linkshttps://Shakker.cohttps://youtube.com/@talesfromthecorpspodcast?si=7BlL697sedAPpb_Khttps://open.spotify.com/show/00VJzfAINq7Lofbd8LBw8g?si=1MKPoY5wS0ekW93APxGOOAhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-the-corps/id1702224913

  7. 282

    Ep. 236 | Lee Deckelman | Army Ranger, Green Beret, Air Marshal, Triple Canopy

    Lee Deckelman served as an infantryman in the Army before going to the 20th Special Forces Group in the National Guard. He eventually moved back to active duty and went to the Ranger battalions before heading to 3rd Special Forces Group. Following the military, he served as an Air Marshal and was part of the first group of Triple Canopy contractors.Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguysLee's bookhttps://www.amazon.com/INTERNAL-Where-Monster-Mindfulness-Become/dp/B09251YC1K/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8W43QET0IIG3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6ODR0pT1WmAUZR9HuZuZTw.GbQoSzHLQhFIoFaVNxz35DLUTJ5krAqVzee_LE48XH8&dib_tag=se&keywords=lee+deckelman&qid=1763515157&sprefix=lee+deck%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-1#

  8. 281

    Ep. 235 | Michael Pack | Last 600 Meters Director and Producer

    Michael Pack is an award-winning filmmaker and the producer/director of The Last 600 Meters, a documentary covering the 2004 battles of Najaf and Fallujah. He’s also known for Created Equal: Clarence Thomas in His Own Words, which premiered in theaters and on PBS. Over his career, Michael has led major media organizations, including the U.S. Agency for Global Media and the Claremont Institute, and produced dozens of acclaimed documentaries through his company, Manifold Productions.Michael's Sites:https://manifoldproductions.com/ https://palladiumpictures.com/Support the showhttps://patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://jcramergraphics.comhttps://ANGLICOshop.com00:00:00 Last 600 Meters Trailer00:02:12 Intro | Becoming a Documentarian00:07:55 Apprenticeship Resurgence00:16:10 In His Own Words | Clarence Thomas Documentary00:25:49 The Last 600 Meters | Battles of Fallujah and Najaf00:32:44 Battle of Najaf | Mahdi Army00:41:02 General Mattis00:49:53 Adm Rickover | Nuclear Navy00:55:17 Military Innovation01:03:24 War in 4k01:13:48 US Agency for Global Media | Voice of America

  9. 280

    Ep. 234 | Dave James | Force Recon Marine

    Dave James is a former Force Recon Marine who served with 1st and 3rd Reconnaissance Battalions. Check out our other interviews on Eps. 063 and 065.Support the pagehttps://jcramergraphics.comhttps://ANGLICOshop.comhttps://patreon.com/formeractionguys00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad00:00:21 Texas Floods00:04:19 Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer00:08:00 Tim Kennedy Drama00:21:29 Ranger School00:24:36 3rd Recon Battalion00:26:35 SFARTAETC00:31:39 Force Recon Weapons | Teams00:36:23 From Army Engineer to Marine Recon00:44:45 Filming of Heartbreak Ridge01:07:57 Insights from the Qualification Course

  10. 279

    Ep. 233 | Brandon & Chris | I Came With Fire Podcast

    Brandon is a veteran of the Air Force Security Forces Chris is an Army Special Forces soldier. They are both part of the I Came With Fire Podcast and we get into artificial intelligence, foreign conflicts, and debate the alleged decline of America.Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguysI Came With Fire linkhttps://rumble.com/user/I_Came_With_Fire_Podcast

  11. 278

    Ep. 232 | Blayne Smith | Special Forces, West Point, Armor Officer

    Blayne Smith is a former Special Forces soldier that started his career off as an Armor Officer after graduating from West Point. Blayne deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan before leaving the service and writing Perseverance Is Greater than Endurance.Support the showhttps://patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://jcramergraphics.comhttps://ANGLICOshop.comBlayne's linksCompany: https://www.appliedleadershippartners.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Perseverance-Endurance-Resilience-Adversity-Together/dp/163774627X00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad00:00:30 Journey to West Point00:06:08 The History and Heritage of West Point00:11:59 Transitioning to the Army and Armor Branch00:14:47 Pre-9/11 Military Training and Mindset00:20:56 Iraq Combat Ops and Recon Missions00:35:27 Surveillance and EOD Escort Missions00:42:32 Combined Arms00:46:54 Special Forces Selection Process00:52:50 Moral Ambiguity in Special Operations00:59:15 Insights from the Qualification Course01:10:23 Building Team Cohesion | Team Dynamics and Training01:14:48 Deployment Decisions and Responsibilities01:19:09 Mission Objectives and Local Forces01:24:53 Engagements and Tactical Challenges01:32:22 Ambush Experiences and Lessons Learned01:38:18 Leadership Under Pressure01:43:09 Reflections on Loss and Moving Forward

