Trigger Warning! This photo again is in Afghanistan taken just on the left of route Brown driving out of Patrol Base Sperwan Ghar (PBSG). This was my second time outside the wire. We found an I.E.D. on the road, which was a stovepipe filled with explosives, scraps of metal and ball bearings. The engineers did their thing with their robot, disconnected the wires. A buddy and myself were sent up to provide a security element for them to follow the command wire. In this photo I am on the far left, buddy is second from the left. If you zoom in, you can see the lead engineer pulling the wire up from the ground next to his mine detector. We ended up going down this alley following the command wire. I took point with my buddy behind me. Properly spaced out, thank goodness. There was an irrigation ditch (wadi) that ran down the center of the alley. I walked down the alley, scanning the ground to see if it was disturbed. I saw a either a teenager or young man dressed in blue dart further down the alley outside of my view. I shouted stop in the local dialect... Boom I was on my face. Buddy was calling out that he lost his leg. He said it a few times clearly in shock. I looked back and sure enough it was gone. The engineer Capt. raced up to help him out while I covered point. Buddy lived, we pulled pin and went back to where we sleep within eyeshot at the hilltop of PBSG. If you or a Vet you know needs help, VAC has a mental health hotline. Just call 1-800-268-7708. #tbt #throwback #throwbackthursday #veteran #afghanistan #opathena #rtbrown #pbsg #sperwan #sperwanghar
'Have a nice day.' COP Zangabad 2008, 3 RCR ( 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment). 'Can't be letting those 1 RCR schmucks get all the attention lol' Photo 2: "This is your life and it's ending one minute at a time" 'Ignore me being a nerd lol. Patrol base sperwhan ghar hill top 2008.' Photos via @cutmanyeoman . . . . #haveaniceday #40mm #m203 #grenadelauncher #kandaharairfield #kandaharprovince #sperwanghar #masumghar #opmedusa #opathena #operationathena #opherrick #operationenduringfreedom #canadianarmedforces #canadianmilitaryhistory #canadamilitary #trenchart #kilroywashere #makethebestofit #militaryhumor #terrytaliban #artofwar #combatart #soldierart #soldierhumor #canadawarmuseum
Canadian War Graffiti by Soldiers of C Company, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment in Panjwai District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan 2010 as part of TF 1-10. From a great anonymous photo album found here from TF 1-10 in 2010: https://imgur.com/a/WoeHh Another here from TF 1-10 Roto 9: https://imgur.com/a/iwU07 . . . . #1RCR #royalcanadianregiment #wargraffiti #kilroywashere #wewerehere #armyhumor #militaryhumor #welcometothefrontline #fronttowardenemy #artofwar #bulletbill #panjwaivalleygunclub #kilroywashere #daveesplen #ilovemyjob #soldierart #trenchart #afghanistanveteran #opherrick #operationenduringfreedom #canadianarmedforces #canadianmilitaryhistory #canadamilitary #sperwanghar #masumghar #kandaharairfield #campbastion #campshorabak #imnotatouristilivehere
TF 1-10 RCR at Sperwan Ghar 2010, Panjwai District, Kandahar Prov AF Art by 7 8 & 9 Platoon- Charlie Coy 1st Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group- Operation Athena Rotation 9 Between 2001 and 2014 at leads 181 Canadian Soldiers died in Afghanistan. An additional 2,047 were injured. Photos via @kilechatun of 4th Brigade 2ID, 1-38 IN BN "We shut the base down and had to paint over them so I snapped these just before the spray paint came out." . . . . #royalcanadianregiment #welcometothefrontline #sperwanghar #panjwai #kandaharprovince #kandaharairfield #operationenduringfreedom #opathena #operationathena #operationapollo #wargraffiti #kilroywashere #infantry #combatart #combatartist #soldierart #trenchart #bunkerart #deploymentart #warmurals #artofwar #makethebestofit #daveesplen #militaryart #trenchart #canadiansoldier #canadianveterans #canadianarmy #militaryart #militaryhistory #afghanistanveteran
War Graffiti at Sperwan Ghar, Panjwai District, Kandahar Prov AF 2013. "We shut the base down and had to paint over them so I snapped these just before the spray paint came out." 'Disco Sucks- Long Long Rock' 'Defend Sperwan' 'The Penthouse Penthouse ' 'This is a house of learned doctors' -Yoda Photos via @kilechatun of 4th Brigade 2ID, 1-38 IN BN . . . . #thisisahouseoflearneddoctors #yodaquotes #discosucks #longliverock #thepenthousepenthouse #sperwanghar #panjwai #kandaharprovince #kandaharairfield #operationenduringfreedom #opathena #operationathena #operationapollo #wargraffiti #kilroywashere #armyhumor #militaryhumor #infantry #combatart #combatartist #soldierart #trenchart #bunkerart #deploymentart #warmurals #artofwar #makethebestofit
Trigger Warning! This photo again is in Afghanistan taken just on the left of route Brown driving out of Patrol Base Sperwan Ghar (PBSG). This was my second time outside the wire. We found an I.E.D. on the road, which was a stovepipe filled with explosives, scraps of metal and ball bearings. The engineers did their thing with their robot, disconnected the wires. A buddy and myself were sent up to provide a security element for them to follow the command wire. In this photo I am on the far left, buddy is second from the left. If you zoom in, you can see the lead engineer pulling the wire up from the ground next to his mine detector. We ended up going down this alley following the command wire. I took point with my buddy behind me. Properly spaced out, thank goodness. There was an irrigation ditch (wadi) that ran down the center of the alley. I walked down the alley, scanning the ground to see if it was disturbed. I saw a either a teenager or young man dressed in blue dart further down the alley outside of my view. I shouted stop in the local dialect... Boom I was on my face. Buddy was calling out that he lost his leg. He said it a few times clearly in shock. I looked back and sure enough it was gone. The engineer Capt. raced up to help him out while I covered point. Buddy lived, we pulled pin and went back to where we sleep within eyeshot at the hilltop of PBSG. If you or a Vet you know needs help, VAC has a mental health hotline. Just call 1-800-268-7708. #tbt #throwback #throwbackthursday #veteran #afghanistan #opathena #rtbrown #pbsg #sperwan #sperwanghar
