Combat Story (Ep 49): Ray McPadden [Part 2] | Ranger | JSOC | Purple Heart

Combat Story (Ep 49): Ray McPadden [Part 2] | Ranger | JSOC | Purple Heart | We March at Midnight

Рет қаралды 32,633

Күн бұрын

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Today we hear the second part of Ray McPadden’s Combat Story. Ray is a former Army Infantry Officer who survived four brutal deployments. In Part 1, we covered his time with 10th Mountain in the Korengal Valley, a notoriously violent part of Afghanistan. [Part 1 can be found at • Combat Story (Ep 48): ... ]
In Part II, we pick up just after Ray returns from 16 months as a Platoon Leader in Afghanistan. He immediately goes to ROP (the Ranger Officer Program) to be assessed for the Ranger Regiment.
In this interview, Ray provides some incredible detail about the types of missions and decisions soldiers have to make within the JSOC community and the stark differences between the special ops and conventional military in terms of resources, equipment, aviation, personnel, and more.
For those who want to know what it was like to roll out on a multiple hit night in Iraq with JSOC, this interview will make you feel like you’re inside the Stryker and on the objective. If you want more, check out Ray’s great book - We March at Midnight.
I hope you enjoy this second round of Ray’s combat story as much as I did.
#rangers #specialforces #raymcpadden #jsoc #specialoperations #combatstory #ryanfugit
Find Ray Online:
Instagram @raymcpadden1 / raymcpadden1
Book We March at Midnight www.amazon.com/We-March-Midni...
Find Ryan Online:
Follow on Instagram @combatstory / combatstory
Follow on Facebook @combatstoryofficial combatstoryofficial
Send us messages at m.me/combatstoryofficial
Email ryan@combatstory.com
Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus
Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes
0:00 - Intro
0:46 - Guest introduction
1:50 - Interview begins and returning from the Korengal Valley
8:15 - Did you get treatment for PTSD after the first deployment
13:00 - Coming straight back from combat to Ranger Officer Program
20:25 - Interesting model in the Ranger Regiment
27:57 - What’s a Ground Force Commander
30:08 - How hard is the Ranger Officer Program
33:43 - The Darby Queen
43:30 - Arriving to 2nd Ranger Battalion
46:52 - Big Boy Rules
50:57 - Combat Story #1 - Running ops Day 1
55:23 - JSOC Mission Briefs in combat
1:11:19 - Combat Story #2 - Hasty follow-on operation
1:18:45 - Couldn’t sleep post-mission
1:23:56 - Combat Story #3: Tier 1 HVTs operating in difficult spaces
1:45:28 - Combat Story #4: The reality of warfare and children on the battlefield
1:53:38 - Why choose the title “We March at Midnight”?
1:56:25 - What did you carry with you into combat?
1:59:25 - Would you do it all again?
2:01:28 - Listener shout outs and comments

Пікірлер: 124

@josuetsang5042 2 жыл бұрын

4 tours... the man is a legit hero, but is so humble and simple in his way of talking, you gotta love him. True role model here

@jeffdawson3223 2 жыл бұрын

You know having been in some of these places myself this guy really speaks our language and I absolutely agreed with everything he said....awesome interview.

@rolisreefranch 2 жыл бұрын

I did a couple tours in Iraq in the Marines. When people talk about PTS, they act like it's a disorder, but it isn't. Your body and mind is doing exactly what it's supposed to do. It's a beneficial adaptation to our environment. Yes, during peacetime, it may very well be maladaptive, but with the direction this country is headed, it may very well prove otherwise.

@gman52712 2 жыл бұрын

I'd love to hear more interviews from guys that fought in the Korengal. This is one of my favorite interviews you've done so far.

@CombatStory 2 жыл бұрын

Really appreciate it. That valley forged some serious soldiers. I'll see what I can find! Thanks for the support.

@jaycobb1184 2 жыл бұрын

Good interview. Complete bullshit stories though.

@bobbertee5945 2 жыл бұрын

@@jaycobb1184 what??

@LP3me 2 жыл бұрын

If you haven’t seen it, check out Restrepo the movie. There’s another one called korengal I think but they show a lot of footage from that valley.