  12. 277

    Extra Episode | Bart Womack | US Army Old Guard, 101st Airborne, Invasion of Iraq

    Retired Army Command Sergeant Major Bart Womack shares his journey from basic training in 1977 to deployments in Korea, Turkey, and Germany. He recounts a firefight in the Korean DMZ, his service at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and his experiences during the September 11th attacks and an insider attack in Iraq.Support the showhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.com

  13. 276

    Ep. 231 | Brandon Young | 75th Ranger Regiment

    Brandon Young joined the Army and immediately tried out for a spot in the 75th Ranger Regiment when the opportunity presented itself at the Basic Airborne Course. Brandon's unit was one of the first to respond to the 9/11 attacks and he deployed to Afghanistan 3 more times.Support the showhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comBrandon's linksBook: https://www.perseverancebook.com Website: https://www.applieleadershippartners.com00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad | Military Gear Discussion00:03:11 Volunteering for the Army Rangers00:06:08 Ranger Indoctrination Program00:09:11 Evolution of Ranger Training and Readiness00:12:01 Deployment Experiences: The Reality of Combat00:18:01 75th Ranger Regiment Structure00:20:48 Life Events During Military Service00:26:56 Connecting Veterans with Civilian Communities00:44:28 Navigating Military Responsibilities and Personal Life00:47:06 Understanding Moral Injury in Combat00:49:41 The Complexity of Combat Decisions00:56:01 Reflections on the Afghanistan Withdrawal01:04:19 The Struggles of Mental Health in Veterans01:10:00 The Value of Journaling and Reflection01:26:15 Understanding the Battlefield01:27:57 First Deployment to Afghanistan01:32:21 Chasing Ghosts: The Reality of Combat01:36:46 The Evolution of Combat Experience01:39:44 The Impact of Casualties01:52:58 The Weight of Loss and Reality

  14. 275

    Clip 047 | Will Drones Steal Pilot Jobs? | F16 and F35 Pilot | "Hasard" Lee

    Justin "Hasard" Lee is a F35 and F16 test pilot who makes social media content that focuses on the life of a fighter pilot. We discuss the future of fighter pilots as drones become more advanced in this clip taken from Ep. 170.Support the showhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.com

  15. 274

    Clip 046 | IED Attack on April 9th | US Army Infantry and NYPD Detective

    On April 9th, 2005, Matt Klein, a retired NYPD detective and US Army infantryman, was struck by an IED while patrolling a cemetery in Samarra, Iraq. After the strike, the other members of his unit located and captured the triggerman.In this clip taken from Ep. 180, Klein shares his incredible story of survival and resilience. He talks about the moment of the attack and the aftermath.Support the showhttps://patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://jcramergraphics.comhttps://ANGLICOshop.com

  16. 273

    Ep. 230 | Brennan Morton | Marine Recon and Sniper

    Brennan Morton is a former reconnaissance Marine who served with 2nd Recon Battalion during two deployments to Iraq. Brennan is also the author of Valhalla Boys, a book about his service.Support the showhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comBrennan's Linkshttps://www.facebook.com/Brennan.Morton.Authorhttps://www.facebook.com/paladinpresspublishing/https://www.instagram.com/paladinpresspublishinghttps://amzn.to/4jq4ixy00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad00:00:29 Intro | Joining the Marines00:05:07 Marine Corps Tattoos00:08:28 Call-To-Arms00:12:19 Recon and SEAL Contracts as Recruiting Tools00:16:15 Are SEALs Better Swimmers than Marine Recon?00:20:42 Prepping Your Feet for Rucking00:25:04 Marine Snipers | Organizational Changes00:29:50 From Marine Infantry to Recon ARS00:38:54 Work-Up and 1st Iraq Deployment00:59:17 Over Worked and Underutilized01:10:49 Grooming Standards | Advisor Teams01:20:12 Sniper School01:29:07 2nd Deployment to Iraq with 2nd Recon01:35:04 Occupying Compounds01:40:59 Valhalla Boys