Look at those stunning eyes. LOOK AT THEM. ⠀ ⠀ Episode 15 - The Voice, featuring former Army Fister/FO/RTO/Mancrush Eric Boyce is low live on all podcast platforms and Youtube. We had a great conversation with Eric, shared some laughs and dove deep into some intense conversation. ⠀ ⠀ Apple: https://buff.ly/3gTXet9⠀ Spotify: https://buff.ly/2Kx6cjR⠀ Google: https://buff.ly/2XX2Zxz⠀ Podbean: https://buff.ly/2WoN0aF⠀ iHeartRadio: https://buff.ly/3nc5Wo1⠀ ⠀ Check out the video version of the podcast at : https://buff.ly/3cJT2uo⠀ ⠀ For maps, photos and more information about Panjwai go to : https://buff.ly/2M4T4n8⠀ ⠀ You can donate and support the podcast on the Podbean patron for as little as $1.00 a month. For more information on how to support the podcast directly go to : https://buff.ly/387MkMr⠀ ⠀ Direct donations can also be sent via venmo @thepanjwaipodcast⠀ Be sure to like, follow, and/or subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Youtube, TuneIn, Amazon Music and many more. visit https://buff.ly/2MS2suv for more information. ⠀ ⠀ Social Media:⠀ Facebook: https://buff.ly/390Dr95⠀ Instagram: @thepanjwaipodcast⠀ Twitter: @panjwaipodcast⠀ --------------------------------⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
In this clip from Episode 15 - The Voice, Forward Observer/Fister/13F/RTO/Gunslinger Eric Boyce describes the moment he was shot just above the groin while on a dismounted patrol in Skecha. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
In this shot, also taken by Curtis in 2017, you can track the Battle for Nejat by some of the events described in the episodes. In this image, you are looking south at the Nejat area. The unit was moving West to East, or Right to Left in this photo, towards the checkpoint and end of mission. ⠀ ⠀ Curtis's backpack being shot was the first rounds fired in anger, and the fighting escalated as the unit moved west. The weed field, which has been plowed in this photo, led to the outskirts of the village where the next big fight occurred, which led to MEDEVAC 1. ⠀ ⠀ Looking at the photo, one would think Todd hit his IED first, but in fact Dennison was hit first. The IED that Todd hit had been walked over several times, and he hit it running to respond to Dennison. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Curtis took this photo in 2017 of the two village clusters where Operation Ghalra Sook / Throat Chop took place. The northern cluster, named OBJ Isabelle, was the village cluster where SPC Robbins stepped on his IED (that low ordered) and we discovered Taliban fighting positions, aid stations and caches several weeks prior. This village was 1st Platoon's main effort to clear. ⠀ ⠀ OBJ Rachel, to the south, was theorized to be the Taliban's bed down location, and where they retreated to after using OBJ Isabelle to engage Afghan and US forces on Route Hyena. This was 3rd Platoon's Main Effort. Just off screen, to the west was an ALP checkpoint where elements of 1-17 and 1-23 Scouts were positioned in a blocking position. ⠀ ⠀ On October 3rd, 2012, this entire area lit up. All three elements were engaged in significant gun fights, and all sides took casualties, fortunately none that were life threatening. ⠀ ⠀ The night of October 3rd, B/1-64 bedded down in OBJ Rachel to prepare for Day 2 - the clearance of Nejat. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
The infamous Minotaur. We have often discussed this experimental piece of tech on the show, and to our recollection it was only used twice. The second and final time was during Operation Ghalra Sook/Throat Chop and it was only used on the first day to attempt to clear the roads into and out of Objectives Rachel/Isabelle. ⠀ ⠀ The Minotaur's fate was sealed on the early morning of October 4th 2012 when it hit three IEDs on the road (that had been cleared the evening prior by EOD - so Taliban had emplaced new devices or turned old ones on). Instead of driving the minotaur to the gates of the Nejat checkpoint, as planned, it was abandoned with our resupply element before the day's clearance ever began. ⠀ ⠀ The sheer volume of IEDs located and line charges detonated on October 3rd and 4th 2012 was immense, and when added to the two IED strikes and multiple uses of the Carl Gustaf, the soldiers who made it to the end of Throat Chop experiences some of the most intense blast exposure of the entire deployment. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
In episode 14, Tom talks about the day the SPC Carl Robbins, our RTO, nearly died on his birthday when he stepped on a Pressure Plate IED that failed to completely detonate. This photo shows the hole that remained after the Pressure plate was removed. In this case, the blasting cap detonated but failed to ignite the main charge, which was right beneath the plate. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Repost @thepanjwaipodcast with @make_repost ・・・ Problem Solving. ⠀ ⠀ In the early morning of October 3rd, 2012 , elements of B/1-64 air assaulted into three key positions surrounding a known Taliban outpost and stronghold. As the elements performed their assigned tasks, to include blocking, clearing, resupply and overwatch, they had to be extremely cognizant of the extremely high IED Threat in the area. ⠀ ⠀ Using roads was almost completely off limits unless we were simply crossing or we could run a mineroller down it first. ⠀ ⠀ So, to clear the numerous compounds on our route, we would move from compound to compound directly, avoiding the road by tearing down walls with sledgehammers and the infamous "Hooley Tool". This kept us off the roads and in slightly safer areas. ⠀ ⠀ We would tear down enough of a wall to cross safely (though sometimes we had to hoist each other up and over walls when we could not tear them down), and the first person over the wall had a mine detector (on day 1 at least - on day 2 we had nothing but our feet in some cases).