AH-64 Apache & Air Force Combat Search and Rescue Pilot | Cleared Hot Author | Brian Slade

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Today we hear the Combat Story of Brian Slade, a former AH-64 Apache pilot and serving Air Force Search and Rescue pilot with multiple combat deployments both taking and saving lives.
Brian moved out of his house at the age of 15 and learned to make it on his own and carries the same conviction and passion in almost everything he does. He’s written a book called “Cleared Hot: Lessons Learned about Life, Love, and Leadership While Flying the Apache Gunship in Afghanistan and Why I Believe a Prepared Mind Can Help Minimize PTSD” that goes into greater detail about his combat experiences.
Brian showed me the gun tape from inside his cockpit after his front seater was shot in the leg, he lost an engine, and lost flight controls and it was amazing, bringing back the feel of the aircraft and the borderline chaos of radios during a gunfight.
We spend time in this episode on how to remove the weight and burden of what Brian aptly calls the ‘insidious backpack’ that many of us carry from experiences down range or just at home, which is part of a larger effort he’s supporting called Trauma to Triumph to help others deal with this burden.
Brian and I definitely geek out on aviation lingo, aircraft, flight profiles, and emergency procedures and I hope you enjoy this discussion of chaos in the air and overcoming the associated burdens on the ground as much as I did.
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- Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Find Brian Online:
- Brian's Instagram @brian.slade_ / brian.slade_
- Brian's Facebook / brianlslade
- Brian's Linkedin / clearedhot
- Cleared Hot book: a.co/d/hTUDFKK
Show Notes:
00:00 - Intro
00:53 - Guest Introduction (Brian Slade)
02:15 - Interview begins
02:54 - Difficulties in highschool
05:32 - Combat lesson learned through sports
17:47 - Father figures
21:45 - Trauma from a young age
23:58 - Road to enlistment
26:38 - Transition to flying Apache's
30:33 - Hovering and Apache Pilot training
39:27 - Brian's time in the National Gaurd
41:23 - Afghanistan deployment
44:50 - Power Margin of the Apache in Afghanistan
46:17 - First tough engagement
57:03 - The relationship between air and ground forces
59:15 - Kinds of trauma
01:06:42 - Toughest moment in the pilot seat
01:14:20 - Guntape
01:16:26 - Toughest moment resumed
01:33:41 - Transfer to the Air Force
01:38:01 - Retirement coming
01:39:29 - Any sentimental items
01:41:40 - Would you do it all again
1:42:44 - Listener comments and shout outs

[@doug1883]

What weighs on me was NEVER killing the enemy.. what always weighed on me was carrying caskets on to an airplane and sending my brother or sister home for the last time.

[@Len_M.]

I can only hope that those feeling Survivors Guilt that it is quieted by the notion that your brothers and sisters would want you to live a full and prosperous life.

[@ronaldmorris7908]

Very well said Doug. I agree sooo very much!

[@user-ub1ki5vy5k]

ㅗㅗ ㅜㅍㅍㅍㅍ

[@johndoppleguard]

Definitely a somber time for any soldier. To say goodbye to your brother ........

[@d.w.richard7811]

Love this Ryan for having a CSAR guy on I’m a retired 53 combat crew chief love this

[@d.w.richard7811]

Tks for the likes folks appreciate them we’re a small community

[@stevenwalters3639]

I’m a paramedic and the finger thing even gave me chills.

[@ajback2917]

I think there's something about finger injuries, most vivid injury I remember from childhood was very similar to the above (thankfully not me) while playing rugby, can't really remember any of the broken arms or legs well despite there being quite a few nasty ones.

[@destro5311]

Shout out to Ryan and all the guests. Listening to these episodes has become a part of my Saturday morning routine. It keeps the gratitude levels at 11!