  17. 272

    Clip 045 | Climbing Mount Everest | Brian Dickinson

    Brian Dickinson is a former Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer and alpinist that has climbed the highest peak on each continent. Check out our entire interview on Ep. 211.Support the showhttps://jcramergraphics.comhttps://ANGLICOshop.comhttps://patreon.com/formeractionguysBrian's Sitehttps://briandickinson.net/00:00:00 Tibet Route vs Nepal Route00:04:09 Acclimating to Everest00:07:27 Summit Day00:09:59 Gear Malfunction00:13:52 The Final Push | Summiting Everest00:19:57 Verifying a Summit

  18. 271

    Ep. 229 | Merryl Tengesdal | U-2 Spy Plane Pilot

    Merryl Tengesdal had a dream to reach space and believed her best chance was as a Naval Aviator. She began her career flying H-60s, moved on to training students flying the T-34c and T-6a, then applied for an inter-service transfer to screen to become a U-2 spy plane pilot.Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguysMerryl's siteshttps://merryltengesdal.com/shop-book/https://www.youtube.com/@UC_RCb3DfyEaWv80aQlKooRg00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad00:00:40 Intro | mIRC Chat00:04:47 1st Deployment | 1st Females on Ship00:10:00 I Wanted to Be an Astronaut00:14:40 Flight School00:19:59 Landing SH-60s in Rough Seas00:32:24 SH-60 Roles00:34:40 2nd Deployment | South America00:46:58 Different Cultures00:56:44 Applying to be a U-2 Pilot01:01:38 U-2 Spy Plane Pilot Selection and Training01:16:54 U-2 Pilot's Custom Space Suit01:23:04 Operating at High-Altitude01:32:58 First High Altitude Flight | Food During Missions01:37:02 Foreign Navies and Life on US Ships01:42:33 Reality Checks | Casualty Assistance Officer01:52:46 Extreme Ross

  19. 270

    Ep. 228 | Aren & Cody | Stranger by the Hour Podcast

    Aren Brandfass & Cody Anderson are former MARSOC plank holders who also worked as government contractors before starting the Stranger By The Hour podcast. We dive into some current events and controversies in this episode!Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.com/collections/infantryhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comStranger By The Hour Linkhttps://open.spotify.com/show/5Webs3ny2aEpe7AuKp6rPv00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad00:00:40 Intro | Podcasting00:09:00 Information Operations00:15:50 Who is "They"00:24:30 Epstein00:29:49 Ukraine vs Russia00:50:43 Immigration00:57:35 Artifical Intelligence01:03:37 Assassination Attempt01:17:46 OnlyFans01:33:43 Tech Overlords01:45:04 Not Caring About Overseas Conflicts02:09:43 Keeping Perspective

  20. 269

    Ep. 227 | Travis Harless | Invasion of Iraq

    Travis Harless is a former 0311 Marine Rifleman who joined when he was 17 and linked up with C 1/7 in Kuwait only weeks after graduating from the School of Infantry. Because his first deployment began so soon into his enlistment, Harless was able to deploy three times during his four year enlistment.Support the showC 1/7 Flags: https://www.jcramergraphics.com/search?q=charley Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/formeractionguysANGLICO Gear: https://www.anglicoshop.com Travis's podcasthttps://youtube.com/@badgesbulletsblunders 00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad00:00:40 Intro | Joining the Marines00:06:48 Police Academy vs Marine Boot Camp00:10:06 Infantry Training | Deployment with C 1/700:26:51 First Engagement00:35:02 Rockets00:45:03 The Infantry | From Iron Sights to Optics00:56:55 Hillbilly Armor01:11:13 Pre-Deployment Training01:25:38 Is Iraq Safer Now?

  21. 268

    Ep. 226 | Fred Apgar | Air Force Intelligence and Secret War in Laos

    Fred Apgar worked in Air Force intelligence during the Vietnam War. However, he was part of the clandestine war in Laos that was not acknowledged at the time. We talk fire support, electronic warfare, and Fred's return to the country to close that chapter of his life. Support the showhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comFred's Bookhttps://www.amazon.com/Return-Plaine-Jarres-Fred-Apgar/dp/196430003700:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad00:00:40 Intro | Joining the Air Force00:04:07 Treatment of Veterans | Deployment Cycles00:14:08 Individual Augments to Vietnam | Joining the Air Force00:17:49 Vietnam Vet Reacts to Afghanistan Withdrawal00:29:31 Airborne Intelligence in Laos and Vietnam00:32:20 What are the JTAC and FAC Jobs?00:41:28 Operations in Laos and the Naming of the Podcast00:44:43 Laos ELINT Missions | TF Alpha00:53:27 First Paveway Bombs | Dragon's Jaw Bridge01:00:46 "We Weren't In Laos"01:07:22 Redemption01:18:11 Keep Your Honor Clean | POWs