⠀ ⠀ In this case, SSG Dennison, SGT Evans and SGT Lloyd assess their next move. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Problem Solving. ⠀ ⠀ In the early morning of October 3rd, 2012 , elements of B/1-64 air assaulted into three key positions surrounding a known Taliban outpost and stronghold. As the elements performed their assigned tasks, to include blocking, clearing, resupply and overwatch, they had to be extremely cognizant of the extremely high IED Threat in the area. ⠀ ⠀ Using roads was almost completely off limits unless we were simply crossing or we could run a mineroller down it first. ⠀ ⠀ So, to clear the numerous compounds on our route, we would move from compound to compound directly, avoiding the road by tearing down walls with sledgehammers and the infamous "Hooley Tool". This kept us off the roads and in slightly safer areas. ⠀ ⠀ We would tear down enough of a wall to cross safely (though sometimes we had to hoist each other up and over walls when we could not tear them down), and the first person over the wall had a mine detector (on day 1 at least - on day 2 we had nothing but our feet in some cases).⠀ ⠀ In this case, SSG Dennison, SGT Evans and SGT Lloyd assess their next move. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Tomorrow, Tom Evans joins us for Part 2 of his interview, where we speak in detail about two missions that more or less defined the fight in Panjwai for our unit. In this photo SSG Russel Dennison, SGT Tom Evans and the infamous SPC Matthew Pifer pose for a picture before our air assault into Nejat, affectionately referred to as "Throat Chop", officially named "Ghalra Sook" but truthfully can be called the Battle for Nejat. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Waiting Around. ⠀ ⠀ We had to take an Afghan element on every patrol, unless it was a QRF. Platoon and Company leadership would coordinate with the ANA (Afghan National Army) ahead of patrols to let them know when we were meeting, where we were going and who would be going. ⠀ ⠀ And then, right on time, we show up to their compound. They are asleep, they are not dressed, their equipment is not ready. Their humvees were "out of gas", they dont have any mine clearing equipment, etc etc. We would spend hours sometimes waiting for the ANA to rally themselves out the door. ⠀ ⠀ And sometimes, they were waiting on us to get there the were so eager to go. Their enthusiasm was directly correlated to the location of a patrol. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
In this Clip from Episode 13, Tom finishes his story about the battle on the grape hut. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
In this clip from Episode 13, Tom Talks about the leadup to "actually" earning his Combat Infantryman Badge after arriving at Sperwan Ghar. ⠀ ⠀ Check out this afternoon for Part 2 of this clip⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
We're gonna go ahead and fan these flames again. ⠀ ⠀ Happy Meme Monday friends. Now fight in the comments. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Did you know Tom Evans and several members of 1-64 appeared in a TV show. Well. Actually TWO tv shows, but more on the other later. ⠀ ⠀ Inside Combat Rescue, Season 1, followed a unit of Pararescuemen (Air Force) on their deployment to Kandahar. ⠀ ⠀ In this Clip, Tom discusses his 15 seconds of fame. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Episode 13 - "If You Go, I Go - Part 1" featuring US Army SGT(R) Tom Evans is now LIVE on all podcast platforms and Youtube. ⠀ ⠀ Avid listeners will recognize Tom Evans' name, and members of 1-64 and 2-7INF will recognize him by his reputation. Tom was a phenomenal NCO and team/squad leader in 1/B/1-64 in 2012 at COP Sperwan Ghar. ⠀ ⠀ Tom is the recipient of the BSM(V), ARCOM(V) and Purple Heart and is currently a Wildland firefighter. Always service oriented, Tom has also been a paramedic and a bartender as a civilian. ⠀ ⠀ It was a privilege to have Tom visit Curtis in Alaska and we are particularly proud of the audio and video quality of Episode 13. ⠀ ⠀ Available on:⠀ ⠀ Apple: https://buff.ly/3gTXet9⠀ Spotify: https://buff.ly/2Kx6cjR⠀ Google: https://buff.ly/2XX2Zxz⠀ Podbean: https://buff.ly/2WoN0aF⠀ iHeartRadio: https://buff.ly/3nc5Wo1⠀ ⠀ Check out the video version of the podcast at : https://buff.ly/3cJT2uo⠀ ⠀ For maps, photos and more information about Panjwai go to : https://buff.ly/2M4T4n8⠀ ⠀ You can donate and support the podcast on the Podbean patron for as little as $1.00 a month. For more information on how to support the podcast directly go to : https://buff.ly/387MkMr⠀ ⠀ Direct donations can also be sent via venmo @thepanjwaipodcast⠀ Be sure to like, follow, and/or subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Youtube, TuneIn, Amazon Music and many more. visit https://buff.ly/2MS2suv for more information. ⠀ ⠀ Social Media:⠀ Facebook: https://buff.ly/390Dr95⠀ Instagram: @thepanjwaipodcast⠀ Twitter: @panjwaipodcast⠀ --------------------------------⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
In this clip from Episode 13 "If you go, I go, Part 1" , SGT(R) Tom Evans describes getting the call that was finally going to be able to leave the Panjwai District Center and join his platoon at COP Sperwan Ghar. This news came with a foreboding warning "Be careful what you wish for"⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
