Operator Syndrome: Recent Episodes
Steve & Patrick
Limited podcast series. Candid discussions about mental, physical, and spiritual stressors. Featuring Steve (former Navy SEAL, professor, and chaplain) and Patrick (former Army Ranger, management consultant, and technologist).
The description always said "limited podcast series," and Steve (former Navy SEAL) and Patrick (former Army Ranger) finally bring it home. They explain the thinking behind pausing at episode 100 and talk about what's next for them.Thanks for listening!#history #podcast #veteran #navyseals #armyrangers #mentalhealth #lastepisode
Steve talks to fellow Navy SEAL Steven Brown, founder & director of Camp Brown Bear.Camp Brown Bear (located in Frankfort, Kentucky) is tackling veteran suicide directly by by immersing Veterans into the wilderness, giving a sense of purpose while participating in projects, building camaraderie, and introducing the participants to holistic modalities (i.e. Equine Therapy, Restorative Yoga, Meditation, Acupuncture, Tai Chi, Music Therapy, Art Therapy and Guided Journaling).#podcast #nonprofit #veteran #navyseals #mentalhealth
Patrick and Steve discuss the premise of Steve's latest book-in-progress, where he'll relay stories and lessons learned from the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Rickson Gracie.#history #podcast #veteran #navyseals #brazilianjiujitsu #ricksongracie
Jose describes how he left the sniper section, dealt with the loss of more teammates, and made the call to leave the Army.#history #podcast #veteran #armyrangers #mentalhealth
Steve (former Navy SEAL) and Patrick (former Army Ranger) talk about "creepy" things they've seen or experienced.#history #podcast #armyrangers #navyseals #veteran #mentalhealth
Jose digs back into his time as a Ranger sniper, and discusses some of the differences between the different companies in a battalion.#history #podcast #veteran #armyrangers #mentalhealth
David ends this latest series by discussing his time deployed to Afghanistan as a member of the CIA's Global Response Staff.#history #podcast #marines #cia #veteran #mentalhealth
Steve (former Navy SEAL) and Patrick (former Army Ranger) get together to discuss how SEALs and Rangers have been portrayed in movies.#history #podcast #navyseals #armyrangers #veteran #mentalhealth
Ernie describes redeployment from a combat-heavy tour in Afghanistan and dealing with the military bureaucracy. He talks through his struggles transitioning to civilian life and what actions helped him.#history #podcast #navyseals #navy #corpsman #mentalhealth
David goes into more detail about what GRS is tasked with doing and compares and contrasts the mindset difference between State and CIA.#history #podcast #veteran #marines #mentalhealth
Jose goes into more detail about the training he received as a Ranger sniper.#history #podcast #veteran #rangers #armyrangers #sniper
Ernie talks about settling into 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines and deploying to southern Afghanistan.
history #podcast #marines #navyseals #navy #corpsman #mentalhealth
David wraps up his time at the State Department in Baghdad and joins the Global Response Staff at CIA.#history #podcast #veteran #marines #mentalhealth #cia
Jose talks about the frustrations that resulted in him moving to the sniper section. He discusses the culture difference and the training and deployment experiences as a new sniper.#history #podcast #veteran #rangers #armyrangers #sniper
Steve (former Navy SEAL) introduces Ernie, who served as a Navy Corpsman and served in Afghanistan. In this episode he talks about joining the Navy and the training he undertook to become a combat medic.#history #podcast #veteran #navyseals #marines #corpsman #afghanistan #mentalhealth
David describes the rest of the Triple Canopy vetting process and talks about his first deployment to Baghdad, Iraq.#history #podcast #veteran #marines
Steve (former Navy SEAL) and Patrick (former Army Ranger) discuss their emergency preparedness thoughts and failings.#history #podcast #veteran #mentalhealth #survival #preparedness
David, former Marine Infantry and Reconnaissance, is back to dive deep into the contracting world.#history #podcast #veteran #marines
Steve and Patrick discuss the complexities of rules of engagement through two case studies: Operation Gothic Serpent (Black Hawk Down) and Operation Red Wings (Lone Survivor).
history #podcast #veteran #navyseals #armyrangers #mentalhealth
Jose describes life as a new team leader in the Rangers and how weapons squad members participated as vehicle crewmen in Mosul, Iraq.
history #podcast #armyrangers #veteran #mentalhealth
Jose wraps up thoughts about his second Afghanistan deployment and discusses his second attempt at Ranger School.
history #podcast #armyrangers #veteran #mentalhealth
Steve and Patrick discuss Rules of Engagement and the Law of Armed Conflict. Part 1 of 2.
history #podcast #veteran #navyseals #armyrangers #mentalhealth
Steve wraps up the third installment of stories and remembrances of Mike Bailey, Navy SEAL.