[@sintaxErrur]

Thank you for this…I never served, but have a military family from Green Berets and Rangers to Coastguardsmen boarding/interdiction teams, and I am in awe of everyone of them, and of any servicemen/women, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You shoulder this so we don’t have to, and the narcissism infecting our culture of late makes fertile ground to forget our heroes and protectors in favor of staying cocooned in our little bubbles…we need more interviews like this, don’t stop. This is important. And that lightning bolt, mine is burning me alive, but hearing your story and describing it that way makes so much sense, and the idea that the fight is temporary, what an eye-opening way to put it. I was immediately comforted by your metaphor, the fight is temporary, the beauty is permanent. To just trust that you will come through it tempered and stronger rather than scorched and damaged is a difficult hope to find at times, but hearing these stories really helps to put in perspective how important it is to hold on to that hope and just keep going, no matter what. You have touched more than one person, have no doubt. I hear a lot about social media, and influencers and how we don’t really know their best uses yet, this is one of them. This is what these platforms should be doing..not fighting videos, Karen videos, etcetera, aimed at just entertainment, it is to bring awareness and to connect us in deeper more meaningful ways, and this interview is a perfect example of that. Thank you your service both, and for carrying at least one rucksack for us, so that our load may be lighter.

[@jordanaraujo2579]

This was a great conversation thanks to both of you.

[@to8860]

One of your best Ryan!!

[@joeoglesby9530]

Thank-You Ryan for bring these stories to us. You are a good host. Brian it's thanks to men like you and Ryan that we live in the greatest country in the world.

[@quickdeuce]

Brian says he's always been a Patriot,, GOD BLESS him and all our military,, all are my heros. I was first Army Infantry, then Armor finally after OCS became an Artillery Officer began Jan 1967 left the military, resigned my commission June '73. I fly our beautiful Flag EVERY DAY, have multiple placards on and in my vehicles and make sure everyone who knows me understands I am almost rabid in my LOVE FOR OUR COUNTRY,, GOD BLESS AMERICA!

[@bartgallant6897]

This was an incredibly powerful episode. Thank you both!

[@johnmccann7546]

A first class interview that's almost certain to help many individuals who have experienced trauma in the past or may in the future. So thanks gentlemen.

[@hammstah9578]

Dang, Ryan, another heavy dose. Brian's positive attitude is l, in a word, awesome.

[@prodigal_no_more]

In 1981 when I was 19 I went to work at a rafting company as a white water guide. The man who owned the company F Valgean Cox was a Army Ranger that did two tours in Vietnam. He always used to tell me I needed to join the army and he was going to make me a Ranger. I wonder if one of the things that gave him this idea was when I was swarmed by hornets on the river. I stayed with the boat and held it in place while my customers got away from the hornets. My fingers on my left hand looked like sausages the left side of my face look like the Elephant Man. I finished that trip and told him I’m good I will do my next trip to. I know you don’t have a guy to cover that. Anything Val needed I would do!

[@patricknoveski6409]

Wow! What a bright star in my sky just happened with Brian's words. I think in a past life I was in Combat because I am so drawn to these stories. As a civilian in this lifetime, trauma hits everyone. Tonight, after 8 years I have just dropped the rugsack and can see the power working for me. Now just don't pick it back up. Thank you both for teaching a 69 yr old a new way of life. Awesome show. P.j. Carpinteria Ca.

[@0331USMCGunner]

Infantry Marine here. Very powerful and very comforting. Nothing but respect. Please keep these going.

[@joeottsoulbikes415]

Sir, When you were talking about your second seat 💺 making that post about the day he was shot. The ruck sack you had been carrying all those years. For some reason began crying. You made me recognize everything I have been carrying for years. Everything I have not been recognizing. The building and building if weight. Pushing my soul down farther and farther. All those times I thought about for a split second jumping off that bridge, pulling that trigger towards myself instead of away, finding a way to put that ruck sack down. I don't know how without closing these eyes for a forever sleep.

