Marines in The Battle of Marjah | USMC NCO | Author | Choices Not Chances Podcast

Marines in The Battle of Marjah | USMC NCO | Author | Choices Not Chances Podcast | Ryan Rogers

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Today we hear the Combat Story of Ryan Rogers, a Marine Corps NCO who led Marines during the Battle of Marjah aka Operation Moshtarak which was a huge and intense International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) offensive in Helmand Province, Afghanistan involving 15,000 Afghan, American, British, Canadian, Danish, and Estonian troops, and the largest joint operation of the War in Afghanistan up to that point in 2010.
The purpose of the operation was to remove the Taliban from Marja, thus eliminating the last Taliban stronghold in central Helmand Province. This was Ryan’s first experience of intense combat and we spend significant time on the fighting which began literally after stepping off the Chinook on the LZ.
Many don’t know this about me but the Battle of Marjah had a profound impact on me personally in 2010 and was a primary reason I found my way to the CIA (which we touch on in this podcast).
After his intense combat experience, Ryan turned to drinking but then found his path and purpose, writing the book “The Lions of Marjah” about his experiences during this battle and co-hosting the Choices Not Chances podcast.
This is a great one ya’ll. I don’t usually tear up during an interview but this one had me and Ryan in tears at one point talking about the relationships created down range. I know ya’ll are going to enjoy this one.
Find Ryan Online:
- Ryan’s Linktree linktr.ee/combatstory
- Merch www.bonfire.com/store/combats...
- Instagram @combatstory / combatstory
- Facebook @combatstoryofficial combatstoryofficial
- Send us messages at m.me/combatstoryofficial
- Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus
- Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Find Ryan Rogers Online:
- Ryan's book Lions of Marjah www.amazon.com/Lions-Marjah-C...
- Twitter @RyanRog98054437 / ryanrog98054437
- Choices Not Chances Podcast: / @choicesnotchancespodcast
Show Notes:
00:00 - Intro
00:59 - Guest Introduction (Ryan Rogers)
02:25 - Interview begins
03:45 - Choices Not Chances Podcast
06:22 - Ryan's childhood and inspiration on joinging the military
11:27 - Ryan's family's reaction to him joining the Marines
13:02 - Why did Ryan choose to join the Marines
14:22 - Training for the Marines
22:38 - Americans Evacuated from Lebanon mission
27:40 - Does Hunting experience help in the Marines
30:20 - First time you found yourself downrange
32:45 - The yearning for combat
36:51 - The origins of the Lions of Marjah book
42:05 - Operation Moshtarak
49:03 - Relationship with the brand new squad in combat
51:53 - Dropping in the center of the fight
01:04:40 - The days that followed
01:18:20 - Any particullarly hard missions
01:25:41 - Building the bonds of combat Veterans
01:32:49 - The responsibilities of a USMC Squad Leader
01:38:19 - The transition out
01:42:33 - The emotional challenges of being a Marine
01:45:44 - Finding purpose
01:49:50 - Any sentimental items
01:51:00 - Would you do it all again
01:52:42 - Listener comments and shout outs
01:54:33 - Sights Smells bring you back to combat
01:55:49 - Funniest memory of the time downrange
02:02:19 - Advice to 18-22 year olds
02:05:48 - Best piece of advice during your career

Пікірлер: 102

@choicesnotchancespodcast Жыл бұрын

It was an honor to sit and chat brother! I enjoyed the discussion. Thanks for what you do!

@Belbivdevoe Жыл бұрын

We need a round 2!

@choicesnotchancespodcast Жыл бұрын

Eric I know of the story for sure! We should link up. Message me!

@danrocks0311 Жыл бұрын

This brought me back. I was a squad leader for 2/6 fox in Marjah. I went on the advanced party to rip with 1/6 bravo so I was there for almost 2 months before my unit arrived. The second day I went with them to clear a massive IED at Marcie's/Bear intersection while under constant fire. I helped them clear the buildings around the area while eod made their way up. I remember getting a nose bleed from stress but I didn't stop. Two squad leaders from my unit got killed 2 weeks after we arrived on the advanced party with 1/6a before our unit arrived. So their guys landed in country knowing their squad leaders had been killed before they were there. I knew both of them. There isn't a day that goes by where Marjah doesn't cross my mind some of the best and worst experiences of my life are left there. Took most of the summer and two patrols a day but we got a good handle on Marjah before we left.