  22. 267

    Ep. 225 | Scott Lyng | Army Tanker, Firefighter, and OIF Veteran

    Scott Lyng served in the US Army with the 3rd Infantry Division, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 2-69 AR. Scott deployed to Iraq two times during his enlistment, then became a firefighter following his military service.Support the showCustom flags: https://jcramergraphics.com/collections/flagsANGLICO Gear: https://www.ANGLICOshop.comExclusive Content: https://www.patreon.com/formeractionguys00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad00:00:40 California Fires00:11:37 Joining the Army00:22:11 The M1A1 Experience00:30:57 M1A1 Abrams and M88 Hercules00:39:38 Tank Weapons and Loadout00:51:30 Do Medics Ride in Tanks?00:56:28 Tank Training | Provisional Infantry Deployment01:06:57 Hitting an IED in a Tank01:23:08 Naming Tanks01:30:37 Armor and Drones in Ukraine01:39:47 A Tanker's Thoughts on Fury

  23. 266

    Ep. 224 | Ben Fortier | Marine Infantry, Musician, and Poet

    Ben Fortier served in two deployments to Iraq as a mortarman with 1st Battalion 25th Marine Regiment. Ben plays guitar, drums, and uses poetry to inspire song lyrics. His collection of poems Phantom was the 2024 winner of the Robert A. Gannon award. Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguysBen's Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/thebenfocreates/https://www.amazon.com/Phantoms-Benjamin-Fortier/dp/B0CF42W6CV/

  24. 265

    Ep. 223 | Dr. David Walton | Green Beret and Author

    David Walton is a former Green Beret and has written multiple books for people interested in attending Special Forces Assessment and Selection. Check out David's previous interview on Ep. 188.Support the showhttps://jcramergraphics.com/collections/flagshttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguysDavid's sitehttps://www.tfvoodoo.com00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad00:00:40 Intro00:06:57 What a Special Forces Soldier Real Job Is00:11:16 Mission Creep | MARSOC and SFAB as Advisors00:21:18 Marines Going to Special Forces00:33:47 18X and Other Selection Drop Outs00:47:37 Recruiting Levels01:01:32 Women In Combat Arms01:29:58 Tim Kennedy Drama

  25. 264

    Ep. 222 | Daniel Rodriquez | Battle of Kamdesh

    Danny Rodriguez is a former Army mortarman that served in Iraq and Afghanistan. His unit was involved in the 2009 Battle of Kamdesh and he earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his actions. Following his enlistment, he used his GI Bill to attend college and walk-on to the Clemson football team.Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.com/collections/flagshttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguys00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad00:00:40 Intro | Afghanistan Combat Video00:09:55 Joining the Army00:12:46 Army Infantry | 11C00:17:44 First Deployment | Combat Replacement00:32:00 Give and Take Relationship00:42:16 Deployment to Afghanistan00:53:32 Battle of Kamdesh01:10:39 After the Battle01:17:12 The Oupost | Book and Movie

  26. 263

    Ep. 221 | Fallujah Bodies | Hanthorne, Moran, Ites

    Michael Hanthorne served as a motor transport operator, but during the Second Battle of Fallujah, his primary responsibility was as the 'body bag guy.' Brian Moran, a third-generation Marine radio operator, was tasked with coordinating the pickup of fallen fighters and logging all radio traffic to and from the Potato Factory. Cheryl Ites, who joined the Marine Corps in 1974, led this motley crew, overseeing the retrieval and burial of nearly 600 enemy fighters. This is their story.Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguys00:00:00 Intro00:02:12 Brian’s Intro00:09:37 Cheryl’s Intro00:19:50 Mike’s Intro00:22:39 Mortuary Affairs Mission Planning00:29:51 Coordinating Body Recovery00:36:02 First Night in Fallujah00:42:03 A Typical Day01:12:15 Burying Hundreds of Dead Fighters01:24:45 Fallujah Leaflets01:36:12 After the Battle