[@hyime69]

Brian & Ryan thanks for an insight into your experiences. I am a British Veteran who was in Gulf war 1 then stayed in Saudi as a tech instructor on the Tornado Aircraft. After a life changing illness in 2009, I joined a Veterans organisation here in UK in 2013 and was invited to be a part of an Honour Guard, for our fallen from both Iraq and Afghanistan. It was at this time in my life, I realised that I was apart of a wider Brotherhood who was there on the day a Families Loved one was returned to them after paying the ultimate sacrifice, but knowing that all we were doing with fund raising and making the wider public aware what our Service Men and Women were doing to ensure World Peace. We also learnt from our Brother and Sisters across the Pond that we who have returned have a duty to look after each other and our fallen comrades families, and people like you both give the public a little bit of insight into what we all as young men and women signed up to do for our respective Countries "Lest We Forget"!!

[@Redmoom]

I think this is the most impactful video I have watched to date. I am a USAF Vet having a very simple role as a Security Policeman during peacetime 78-83'. During my first 2 yrs stationed in Germany there was a lot of terrorism activity happening in Europe, particularly against US personnel i.e. kidnappings, bombs being placed in military barracks, shooting military personnel etc. I was surprised to learn most of this activity was not being reported in the US and my family & friends did not know these things were happening. Near the end of my tour in Germany we (Security Police) were place on a 24 hr worldwide deployment readiness after the failed rescue attempt under the Jimmy Crater Adm. This could have resulted in a war with Iran so yeah, the risks are always there even in peacetime. I was very proud to have served my country and know that anyone that does volunteer to serve accepts the risk that they may end up in a war. The honesty and insights in this interview was very impactful. I think it is too easy for our government to sent it's soldier to war without knowing the pain and suffering that results in doing so. Maybe nations that want to go to war with another nation should as they did in biblical times i.e. send your David vs Goliath where only one soul is lost to settle your disputes. Thanks for the great interview.

[@andreperrault5393]

Defender

[@frankcorente1339]

This Man is simply Brilliant.im in awe of his intelligence and honesty.Ty u both for everything.

[@j.j._]

Had me rolling 11 minutes in. Just finished the episode and one take away i found powerful is the truth of not letting the " lightening bolt" burn down your " village". Instead make it power your "village".

[@hutchsabastian202]

I am thankful for people like today's guest. He really hit home with me and made me think in a wonderful beautiful way. It's people like him who inspire me and challenge me to grow. I want to thank you very much for you putting all this together. I love your format and I absolutely treasure your approach . Please keep up the excellent work and thank you.

[@alanbarton4170]

Hey Ryan. These podcasts have been very important for me. I have no "story" to share. But I have always looked to those within the SF (including our own fine soldiers of the Australian SASR) to understand that skill set to succeed in the wider world. Ironically, that search has ended up to be very, simple. Never ever quit, Turn Up and GSD, Be hard when it is hard and when it is is not? LIVE. Live to the fullest, nothing is impossible. Your podcasts have been an integral part of that process. I am not religious, and you appear the epitome of the WASP, kiss the badge dude and not someone I would listen too. You have highlighted my simplistic cynicism. You are a fine man, give me the address of anyone who says otherwise. You have woven a complex interview process that shames most contemporary journalists. It is authentic, it is focussed, it is human, congratulations. It is certainly three levels better than the myopic, ill informed self declared "influencers" that now exist. I feel priveldged to watch these. I have developed a jaundiced view of the USA, you have successfully combatted that. I now recognise that the world, sadly, does need a police force. The US has stepped up. Not perfectly, but with legitimate intentions. I respect that. I respect the sacrifice that has occured to maintain that. I know that you don't shy away from the tragedy, the errors, the failures, the misery. I would like to suggest an area that you are best placed to explore even further. What is the acceptable limits to placing even SF operators in harms way, how often and when is it time to say no more? I would value the opportunity to explore this further. In brief, it is drievn by my observations on the distortion that occurs when the media find a "story" of wrong doing within the combat arena. "Some" journalists pursue the wrongs like slavering dogs already smelling the ratings and financial gain, completely losing perspective and abandoning their true calling which is to present a full, honest story. The recent allegations and analysis of the Australian SASR is a case in point, but history is strewn with many others. I think you have highlighted that the tempo of "kinetic" activities by SF operators from several different US units and different countries has confirmed that the current tempo is now beyond that which any country should expect even the super soldiers to endure. This context, that you so gently highlight, is not used to set a legitimate context for understanding the very small number of instances that went beyond a specific ROE and beyond morally defendable actions. There are several Australian Journalists, and our public broadcaster, who have stepped into the realm of trial by media and it is a national shame. I hope your efforts continue to do the authentic work that is essential to combat such vile behaviour on behalf of the US SF community. Happy to chat more. All the best Ryan. Regards, AlanB

