From Special Forces to the 160th SOAR | Nick O'Kelly | Ep. 362

original airdate - 3/13/23I spent most of my career working in the shadows. While some of my service was spent with large groups, such as the 32nd Marine Amphibious Unit, serving in Beirut in 1982, I spent most of my career working on small teams or alone. We often lived and worked with foreign military units like a Kuwaiti tank unit in the northern desert in 1996. In 1998, I worked alone in Yemen. Trouble spots on my own became my specialty. After 9/11, I launched to Uzbekistan in the vanguard for 5th Special Forces Group and served on several teams in Afghanistan during 2001 and 2002, participating in major combat operations alongside Afghan indigenous forces. Often, my mission was to enter a country to determine if other special operations forces could safely follow and operate. If so, I would develop the situation and make ready for them to arrive. In 2002, after departing Afghanistan, I moved to a mid-Eastern location to prepare the way for the next conflict. Working independently and conducting successful, often classified missions on several continents taught me the power of prudence…and the skills that must accompany it.Find Gary here:⬇️https://powerofprudence.com/To help support the show and for all bonus content including:-AD FREE AUDIO-AD FREE VIDEO-Access to ALL bonus segments with our guestsSubscribe to our Patreon! ⬇️   https://www.patreon.com/TheTeamHouse GhostBed⬇️https://www.ghostbed.com/houseFOR 10% off! 0:00 - Intro00:51 - Origin story7:01 - USMC16:10 - FBI recruitment 18:05 - Enlisting in Special Forces 21:49 - 7th Group SF25:00 - Hearing about Delta Force27:22 - Delta Selection & OTC34:00 - Invitation to leave & the aftermath in the Army41:03 - Highly Qualified 43:38 - 5th SF Group1:06:40 - Picked to work in a classified cell in 5th Group1:08:22 - 9/11 & getting ready for the GWOT1:14:50 - Setting the stage in Uzbekistan1:23:10 - Infilling to Bagram and Tora Bora 1:34:00 - Bin Laden getting away1:50:00 - Standing up FOB Orgun 2:09:47 - AFO in Iraq2:13:45 - Making the jump from Army to the CIA & CIA ops 2:37:39 - Viewer questionsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-team-house--5960890/support.

11 Sep 3h 13min

In this episode, the discussion revolves around the escalating tensions in Venezuela, particularly concerning U.S. military presence and actions against drug trafficking. The conversation delves into the legal and ethical implications of military strikes, the role of intelligence in military operations, and the potential shift in U.S. military strategy towards domestic issues. The participants also explore the growing influence of China in global politics and its implications for U.S. foreign policy, as well as the complexities of Venezuela's role in the global drug trade.Subscribe to our new newsletter!!!!https://teamhousepodcast.kit.com/joinSupport the show on Patreon:⬇️https://www.patreon.com/TheTeamHouseNew merch, patches, and stickers! ⬇️https://theteamhouse-shop.fourthwall.comFind Mick Mulroy here: Fogbow ⬇️https://fogbow.com/Lobo Institute ⬇️https://www.loboinstitute.org/Twitter ⬇️https://x.com/mickmulroy?s=21&t=-Ze3F_Ix2vlJ18KFvORTCALinkedIn ⬇️https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-patrick-mulroy-31198b52/Bluesky ⬇️https://bsky.app/profile/mickmulroy.bsky.socialMick’s publications ⬇️https://www.loboinstitute.org/publications/publications-of-michael-mick-patrick-mulroy/Find Andy Milburn here: Twitter ⬇️https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fandymilburn8LinkedIn ⬇️https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmilburn2023Substack ⬇️https://amilburn.substack.com/Andy’s book ⬇️https://www.amazon.com/When-Tempest-Gathers-Mogadishu-OperationsBluesky ⬇️https://bsky.app/profile/andy-milburn.bsky.socialFind Jason Lyons here: LinkedIn ⬇️https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-lyons-666873316?uBluesky ⬇️https://bsky.app/profile/bgsilverback73.bsky.social"Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio"00:00 Escalating Tensions in Venezuela07:09 Legal and Ethical Implications of Military Strikes17:57 Shifts in U.S. National Security Strategy30:05 The Future of U.S. Military Engagement33:57 Military Competence and Political Influence38:48 The Future of Military Engagement43:53 Shifts in National Defense Strategy51:44 China's Growing Influence and Military Preparedness55:53 Venezuela: A Complex Geopolitical LandscapeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-team-house--5960890/support.