@nicholascushing9193 Жыл бұрын

You guys are frigging legends

@Dondada1001 Жыл бұрын

I was part of 2/6 and was apart of taking the bridge near Marja’s bazaar. One month later I was shot by a sniper in my femoral artery and almost bled out in a irrigation canal if it weren’t for our corpsman in my platoon… proud of all the marines who fought for the freedom of the Afghani people.

@choicesnotchancespodcast Жыл бұрын

Semper Fi

@choicesnotchancespodcast Жыл бұрын

We should link up! Message me on social media!

@Dondada1001 Жыл бұрын

@@choicesnotchancespodcast definitely what’s your ig

@choicesnotchancespodcast Жыл бұрын

@@Dondada1001 choicesnotchancespodcast

@choicesnotchancespodcast Жыл бұрын

@@Dondada1001 choicesnotchancespodcast

@nathanieldabney225 6 ай бұрын

I was a first up medic at Dwyer with the 82nd Dustoff during this. My best honor was converting marines

@StatesideHeathen Жыл бұрын

Wow. That was fuckin DEEP! What a good dude/Leader!! Chanks for having him on Ryan.

@ThePete2432 Жыл бұрын

I was in Cyprus with those marines.. we called them the non-crayon eaters. I meet people all the time that we evacuated on that mission. At the time it was the largest non combatant evacuation ever.

@OleMisss Жыл бұрын

Thank you for being so consistent and letting these warriors inspire the next generation coming up. I and many others truly appreciate these stories and the work you put into making these happen.

@vinniemac6076 Жыл бұрын

There will be no warriors in these generations

@OleMisss Жыл бұрын

@@vinniemac6076 if we all had that attitude we’d most certainly be fucked.

@eldaniels1 7 ай бұрын

I was in 3/6 Lima during this operation and it was every bit as bad as described. It was 3 to 4 fights every day for six months. It was Lima’s task to secure the MSR and link up with Kilo. The only correction I’d make is that we were scheduled for Iraq originally that deployment was cancelled just as we wrapped up the pre-deployment training. Other than that it was as accurate as I can recall. Semper Fi

@leslierogers9694 Жыл бұрын

So proud to call him mine! 💙

@charlesl5226 Жыл бұрын

This is the first video I have watched where the guest admits how he felt missing out on the fighting on the war after all the training and time away from home. And never thought I’d see one someone share the same thoughts and feelings I’ve had. And this by far was the best video in my opinion.

@choicesnotchancespodcast Жыл бұрын

I appreciate the words !!!

@lesserlogic9977 Жыл бұрын

Great message

@upkpoxer Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing. Thank you for your service! Stay safe!

@dericspencer5728 Жыл бұрын

He pulled an E.B. Sledge in the margins. Another great one.

@reliantfilmsproductions9752 Жыл бұрын

Wow, Ryan was in my old BN! I was stationed with Lco 3/6BN 2nd MAR DIV. Semper Fi brother!!!

@choicesnotchancespodcast Жыл бұрын

Semper Fi~

@reliantfilmsproductions9752 Жыл бұрын

@@choicesnotchancespodcast Rah brother!!!

@shawnp6653 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic Ryan & Ryan.

@JHillNC Жыл бұрын

This was excellent! Such a great listen, really appreciate both Ryans for this one!

@greggb1416 Жыл бұрын

For both of you folks (Ryan & Ryan), you both “elude” to becoming emotional during this interview.., I don’t believe, either of you believe, that this a sign of weakness.., I believe that it is a sign that you are human. Ryan thank you for these interviews. For both you Ryan’s, thank you for your service to this great country., and yes it is the greatest country going on this planet., despite its’ current “F’ed-up” condition.

@choicesnotchancespodcast Жыл бұрын

Not a sign of weakness at all!

@Jruss1994 8 ай бұрын

Wow. Ryan Rogers was one of my combat instructors at SOI.

@MANC2311 Жыл бұрын

Always loved the U.S Marines for their more bang for the buck attitude, but my love was solidified when you backed us (UK) in Helmand. Shout out to the Danes and Estonian boys.

