combat control Archives - Page 2 of 2 -

Ep 082 | Dan Schilling – The Power of Awareness

July 26, 2021 By Thad Forester

I last spoke with Dan Schilling in episode 64 about his NY Times Best-Selling book “Alone at Dawn”. Today, he has a new book, The Power of Awareness.

Schilling uses his personal experience from conducting combat and covert missions around the world, founded and then commanded two special operations squadrons – the second being one of America’s most clandestine special mission units, and he worked alongside the CIA, FBI and NSA to defeat terrorists.

Because of his unique career, safety and risk calculation became the fabric of his DNA. He emphasizes that understanding and mitigating risk is a learned activity and his mission with this book is to save lives.

We’re not talking about self-defense skills here–weapons, martial arts, etc. Dan is sharing about how to avoid dangerous circumstances, oftentimes by applying very simple acts and observations – from how to safely withdraw money from the ATM, how to navigate in an unknown city or area, what the difference is between instinct and intuition, and how to respond if you’re forced to take more drastic action.

To learn more about Dan, his books and his extreme world-record adventures, visit his web site at:

DanSchillingBooks.com

If you enjoy this interview, please consider helping my cause by supporting here on Patreon

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Ep 076 – Special: Brig. Gen. Gwyn Armfield | Behind the scenes of our Next-of-Kin notifications

September 29, 2020 By Thad Forester

Sept 29, 2020 is the 10th anniversary of Mark Forester’s death in Afghanistan. The picture in this post is Mark’s body being taken from the C-17 at Dover AFB for the Dignified Transfer.

My guest is General Robert Armfield who was Mark’s group commander in 2010. Armfield was also at Dover when Mark’s body arrived, he visited our home to provide additional details of his death, and was in the background helping lead the notification activities.

We discuss how they arranged simultaneously notifying our family, how they watched Mom and Dad’s home until Dad got home from work. Why they called the sheriff before they delivered the news and how they prepare to bring this news that rocks someone’s world instantly.

He also shares the purpose of that last big mission Mark and his team were on. It was great to have this experienced, American warfighter on the show and we appreciate him reflecting on Mark’s death from Gwyn’s unique perspective.

“I cannot think of another Air Force general who has more combat time than Brig. Gen. Armfield,” said retired Lt. Gen. Eric Fiel, former commander of Air Force Special Operations Command and officiant of Armfield’s retirement ceremony.

Learn more about Brig. Gen. Armfield here

Mentioned in this show:

HBO original movie: Taking Chance

*PTC is on Patreon. If you like what you’re hearing please check out how you can help the cause so I can provide quality content and keep on keeping on!

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Episode 024 – Wayne Norrad, Godfather of Combat Control

March 20, 2017 By Thad Forester

CMsgt Wayne Norrad Today we have the privilege to hear from one of the legends in the Combat Control field, Mr. Wayne Norrad. Many listeners probably never heard of Combat Control (CCT) before Patriot to the Core. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but you’ll learn from Wayne that they are an integral part in most, if not all, of the major conflicts with which the US is involved.

First There

We talk about his participation in the Tegucigalpa Honduras hijackings in the early ’80’s, deploying to Panama with Delta Force, and the Air Force’s role in counterterrorism. In addition: Operation Just Cause in Panama, being the first CCT with the advance party in Operation Desert Shield, and opening King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia. His team was in Cambodia in 1975 with no weapons or uniforms, therefore no way to defend themselves. Norrad also shares the creation of Detachment 1 at Pope Air Force Base after the failed Iranian Rescue Mission.

Among the changes made since Norrad joined CCT: PT test is much harder, and Combat Dive and Freefall schools are now required. And a little trivia: they used to wear navy blue berets. Now they’re red.

He has been instrumental in developing HAHO (high altitude, high opening) parachute tactics and integrating air/ground assets to safely and successfully employ joint special operations forces onto the battlefield.

Wayne Norrad also controlled the first fixed wing aircraft to land at Kuwait City International Airport. And through some simple thinking, figured out how to keep his and his teammates fingers from going numb while parachuting. This involved using their feet to steer.

Thanks to his efforts, today’s CCT’s can go in by any means to do their jobs (air, land, water). They are a premier elite fighting force.

We definitely will have Wayne back to further discuss his experience in CCT, Combat Control Association and the Air Force Demo Team.

For more information, read this article written by Wayne Norrad, CMSgt, USAF (Ret) (beginning on page 19):

Special Tactics in Desert Storm

Music courtesy of Soundroad – Believe.
Copyright 2017 Thad Forester
www.patriottothecore.com
email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

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Episode 016 – Marc Esposito, Wounded Warrior, CCT, biked across CA with Robin Williams

November 28, 2016 By Thad Forester

Marc Esposito’s vehicle was hit by an IED when he was deployed to Afghanistan in 2009. After being in a wheelchair for almost five months, he was finally able to stand.

By 2011, he competed in the Warrior Games and won Gold in pistol shooting. Shortly thereafter, rode his bike across the country, from the pacific in San Francisco to the Atlantic in Virginia Beach.

Marc said cycling changed his life, even though he was hit by a car along the route. He made an early decision to not let his injuries ever haunt him.

You’ll enjoy hearing Marc tell about his life since his injury on the battlefield.

Music courtesy of Soundroad – Believe.
Copyright 2016 Thad Forester
www.patriottothecore.com
email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

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Episode 011 – SPECIAL: Joseph Forester on 6th Anniversary of Mark Forester’s death

September 29, 2016 By Thad Forester

Mark Forester and family — Forester family 1984

Today is six years since Mark Forester was killed by a terrorist in Afghanistan. This episode is just two brothers talking about the notification of Mark’s death, the Angel Flight, the Patriot Guard Riders, near death experiences, and life since. We also reminiscence about our little brother and why he was the warrior he became.

Joseph was very influential in Mark’s decision to join the Air Force so it was fitting that we chat and document it. I especially enjoyed Joseph’s insight on what he thought Mark’s final thoughts were in those last few minutes of his life on the battlefield.

Learn more about Mark at:

www.markaforester.com

Music courtesy of Soundroad – Believe.

www.patriottothecore.com

email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

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