8 Sep 1h 3min

In this conversation, Jonathan Hackett shares his extensive experience in the Marine Corps, focusing on his transition from signals intelligence (SIGINT) to human intelligence (HUMINT) and his operations in Iraq. He discusses the complexities of Iran's intelligence landscape, including the roles of the IRGC and Vaja, and the impact of economic sanctions on the Iranian regime. Hackett also delves into the targets of Iranian intelligence operations, the concept of sacred talismans in Iranian politics, and the ongoing threat of assassination attempts against dissidents. The conversation highlights the intricate dynamics of intelligence work and the challenges faced by operatives in the field. In this conversation, Jonathan W. Hackett discusses various aspects of Iran's covert operations, intelligence collection, and military strategies. He delves into the evolution of Iran's cyber capabilities, the impact of sanctions, and the complexities of their unconventional warfare. The discussion also covers the Iran Experts Initiative, the dynamics of coalition operations against ISIS, and the implications of cyber operations on U.S. intelligence. Hackett emphasizes the importance of understanding Iran's historical context and regional influence, as well as the challenges in assessing threats posed by proxy groups on U.S. soil.Grab Jonathan's new book here!https://www.amazon.com/Irans-Shadow-Weapons-Intelligence-Unconventional/dp/1476696934Today's Sponsors:GhostBed⬇️https://www.ghostbed.com/houseFOR 10% off! PIA VPN ⬇️https://piavpn.com/TeamHouseFor 83% off plus 4 months free!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For ad free video and audio and access to live streams and Eyes On Geopolitics...JOIN OUR PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/c/TheTeamHouseTo help support the show and for all bonus content including:-live shows and asking guest questions -ad free audio and video-early access to shows-Access to ALL bonus segments with our guestsSubscribe to our Patreon! ⬇️https://www.patreon.com/TheTeamHouseSupport the show here:⬇️https://www.patreon.com/TheTeamHouse___________________________________________________Subscribe to the new EYES ON podcast here:⬇️https://www.youtube.com/@EyesOnGeopoliticsPod/featured__________________________________Jack Murphy's new book "We Defy: The Lost Chapters of Special Forces History" ⬇️https://www.amazon.com/We-Defy-Chapters-Special-History-ebook/dp/B0DCGC1N1N/——————————————————————Or make a one time donation at: ⬇️https://ko-fi.com/theteamhouseSocial Media: ⬇️The Team House Instagram:https://instagram.com/the.team.house?utm_medium=copy_linkThe Team House Twitter:https://twitter.com/TheTeamHousePodJack’s Instagram:https://instagram.com/jackmcmurph?utm_medium=copy_linkJack’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/jackmurphyrgr?s=21Dave’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/dave_parke?s=21Team House Discord: ⬇️https://discord.gg/wHFHYM6SubReddit: ⬇️https://www.reddit.com/r/TheTeamHouse/Jack Murphy's memoir "Murphy's Law" can be found here:⬇️ https://www.amazon.com/Murphys-Law-Journey-Investigative-Journalist/dp/1501191241The Team Room Reading Room (Amazon Affiliate links):⬇️ https://jackmurphywrites.com/the-team-room-reading-room/Intro music by https://www.youtube.com/user/RemixSample"Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio"00:00 Jonathan Hackett's Marine Corps Journey02:57 Counterintelligence Operations in Iraq05:52 Transitioning from SIGINT to Human Intelligence09:06 Insights on Iran's Intelligence Landscape12:07 The Role of the IRGC and Vaja17:48 The Impact of Sanctions on Iran20:59 Iran's Intelligence Targets and Operations35:09 Iran's Ethnic Tensions and Separatist Movements39:43 The Role of Diplomatic Cover in Intelligence46:00 Assassination Attempts and Targeted Operations53:18 Iran's Covert Influence Operations55:53 The Evolution of Iran's Cyber Capabilities01:08:03 Circumventing Sanctions: Iran's Financial Strategies01:17:58 Coalitions Against ISIS: A Complex Relationship01:22:01 The Fallout of Exposed Intelligence Programs01:26:39 Iran's Support in the Bosnian Civil War01:29:03 Hezbollah's Presence and Operations in the U.S.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-team-house--5960890/support.

