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 show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com
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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 show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com
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.
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00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad 00:00:21 Texas Floods 00:04:19 Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer 00:08:00 Tim Kennedy Drama 00:21:29 Ranger School 00:24:36 3rd Recon Battalion 00:26:35 SFARTAETC 00:31:39 Force Recon Weapons | Teams 00:36:23 From Army Engineer to Marine Recon 00:44:45 Filming of Heartbreak Ridge 01:07:57 Insights from the Qualification Course
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.
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I Came With Fire link https://rumble.com/user/I_Came_With_Fire_Podcast
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.
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00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad 00:00:30 Journey to West Point 00:06:08 The History and Heritage of West Point 00:11:59 Transitioning to the Army and Armor Branch 00:14:47 Pre-9/11 Military Training and Mindset 00:20:56 Iraq Combat Ops and Recon Missions 00:35:27 Surveillance and EOD Escort Missions 00:42:32 Combined Arms 00:46:54 Special Forces Selection Process 00:52:50 Moral Ambiguity in Special Operations 00:59:15 Insights from the Qualification Course 01:10:23 Building Team Cohesion | Team Dynamics and Training 01:14:48 Deployment Decisions and Responsibilities 01:19:09 Mission Objectives and Local Forces 01:24:53 Engagements and Tactical Challenges 01:32:22 Ambush Experiences and Lessons Learned 01:38:18 Leadership Under Pressure 01:43:09 Reflections on Loss and Moving Forward
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.
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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.
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00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad | Military Gear Discussion 00:03:11 Volunteering for the Army Rangers 00:06:08 Ranger Indoctrination Program 00:09:11 Evolution of Ranger Training and Readiness 00:12:01 Deployment Experiences: The Reality of Combat 00:18:01 75th Ranger Regiment Structure 00:20:48 Life Events During Military Service 00:26:56 Connecting Veterans with Civilian Communities 00:44:28 Navigating Military Responsibilities and Personal Life 00:47:06 Understanding Moral Injury in Combat 00:49:41 The Complexity of Combat Decisions 00:56:01 Reflections on the Afghanistan Withdrawal 01:04:19 The Struggles of Mental Health in Veterans 01:10:00 The Value of Journaling and Reflection 01:26:15 Understanding the Battlefield 01:27:57 First Deployment to Afghanistan 01:32:21 Chasing Ghosts: The Reality of Combat 01:36:46 The Evolution of Combat Experience 01:39:44 The Impact of Casualties 01:52:58 The Weight of Loss and Reality
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.
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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.
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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.
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00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad 00:00:29 Intro | Joining the Marines 00:05:07 Marine Corps Tattoos 00:08:28 Call-To-Arms 00:12:19 Recon and SEAL Contracts as Recruiting Tools 00:16:15 Are SEALs Better Swimmers than Marine Recon? 00:20:42 Prepping Your Feet for Rucking 00:25:04 Marine Snipers | Organizational Changes 00:29:50 From Marine Infantry to Recon ARS 00:38:54 Work-Up and 1st Iraq Deployment 00:59:17 Over Worked and Underutilized 01:10:49 Grooming Standards | Advisor Teams 01:20:12 Sniper School 01:29:07 2nd Deployment to Iraq with 2nd Recon 01:35:04 Occupying Compounds 01:40:59 Valhalla Boys
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.
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Brian's Site https://briandickinson.net/
00:00:00 Tibet Route vs Nepal Route 00:04:09 Acclimating to Everest 00:07:27 Summit Day 00:09:59 Gear Malfunction 00:13:52 The Final Push | Summiting Everest 00:19:57 Verifying a Summit
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.
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00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad 00:00:40 Intro | mIRC Chat 00:04:47 1st Deployment | 1st Females on Ship 00:10:00 I Wanted to Be an Astronaut 00:14:40 Flight School 00:19:59 Landing SH-60s in Rough Seas 00:32:24 SH-60 Roles 00:34:40 2nd Deployment | South America 00:46:58 Different Cultures 00:56:44 Applying to be a U-2 Pilot 01:01:38 U-2 Spy Plane Pilot Selection and Training 01:16:54 U-2 Pilot's Custom Space Suit 01:23:04 Operating at High-Altitude 01:32:58 First High Altitude Flight | Food During Missions 01:37:02 Foreign Navies and Life on US Ships 01:42:33 Reality Checks | Casualty Assistance Officer 01:52:46 Extreme Ross
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!