[@dankelly2147]

I wish the culture and times would have allowed for this kind of frank discussion when I returned from Vietnam. It took twenty years to begin to come to grips with my story. Thanks for sharing your journey. A lot of younger vets are going to benefit enormously!

[@stillthesameEvans]

Never served. But stories about Members, first responders, amd such are VERY important to hear. This was so good, not only will I share, but I'll listen two more times. This was so impactful. Thank you both, from the bottom of my heart.

[@jag2039]

God bless u All. Hell Im 61 n learn a little from each n everyone of you guy's on the pod-castes . Thanks

[@maddychloe1]

Wow thank you Brian for sharing,for your humbleness and absolute transparency with your feelings and emotions.Men are fantastic at locking away the “rucksack” believing their fine.But we don’t know that we can be better dads,husbands and men finding the root cause and dealing with.Many men including myself don’t figure that out until we’ve found and experienced real love and passion for life,being greatful,serving others and understanding themselves.Thanks again Brian your a good man.

[@gillianfraser3040]

Goosebumps!

[@evantalbott8602]

Thanks for the video! I always enjoy the aviation interviews the most.

[@gonzomlynarczyk6446]

Who is this Brian Slade? He speaks like a warrior monk! I want him to speak to our local high school

[@c97jeep]

A wonderful gust and a great podcast, thanks!

[@NotOnDrugs]

Well, Ryan & Brian, I'll have you know: it didn't take me but about 6-8 minutes to learn to fly the Apache in DCS. I'm not sure what you guys were doing wrong LOL

[@hellohello8556]

Brian is the type of guy that is the epitome of why US armed forces members are loved by people all over the world. Greetings from Australia. Best wishes. God bless!🙏

[@upkpoxer]

Thanks for sharing! Thank you for your service!

[@joefranklin9305]

I listen to Combat Story podcast a lot. One thing in this interview that hit me hard was about the rucksack . I myself have been carrying that rucksack for 10 years and finally started therapy. I can’t say I took the rucksack off yet but I only carry it with one strap now.

[@averagejoe1943]

That hover story about the instructor was awesome! Hovering till you stop kicking us awesome!!!! BadAss!!!

[@georgecoull1883]

Man getting to see some of the Apache videos you guy's really are like guardian angels and angel's of death! I'm just glad you're on our side!

[@glennmassanova5671]

Another great combat story thank you both for all you do

[@jhetteman1]

Amazing testimony to n many levels. From one brother to another, Thank You Sit! I was just an engineer while assigned to Bagram in 2008. You were/always will be “Tip of The Spear”. Amazing biography, thank you again!

[@wesleyjamison4442]

Ryan you are such a great interviewer! This is the seconded one I've listened to, and I get so drawn in. The people you interview have such great stories and are so down to earth. Keep up the great work. Maybe you have done it, but your story would be one to listen to also.

[@terrenceb.9860]

Outstanding! Thanks Ryan.