6 Sep 1h 41min

originally aired 4/28/23If you know one thing about Chris Miller, it's that he was President Donald Trump's final Secretary of Defense, elevated to that position in the days after the 2020 election. If you know a second thing about Chris Miller, it's that he oversaw the U.S. Armed Forces during one of the most controversial and tumultuous periods the military has experienced in decades, culminating in the shocking events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Yet Chris Miller is no political partisan. On the contrary, Miller has spent his adult life in the crosshairs of America's most dangerous enemies--from Middle Eastern deserts to the bowels of U.S. intelligence agencies--and emerged as one of the leading national security minds of his generation.Needless to say, Chris Miller has stories to tell. In Soldier Secretary, he reveals for the first time everything he saw--in a book that is candid, thought-provoking, and like that of no Secretary of Defense before him. This book is not just the inside story of what happened during the Trump administration--it's the inside story of what happened to America, its military, and its institutions during the two decades after September 11, 2001.Part badass, part iconoclast, Miller is an irreverent, heterodox, and always-fascinating thinker whose personal journey through war and the White House has led him to some shocking conclusions about the state of American power in 2021. With a perspective that will surprise and interest both Republicans and Democrats, Miller argues for a radical rethinking of U.S. national security strategy unlike anything since the creation of the joint armed forces in the 1980s. He offers a roadmap for how the United States can win in the era of unrestricted warfare by shedding the bloated defense bureaucracy, bringing American forces home from endless conflicts, renewing our national unity, and beating China at its own game. Miller is a true American warrior whose incredible journey from Iowa to Afghanistan to Iraq to the White House endeared him to the troops, prepared him for the unprecedented crisis of January 6, and left him deeply concerned about the future of our military and the future of our nation.Grab Chris’ book here: ⬇️https://www.amazon.com/Soldier-Secretary-Warnings-Battlefield-Dangerous-ebook/dp/B09N3DL5Z9To help support the show and for all bonus content including:-AD FREE AUDIO-AD FREE VIDEO-Access to ALL bonus segments with our guestsSubscribe to our Patreon! ⬇️https://www.patreon.com/TheTeamHouseTeam House merch: ⬇️https://teespring.com/stores/my-store-10474963Social Media: ⬇️The Team House Instagram:https://instagram.com/the.team.house?utm_medium=copy_linkThe Team House Twitter:https://twitter.com/TheTeamHousePodJack’s Instagram:https://instagram.com/jackmcmurph?utm_medium=copy_linkJack’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/jackmurphyrgr?s=21Dave’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/dave_parke?s=21Team House Discord: ⬇️https://discord.gg/wHFHYM6SubReddit: ⬇️https://www.reddit.com/r/TheTeamHouse/Jack Murphy's memoir "Murphy's Law" can be found here:⬇️ https://www.amazon.com/Murphys-Law-Journey-Investigative-Journalist/dp/1501191241The Team Room Reading Room (Amazon Affiliate links):⬇️ https://jackmurphywrites.com/the-team-room-reading-room/Intro music by https://www.youtube.com/user/RemixSampleWant to sponsor the show?Email: ⬇️theteamhousepodcast@gmail.com#armysmu #greenberet #secretaryofdefenseBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-team-house--5960890/support.