In this extended clip, SGT(R) Kevin Jaye tells us about the moments leading up to the blast that took his leg, part of his hand, and his ability to naturally have children. It is still stunning to us how innocent and normal things can be leading up to an event like stepping on an IED. While sometimes there is significant known danger, in this case, no one could have ever predicted that someone in the middle of the formation would step on an IED. #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
A CH-47 Chinook helicopter comes in for a landing at FOB Masum Ghar. ⠀ ⠀ Masum Ghar was the Brigade FOB that oversaw operations in both Zharey and Panjwai. Masum Ghar itself is a mountain situated right on the edge of the Bazaar of Panjwai, and next to the bridge that crosses the Arghandab River over into Zharey District. ⠀ ⠀ We would often travel to Masum Ghar to pick up personnel , link up with other units for operations, attend ceremonies or perform other admin tasks. ⠀ ⠀ In the opening salvos of Operation Medusa, Masum Ghar became critical terrain to controlling the battlefield, and Canadian forces parked LAVs on the crags of Masum Ghar to get dominant firing positions on the green zones below. ⠀ ⠀ Despite being a huge Brigade size FOB, Masum Ghar had a very small and poorly located HLZ. It could only support one aircraft at a time, had a slope to it, was right next to the front gate, and the approach path took aircraft right over the heavily populated Bazaar. ⠀ ⠀ So while Masum GHar was of the greatest strategic importance, it was actually a very poor location for a Brigade size FOB, and the land just south of the District Center likely would have been a better location for a big FOB, while Masum Ghar should have been a COP or a Battalion size operation. ⠀ ⠀ PC - Dustin Jeremy⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
In this clip from Episode 12, we talk about the mission on which Kevin Jaye lost his leg, and why we were out there on a joint-platoon patrol. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
"Walk where he walks"⠀ ⠀ One of the most critical aspects of fighting in Panjwai in 2012 was the prevalance of small, well placed explosive devices that were typically triggered by a "pressure plate" when someone stepped on the device. ⠀ ⠀ When patrolling, we would sweep the path up front with a mine detector, and it was understood that everyone walked the cleared path. ⠀ ⠀ In this week's episode, we talk about how Kevin Jaye, who was 6 or 7 people back from the front was able to step on an IED despite it being on a "cleared path". ⠀ ⠀ It wasn't because the sweeper missed it. ⠀ ⠀ If you look at the recreation here, which was constructed with Jaye;s input, you can see how it happened. ⠀ ⠀ Jaye had stopped just before the bridge, and the other 7 people in front of him had continued straight, and turned around and come back. ⠀ ⠀ The IED, nestled next to a tree, was designed to catch someone making a right hand turn. ⠀ ⠀ As the mine clearer approached the area , he made a left hand turn onto the bridge, facing towards Jaye. 7 people walked right by the IED. ⠀ ⠀ Jaye took ONE STEP. ⠀ ⠀ The fight in Panjwai was one of inches, and this scenario was not unique or unusual. The Taliban were smart about using natural lines of movement and human nature to deduce where a step might be taken. We would later learn to avoid these types of choke points altogether by going into the water/ditch and coming up at a different spot. Bridges, Intersections, gaps in walls and choke points were best avoided altogether. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Keeping with an aviation theme this week, our Meme Monday post is a roast of US Army Aviation Center of Excellence and their moronic decision to divest the OH-58D and pretend that the Apache could fill its role. ⠀ ⠀ The Apache is an amazing attack aircraft, and a respectable reconnaissance platform in limited scenarios. But it is no replacement for a light, manned helicopter and pilots trained to fly the scout mission. ⠀ ⠀ Don't drone me bro .⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
The OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. ⠀ ⠀ Veterans of Panjwai will recognize this angel from a mile away. It was our experience in 2012 that the OH-58D was typically far more effective at deterring enemy contact and engaging the enemy than the AH-64D Apache's that loitered at a slightly higher altitude. ⠀ ⠀ Based on the iconic Bell 206 airframe, the Kiowa Warrior of 2012 was the result of decades of modernization in technology and tactics. Capable of equipping .50 caliber machine guns, hellfire missiles, or Hyrdra rockets, the Kiowa also utilized a mast mounted targeting system that allowed it to detect and designate targets for other aircraft and its own weapon systems. ⠀ ⠀ Perhaps more important than the aircraft was the community flying it. Kiowa pilots were notoriously fearless, willing to put their aircraft into harms way to protect ground forces, and confident flying at extremely low altitudes to locate and draw fire. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
The Pink Team. ⠀ ⠀ In Episode 11, CW3 Avery Johnston talked to us about the glory, and history of the Pink Team. ⠀ ⠀ The Pink team is a product of the Vietnam war, and an effective tactic at detecting hidden enemy. ⠀ ⠀ Using a heavily armed attack aircraft from above, and a lightly armed and agile reconnaissance aircraft down low, the idea is to draw fire towards the reconnaissance aircraft so the Attack aircraft can identify a POO (Point of Origin) for the fire and destroy it. So long as the low bird could remain in movement and didnt travel in a straight line, it is a fairly safe maneuver. ⠀ ⠀ A low flying aircraft is very difficult to track with mounted weapon systems, and by flying just over the trees, even handheld weapons are hard to train on an object moving a hundred miles an hour. ⠀ ⠀ In training, we constantly referred back to the phrase "bad guys don't shoot ducks" , to suggest that most insurgent fighters and untrained fighters are very poor at leading their target and are thus unlikely to hit an object moving as fast as a helicopter. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Episode 11 - The Kiowa Pilot , featuring active duty U.S. Army CW3 Avery Johnston, is now live on all podcast platforms. ⠀ ⠀ Join us as we talk with Chief Johnston about his experiences as an OH-58D Kiowa Warrior pilot over Kandahar in 2012, how those experiences affected and matured him, and how he continues to bring those lessons to work as an AH-64 Apache Helicopter pilot. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war #kiowa #apache #helicopter #aviation