[@RamadiTaxiDriver60M]

Great work, great story. Yeah never cared much for IPs that yell and scream. No training value. Gonna disagree with you about the ground forces not thinking they are protecting you. I was the Ground Force before I went to the cockpit. We took great care in creating plans and contingencies for “Fallen Angels.” Not one time in recent history has there been an aircraft and crew abandoned but there have been multiple TICs that air support did not come to the aid of. Not necessarily the aircrews fault, many times it was the Aviation Commander but I’ve been on both sides of that fight so I’m telling you that you are mistaken.

[@doug1883]

It really sucks because aircrews, in all platforms, were so busy and spread out a lot of times that it was very hard to cover the entire battle space.

[@RamadiTaxiDriver60M]

@@doug1883 very true. Usually what I have seen is MEDEVAC denied Mission Approval for a ridiculous reason. The Flight Crew wants to go but someone at the Flag officer level turns it down. Helicopters don't just fall out of the sky. We know how to mitigate the risk. That type of thing reduces morale of Ground Forces and they naturally (mistakenly) blame the Air Crew.

[@doug1883]

@@RamadiTaxiDriver60M absolutely! Some of the investigations I’ve seen coming out about the rank and file flag officers.. not sure how some of them aren’t in prison.

[@RamadiTaxiDriver60M]

@@doug1883 Amen!

[@JHillNC]

Thank you Brian and Ryan. This was a powerful episode and I'm better off for having listened to it. I'm gonna have to get Brian's book.

[@rsand54]

Great insightful discussion! Thank you.

[@KnowbuddiezBusiness]

I shed tears a few times watching this video, but the end made me sob out loud and cry pretty hard. Thank you both for your service, your sacrifice and taking your job of protecting your brothers and sisters seriously. I’m an Arm Brat. Daddy went in when I was three and he got out when I was 23. (73-93) He was allowed to keep his 1SG Diamond when he retired. Living around Army posts you hear a lot of artillery training, sometimes I really miss that sound. I live near an AFB and hear the jets, the runway is a mile, maybe, and they have just taken off so they are low and loud. Not as good as the sound of artillery, but nice just the same. Watching our guys in action (even though it’s training) is pretty spectacular and immensely impressive. WOW, just …… WOW!!! God Bless our Military, past, present and future, God Bless their families for supporting them, and God Bless the USA!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@dannerjohnson958]

Powerful !!! Thank you

[@duke8022]

fantastic interview, I love how he broke it down for us simpletons

[@kellyconlon8769]

I would like to say Thank you both for doing this video xx. It really shows the brotherhood of man n how beautiful u guys are . I watched the whole video , stunning!

[@robertswartz2836]

Damn, this one was heavy. GREAT episode Ryan!

[@GavinQueit]

Such a powerful interview 👏👏👏

[@tommynikon2283]

My dad went through similar: combat fighter pilot in the Vietnam war- but an airbase/FOB in a different country. He took off in his A1-E Skyraider, cleaned up the gear- and lost his prop- a runaway. He had to pickle everything on his wings to lessen weight- Armaments/fuel that ignited on impact (other country Friendlies), killing nine. He’s 93 this April- and still feels the loss and guilt. But did so- to save a worse situation- plowing into a village of locals.

[@drmarkintexas-400]

Thank you for sharing 🤗🙏🇺🇲🏆💪

[@tacoenvy]

This was awesome

[@louiswolff3251]

I was a 13F in the late 80’s before the wall came down, our life expectancy was a whole 7 seconds, so having one that’s 30 years boy you got the deal brother lol

[@jonsmallwood1657]

Love this podcast. Always thought the 64 would be very cool to fly. “Keep the spiny thing spinning!” 😂

[@quickdeuce]

When Brian said we,, all of us (especially we men) have multiple role models as we grew up. Fathers, Grandfathers (for me), Mothers and Grandmothers (for me my Grandma was always 'my rock' even after she was no longer with us), teachers (my 8th grade Algebra teacher and my 10th grade typing teacher),, many, many men and women in a lot of our lives had an influence upon who we became as an adult.