  27. 262

    Clip 044 | Army Ranger Reconnaissance Detachment and Snipers | Jack Murphy

    Jack Murphy is a former Green Beret and Army Ranger Sniper that has served on multiple combat deployments. He also hosts the Team House Podcast and has written multiple books.Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguysThe Team House Podcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTeamHousePodcast 

  28. 261

    Clip 043 | Flying the AH-6 Little Bird | Greg Coker | 160th SOAR

    Greg Coker is a 160th SOAR AH-6 "Little Bird" pilot and says the platform is the greatest helicopter ever created. Greg Has 6200 hours of night vision google flying time and 1500 hours of combat flight hours under his belt. Listen to the entire interview on Ep. 168!Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguys

  29. 260

    Ep. 220 | Round 2 w/ Kirk Spradley | Blackwater Contractor and Paramilitary Officer

    Kirk Spradley is a former Force Recon Marine that has also served as a Blackwater Contractor and as a paramilitary officer in clandestine operations. His clandestine operations include buying the stinger missile launcher used in the shoot-down of FLIPPER 75. Check out his book War Junkie: A Cautionary Tale.Support the showhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://www.jcramergrpahics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comKirk's linkshttps://www.kgspradleyauthor.com/https://www.reconsniperfoundation.org/00:00:00 Intro | Blackwater Team Organization00:07:29 Driving Blackwater Vehicles00:17:14 Meeting Erik Prince00:24:25 Military Industrial Complex00:32:10 I Quit | It's Not For Everyone00:37:38 Paramilitary Officer00:42:40 Diplomatic Cover for Espionage Operations00:47:03 Buying a Stinger Missile | Flipper 7500:56:01 QRF on Undercover Missions01:05:29 From Bar Bouncer to Paramilitary Officer01:12:21 Maintaining a Cover Identity01:19:16 The Hangover

  30. 259

    Ep. 219 | Kirk Spradley | Force Recon & Blackwater Contractor

    Kirk Spradley is a former Force Recon Marine that has also served as a Blackwater Contractor and member of the National Guard. Kirk was in Ramadi as a Blackwater contractor during some of the heaviest fighting in 2005 and authored the book War Junkie: A Cautionary Tale.This video is sponsored by Southern New Hampshire University. Click the link  to learn more about their benefits for active duty service members, veterans, and spouses!https://www.snhu.edu/formeractionguysSupport the showhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://www.jcramergrpahics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comKirk's linkshttps://www.kgspradleyauthor.com/https://www.reconsniperfoundation.org/00:00:00 Intro Ad00:01:26 Military School00:10:55 Marine Corps Boot Camp00:23:21 Marine Corps Radio Operator00:30:26 Joining Marine Recon00:39:07 BRC vs ARS00:43:34 Recon Team Missions00:52:36 Wanting More | Tier 1 Options01:03:54 Joining Blackwater01:12:41 Blackwater Logistics01:16:44 First Time in Combat | Ramadi 200501:20:08 Juba the Sniper01:25:24 The Kill Video01:35:30 What Happens When a Contractor is Killed01:45:40 Becoming the Hunter | Special Mission Unit

  31. 258

    Clip 042 | Invasion of Iraq | K 3/7 Assaultman | Cody Anderson

    Cody Anderson is a former Marine infantry assaultman and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Tech that took part in the invasion of Iraq with Kilo Company 3rd Battalion 7th Marine Regiment. In this clip taken from Ep. 129, Cody details the opening hours of the invasion of Iraq.This clip is sponsored by Southern New Hampshire University. Check out their education benefits for active duty military, veterans, and dependents here: https://www.snhu.edu/formeractionguysSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.com

  32. 257

    Clip 041 | MARSOC DET 1 Snipers in Iraq | John Dailey

    John Dailey is a former member of the experimental MARSOC Detachment 1 who was hand selected to create the Marine Raider sniper program. Prior to Det 1, John served with the 3rd Battalion 7th Marines Surveillance and Target Acquisition platoon and 1st Force Recon Battalion.This video is sponsored by Southern New Hampshire University. Click the link  to learn more about their benefits for active duty service members, veterans, and spouses!https://www.snhu.edu/formeractionguysSupport the showhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comJohn's sitehttps://www.jadailey.com/00:00:00 Intro00:04:39 Setting Up the Urban Hide Site00:09:03 Adapting to Patterns of Life Changes00:12:12 Urban Hide Site Security00:14:07 Lessons Learned00:17:12 MARSOC Det 1 Sniper Rifles