We've been lazy and havent posted for a few days, but we're back with this really great clip discussing SGT Joseph Lilly. #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Panjwai was not always a dusty, humid war zone. Sometimes, it was just outright gorgeous. I often regret that I took so few photos and videos. It does not seem likely that we will be visiting any time soon. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
We've talked a lot about IED's on the podcast, and how well the enemy was at utilizing them. This photo shows an actual Pressure Plate, recovered on a mission in September 2012. Typically this trigger would be on top of a jug of home made explosives, essentially making it a landmine. Other variants would have the charge placed in a different place, maybe even several meters away, in order to target particular elements in a formation. ⠀ ⠀ While in this picture it may seem obvious that it is there, before it was uncovered, nearly a dozen people walked right over it. The soft, silty dust that is prevalant all over Panjwai served as a great way to mask the signature of an IED or pressure plate, particularly along walls/corners were debris would tend to accumulate. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Tomorrow, we finish our conversation with LTC Brian Kitching on Episode 10 - The Commander, Part 2. In this clip, Brian talks to us about seeing the effects of the IED threat on the guys in his formation. #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
If you are enjoying the podcast, we encourage you to please hop on over to Apple Podcasts and leave a written review. ⠀ ⠀ It is our goal to get these stories in front of as many people as possible, and the way Apple's algorithms work, ratings really help with recommendations and exposure. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
"Jingle Trucks" ⠀ ⠀ Many owners of trucks in Panjwai, Afghanistan, and Pakistan even would decorate their trucks. The sometimes absurdity of their decoration earned them the nickname "jingle trucks" These are a common sight all over the region, and while typically harmless, on occasion have hosted massive vehicle borne IEDs. (VBIED). ⠀ ⠀ PC - Dustin Jeremy⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Here at the Panjwai Podcast we like to rile up our fans. ⠀ ⠀ Enjoy our Meme Monday submission⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Another short clip from Episode 9 - The Commander, Part 1. We were talking about how unusual warfare is, and that pretending that it is normal ends up causing more problems. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Alright, this morning's photo comes with a challenge. AND A PRIZE. ⠀ ⠀ For those in 1st Platoon, B/1-64, caption this. What kind of insane things is Matt Pifer saying to Daniel Lloyd, and what is Lloyd thinking while Pifer is speaking. ⠀ ⠀ I can personally play an entire conversation in my head and itll totally work. But only those that know Matt will truly be able to get it close. ⠀ ⠀ Best caption/answer gets a free sticker!⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
We mentioned this photo in LTC Brian Kitching's episode (out now!). Right before our first elements went home, we took ALMOST the entire company up to the top of Sperwan Ghar to get a company photo. There are a few versions of it, but this one catches the terrain behind the men as well. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Episode 9 - The Commander, Part 1 is now live on all podcast platforms and YouTube. ⠀ ⠀ Our Guest this week is LTC Brian Kitching, formerly CPT Kitching and Company Commander for B/1-64 at COP Sperwan Ghar in Panjwai, Afghanistan in 2012. ⠀ ⠀ LTC Kitching speaks on his journey to B/1-64 and his experiences commanding his infantrymen at Sperwan Ghar, as well as some of the places his career has taken him before and after his time at B/1-64. It was a privilege to have Brian on the podcast, for our very first, 100% in person interview from Washington D.C. ⠀ ⠀ https://buff.ly/2NGl9Sf⠀ ⠀ ----------------------------⠀ White House Fellow Program: ⠀ ⠀ https://buff.ly/2Zq0MLI⠀ --------------------------------------⠀ ⠀ Also Available on:⠀ ⠀ Apple: https://buff.ly/3gTXet9⠀ Spotify: https://buff.ly/2Kx6cjR⠀ Google: https://buff.ly/3b29R4z⠀ Podbean: https://buff.ly/2WoN0aF⠀ iHeartRadio: https://buff.ly/3nc5Wo1⠀ ⠀ ⠀ For maps, photos and more information about Panjwai go to : https://buff.ly/2M4T4n8⠀ ⠀ You can donate and support the podcast on the Podbean patron for as little as $1.00 a month. For more information on how to support the podcast directly go to : https://buff.ly/387MkMr⠀ ⠀ Direct donations can also be sent via venmo @thepanjwaipodcast⠀ Be sure to like, follow, and/or subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Youtube, TuneIn, Amazon Music and many more. visit https://buff.ly/2MS2suv for more information. ⠀ ⠀ Social Media:⠀ Facebook: https://buff.ly/390Dr95⠀ Instagram: @thepanjwaipodcast⠀ Twitter: @panjwaipodcast⠀ --------------------------------⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Elements of 1st Platoon, B/1-64 slowly descend into a Grape Row to the East of Sperwan Ghar. On hot summer days like this, the rows were extremely humid and sheltered from any breeze, making movements in the rows extra taxing. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