@xymoriintus Жыл бұрын

Hey Ryan I'm glad you enjoy making KZfaq videos and sharing these amazing folks journeys! Honestly I feel like history and time are going to show people how... Futile the war in Afghanistan was for America. In no way am I dumping on anything anybody has laid down their lives for, I have the utmost respect and hold these warriors in the highest regards! I just feel like through the lense of history and given a long enough time line, the average person will see how absolutely insane the Afghanistan war was in particular I thank each and everyone of you for your sacrifice and service. And it wasn't for nothing either! You guys fought for each other to make it back home at the end of your time there. It truly takes a different breed of Man to fight in a war.

@lancet.346 Жыл бұрын

Those stories toward the end had me rolling! My big brother has a Gatorade story that always kills me. God bless the grunts. Too funny.

@drmarkintexas-400 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing 🇺🇲🎖️⭐🏆🙏

@Johnson11c Жыл бұрын

Another dang good show!

@bertski7950 9 ай бұрын

Crazy how terrain can change from Kilo AO to India company. We called it Vietgan with all the vegetation around the canals and tall poppy plants.

@bertski7950 9 ай бұрын

There was so much water/mud because they blew the damn before you landed. We landed a week or two before and watch the flood come in from the blown bridge.

@mikegoodwin5678 Жыл бұрын

Ryan, Once again another outstanding podcast.

@bartgallant6897 Жыл бұрын

Excellent, powerful presentation. This was an over- the-top listener experience.

@wesmatson5921 Жыл бұрын

I talk with youth about "Windows of Oportunity" same as choises

@georgecoull1883 Жыл бұрын

Definitely a new top 3 video! Thoroughly enjoyed this one and I'm going to restart and rewatch. Thank you gentlemen

@jamescopeland9147 Жыл бұрын

Awesome story, I was blessed to have served in a mostly peacetime Navy, but some of Ryan's story hit home for me. I lost shipmates in peace time training and it was hard for me. I found some inner peace in Church and putting trust in God. so please keep these stories coming Ryan. Also I have read Ryan's book before this but those kind of books end up just making me sad because nearly every one of them detail a failing of leadership to support the troops in the field. Those failings just made me sad and mad, because there is nothing we can do to change the outcome.

@goldstarfamily322 8 ай бұрын

My brother died over their I misss him soooo freakin much Larry and Jeremy 2-18-10

@ChristopherWolfgang-wd7uo 6 ай бұрын

I was in Afghanistan Active Army 5th brigade 2nd ID 3 battalion 17th field Artillery that supported this mission!!! Ya'll are true fuckin heroes!!!! Never forget the fallen!!! OEF 09'-10.

@sflstudentfishingleague6130 Жыл бұрын

Great stuff gentlemen !!

@GruvenTom-G4V Жыл бұрын

Great conversation, Ryan and Ryan. The experiences shared by Ryan Rogers especially about friendships were heartfelt, genuine, and quite profound. Looking forward to more Combat Story podcasts, and also reading #lionsofmarjah. @choicesnotchancespodcast

@emmanuelawosusi2365 Жыл бұрын

Love the channel

@modestogonzalez182 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Mr. Fugit. This show was freaking awesome. Brought back a lot of emotions. You mentioned that the operation for Marjah influenced your career decisions. If you haven't already could you elaborate on this one day? Thank you both

@user-zw6ij3yb7o 5 ай бұрын

Thank You ❤️ ...

@chrisculley3756 Жыл бұрын

My favorite topic the Helmand Province. We went there for the surge to help those Marines out there at Camp Bastion. It was a shitshow. Can't wait to hear the rest. RLTW 3/75

@Lifechanging99999 Жыл бұрын

Was that the only time Rangers were in Helmand? That had to have been Pre 2010. Bastion was all British by 2010. Camp Leatherneck was built next to Bastion. My seniors were in Nowzad in 2009, and had 0 support from Rangers. It all came from Force Recon.

@survivor2338 Жыл бұрын

Outstanding

@RamadiTaxiDriver60M Жыл бұрын

Awesome. never went there but followed the battle for sure.

@gdolson9419 Жыл бұрын

Former 0311/69 (USMC infantry)myself. My 1st assignment after boot was Sea Duty. Believe it or not shipboard security is great training for urban warfare.

@Superplums Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the shoutout Ryan! @superplums1911 🤙 @combatstory was actually the first podcast i'd ever listened to on spotify and its still my favourite. Ryan Fugit comes across as a very real, down to earth guy and it makes the podcast very enjoyable. Great stuff dude!