  33. 256

    Ep. 218 | Mick Hawkes | 22 SAS & 29 Commandos

    Michael "Mick" Hawkes is a retired member of the UK's B Squadron 22 Special Air Service (SAS). Mick also served with 29 Commandos and 2 Para. His deployments included fighting in the Falkland War, surveillance operations in Northern Ireland, and counter-terrorism missions around the world.More than 20 minutes of extra content from this interview available on PatreonSupport the showhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comMick's site:https://www.hawkesandco.uk/00:00:00 Security Consultant00:07:38 Undercover in Northern Ireland00:28:03 Junior Parachute Regiment00:35:02 Falklands War00:51:54 British All Arms Commando Course00:56:41 Special Air Service (SAS) Selection01:08:41 Setting SAS Selection Time Standards01:13:37 Jungle Warfare Phase of SAS Selection01:22:37 Combat Survival (SERE) | SAS Selection01:30:27 Anti-Terrorist Training | Joining an SAS Squadron01:35:34 Breaching Blast Injury01:44:24 Post-Combat Decompression01:47:05 Is SAS or Delta Force Better?

  34. 255

    Clip 040 | Foreign Commando Courses | Delta Force Operator Tom Satterly

    Tom Satterly retired as a Delta Force Operator but began his Army career as an engineer stationed in Europe. Tom took advantage of opportunities to attend commando courses hosted by both the French and German militaries. Hear the entire conversation on Ep. 176 available now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or ad free on Patreon.Support the show:https://patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://jcramergraphics.comhttps://ANGLICOshop.comTom's Linkshttps://linktr.ee/allsecure

  35. 254

    Ep. 217 | John Dailey | MARSOC Det 1 Chief Sniper

    John Dailey is a retired Marine sniper who served with the experimental MARSOC Detachment 1 as the Chief Sniper. He was an original member of the unit and helped build their Sniper program from the ground up. In 2004, he and his team served in Iraq as part of a Navy Seal task unit and the snipers were successfully used to eliminate targets in Najaf.Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguysJohn's sitehttps://www.jadailey.comhttps://scoutsniperheritage.org/00:00:00 Intro | First Recon Unit in Afghanistan00:18:44 Recon Gear Upgrades00:26:15 Gen Mattis and Camp Rhino00:29:29 Military Free Fall Parachute Ops00:45:38 Combatant Diver00:50:31 Math for Marines00:55:26 Special Operations Training Group01:04:13 Sniper, Ranger, and Recon Challenges01:13:33 Recon & Sniper Legacy01:21:36 The Mental Health Toll01:34:04 MARSOC Det 1 Training | Precision Shooters01:44:15 MARSOC Det 1 in Iraq01:49:19 Sniper Mission in Najaf02:00:36 Urban Hide Site Security02:06:13 Sniper Rifles and Technology

  36. 253

    Clip 039 | First Deployment with Australian Special Operations | Troy Knight

    Troy Knight is a retired Australian combat controller (CCT), private military contractor, and author of Havoc-06. In this clip taken from Ep. 147 of the Former Action Guys Podcast, Knight talks about his first deployment as a CCT and how his team hit the ground running with kinetic operations on his first day in country.Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguys

  37. 252

    Ep. 216 | Jason Angell | ANGLICO Officer and Marine Infantryman

    Jason Angell was an enlisted Marine infantryman that left the service after an injury and came back as an officer. He participated in the invasion of Iraq and also served as an ANGLICO Firepower Control Team leader during a deployment to Ramadi. Check out Jason's book through the link below!Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguysJason's sitehttps://www.jason-angell.com/

  38. 251

    Clip 038 | Delta Force Operator Training Course

    Robert Keller is a former Army Ranger, Green Beret, and Delta Force Operator. Robert now owns Range Werx Florida and provides tactics instruction across the country.Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguysRobert's sitehttps://www.rangewerx.com/

  39. 250

    Clip 037 | Attack on PB Orbi and FOB Shir Ghazi | ANGLICO Marine Clay Nygard

    Clay Nygard is an ANGLICO Marine and artillery officer supporting the Georgian Liaison Teams working with the Republic of Georgia forces that were attacked at Patrol Base Orbi and Forward Operating Base Shir Ghazi with two separate car bombs in the summer of 2013.The full interview (Ep. 179) is available now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!Support the showhttps://patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://jcramergraphics.comhttps://ANGLICOshop.comClay's sitehttps://knockitoffdesigns.com/00:00:00 Intro | Fake 152 IED00:01:53 Scoring Opium on Deployment00:03:04 SVBIED Attack on FOB Shur Gazi00:08:41 FOB Orbi Is Vaporized00:11:37 Medevacs Arrive