You can see Steve's eulogy for Mike here: https://youtu.be/667IYstuEag?t=1906#history
podcast #veteran #navyseals #vietnamwar
Jose recounts the ambush of his Ranger Strike Force in Afghanistan. #history #podcast #armyrangers #veteran #mentalhealth
history #podcast #armyrangers #veteran #mentalhealth
Jose talks about his second deployment, which was marred by the loss of squad mate Ryan Garbs. He also discusses his experience prepping for Ranger School.
history #podcast #armyrangers #veteran #mentalhealth
Steve tells more stories about Mike Bailey and Prince, his military working dog, and recounts a specific incident in Vietnam that gained them special recognition.
history #podcast #veteran #navyseals #vietnamwar #militaryworkingdogs
Steve begins a short series about his mentor Mike Bailey and his military working dog Prince.
history #podcast #veteran #vietnamwar #navyseals #militaryworkingdogs
Jose describes arriving at 3rd Ranger Battalion and immediately deploying to Iraq. (Audio warning: someone forgot to set their phone to silent)
history #podcast #armyrangers #veteran #mentalhealth #latino
We introduce Jose, a former Army Ranger who served alongside Patrick in the 3rd Ranger Battalion as a both a team leader and sniper.
history #podcast #armyrangers #veteran #mentalhealth #latino
Patrick (former Army Ranger) and Steve (former Navy SEAL) finally detail how they met. Steve describes his last few years with the Reserve SEAL teams and how he closed out his second round of service.
history #podcast #navyseals #armyrangers #veteran #mentalhealth
Steve remembers the fallen aircrew from Extortion 17. He discusses the trauma and stressors experienced by everyone at the command, to include himself.
history #podcast #navyseals #mentalhealth #veteran
David talks with Steve about joining the Marines and making the decision to join the famed Recon community. Part 2 of 2.
history #podcast #marines #veteran #mentalhealthawareness
Steve (former Navy SEAL) introduces David, a former Infantry and Reconnaissance Marine, and discuss his experiences in those communities. Part 1 of 2.
history #podcast #marine #veteran #mentalhealth
Steve continues to share his experience supporting the notifications and memorials of fallen Navy SEALs following the Extortion 17 helicopter downing. Part 2 of 2.
history #podcast #chaplain #navyseals #veteran #mentalhealth
The Extortion 17 incident occurs within days of Steve showing up to DEVGRU as a Chaplain. He discusses what happened, and how the organization responded to honor the lost. Part 1 of 2.
history #podcast #chaplain #navyseals #veteran #mentalhealth
Patrick closes out his series talking about what compelled him to do it in the first place. He concludes with his thoughts on processing his service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
history #podcast #armyrangers #veteran #mentalhealth
Patrick describes his civilian career thus far. He compares and contrasts "teamwork" and "leadership" against his time in the Rangers.
history #podcast #armyrangers #veteran #mentalhealth
Steve discusses how some chaplains reacted to his previous service as a SEAL and how he ultimately ended up at the Tier 1 command.
history #podcast #navyseals #mentalhealth #veteran
Steve describes how Navy Reserve detailing works and talks about his experience serving at the Pentagon.
history #podcast #navyseals #pentagon #mentalhealth #veteran
Patrick discusses what pushed him to seek VA support, with mixed results. Steve provides his experience and drops some interesting insights.
history #podcast #veteran #mentalhealth #armyrangers #navyseals
Patrick talks about an awkward transition into college life and gives his take on the National Guard.#history #podcast #armyrangers #nationalguard
Steve (former Navy SEAL) describes the curriculum at the Navy Chaplain School in more detail and talks about the follow-on Marine Field Course. He gets to spend some time in the woods again and dusts off his map reading skills.
history #podcast #navyseals #veteran #chaplain #marines
Steve (former Navy SEAL) describes the process for getting selected to, and then attending, Officer Development School (ODS) and the Navy Chaplain School.
history #podcast #navyseals #veteran #chaplain
Patrick (former Army Ranger) talks about the Rangers he served with who passed both during and after his service.