@shanewaldrop1625 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome war fighter interview. Not only tier one it takes a whole group for sure. Thank you Sir!

@mcrump7421 2 жыл бұрын

I loved Part 2 as much as Part 1. I was an Infantry Medic in Afghanistan 04-05 and have some friend in Ranger Regiment. Thanks for getting into the details of your ops and talking about some of the cruelty of war. You are a hero sir.

@TheEdBLOOD 2 жыл бұрын

This is by far one of the best Combat Storied I have yet heard. From the grittiness of real combat in the streets of Baghdad!

@chefgameill 2 жыл бұрын

The way he describes the “switch” is absolutely true and the fact that when fire is inbound and you staring in a haze while others are tucked under a shell is also another true statement in my own experience. It took several years to turn the switch “off” mostly.

@mrshoashe Жыл бұрын

Puts himself at risk over and again in the battlefield and STILL puts himself at risk being SO-DAMN-HONEST and detailed about his very existence. I truly wish this guy all the best and really appreciate this interview.

@HomeAlmost 2 жыл бұрын

All of the "Stories" are great, but this one was amazing! The "GRUNT" perspective to the "Operator " perspective. He does an amazing job with his honesty. Thank you , Ryan and Ray!

@michaelgrainger3420 2 жыл бұрын

Ray Mcpadden is a beast..... sorry Ryan for the last post because having Ryan fugit aka @combatstory do a interview from someone i have already listened to on the team house is so much intense and more driven I love all his podcasts he does voting from apache helo pilot doing these interviews are like nobody else's podcast compares to @Combatstory.....thank you Ryan for all u do for us to listen....uoj do such an amazing job I always feel like I'm there in the combat I love it

@marks2920 2 жыл бұрын

⭐⭐⭐⭐ interview. While most of the "Unit" & DEVGRU operators are somewhat guarded in describing ops (and, rightly so), Mr. McPadden is more open in his recollections of Ranger & JSOC ops. I enjoyed both parts and it helped me better understand GWOT ops. Kudos to you both for another great interview.

@bobbertee5945 2 жыл бұрын

For many guys, it’s therapy to talk about it….

@spurchaser Жыл бұрын

Just WOW! Listened to both parts of this interview and this has to be the first TRUE conversation of what war actually is. By far the best I’ve heard. His emotions ran wild during this and made it the greatest so far. Thanks to Ray for his honesty and service.

@davidhall8086 6 ай бұрын

Fabulous story, interview, and perspective. I’m a 2/75 vet from the Panama invasion and even though it was a very different time and conflict, I’m glad to see that the basic spirit of Rangering has not changed. Dave Hall Bco 2/75 85-91 - Battle of Rio Hato Aorfield

@markmanleyH2Oactivity Жыл бұрын

I listened to both parts [1] & [2] "Good job" as a seviceman RAY McPADDEN. Awesome interview Ryan !!!

@michaelbryant8757 2 жыл бұрын

Ray McPadden's experience is one of high achievement and intensity within the US Army. I admire his candor in relating about how calloused he felt and how crazy war can be and make a man. I'm glad he is home safe and I need to read his book next. THANK YOU BOTH.

@Dgreens 2 жыл бұрын

I listen to these podcasts every morning at the gym before school. You and every guest on this podcast are true heroes, thank you for sharing your Incredible stories. These stories are so valuable to people like me and many others, who one day hope carry on your legacies. Thank you Ryan! RLTW!!🇺🇸

@F3PIZZA 2 жыл бұрын

I would pay money to watch Ray talk about things he finds cool. Thanks, Ray!

@quads4life1 2 жыл бұрын

Great interview and guest. I just ordered the book!