  40. 249

    Ep. 215 | Doug Petersen | Vietnam Dustoff Pilot & UH-60 Instructor

    Doug Petersen was a dustoff pilot in the Vietnam War and was shot down two times during his tour. Doug earned the callsign DUSTOFF 34 after becoming an aircraft commander for the Bell UH-1H Iroquois (Huey) and flew over 950 combat hours. Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.co...https://www.anglicoshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/former... Doug's TedTalkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?... 00:00:00 Intro | Virginia Military Institute 00:06:59 From High School to Flight School 00:24:20 Training Helicopters to Hueys 00:28:04 Early Huey Models 00:32:41 Flight School to Vietnam 00:46:25 Dustoff's Impact 00:51:30 A Day in the Life of a Dustoff Pilot 01:01:38 First Time Getting Shot Down 01:13:25 Second Time Being Shot Down 01:19:45 Hanoi Hilton Stories 01:24:24 Leaving Vietnam

  41. 248

    Clip 036 | Shot Down in Vietnam | Capt Jerry Geller

    Marine F-4 Phantom pilot Jerry Geller was shot down in Vietnam while conducting a bombing run on an enemy mortar position. This clip is taken from Ep. 012 which is available now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or ad free on Patreon. Support the showhttps://patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://jcramergraphics.comhttps://ANGLICOshop.com

  42. 247

    Ep. 214 | Ken Kraus | Marine Taken Hostage in Iran

    Kenneth Kraus is a former Marine embassy guard that was sent to Tehran to reinforce their posts during the Iranian Revolution. After terrorists breached the embassy walls, Ken and two other Marines fought back and ensured the safety of civilians before Ken was taken hostage and sent to the notorious Evin Prison for torture sessions.Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comKen's sitehttps://sites.google.com/view/kenkraus/home00:00:00 Intro00:12:13 70's Marine Corps00:14:05 World At War00:22:01 The Draft | Women in the Draft00:38:39 Meeting Carlos Hathcock00:46:43 Marine Security Guard Duty00:57:20 Stationed in Cypress01:07:46 Iranian Situation | Arriving in Iran01:22:28 The Embassy Assault Begins01:31:56 The Embassy is Breached01:41:44 The Last Stand02:04:29 Initial Capture02:10:50 Moved to an Iranian Hospital02:19:45 Mevin Prison02:24:56 Introduction to the Torture Chair02:34:39 Trial and Execution Order02:44:55 Red Cross Arrives02:55:08 Heading Home

  43. 246

    Clip 035 | MSOT 8212 | Joining the Team

    Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) at Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) attach to Marine Special Operations Teams (MSOT) for deployments after being trained and evaluated by some of the best fire supporters in the US military. This clip is taken from Ep. 142 with Ryan Stevens and is available on YouTube or ad free on Patreon. Support the showhttps://patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://jcramergraphics.comhttps://ANGLICOshop.comRyan's Sitehttps://fullarmorfarm.com

  44. 245

    Ep. 213 | Eric Sauvé | Canadian Infantry Officer and Military Blogger

    Eric Sauvé is a retired infantry officer that served with Canada's Royal 22e Régiment. Eric's military journey spanned from his entry into the Royal Military College of Canada to being an intelligence liaison with the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington, DC.Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguysEric's linksBlog with articles in French and English: http://www.esauveca.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-sauv%C3%A9-cd-45753a58/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericsauve2Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericsauve2/

  45. 244

    Clip 034 | Delta Force Operator | Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail

    Todd Opalski is a retired United States Marine Corps reconnaissance man and JSOC Delta Operator that thrives in the outdoors. In this clip taken from Ep. 166, Todd details his experience on two of the worlds hardest hiking trails.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comTodd's sitehttps://www.zencommando.com/