RIP: Benjamin Dillon, James Patton, Anibal Santiago, Jason Santora, Andrew Nicol, Ryan Long, Andrew Rodriguez
history #podcast #armyrangers #veteran #mentalhealth
Patrick (former Army Ranger) talks about his last few months in the Army.
RIP Jon Coutchie, Ranger and Laguna Beach PD
history #podcast #armyrangers #veteran #mentalhealth
Steve (former Navy SEAL) addresses the ongoing war in Ukraine following its one year anniversary. He provides his thoughts and opinions on the matter as frequently requested by friends and family. His comments are reflective of the circumstances accurate as of the date posted.
Steve talks about what drove him to ministry and discusses the rigors of seminary. He closes by detailing what motivated him to become a Navy chaplain.
history #podcast #navyseals #veteran #mentalhealth
Steve talks about feeling lost at first after leaving the SEAL teams and finally getting into college and back on track.
history #podcast #navyseals #veteran #mentalhealth
Patrick goes into more detail about his last deployment to Afghanistan in 2009 which includes the search for Bowe Bergdahl. He also discusses the loss of Ryan McGee.
history #podcast #armyrangers #afghanistan #veteran #mentalhealth
Patrick talks about combat stress associated with his Mosul deployment and the loss of teammate Adam Bopp. Then he deploys, again...
history #podcast #armyrangers #veteran #mentalhealth
Steve (former Navy SEAL) talks about what it was like leaving his friends & teammates and how they reacted to the news.
history #podcast #navyseals #veteran #mentalhealth
Steve talks through his thought process for getting out of the military, but not before he prepares to screen for DEVGRU's green team.
RIP Mike Bailey, Navy SEAL
history #podcast #navyseals #veteran
Steve (former Navy SEAL) and Patrick (former Army Ranger) continue to discuss the Afghanistan deployment of a company from the 173rd Airborne Brigade captured in the following works. Part Two.
- "War" (book) by Sebastian Junger
- "Infidel" (book) by Tim Hetherington
- "Restrepo" (documentary) by Sebastian Junger & Tim Hetherington
podcast #history #bookreview #armyrangers #navyseals #paratrooper #restrepo
Steve (former Navy SEAL) and Patrick (former Army Ranger) discuss the Afghanistan deployment of a company from the 173rd Airborne Brigade captured in the following works. Part One.
- "War" (book) by Sebastian Junger
- "Infidel" (book) by Tim Hetherington
- "Restrepo" (documentary) by Sebastian Junger & Tim Hetherington
podcast #history #bookreview #armyrangers #navyseals #paratrooper #restrepo
Patrick continues to discuss his 2008 deployment to Mosul, Iraq. He describes how tactics changed over the course of months and he talks about the loss of SGT William Patrick Rudd, KIA 10-05-2008 with Steve (former Navy SEAL).
podcast #history #armyrangers
Patrick (former Army Ranger) describes his 4th combat rotation, this time to the Iraqi city of Mosul in 2008. He compares operations in rural Afghanistan against the dense urban environment of Mosul and discusses the risks with Steve (former Navy SEAL).
podcast #history #armyrangers
Steve (former Navy SEAL) and Patrick (former Army Ranger) answer some more questions from the inbox:
- Reconnaissance Marines get mentioned from time to time and I'd like to clarify some common misconceptions.
- I experienced regret due to not serving in the Royal Marines back in the early 2000s.
Have a question or comment of your own? operatorsyndromepodcast@gmail.com
history #podcast #navyseals #armyrangers
Steve and Patrick run through some other cool (and not so cool) training opportunities they saw during their time in special operations.
history #podcast #armyrangers #navyseals
Patrick (former Army Ranger) finally talks about a knife-fighting school he attended. Steve (former Navy SEAL) talks about SERE and Jungle Warfare training.
podcast #history #navyseals #armyrangers #forgedinfire
Steve (former Navy SEAL) and Patrick (former Army Ranger) answer more questions from the inbox:
- How might one use stories of hardship to motivate/inspire troubled youth?