@stump713 2 жыл бұрын

Another great interview, Ryan! I appreciate both of y’all’s service. The honesty and transparency in our Veterans is amazing. I can relate to a lot of what was said but not going to expand. The one thing I did laugh at was when asked about the title of Ray’s book. When I was young, I remember my Pop, who is a Ranger, saying Rangers March at midnight, Airborne jumps at dawn. For some reason, that stuck with me so I honestly thought that Ray titled his book because Rangers March at midnight. 🤣 Awesome stuff guys and we appreciate y’all more than you know! God bless!💯🇺🇸

@jeff3229 2 жыл бұрын

My favorite guest that you have had on. You gotta have Ray back

@LP3me 2 жыл бұрын

Man, when you get home and already have an idea when you’re leaving again, that was the craziest time in our units. Guys were getting DUIs, Domestic Violence, Drug use. Like Ray said it’s hard to “turn off.” And you think you’re invincible, but also you may not make it home from another tour. The back to back deployments were tough.

@ericmitchell3326 2 жыл бұрын

What an incredible follow up!!! Thoroughly enjoyed the entire episode as always. My favorite so far. Hopefully we can hear more from him. Ordering the book now!!. As always way to stay on target...Pretty sure he thanked you for that during the interview Ryan!!!

@LargeAndRobustPeter 8 ай бұрын

the best interview so far - unreal stories. and very well told. really appreciate it

@zacharyruben1852 2 жыл бұрын

I listen to these on my way to work every morning. Awesome stuff. Thank you

@jerryfrye1164 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely love your interviews. I listen to them all the time even while working on cars. So much wisdom and life lessons. Ray is my favorite one the man is humble beyond measure.

@xvsj-s2x 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service 🇺🇸

@peterpaul7932 2 жыл бұрын

Ray is still in war. In his Memory, but also thinking. A real Warrior, a great Priest of Death & Destruction. I felt him so well, when he spoke last time about his "last firefight" - no support weapons, no high tech, but a gunfighting it out. That man has to go back the Career Path in the Army. Another great Interview Ryan! Thank you for bringing Ray to us!

@jerimahjohnson8698 2 жыл бұрын

Great story and thank god america has men like this. Bought a new farm in ohio a few months ago and i guess the locals dont like outsiders. Well one day while working there post covid blood clots and all someone drove by and took a shot at me. I tried to catch them but was not moving at my normal speed. Of course i contacted le and filed reports. Cops told me make sure your armed here sir. Now im jumpy and staying out of sight of the road.

@Swab209 2 жыл бұрын

Another great guest and great interview sir. This one really hit different than all the others so far. This man truly lived the Ranger lifestyle to its fullest.

@robertperez3219 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve listened to a lot of these. This guy stands out among the best of men.

@wayneorellana2549 2 жыл бұрын

Each interview just gets better and better. Well done.

@mavrikmavrik3032 2 жыл бұрын

Ray, thanks for sharing some of your stories and for opening up about your thoughts, feeling and experiences. It’s great to hear real people talk about the good, bad and ugly and thanks for everything you’ve given for our country!

@rangerminiaturesandgaming3647 2 жыл бұрын

As someone who deployed with batt and big army I understand and appreciate everything this dude said. Highly relatable.

@ggarr91 2 жыл бұрын

Must be a good sign that part 2 with an Aggie came out on this beautiful Aggie Football Saturday 👍🏼 👍🏼

@jameswatson5380 2 жыл бұрын

When you start listening and you realise you could spend many a night in a bar listening to these stories. If only I could ask some questions. Maybe that’s a new theme.. give me a time and the name of the bar and I’ll be there. Good stuff.

@rodneyhanbaum697 2 жыл бұрын

Outstanding interview 👏 Real! THANK YOU .

@newworld8546 2 жыл бұрын

I have watched half your episodes so far, this 2 parter is my favorite by far. Great interview.

@seangr4222 2 жыл бұрын

I love this interview, Great Job Ryan!

@thisjustin2018 2 жыл бұрын

This interview was incredible. Ryan, you have gotten so good at these interviews and these guys are opening up so well. Has to be good for them to do that too. And Ray is so good at telling these stories and bringing to light the realities of a warfighter. Great episode!! 👍🏼

@russclewley6945 2 жыл бұрын

Definitely going to read his book. Thanks for the great interview. You have a knack.

@AdamSmith-hv1tj 2 жыл бұрын

Another great interview. Awesome to see a fellow 10th Mountain vet on the channel!

@jjw9798 2 жыл бұрын

Great job, his story telling is phenomenal. I will for sure be reading his book. This is the best storytelling I've heard from this channel.