  46. 243

    Ep. 212 | John Dailey | MARSOC Detachment 1 and Recon Sniper

    John Dailey is a former member of the experimental MARSOC Detachment 1 who was hand selected to create the Marine Raider sniper program. Prior to Det 1, John served with the 3rd Battalion 7th Marines Surveillance and Target Acquisition platoon and 1st Recon Battalion.Support the showhttps://www.jcramergraphics.comhttps://www.ANGLICOshop.comhttps://www.patreon.com/formeractionguysJohn's siteshttps://www.jadailey.com/https://jdailey.substack.com/https://rtfu.substack.com/00:00:00 Intro00:10:35 Failing the Recon Indoc | Drown Proofing00:13:05 Passing Out During HAHO Jump00:16:28 Assigned to 3/7 STA00:22:33 Upholding the Legacy00:32:17 STA Platoon Weapons and Training00:45:23 Marine Security Guard (MSG) Duty00:56:54 Empowering Young Leaders01:05:57 Combat Technology01:12:00 Orders to Recon Battalion01:17:36 1st to Respond to 9/1101:25:39 First Engagement in Afghanistan01:34:42 Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance01:39:57 MARSOC Detachment 1

  47. 242

    Clip 033 | MARSOC JTAC | Never Stop Learning

    Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) Tony Musselman and host Justin Cramer discuss JTAC technology and Tony's pre-deployment training for his second Raider Battalion deployment. Check out the entire interview on Ep. 104!Support the showhttps://patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://jcramergrpahics.comhttps://ANGLICOshop.com.

  48. 241

    Ep. 211 | Brian Dickinson | Navy Rescue Swimmer and Everest Summiteer

    Brian Dickinson is a former Navy aviation rescue swimmer who is also a mountaineer that has summited Everest. After summiting the world's highest peak solo, Brian lost his sight to snow blindness and completed his descent with the ability to see. His trek from the summit was expected to take 2-3 hours and ended up taking 7 hours of feeling his way down.Support the showhttps://patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://jcramergraphics.comhttps://ANGLICOshop.comBrian's Sitehttps://www.briandickinson.net/00:00:00 Wagner Loves What?00:07:16 US Navy Rescue Swimmer00:13:53 Airliner Goes Down00:20:07 Iraqi Fishermen Eaten By Sharks00:26:27 Getting into Mountaineering00:33:46 Advice for New Climbers00:37:41 Mountain Bodies00:43:49 High Altitude Climbing is a Lifestyle00:50:34 Climbing the Highest Peak on Each Continent00:58:04 Sherpa Culture01:06:28 How Long it Took | Base Camp to Summit01:09:45 Summit Day01:22:14 Verifying a Summit | Himalayan Database01:30:17 The Blind Descent01:46:10 Snow Blindness

  49. 240

    Ep. 210 | Nick Aicardi | Military Police and Afghan Advisor

    Nick Aicardi is a former US Marine who was Military Police and an Afghan Police Advisor. Nick also hosts the Hard to Kill Podcast where he interviews veterans from all backgrounds and it's available on most platforms.Support the showhttps://patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://jcramergraphics.comhttps://ANGLICOshop.com

  50. 239

    Clip 032 | Marjah Combat Operations | 1st Battalion 6th Marines | Brandon Harris

    Brandon Harris is a Marine infantryman that deployed to Afghanistan three times. He served with 1/6 during the Battle of Marjah and describes some of his experiences in this clip taken from Ep. 163.Support the showhttps://patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://jcramergraphics.comhttps://ANGLICOshop.com

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

No topics indexed yet for this podcast.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

Former Action Guys Podcast is a way for veterans, first responders and others to share their stories that the world has never heard in a casual, conversational format that allows a natural flow of information about their career and lives. Justin Cramer is a former Marine JTAC Evaluator that completed 5 deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and on the USS Makin Island. Justin served with 1st ANGLICO, 10th Marine Regiment, 3rd Battalion 6th Marine Regiment and others before leaving the military after 12 years in 2018.Some content is not appropriate for children or listeners because of the graphic description of combat and other traumatic events.Support the showhttps://patreon.com/formeractionguyshttps://jcramergraphics.comhttps://ANGLICOshop.com

HOSTED BY

Justin Cramer

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Former Action Guys Podcast have?

Former Action Guys Podcast currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Former Action Guys Podcast about?

Former Action Guys Podcast is a way for veterans, first responders and others to share their stories that the world has never heard in a casual, conversational format that allows a natural flow of information about their career and lives. Justin Cramer is a former Marine JTAC Evaluator that...

How often does Former Action Guys Podcast release new episodes?

Former Action Guys Podcast has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Former Action Guys Podcast?

You can listen to Former Action Guys Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Former Action Guys Podcast?

Former Action Guys Podcast is created and hosted by Justin Cramer.
URL copied to clipboard!