- How to discuss accountability with your peers?
- What happens after Hell Week before Phase 2 of BUD/S?
- Did we spend an inordinate amount of resources targeting individuals?
Have a question? operatorsyndromepodcast@gmail.com
podcast #history #navyseals #armyrangers #motivation
Patrick (former Army Ranger) talks about some more odd missions from his 2007 deployment to Afghanistan. Steve (former Navy SEAL) describes the allocation of missions between Tier 1 units and "white" SOF.
podcast #history #armyrangers #afghanistan
Patrick (former Army Ranger) discusses key moments during his 2007 deployment to Afghanistan where he encountered death. Steve (former Navy SEAL) chimes in on combat's warping of the mind and time.
podcast #history #armyrangers #warzone #afghanistan
This week's questions: 1. Any moral injury when forced to modify the Ranger creed? 2. How would you reform the military to improve the lives of servicemembers? 3. What was the most difficult part of being a chaplain to servicemembers of different faiths? Got a question? operatorsyndromepodcast@gmail.com #podcast #history #navyseals #armyrangers #chaplain
Steve dives into the "stalking" evolution at SOTIC and discusses the maturation of SEAL sniper training in the early '90s. #podcast #history #navyseals #sniper
Steve (former Navy SEAL) begins a deep dive into his experience serving as a sniper. He discusses how he was selected and eventually earned a spot to attend the Special Operations Target Interdiction Course (SOTIC). #podcast #history #navyseals #sniper
Steve (former Navy SEAL) and Patrick (former Army Ranger) take some more listener questions:
- What does an average day look like in a SEAL / Ranger platoon? 2. What SOF units take the youngest candidates? 3. What issues are magnified in young operators? 4. Have you read "War" or "Black Hearts?" 5. Any advice for a female considering BUD/S?
podcast #navyseals #armyrangers #askmeanything
Steve (former Navy SEAL) returns to the podcast and has a few questions for Patrick about his latest story. #podcast #history #navyseals #armyrangers #afghanistan
Patrick concludes his recounting of a Ranger raid that occurred during his 2nd rotation to Afghanistan in 2007. Part 2 of 2. #podcast #history #armyrangers #afghanistan
Patrick goes solo to recount one particularly interesting raid that occurred during his 2nd rotation to Afghanistan in 2007. Part 1 of 2. #podcast #history #armyrangers #afghanistan
Steve (former Navy SEAL) and Patrick (former Army Ranger) react to two articles published in The New York Times by David Philipps: "Death in Navy SEAL Training Exposes a Culture of Brutality, Cheating and Drugs" - 08/30/2022; "Navy Orders High-Level Outside Investigation of SEAL Course" - 10/09/2022 #podcast #navyseals
Steve discusses his third deployment in 1992 to the Philippines in the wake of a major volcanic eruption. He details how SEALs supported a mission more focused on humanitarian relief. #podcast #history #navyseals
Steve (former Navy SEAL) discusses how he first learned of BJJ, practiced under Rickson Gracie, and helped it get its foothold in the NSW community. Patrick (former Army Ranger) revels in another SEALs-behaving-badly story from Steve. #podcast #history #navyseals #bjj #mma #ufc
Steve (former Navy SEAL) and Patrick (former Army Ranger) answer some questions from a frequent listener. 1) Would you allow your child to join SOF? 2) New recruit concerns about "broken" SOF operators, advice? 3) Would you join SOF again, knowing what you know? #history #podcast #navyseals #armyrangers
Patrick describes his third rotation, his first as an assault team leader. Steve (former Navy SEAL) and Patrick discuss mistakes in special operations. #history #podcast #armyrangers
Patrick talks about joining the weapons squad after Ranger School and getting surged to Afghanistan in 2007 to "help find Bin Laden." Steve (former Navy SEAL) learns how the Rangers setup job progression within a platoon. #history #podcast #armyrangers
Steve (former Navy SEAL) talks about leading the Assaults division of the Training department following Desert Storm. Patrick (former Army Ranger) hears some stories about mishaps on the firing range and during airborne operations. #history #podcast #navyseals
Steve (former Navy SEAL) talks about coming home from Desert Storm and getting sent to the Army's Special Forces Advanced Reconnaissance, Target Analysis, and Exploitation Techniques Course (SFARTAETC).