WE KNEW IT. ⠀ ⠀ Our Episode 9 Guest, LTC Brian Kitching, finally admits what he knew about the upcoming deployment. ⠀ ⠀ Spoiler Alert - He knew nothing. ⠀ ⠀ We were extremely excited to spend time with LTC Kitching (formerly CPT Kitching, Company Commander for B/1-64) in Washington DC in January, and Episodes 9 and 10 are the first ever fully in-person episodes of The Panjwai Podcast. ⠀ ⠀ Be sure to Check out Episode 9 - The Commander, Part 1 with US Army LTC Brian Kitching tonight at midnight on Youtube and all major podcast platforms. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
The B-1 Lancer is a strategic long range bomber that saw extensive use in Afghanistan. I remember many times looking up and seeing them circling Panjwai, and we were even fortunate to see an occasional Show of Force with them coming down to low altitudes. ⠀ ⠀ It is incredible to see weapons like this, built to carry nuclear weapons at supersonic speeds, repurposed to drop conventional bombs in a counter insurgency. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Eric Clark can't stop hitting IEDs. ⠀ ⠀ We've already posted one truck Eric hit an IED in, and here is his second. We hit this one a few days before he stepped on the IED that sent him home. Be sure to Check out Episode 8 - "Leg Day" now on all major podcast platforms. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Know thine enemy. ⠀ ⠀ This is one of only two known photographs to exist of Mullah Muhammed Omar prior to his death in 2013. ⠀ ⠀ Omar was the undisputed commander of the Taliban until the American invasion in 2001, and while he handed off his direct command shortly after, he continued to produce propoganda and statements for the group until his death in 2013. ⠀ ⠀ Omar founded the Taliban in 1994 with a small group of less than 50 armed men sourced from local madrassas and spiritual groups in response to the criminal behavior of local warlords. According to local legend and Taliban lore, this gang of former Mujahadeen hunted down and executed three warlords in two separate incidents over their abuse and rape of children in the Kandahar/Panjwai area. ⠀ ⠀ Their actions drew praise from the people of Afghanistan, and emboldened Omar and his group, now named The Taliban ( Student - in pashto) to launch a massive invasion from Maiwand to formally take over Kandahar city and surrounding areas. From there, the Taliban would grow to be a governing body and quickly expand their influence throughout the country, primarily in southern and eastern Afghanistan. ⠀ ⠀ Panjwai is stated to be the site for much of this activity prior to the attack on Kandahar in November 1994. Though, at the time the district of Panjwai included Zharey and parts of Maiwand, so it is difficult to say what events actaully took place in which area. It is somewhat universally recognized that the building in which the Taliban officially formed is in modern day Zharey. ⠀ ⠀ It is also worth pointing out that these district boundaries likely meant less in 1994 than they do now to the people there. What is clear though, is that the entire Argahndhab River valley is the home of this movement, and likely will be the hone of religious extremism and drug trafficking for decades to come. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
An OH-58D flies at low level over Panjwai. In the foreground, a young crop of Marijuana sits tucked into a walled in field. Most of the agricultural fields had walls around them, but unlike the grape fields, the Marijuana/Poppy/Corn/Wheat fields were at least level terrain within the walls. ⠀ ⠀ PC - Nick Wetherington⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
US Navy Dog Handler Duane Jones scopes out the Bazaar of Panjwai from FOB Masum Ghar with his MWD Barry. ⠀ ⠀ Jones and Barry were regulars out at Sperwan Ghar, and many other COPS in the horn. They would typically spend 2-3 weeks with us at Sperwan Ghar, then rotate back to Masum Ghar to refit and give the dogs a break. The handlers that were fit and competent enough to rotate out to the remote COPs experienced the most dangerous fighting in 2012, and in multiple areas of operation. It took a special breed of handler to perform the mission in the horn, a unique combination of gunslinger mentality with overt care and concern for their partner. ⠀ ⠀ Plus the dogs were so damn fun. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Just a friendly, Meme-monday reminder that our Fisters and Medics who stepped out the wire with us were and are grunts. ⠀ ⠀ Don't you dare call them POGS. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
The remaining elements of 1st Platoon, B/1-64 take a photo with the EOD Team that served with us in the second half of our deployment. Russ Ho, Sean Johnson, and Aaron Correa were some of the finest professionals in the EOD field, and went above and beyond what is typically expected of them. They volunteered to go on foot patrols and spent countless hours helping train us on Counter IED tactics and equipment. And they were straight up gun slingers. It was a privilege to work with them⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Taken 5 years later, almost to the day, I captured a quick shot of the area where Eric Clark stepped on his IED on August 23rd 2012. ⠀ ⠀ In the bottom center of the frame you can see the hill/spur called Zangabad Ghar. Left is North, Right is south, and Zangabad Ghar runs ROUGHLY east to west. We dismounted North of Zangabad Ghar on Route Hyena, walked down to the GHar, went up and over it. ⠀ ⠀ TO the south of the Ghar you can see a heavy treeline. This is where the IED was hit.⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Today we feature a fan submission from Chris Dupee, submitted via Facebook. ⠀ ⠀ The photo is from Zangabad, but the message is clear. Thanks Chris!⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
