Cleared Hot Episode 224 - General Clay Hutmacher

General Clay Hutmacher was a career United States Army Officer and retired in 2018 having served over 40 years in uniform. As an Army Special Operations Aviator, he commanded at every level during his three tours with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, where he served as the MH-60 Direct Action Penetrator platoon leader, company operations officer, executive officer, and commander of 1st Battalion, Regimental Commander, and the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command.
MG Hutmacher’s last active duty assignment was the Director of Operations in the U.S. Special Operation Command, Tampa, FL. His previous assignment was as the Deputy Commanding General of the United States Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, NC.
MG Hutmacher became the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation in September 2018.

[@frank8534]

When the general entertained Andy’s questions about holding on the rotor 🤣🤣🤣. That’s when I really knew this guy is awesome

[@VeryFastRodi]

Just love a General, not having a superior attidute and just being "one of the guys" Great episode

[@bittnerbs]

As just a plain ole Marine grunt and a pilot, this has been the most enjoyable episode for me. I enjoy all of the high-speed, low-drag stuff, but more pilots. Please.

[@KnyghtErrant]

Fantastic interview! Ex-navy seahawk pilot here. My operational experience was mostly in counter-narcotics, which was fun, don't get me wrong, but I would have given my left testicle to have a shot with the 160th. Heroes, every one of them.

[@andrabook8758]

i now believe there is a wall of left testicles somewhere in a backroom from people just like you....😵‍💫😰😰😰😰

[@ryanbollinger9279]

Either way your balls are big

[@sammorrissey8270]

Have a great week everyone!

[@JW-28]

Hooyah, NAVY!

[@charlesjohnson9879]

Private Schmuckatelli? What a coincidence! We had Seaman Schmuckatelli in the Navy! Seriously, GEN Hutmacher seems like a truly outstanding General Officer.

[@mugshotmarley]

Would've loved to serve under leadership like him. I was never in special operations, but it's common for great leaders to come out of that community. If not from a special operations background, all the great officers Ive served under were mustangs (previously enlisted before getting their commission). Some of the worst leadership Ive experienced came from officers that never served once in a combat role or was in an admin MOS/behind a desk their entire career.

[@scottw4336]

Awesome....not often can you hear stories from someone who was in every major military event that I witnessed personally from Panama to Afghanistan. Thanks for bringin this dude on. Thanks for your service boys

[@Peglay]

seems like every SOF guy i ever met or talked to has a wicked sense of humor, but Andy is on a whole nother level. Absolutely loved this episode, amazing work as always!

[@ai-baking-f1]

Another great episode Andy. The General is still giving and, as others have said, is so humble. Thank you for your service.

[@mike_braun_1023]

The banter between these two is awesome and very entertaining. Just 2 career military dudes choppin it up. Great episode Andy.

[@reverse_meta9264]

This is such a top class podcast, great work Andy

[@KirstenBayes]

Appreciated the Generals' team's investigation into Extortion 17: it was released with redaction under FoI a few years ago. Very clear analysis, though definitely some lessons in it. Remembering those lost this Memorial Day. RIP.

[@kevinshaw8797]

Andy, good morning I’m a mustang as well. Started as an AF medic in ‘77, 8 year enlisted medic, 5 years in the CTANG. Finished my BS in Nursing and finished up as an O3e. Love the show! I agree. Prior enlisted time really puts a certain perspective on what your enlisted team goes through on a daily basis. I was always humbled when an E3 would thank me for spending extra time to impart wisdom.

[@TTBO31]

I appreciate the caliber of information shared on this episode. The high level of communication mixed with laughter and humility.

[@STMVO]

Such a good episode. My dad was an Army 1st Air Cav OH6 "Loach" pilot in Vietnam. He did 2 tours doing mostly Hunter/Killer stuff with a Cobra backing him up. He would say the same thing about the Little Birds in that flying them took a ridiculous amount of manipulation to keep them steady. I loved hearing his stories. Loved this one, Andy! Keep up the good work!

[@NT-uv5dc]

Andy looks like a little kid against this giant. Best interviewee to date. Thank you both, this is needed more.

[@AnaHallie]

Super excited for Michael Durant. His book 'In the Company of Heroes' is amazing.

[@chrisdilley266]

Crazy that you can get a Gen to think about how long one can hold on to a rotor blade during start up. Great interview

[@stevenmcmahon1268]

Awesome conversation. Foundation discussion was absolutely heartbreaking and Heartwarming to listen to all at the same time.

[@huntingarete9214]

Half way through and this is one of your Best Andy. General Hutmacher is great human and brilliant leader. Thanks men for sharing your time.

[@brianjordan8990]

This was one of my favorite shows. His humbleness was awesome. Great guest Andy.

[@brandonkamakaris5018]

As a former Army Dependent, knowing those that lost fathers/mothers/brothers/sisters, I’m glad I never had to hear from Lt. Gen. Hutmacher. But, happy there is assistance for those that lost someone. Cheers, Sir.