Steve (former Navy SEAL) and Patrick (former Army Ranger) discuss Benjamin Milligan's book "By Water Beneath the Walls: The Rise of the Navy SEALs" which details the decision making that historically hamstrung the Army and Marine Corps commando units and opened a path for the creation of the SEAL Teams.
Patrick talks in-depth about the Ranger School phases and discusses the impact of sleep deprivation. Steve delights in stories of pain and suffering under a ruck.
Patrick gives an overview of Ranger School (not to be confused with Ranger Selection for the 75th Ranger Regiment). Steve (former Navy SEAL) has an epiphany when comparing BUD/S to Ranger School.
Steve talks about combat action as a Navy SEAL during Operation Desert Storm. Patrick geeks out about the mission to feign an amphibious assault on the Kuwaiti coast.
Steve talks about his deployment as a Navy SEAL during Operation Desert Shield. Patrick wonders what it would have been like to have a professional military unit as an adversary.
Steve circles back to his first deployment as a Navy SEAL to talk about a unique mission involving a submarine. Patrick is vindicated in his decision to become an Army Ranger.
Patrick & Steve talk about phony SEALs, Rangers, etc. They close with some recommendations for folks who may have crossed the line.
Patrick describes the typical training cycle for Rangers during the GWOT. Dogs chase deer through his backyard during the recording.
Patrick talks about his first rotation to Iraq only a month after Ranger selection. Steve catches second-hand embarrassment from hearing about Patrick's first PT test.
Steve describes the plan for a combined Navy SEAL / Army Ranger assault on the Intercontinental Hotel in Manila, the Philippines. Patrick shares his thoughts on combat distractions.
Steve describes preparations for his first trip to the Philippines as an operational SEAL. Patrick is schooled on why Arctic training was on the training plan for a Southeast Asia deployment.
Steve talks about his experience at jump school and what team life was like before STT/SQT was established. Patrick marvels at the breadth of environmental training during a SEAL work-up.
Patrick talks about all the ways the Regiment can kick you out. Steve learns about the distinct cultures in the three Ranger Battalions.
Patrick continues to reflect on his experience at Ranger Regiment's selection (RIP/RASP). Steve (Navy SEAL) delights in Ranger good order & discipline. Part two.
Patrick reflects on his experience at Airborne School and Ranger Regiment's selection (RIP/RASP). Steve (Navy SEAL) marvels at how much of a "super boot" Patrick used to be. Part one.
Steve (former Navy SEAL) continues his recollection of phases two and three of Basic Underwater Demolition / SEAL training. Patrick (former Army Ranger) wonders about Hell Week bathroom breaks.
Steve (former Navy SEAL) gets into his experience during phase one of Basic Underwater Demolition / SEAL training. Patrick (former Army Ranger) tries to understand why NSW gets to train in beautiful Coronado, CA.
Steve (Navy SEAL) and Patrick (Army Ranger) continue to review the book "Code over Country" by Matthew Cole which details alleged misconduct by the Navy Special Warfare Community. Part three of three.
Steve (Navy SEAL) and Patrick (Army Ranger) continue to review the book "Code over Country" by Matthew Cole which details alleged misconduct by the Navy Special Warfare Community. Part two of three.
Steve (Navy SEAL) and Patrick (Army Ranger) review the book "Code over Country" by Matthew Cole which details alleged misconduct by the Navy Special Warfare Community. Part one of three.
Steve and Patrick describe their experiences getting into the military and the initial training that would lead them to the Navy SEALs and Army Rangers.
Steve and Patrick explain what drove them to join the Navy SEALs and Army Rangers, respectively.
Steve and Patrick answer more random questions they've received about serving in the Navy SEALs and Army Rangers.
Inaugural episode. Steve and Patrick introduce themselves and tackle some questions about the oldest rivalry in special operations: Navy SEALs & Army Rangers