We are pleased to announce that The Panjwai Podcast is now available to listen to on Pandora. ⠀ ⠀ Be sure to check out Episode 8 - Leg Day, featuring SGT(R) Eric Clark ⠀ ⠀ https://buff.ly/3rMlL7D⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan⠀ #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast⠀ #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran⠀ #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Episode 8 - Leg Day , featuring SGT(R) Eric Clark is now available on all podcast platforms and on YouTube. ⠀ ⠀ Eric talked to us about the day his leg as blown off on a dismounted patrol, his recovery, and the difficulty of living with Chronic pain. ⠀ ⠀ War is real, it is not a game and there are consequences. Eric does a great job of highlighting them. ⠀ --------------------------------------------⠀ Semper Fi Fund/America’s Fund:⠀ https://buff.ly/3lPqxOF⠀ ⠀ Gary Sinise Foundation⠀ https://buff.ly/2Ft8bT2⠀ ⠀ ——————————————⠀ Also Available on:⠀ ⠀ Apple: https://buff.ly/3gTXet9⠀ Spotify: https://buff.ly/2Kx6cjR⠀ Google: https://buff.ly/2XX2Zxz⠀ Podbean: https://buff.ly/2WoN0aF⠀ iHeartRadio: https://buff.ly/3nc5Wo1⠀ ⠀ Check out the video version of the podcast at : https://buff.ly/3nqJGYD⠀ ⠀ For maps, photos and more information about Panjwai go to : https://www.thepanjwaipodcast.com/about-panjwai⠀ ⠀ You can donate and support the podcast on the Podbean patron for as little as $1.00 a month. For more information on how to support the podcast directly go to : https://patron.podbean.com/thepanjwaipodcast⠀ ⠀ Direct donations can also be sent via venmo @thepanjwaipodcast⠀ Be sure to like, follow, and/or subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Youtube, TuneIn, Amazon Music and many more. visit https://buff.ly/2MS2suv for more information. ⠀ ⠀ Social Media:⠀ Facebook: https://buff.ly/390Dr95⠀ Instagram: @thepanjwaipodcast⠀ Twitter: @panjwaipodcast⠀ --------------------------------⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Eric Clark and I (Curtis, far right) had an explosive friendship. We survived this massive IED strike to our MATV in May 2012, and a second smaller IED strike in mid August. There was a rumor that if you hit 3 IEDs, you had to go hime ⠀ ⠀ Eric stepped on a pressure plate IED a few weeks later and went home. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Tomorrow's Guest, Eric Clark, describes the moment he stepped on a pressure plate IED while leading a rescue mission to the West of Sperwan Ghar. Elements of B/1-64 launched on a QRF mission to support elements of C/1-23 after they hit a daisy chain IED on 23 August 2012. #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
https://buff.ly/39YxR7O⠀ ⠀ Don't have an iPhone? Can't stand Spotify? Google Podcasts offers another easy wasy to find and listen to The Panjwai Podcast. It is even accessible through your web browser in addition to the phone app. ⠀ ⠀ Be sue to listen to Episode 7 - Juan Rambo before Episode 8 with guest Eric Clark goes live Friday at midnight!⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
https://buff.ly/3oVFD6r⠀ ⠀ We very rarely talk about the individual awards our guests have received, because we prefer that their stories be told in the context of their actions, not in the context of the award that happened to be written for it. ⠀ ⠀ We all know those who did incredible things and got no rewards, and those who did nothing and got awards they did not deserve. ⠀ ⠀ There is actually quite a story behind how these awards ended up coming to fruition almost 2 years after we got back, and how the 2nd Brigade, 3rd ID leadership failed its men by preventing most of them from being presented their awards in front of their peers and families. I will save that for a future episode. ⠀ ⠀ I post this particular post/photo because both SPC Smothers and SGT Evans not only received the Bronze Star Medal w/ Valor, but also received Army Commendations for Valor for actions earlier in the deployment. ⠀ ⠀ We had a special group of men, and it was an honor to serve alongside them. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
We want to again thank our Sponsor, National University, for their generosity and support of Season 1 of the Podcast. ⠀ ⠀ Fully accredited, and with flexible course and degree options, National University is worth your time if you are looking into starting or completing your education. ⠀ ⠀ @nationaluniversity⠀ https://buff.ly/2OeBHkN⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
We promised to look into the irrigation of the Panjwai area, and we have at least learned a little. ⠀ ⠀ Immediately following WW2, several nations decided to invest in Afghanistan's future, including the Germans, Japanese and the United States. Until the Soviet invasion in 1979, US Aid organizations and the US government build dozens of dams and irrigation networks in Afghanistan, most important to us (in Panjwai) was the Dahla Dam, which dammed up the Arghandab River and created Lake Frontenac. ⠀ ⠀ This dam, which metered the water supply to the farmers in Arghandab, Zharey, Panjwai and beyond, also supplied drinking water for Kandahar City. ⠀ ⠀ Many irrigation systems in Panjwai are hand dug and carved into the earth and may pre-date the massive projects to irrigate the area, but the modern infrastructure we saw constantly was the result of foreign aid after WW2 and before the Soviet Invasion. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
We forgot Meme Monday last week, we are forever sorry. ⠀ ⠀ But seriously. Raise your hand if you ever just turned the damn thing off, picked your head up, chose a smart route and YOLO'd it until you got to the scary places. ⠀ ⠀ 🙋⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Posted @withregram • @thepanjwaipodcast A Canadian LAV III drives down Route Brown towards COP Sperwan Ghar. ⠀ ⠀ Photo Credit: Anthony⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