@robertrock2884 2 жыл бұрын

Great story. I am honored to have been able to listen to it.

@andrewvogel5344 Жыл бұрын

I'm just going to say this this is by far out of all the episodes I have seen without a doubt no second guessing the best episode I've seen both parts equally amazing!

@Vanguardw Жыл бұрын

This was such a good interview, you didn't interrupt too much

@mc9805 2 жыл бұрын

I'm getting Ray's book now

@jaycobb1184 2 жыл бұрын

Please don’t buy this book. He is lying.

@samseven5260 Жыл бұрын

Best one yet!

@itsme_Willow 2 жыл бұрын

Definitely at the top of the Combat interviews I have listened to

@corywatterson7560 2 жыл бұрын

Outstanding , awesome interview

@pcplayz9185 2 жыл бұрын

this was an amazing interview.

@dennislearyii608 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you both for your service. I can really relate to this guy the most. I love this channel prob my favorite and I watch every video so thanks again!! Everyone makes me regret not serving myself I really believe it’s an enormous mistake on my part…. God Bless !!!

@timkelly2952 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. An excellent episode. Hi from Bali, Indonesia.

@LOCALNOMAD909 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome interview

@quinnmccullough414 2 жыл бұрын

Both of you guys are great!!

@justinplaysguitar 7 ай бұрын

My unit replaced him in 2007 I got shot 9 times that deployment. We were at outpost bella about 20 clicks north of the korengal in much higher mountains with much much much closer contact

@Prepper319 Жыл бұрын

Amazing podcast once again Ryan fugit is too good at what he does !

@kaihofmann4426 2 жыл бұрын

I stepped on that podcast channel few weeks ago and I'v listend to all those stories. I hope you extend your Interviews acreoss the border to more NATO members. Most of those guys, especially higher NCO's and Officers are able to talk fluent english. Keep up the good work, greetings from Germany

@andrewjennings2635 2 жыл бұрын

This is a fantastic story to listen to. The full spectrum of war fighting conventional and SF fantastic perspective. As an Australian it’s good to hear these stories and puts into perspective the small piece that we played in both Afghanistan and Iraq. I have enjoyed the 3 Australians and their stories that they have to offer. I think it would be amazing to hear from CPL Mark Donaldson Australia’s first Victoria cross (Commonwealth equivalent to medal of honour) recipient since Vietnam. There’s a biography of him called crossroads his journey is amazing

@joeeasterling5652 Жыл бұрын

I wanted to listen to both patrs before I commented. I think we all had wars with our bb guns as kids. I am thankful for those who have gone out and stood on that wall for us here in America.

@sagawi 2 жыл бұрын

Super story teller...Super human....Super soldier

@saulayala4970 4 ай бұрын

Moral of the story: Ranger NCOs rule the battlefield.

@EdD-ym6le 2 жыл бұрын

It's July 4 and I watched this a second time after seeing it a couple months ago . What a start to finish story . My favorite of the series . The Tier 1 guys seem to know where they are headed but this story seems more of a " what happened " to an " average " guy type story . Hey Yeager started out as an aircraft mechanic . My head is swimming just like the first time I watched it .

@LargeAndRobustPeter 8 ай бұрын

this is a criminally underviewed podcast

@ghostgk5888 2 жыл бұрын

Id want this dude on my apocalypse squad fo sho🥳🥳

@thomasdiesel 2 жыл бұрын

Man this dude is real

@mhsvz6735 Жыл бұрын

Wow, that’s the way warfare should be conducted!

@JB-td9fz 2 жыл бұрын

Great 2nd show. I do hope this guy gets the help he so clearly needs.

@hammstah9578 2 жыл бұрын

Really interesting to hear McPadden's expert insight. Really exciting ops stories. Waiiit...Gen. McChrystal on your op???