3 Sep 3h 58min

In this episode of Eyes on Geopolitics, Dee and Mick Mulroy discuss various pressing global issues, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, US-India relations, the role of Pakistan in geopolitics, China's growing influence, the impact of US tariffs, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the US military presence in Venezuela. The conversation highlights the complexities of international relations and the need for strategic alliances.support the show here:https://www.patreon.com/c/TheTeamHouse00:00 Introduction and Current Events02:57 SCO Summit and Global Alliances05:55 US-India Relations and Economic Policies09:00 Pakistan's Role in Geopolitics12:03 China's Growing Influence14:51 US Tariffs and Economic Impact18:01 Ukraine Conflict and Ceasefire Talks21:00 Israel-Gaza Situation and Humanitarian Crisis24:00 Venezuela and US Military PresenceBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-team-house--5960890/support.

1 Sep 55min

In this episode, Seth Harp discusses his book 'The Fort Bragg Cartel,' which explores the dark underbelly of Fort Bragg, including drug trafficking, military cover-ups, and the stories of individuals like Billy Levine and Freddie Huff. The conversation delves into the systemic issues within military justice, the culture of impunity, and the broader implications of these stories on society. This conversation delves into the dark underbelly of military operations at Fort Bragg, focusing on the connections between drug trafficking, violence, and corruption. The discussion highlights the roles of Timothy Dumas and Freddie Huff in a drug network linked to the black mafia, the shocking murders of Billy Levine and Dumas, and the troubling culture of violence within special operations units. The author reflects on the public and military response to these revelations, emphasizing the need for accountability and oversight in military operations.https://www.amazon.com/Fort-Bragg-Cartel-Trafficking-Special/dp/0593655087https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-fort-bragg-cartel-seth-harp/1146427694Subscribe to our new newsletter!!!!https://teamhousepodcast.kit.com/joinToday's Sponsors:Perfect Jean ⬇️https://theperfectjean.nyc/house15for 15% offGhostBed⬇️https://www.ghostbed.com/houseFOR 10% off! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For ad free video and audio and access to live streams and Eyes On Geopolitics...JOIN OUR PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/c/TheTeamHouseTo help support the show and for all bonus content including:-live shows and asking guest questions -ad free audio and video-early access to shows-Access to ALL bonus segments with our guestsSubscribe to our Patreon! ⬇️https://www.patreon.com/TheTeamHouseSupport the show here:⬇️https://www.patreon.com/TheTeamHouse___________________________________________________Subscribe to the new EYES ON podcast here:⬇️https://www.youtube.com/@EyesOnGeopoliticsPod/featured__________________________________Jack Murphy's new book "We Defy: The Lost Chapters of Special Forces History" ⬇️https://www.amazon.com/We-Defy-Chapters-Special-History-ebook/dp/B0DCGC1N1N/——————————————————————Or make a one time donation at: ⬇️https://ko-fi.com/theteamhouseSocial Media: ⬇️The Team House Instagram:https://instagram.com/the.team.house?utm_medium=copy_linkThe Team House Twitter:https://twitter.com/TheTeamHousePodJack’s Instagram:https://instagram.com/jackmcmurph?utm_medium=copy_linkJack’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/jackmurphyrgr?s=21Dave’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/dave_parke?s=21Team House Discord: ⬇️https://discord.gg/wHFHYM6SubReddit: ⬇️https://www.reddit.com/r/TheTeamHouse/Jack Murphy's memoir "Murphy's Law" can be found here:⬇️ https://www.amazon.com/Murphys-Law-Journey-Investigative-Journalist/dp/1501191241The Team Room Reading Room (Amazon Affiliate links):⬇️ https://jackmurphywrites.com/the-team-room-reading-room/Intro music by https://www.youtube.com/user/RemixSample"Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio"00:00 Introduction to Seth Harp and His Journey02:54 The Fort Bragg Cartel: Unveiling the Story06:00 Billy Levine: A Delta Force Operator's Downward Spiral08:57 Cover-Ups and Impunity in Military Justice11:51 The Broader Criminality at Fort Bragg15:06 Sexual Assault and Military Justice Failures18:09 Freddie Huff: From Law Enforcement to Drug Trafficker20:50 The Dark Side of Fort Bragg: Murders and Drug Trafficking23:54 Enrique Roman Martinez: A Mysterious Death26:51 The Rafer Drop Zone: A Hub for Drug Trafficking29:50 The Cocaine Bear: A Cover-Up Story32:53 Freddie Huff's Rise and Fall in Drug Trafficking37:01 Connections to the Underworld39:59 The Drug Trafficking Network43:40 Fake Police Raids and Kidnappings45:57 The Murders of Levine and Dumas52:35 The Culture of Violence at Fort Bragg56:30 Public and Military Response to the BookBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-team-house--5960890/support.