A Canadian LAV III drives down Route Brown towards COP Sperwan Ghar. ⠀ ⠀ Photo Credit: Anthony⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #canada #canadianarmy #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Really great shot of possibly the first ever MICLIC rocket powered mine clearing system being fired in Afghanistan. ⠀ ⠀ Elements of the 73rd Engineer Company deployed it in 2011. ⠀ ⠀ Video Credit - Joseph Guzman⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #taliban #insurgency #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
WE ARE IN A WAR! . . . #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #taliban #insurgency #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Another of our iconic SAW Gunners from 2012, 2nd Squad's Enis Ibrahimov models the M249. ⠀ ⠀ The M249 SAW, or Squad Automatic Weapon, is designed to be a non-crew served belt fed automatic weapon, able to bring high rate machine fun fire to the squad level fire fight. It is a belt fed, air cooled, open bolt machine gun, and the SAW gunner typically carried between 600 and 1000 rounds with them on every patrol, typically in 100 round "nut sacks" or 200 round drums. ⠀ ⠀ Chambered in 5.56, it provided a lighter-weight alternative to the superior-designed M240B, which was chambered in 7.62. The addition of a short barrel and collapsible stock made the M240 dimensionally similar to an M4, at approximately 3x the carry weight. ⠀ ⠀ We typically had 2 SAWs available on a squad patrol, one up front and one in the back. This allowed us to get suppressive fire on target quickly. ⠀ ⠀ The M249 was a cheaply made weapon, and ours were very old. The M240 was much better made. We also learned early on that the constant climbing over walls and grape rows would cause rounds to dislodge in the soft 100 round nutsacks, which would cause feeding problems. Many gunners switched to the 200 round drums to carry around, sacrificing the heavier weapon weight for the reliability, since the 200 rounds drums were hard plastic and the rounds did not come unseated from the belt. ⠀ ⠀ It was fitting that Miguel called his SAW "Baby" because the weapon required constant cleaning and repairs. And as an open bolt machine gun, it was entirely possible for a simple drop or jarring motion to send the bolt forward and initiate a firing sequence. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #taliban #insurgency #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Don't forget, we still have Koozies (10$) and Stickers (5$) available for sale. We don't push the merch much, mainly because we are so busy and we hate sounding like salesmen. ⠀ ⠀ BUT. If we are ever to offer more interesting things, such as new sticker designs, or even hats and hoodies, we will have to make our pile of stickers and koozies shrink a bit. ⠀ ⠀ All Proceeds support the continued operation of the podcast, including more Podcasts in a Box, shipping costs, and last minute equipment and service expenses. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #taliban #insurgency #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
Miguel Perez, our guest in Episode 7, was not in fact a SAW Gunner 100% of our deployment. For a brief, terrifying period, he was a rifleman and a mine clearer. This is a rare photo of him in that month-long period where he did not carry the SAW. ⠀ ⠀ Why was it terrifying? Miguel had the tendency to abandon use of the mine detector and jump on spots that looked suspicious. It was selfless and brave, but also caused everyone to have a heart attack. ⠀ ⠀ We felt much better hearing Baby on Cyclic, so I (Curtis) gave the SAW back and resumed mine clearing tasks for much of the deployment. ⠀ ⠀ Miguel grew up in Compton, CA and found his way to the Infantry. His deployment to Sperwan Ghar was his first and last deployment, and he was medically retired due to his wounds in 2014. ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #taliban #insurgency #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
This week we are joined by Miguel Perez, Purple Heart recipient and by far our favorite M249 SAW gunner. Miguel, aka Juan Rambo, talks to us about the day he was wounded, and finally closes the case on the cursed boots. ⠀ ⠀ ——————————————⠀ Also Available on:⠀ ⠀ Apple: https://buff.ly/3gTXet9⠀ Spotify: https://buff.ly/2Kx6cjR⠀ Google: https://buff.ly/2XX2Zxz⠀ Podbean: https://buff.ly/2WoN0aF⠀ iHeartRadio: https://buff.ly/3nc5Wo1⠀ ⠀ Check out the video version of the podcast at : https://buff.ly/3nqJGYD⠀ ⠀ For maps, photos and more information about Panjwai go to : https://buff.ly/2M4T4n8⠀ ⠀ You can donate and support the podcast on the Podbean patron for as little as $1.00 a month. For more information on how to support the podcast directly go to : https://buff.ly/387MkMr⠀ ⠀ Direct donations can also be sent via venmo @thepanjwaipodcast⠀ Be sure to like, follow, and/or subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Youtube, TuneIn, Amazon Music and many more. visit https://buff.ly/2MS2suv for more information. ⠀ ⠀ Social Media:⠀ Facebook: https://buff.ly/390Dr95⠀ Instagram: @thepanjwaipodcast⠀ Twitter: @panjwaipodcast⠀ --------------------------------⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #taliban #insurgency #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war
The detonation or burning of HME was often characterized by an unnaturally white/opaque cloud, particularly if detonated above ground or on asphalt. Diligent observers of the massive Beirut explosion will see the same telltale white cloud that is typically associated with Ammonium Nitrate explosions (EOD boys, feel free to correct me here). ⠀ ⠀ #infantry #patrol #sperwan #sperwanghar #11B #11bravo #usarmy #kandahar #afghanistan #panjwai #thepanjwaipodcast #combat #podcast #podcasting #soldier #militarypodcast #veteranpodcast #GWOT #Waronterror #taliban #insurgency #combatinfantry #CIB #veteran #army #navy #airforce #marines #military #war