@chrisculley3756 2 жыл бұрын

Man a 100%. I remember coming back from a deployment I think it was the 3rd deployment or something . But you'll probably talk about it in ranger battalion when we come home from a appointment we'll spend about 2 days there on base when we get back just kind of inventory everything making sure everything's up and put away. But 2 days you're released to go home and do whatever you want for 2 weeks and then come back and start your training cycle. But I do I remember coming home pretty much kind of feeling the same way. I didn't want to see anybody. I wasn't ready yet so I spent 2 weeks in a hotel 30 minutes away from my family's home For Christmas. I never talk to anyone maybe chatted with them a little bit to let themm know I was OK. but I just want ready yet to be around that kind atmosphere and uh think he makes a good point. I don't think I wanted to turn it off. you gotta start the freaking training cycle as soon as you get back so what's the point

@odan7564 2 жыл бұрын

Bring this badass back!!!!

@happinesshotel5375 2 жыл бұрын

I totally understand this dude about being an asshole. I did search and rescue and after I quit I would start having bad dreams, I was mean to everyone, I didn’t want to talk to anyone and I didn’t want to be around anyone. I still kinda avoid people. I have gained over 40 pounds and I’m now exercising everyday now though getting my health back up. I wasn’t in the military search and rescue but the civilian search and rescue but I have noticed this with a lot of people who have done some type of high stress job. Mostly the veterans are the ones who have it the worst and I feel bad for them, but then I was told to not feel bad for anyone because they signed up while a war was going on so idk what to say anymore.

@sasantaymourian2574 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for being honest.

@michaelmatthias9495 2 жыл бұрын

People like that make it so hard to recruit. “I’d do it again no questions but I’m going to tell my kids not to”

@chrisculley3756 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome stuff really enjoyed this one obviously coming from 3/75 and hearing the stories from a guy from 2/75 who we unfortunately really don't ever get to see after RIP or RASP. The only time we see them after that is slapping high fives on the airfield doing battlefield turnover. Oh and Ranger Rendezvous Let the games begin. Are you not entertained..

@Prepper319 Жыл бұрын

Dude this is some heavy ass legit shit right here

@chrisculley3756 2 жыл бұрын

Holy shit I never thought about that we went out did our shit came back home got ready for the next mission.. I never realized somebody had to go clean up our shit after that night

@chrisculley3756 2 жыл бұрын

The machine gun he'd be referring to is the mk46 which is the small version of the m249 it's just smaller and lighter and a bad doer. I had the pleasure of carrying that weapon one deployment loved that weapon.

@jaycobb1184 2 жыл бұрын

Red flag-he doesn’t know the name of the weapon

@rangerminiaturesandgaming3647 2 жыл бұрын

@@jaycobb1184 bud officers don’t live in that world, he hadn’t prolly even touched a saw since ranger school….

@tomzarek6425 2 жыл бұрын

@Ray McPadden I want to hear the rest of your anecdote about the RPG guy at 1:40:00

@docstockandbarrel 9 ай бұрын

👍🏻

@yankbat8481 2 жыл бұрын

Love this guy. No apologies. Just yea i did it and so what. Nice

@simonoshe552 5 ай бұрын

I thought it was sad that such an intelligent man can lose his humanity in a pointless, illegal war. Still fascinating though.

@jaredchandler4491 Жыл бұрын

Stud🇺🇸💪🏼

@marcosellors555 2 жыл бұрын

Quiet Professional he is not. Definitely can see the difference between the explanation of death and the acts of war from the Delta & Seal operators you've interviewed. No disrespect intended at all but clearly different perspectives of outcome and how Delta processes post down range activities. Van Sant interview still resonates with me more deeply. Fair play though, all levels have their own mission set and mentality to succeed.

@jerrymarshall2095 2 жыл бұрын

Dude ,Im gonna have to check this Ranger stuff out ,they go hiking a lot and if they ain't hiking they're prob at a smoke fest or at a smoke school

@rangerminiaturesandgaming3647 2 жыл бұрын

The old saying ranger batt is the best life insurance policy

@cheezbomber Жыл бұрын

Thanks Ray and Ryan. Great pair of interviews. I can only imagine a TV show where an ex-Ranger working in Yellowstone has to revive old skills for some crazy reason or other... More importantly, thanks Ray for sharing you story and being so candid. Thank you for your service!

@ajr1775 2 жыл бұрын

If your kids go Space Force make sure they don't select the Red Shirt MOS.