30 Aug 1h 22min

This conversation delves into the complexities of covert operations, military tactics, and the geopolitical landscape surrounding Iran and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The discussion highlights the implications of recent military actions in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis, and the historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It also explores the challenges of counterinsurgency in Gaza, the situation in the West Bank, and the ongoing developments in Iran's nuclear program. The speakers emphasize the importance of understanding the underlying conditions that contribute to conflict and the need for a nuanced approach to international relations.Jon's bookhttps://www.amazon.com/Irans-Shadow-Weapons-Intelligence-Unconventional/dp/1476696934patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/TheTeamHouse00:00 Introduction to Covert Operations and Iran02:24 The Gaza Hospital Bombing and Military Tactics08:34 The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Historical Context and Current Dynamics12:51 Counterinsurgency Challenges in Gaza16:47 Humanitarian Conditions and Recruitment in Gaza20:19 The West Bank: Settlements and Political Implications24:48 Iran's Nuclear Program and International Relations30:08 Iran's Internal Struggles and Regime Security34:44 Operational Security and Intelligence in Iran49:26 Conclusion and Book OverviewBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-team-house--5960890/support.

27 Aug 53min

Support the show on Patreon:⬇️https://www.patreon.com/TheTeamHouseIn this episode, the hosts discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, marked by a declared famine affecting hundreds of thousands. They explore the military strategies employed by Israel, the public sentiment in Israel regarding the conflict, and the challenges surrounding the two-state solution. The conversation also delves into the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, examining the implications of military strategies and international support. The hosts emphasize the importance of maintaining a US presence in Iraq and the complexities of counterterrorism efforts in the region.Sign up to our newsletter here!https://teamhousepodcast.kit.com/Support the show on Patreon:⬇️https://www.patreon.com/TheTeamHouseNew merch, patches, and stickers! ⬇️https://theteamhouse-shop.fourthwall.comFind Mick Mulroy here: Fogbow ⬇️https://fogbow.com/Lobo Institute ⬇️https://www.loboinstitute.org/Twitter ⬇️https://x.com/mickmulroy?s=21&t=-Ze3F_Ix2vlJ18KFvORTCALinkedIn ⬇️https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-patrick-mulroy-31198b52/Bluesky ⬇️https://bsky.app/profile/mickmulroy.bsky.socialMick’s publications ⬇️https://www.loboinstitute.org/publications/publications-of-michael-mick-patrick-mulroy/Find Andy Milburn here: Twitter ⬇️https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fandymilburn8LinkedIn ⬇️https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmilburn2023Substack ⬇️https://amilburn.substack.com/Andy’s book ⬇️https://www.amazon.com/When-Tempest-Gathers-Mogadishu-OperationsBluesky ⬇️https://bsky.app/profile/andy-milburn.bsky.socialFind Jason Lyons here: LinkedIn ⬇️https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-lyons-666873316?uBluesky ⬇️https://bsky.app/profile/bgsilverback73.bsky.social"Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio"00:00 Famine in Gaza: A Humanitarian Crisis04:4 Military Strategies and Humanitarian Concerns09:58 The Role of Hamas and Israeli Policies15:09 Prospects for a Two-State Solution20:04 Intelligence and Military Operations in Gaza24:47 Political Dynamics and Military Decisions33:23 Russia's Demands and Ukraine's Response36:23 The Role of the US and Europe in Ukraine38:53 Negotiating Peace: Challenges and Considerations40:56 The Future of Ukraine: Military and Civilian Perspectives44:11 Global Implications: China, Taiwan, and NATO45:51 The Potential for Military Escalation51:23 The Situation in Iraq and Counterterrorism EffortsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-team-house--5960890/support.

25 Aug 59min