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Stranger By The Hour Link https://open.spotify.com/show/5Webs3ny2aEpe7AuKp6rPv
00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad 00:00:40 Intro | Podcasting 00:09:00 Information Operations 00:15:50 Who is "They" 00:24:30 Epstein 00:29:49 Ukraine vs Russia 00:50:43 Immigration 00:57:35 Drones 01:03:37 Assassination Attempt 01:17:46 OnlyFans 01:33:43 Tech Overlords 01:45:04 Not Caring About Overseas Conflicts 02:09:43 Keeping Perspective
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 show C 1/7 Flags: https://www.jcramergraphics.com/search?q=charley Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/formeractionguys ANGLICO Gear: https://www.anglicoshop.com
00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad 00:00:40 Intro | Joining the Marines 00:06:48 Police Academy vs Marine Boot Camp 00:10:06 Infantry Training | Deployment with C 1/7 00:26:51 First Engagement 00:35:02 Rockets 00:45:03 The Infantry | From Iron Sights to Optics 00:56:55 Hillbilly Armor 01:11:13 Pre-Deployment Training 01:25:38 Is Iraq Safer Now?
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.
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Fred's Book https://www.amazon.com/Return-Plaine-Jarres-Fred-Apgar/dp/1964300037
00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad 00:00:40 Intro | Joining the Air Force 00:04:07 Treatment of Veterans | Deployment Cycles 00:14:08 Individual Augments to Vietnam | Joining the Air Force 00:17:49 Vietnam Vet Reacts to Afghanistan Withdrawl 00:29:31 Airborne Intelligence in Laos and Vietnam 00:32:20 What are the JTAC and FAC Jobs? 00:41:28 Operations in Laos and the Naming of the Podcast 00:44:43 Laos ELINT Missions | TF Alpha 00:53:27 First Paveway Bombs | Dragon's Jaw Bridge 01:00:46 "We Weren't In Laos" 01:07:22 Redemption 01:18:11 Keep Your Honor Clean | POWs
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 show Custom flags: https://jcramergraphics.com/collections/flags ANGLICO Gear: https://www.ANGLICOshop.com Exclusive Content: https://www.patreon.com/formeractionguys
00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad 00:00:40 California Fires 00:11:37 Joining the Army 00:22:11 The M1A1 Experience 00:30:57 M1A1 Abrams and M88 Hercules 00:39:38 Tank Weapons and Loadout 00:51:30 Do Medics Ride in Tanks? 00:56:28 Tank Training | Provisional Infantry Deployment 01:06:57 Hitting an IED in a Tank 01:23:08 Naming Tanks 01:30:37 Armor and Drones in Ukraine 01:39:47 A Tanker's Thoughts on Fury
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.
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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 show https://jcramergraphics.com/collections/flags https://www.ANGLICOshop.com https://www.patreon.com/formeractionguys
David's site https://www.tfvoodoo.com
00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad 00:00:40 Intro 00:06:57 What a Special Forces Soldier Real Job Is 00:11:16 Mission Creep | MARSOC and SFAB as Advisors 00:21:18 Marines Going to Special Forces 00:33:47 18X and Other Selection Drop Outs 00:47:37 Recruiting Levels 01:01:32 Women In Combat Arms 01:29:58 Tim Kennedy Drama
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 show https://www.jcramergraphics.com/collections/flags https://www.ANGLICOshop.com https://www.patreon.com/formeractionguys
00:00:00 J Cramer Graphics Ad 00:00:40 Intro | Afghanistan Combat Video 00:09:55 Joining the Army 00:12:46 Army Infantry | 11C 00:17:44 First Deployment | Combat Replacement 00:32:00 Give and Take Relationship 00:42:16 Deployment to Afghanistan 00:53:32 Battle of Kamdesh 01:10:39 After the Battle 01:17:12 The Oupost | Book and Movie
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.
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00:00:00 Intro 00:02:12 Brian’s Intro 00:09:37 Cheryl’s Intro 00:19:50 Mike’s Intro 00:22:39 Mortuary Affairs Mission Planning 00:29:51 Coordinating Body Recovery 00:36:02 First Night in Fallujah 00:42:03 A Typical Day 01:12:15 Burying Hundreds of Dead Fighters 01:24:45 Fallujah Leaflets 01:36:12 After the Battle
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 show https://www.jcramergraphics.com https://www.ANGLICOshop.com https://www.patreon.com/formeractionguys
The Team House Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@TheTeamHousePodcast
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 show https://www.jcramergraphics.com https://www.ANGLICOshop.com https://www.patreon.com/formeractionguys
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 show https://patreon.com/formeractionguys https://jcramergraphics.com https://ANGLICOshop.com