[@michaelchurgin7027]

Damn, I like this guy! Solid work fellas

[@littlebits6231]

Love it!

[@John-vz1fm]

Brian Slade take that ruck off brother,and thank you for your service!!!

[@threenails4youcarr740]

Thanks Ryan for these great interview's. I would like to hear one from a Coast Guard rescue swimmer or pilot. God Bless!

[@stephenbabine3325]

Really enjoyed this conversation and have much respect for Brian! Curious what airframe he is flying in AF CSAR as he mentioned it didn’t compare to the AH-64. I assume it’s a 60 (I flew them in the Army ‘Medevac’ and loved them).

[@RustableSphinx3]

if you can reach out to David Eubank, SF guy who is apart of the Free Burma Rangers pretty cool story

[@brow1920]

Is there a link somewhere to the whole apache gun video with audio like he referenced? Great interview!

[@frozennorth3426]

I wish I could ask: Did you tell Titan 06 that it had been your first combat engagement?

[@clarkduncan3715]

The pilot got the Drone to belly into the sea so it could be recovered... Job done .

[@reynaldoblanco2588]

Former Apache Mechanic. Do you know what pain in the Ass is to replace the pins for the BUCS on the cyclic? Ha ha, great listen...

[@halface33]

Hearing about the broken hand ..i broke my hand ..and had a Tennis tourment ....so with a cast duct tape i played..and i won lmaooo

[@jakadajj]

My question is, what was the process like switching from Army pilot to Air Force pilot? Because I might want to do that in the future.

[@Scopesdoped]

@57:00 the contrary to that point is if a pilot goes down, then you perhaps dont feel like the mother anymore, youre just hoping and praying for another bird to come in or other troops....

[@michaelsemerestockmaier9911]

Once a Swiss Fighter was so close not more than a few hundred meters than me on a Paraglider

[@dougstitt1652]

uppie thing and downie thing 2 thumbs up. Late 40s old QQ

[@DomManInT1]

Borderline personality disorder means...you cannot hold me responsible for anything bad I do and have to give me 4 times credit for anything good I do.

[@terrytomlinson8772]

Old Navy helicopter pilot - swore I'd never hover then one day there it was

[@tommynikon2283]

Brian didn’t shoot his copilot or responsible for the wound….But he’s totally responsible for SAVING HIS BUDDY, himself, and the bird. Wtf else is there?

[@kimchristiansen7886]

( L°V3LY just L°V3LY )

[@user-rt8ik1ow4i]

I know Ryan doesn't read comments, but if anybody does the A? H60 would've been something I'd transition to had. I gone in the military to fly. Jets like I wanted to unfortunately, hung out with the wrong people and I picked up a felony at the age of 17 and was tried as an adult for a measley little shack in the woods that was burnt down that I didn't do what they all blamed me for it. And with an abusive stepfather, I was forced to take a plea bargain because he made me. It ruined my military career. Don't get in trouble kids. It's not worth it. It ruins your life. Anyway, had I been in the military flying jets? When that 864 came out, I would a transition Jim. I'm showing you how to fly a helicopter. I don't know why voice text keeps putting periods every couple of Words but google get your shit together

[@michaelsemerestockmaier9911]

You can stall

[@michaelsemerestockmaier9911]

Can you loop

[@jodyfree953]

100

[@michaelsemerestockmaier9911]

Puke

[@ahyb1022]

الحمايه المدنيه قرارات وزارة الداخلية السعودية ا

[@michaelsemerestockmaier9911]

I am Swiss paragliding pilot

[@martinpalmer6203]

Greatest nation in the world LOL, no thanks, many many other places do things better and have contributed more to humanity than the US.

[@camouflagekumquat3412]

It's so corny and fake when people trying to make every situation to be so powerful and Awakening in speak nonsense that they never fails that's not real did they treat other people say and now they think that's the way that they're supposed to say things especially when they're reading a book makes me cringe listening to it

[@michaelsemerestockmaier9911]

Puke