@xymoriintus Жыл бұрын

That last 15 minutes is like the most fun I've seen you have on your show lol that's awesome! Stay frosty! Lol

@emrebilsen1196 Жыл бұрын

wonderful! ❤️

@wildbill60 Жыл бұрын

Great story

@gamercemyt8773 Жыл бұрын

well done❣️

@slaakyuz4463 Жыл бұрын

wow very nice mannnn.💖💖💖

@RichFitzwel Жыл бұрын

Nice bonus at the end

@jimmychoo8275 Жыл бұрын

I was part of 3/6 when I was there. I was psd for luitenant colonel Christmas.

Жыл бұрын

Good view💫

@12lilacbushes Жыл бұрын

My nephew a Marja Marine!

@choicesnotchancespodcast Жыл бұрын

Semper Fi~

@choicesnotchancespodcast Жыл бұрын

Cole?

Жыл бұрын

nice video keep💓💓

@Chef_VDUB Жыл бұрын

the sigma is real i had sl from fast and a drill tl when i was in 2/9 before the push in 2010' and the seniors in the platoon gave us hell trash because of it

@williamstokely9589 Жыл бұрын

It helped me that I grew up shooting. I missed 2 targets on our first qual at 300 meters because it was -5°f and blowing snow lol. I was freezing

@stephenpaccone8120 Жыл бұрын

Doubt

@williamstokely9589 Жыл бұрын

@@stephenpaccone8120 okay? I care that you doubt why? Winter of 09 in Leonard wood was cold.

@dougieadams3819 Жыл бұрын

I'm british and remember the US build up in the area and the beat up operations prior to the main OP

@charliebaligush2170 Жыл бұрын

These stories are the shit

@pl3422 Жыл бұрын

This guy fucking gets it!!!!

@kevinmcnamara7021 8 ай бұрын

Does anyone here know Brian McNamara. He was in RCT-7 Motor-T out of 29 palms

@jrxtuti8894 Жыл бұрын

nice i like it💕💕💕

@joshuacotton8114 Жыл бұрын

he said his buddy had a youtube video. does anyone recall what it was? cant find it. thanks. best podcast

@choicesnotchancespodcast Жыл бұрын

"The inches that matter" and "the first hours of Marjah"

@Drewski423 Жыл бұрын

APOBS is a string of 108 grenades

@Drewski423 Жыл бұрын

Pretty cool little system. Saw them used a few times over seas.

@bhitz Жыл бұрын

That's crazy didn't they have recon, STA or SF/SEALs to going in before the main force and identify an LZ?

@choicesnotchancespodcast Жыл бұрын

There was a ton of shaping from all of the elements you listed as well as the CIA and ATF

@Lifechanging99999 Жыл бұрын

They used intel to make maps. You think the Army or Navy liked talking the Marines? Recon was used as infantry in Afghanistan. STA, would not support that kind of intelligence.

@southboston7239 Жыл бұрын

Was anybody in 2/6 in 2007 Falluja?

@daleocallaghan6228 5 ай бұрын

YOU WANT HARDCORE? TRY CHOWHALL COOK PAL! 😊

@mo-do2xf Жыл бұрын

ايهدايغالي

@Heyheyhey12335 8 ай бұрын

Say homeboy you ain't never been to Tejas have you

@JohnnyD-u7 Жыл бұрын

✝️🇺🇸🦅✌🏻

@nickwancho Жыл бұрын

Lol maybe not the most accurate book to have brought. I would have gone with victory point, book about 2/3 working on the same op in that ao only it's non fiction

@Lifechanging99999 Жыл бұрын

Are you saying this book is full of it? Victory Point is legit.

@nickwancho Жыл бұрын

@@Lifechanging99999 I was talking about lone survivor.

@Lifechanging99999 Жыл бұрын

@@nickwancho lol oh yeah definitely bro. I couldn’t keep watching this interview after he tried to talk up how fast company was high speed

@allenn4360 Жыл бұрын

🫡

@douglasjessen8542 6 ай бұрын

@NITWIT856 Жыл бұрын

imagine attacking an enemy platoon that has a ac130 circling overhead that you can't see or hear, but they can see everything on the ground clearly at nighttime and can put several different types of ordinances on you.