@danielherlihy4685 2 жыл бұрын

It takes some time for this guy to get tell his story and get his point across.

@briangregory6303 2 жыл бұрын

Great one, Ryan. I've read a comment challenging Ray's account as bullshit, but with your background I'm 100% sure you do the research so posers don't get a platform.

@svenbugg9406 5 ай бұрын

Carl-Gustav...😆😄😁🥰

@jimlabruno 2 жыл бұрын

I’d love to hear from anyone who has anything to say but I’m 25 years old and I’m having a big internal battle with whether to enlist and go SF or to not. Is there any advice anyone would be willing to share?

@kyles9320 2 жыл бұрын

You better be ready in every aspect or you will get spit out.

@jimlabruno 2 жыл бұрын

@@kyles9320 definitely have some work to do then haha

@LP3me 2 жыл бұрын

You have to be 100% willing to commit every part of your being and energy to pass and be successful. Are you ready to push yourself to your full potential? Do you want this more than anything you have ever wanted? It has to be the most important thing to you and you’ll be fine.

@isaiahfelder402 2 жыл бұрын

Did the kid make it?

@vinniemac6076 2 жыл бұрын

Dude went from a "bad Ass Army ranger " to a "park" ranger lol

@hededcdn Жыл бұрын

Now he's a badass park ranger!

@U-TubeSurfer45 2 жыл бұрын

Dude is a psychopath. Going into detail how it looks when u kill someone. Ryan is like okay come on move forward....

@DEVUNK88 2 жыл бұрын

Seals use scalpels Rangers use big fucking hammers

@pookiewhite3289 2 жыл бұрын

To the one person who disliked this video. I hope your parkinson's subsides.

@pookiewhite3289 2 жыл бұрын

I'm pulling for you. I'll keep you in my prayers.

@bhitz 10 ай бұрын

Yea but what a seal officers gonna do? Drive a boat?

@MikeHunt-rw4gf 2 жыл бұрын

Algorithm

@U-TubeSurfer45 2 жыл бұрын

Damn. Dude loves his stories and hearing himself talk. All props to u for serving but u were a ranger dude, not god. Putting other sof units down with backhanded compliments. . . the typical officer thinking hes better than everyone else.. Lol. If u don't see what hes doing or who ge is, then im sorry. Prob looks like im just jealous. 👍🤔

@yankbat8481 2 жыл бұрын

Delta, Green Berets, Rangers allll allow only seasoned Soldiers or Paratroopers to try out. So Seals having 10% or whatever make it is because they were regular Navy or just coming off the couch. Army picks from Soldiers and or Paratroopers that already have alot of skill. I have buddy Seals and they never even touched a crew served weapon or jumped out of a plane or navigated at night yet get to try out to be a Seal ....Army starts out with bad a s s es and Navy starts with basic no nothings.

@kyles9320 2 жыл бұрын

There is much more to it than just "no nothings" but I'm not here to have an internet argument.

@pedrokoto 2 жыл бұрын

Not true. Delta yes…but SF and Ranger Battalion offer contracts straight from the street. They’ve done so for decades. Most of their guys come straight from Basic and Airborne school. Different for officers.

@jaycobb1184 2 жыл бұрын

Ok I’m sorry but I can’t let these embellishments go unanswered. First off this guy is a delusional man. He thinks that he has some kind of super power that is frankly not true. His ridiculous over confidence, and his ego probably put more people in danger than he supposedly saved. Nowhere in either of these episodes did he indicate that he was anything more than yet another self serving officer who marched to success and to dollar signs by writing books on the backs of the men he was obligated to lead in battle. Brother I was in the korengal and I’ve never heard of anything like what this person describes in episode 1 he even admitted that he read a lot of books about Vietnam when he was a kid. Not suppressing he even states “if I want home, I could tell stories for the rest of my life” complete self serving bastard. I hope no one actually believes his lies.

@bobbertee5945 2 жыл бұрын

Oh shut it, u know nothing for what u speak of….

@jaycobb1184 2 жыл бұрын

@@bobbertee5945 I absolutely know what I’m talking about served 12 years in JSOC and 14 years in the rangers. This guy is completely full of it.