[@hulkangry5546]

I personally do not know one single general( or admiral), for an officer and definitely a general officer this guy is one of the most down to earth and laid back guys I've ever heard or read about. To me, this is the perfect display of why ALL officers should have an enlisted commitment before actually making officer. Andy, General 🇺🇸👍🇺🇸👍🇺🇸🤘🇺🇸

[@ekim025]

There are many who can fit this description, But they are humble enough and don’t wave their own flag! I have had several Department Heads and CO’s, XO’s like this man!

[@hulkangry5546]

@@ekim025 Good to know there's more of them out there 👍🇺🇸

[@jefsiv]

Former US Army here. Love your podcasts, sir. I hang on every word. Thank You.

[@stephenbabine3325]

Always appreciate the humility exhibited by all your guests - MG Hutmacher has it in spades!

[@bsellman6881]

Gate 2 Street at Kadena Airbase, I was there 92 to 98. Air Force boom operator here...Andy,we probably have been to all the same places there... Great assignment👍 thanks for this interview with the General, great work, love your podcast man!🔥

[@Ga1014Ga]

I really like the General. Seemed down to earth & respectful of the people he worked with. Thank you Sir!

[@bryanjackson5897]

Great conversation Anndy. However as a retired Air Force helicopter Crew Chief. I do have to take issue with your assessment of of two of my girls, the MH-53 PAVE LOW and the CV-22 Osprey. I understand your experience with them was way different than mine, but that doesn't change how I feel about them. Keep up the great work.

[@j-wil1964]

Seems like a very down to earth officer. Few and far in between. Awesome interview!!

[@davidsouza3453]

Great Podcast Andy just absolutely great. What a great man General Hutmacher is, from his humble beginnings to his present success always paying it forward. Those are great examples of a great leader and someone this nation owes a great debt of gratitude too. True American hero!💪🇺🇸

[@FINALLYOUTAFTER7]

He’s such a permanently sarcastic and dry yet humble guy. After a career of special operations. Respect Andy. 👍🏽

[@philrotella6798]

Great podcast, especially the focus on the foundation. BZ to the General and all the folks involved in assisting these vets and their family's

[@daveredlin1278]

Great guest..... one of the best interviews to date!

[@Jay15523]

One of my favorite memories of being stationed on JBLM in Washington was running around the airfield and getting to hear and see those 160th Blackhawks and Chinooks coming and going. Great episode to listen to.

[@stevenwilson4910]

I enjoy all your interviews, but I really loved this one. Great work gentleman 🇺🇸💪🏿💪🏽💪🏻💪🇺🇸

[@AlexdeCerqueira]

What a great interview!! Seems like a great person. Surely a great American.

[@308whisperingdeath]

Look forward to your videos every week. Thank you for your time and giving so many amazing people a voice. You’re a truly inspirational person.

[@chinookhelomech4059]

I have seen a lot of interviews of SF people on YT, this one is easily the best one of all of them. And i say that a former Aviation Marine and a long term Army aviation soldier.

[@PF9O]

One of the best guest in my memory. Unbelievable insight and knowledge, unbelievable service, unbelievable human. Thank you Andy for making this happen (albeit the sometimes interrupts the guests answer) Awesome listen.

[@pat4711]

I don’t know why but expected a general to be extremely high strung but damn, this man feels like the kinda guy you could have a beer with at a bar and have a good laugh with. Absolutely amazing podcast

[@AKsusan907]

Profound interview gentlemen. Thank you! Agree with you 100%. Great new chapter General. Godspeed.

[@chrismiles8225]

Took me a few days to listen to this episode but loved it! Thank you Andy and thank you Clay certainly. ✌️

[@valdivia1234567]

Like a friend of mine used to say, "It's like balancing a marble on a bowling ball."

[@Dave-gd1mw]

Awesome podcast! Would love to see you have on CW4 Michael G Rutledge on the podcast. Navy Seal to 160th to West Point. I’m sure it would be an interesting discussion.

[@billybilly2728]

what a badass, I was in Panama during Operation Just Cause as a 13yo kid off base/non military...thank you Andy and thank you very much Gen. Hutmacher (salute)

[@lylewyant3356]

Backing a cake. That cracks me up. I can well imagine. My only helicopter experiences were with the UH-1 in the reserves after active duty. Condolences to the families of those we lost.

[@dekuknight2058]

Every Marine knows who Smedley D. Butler was. What's less known is that he wrote a book towards the end of his life called "War is a Racket". It is a short book in the public domain and very easy to read through. As long as there is tremendous profit to be made by a few people in wars they will keep happening.

[@adamtacheira5323]

What an awesome dude. Humble as well.

[@KC-7mm]

Solid podcast Andy. Very very few interviews that I don’t watch or listen too.

[@andygerman285]

One of your best, Andy. Thanks for this interview.

[@belladora1224]

Very impressed you got to speak to someone in those meetings where the "life and death" decisions are made. His answer to your question was truthful as he could be. I gathered just a hint of politics.

[@daffyshakilfur3563]

One of my favorites to date, thanks for your podcasts. More pilots please.

[@hulkangry5546]

There's a great documentary ( only about 30 mins) on KZbin called Black Hawk down: crash course. It shows the making of the movie and that The DOD setup training elements for the actors. Some actors went to Ranger training( with 75th), some went to helicopter training ( with the 160th )and a small number went to SMU like training ( with SF and Unit guys) .It was a great little documentary, if you like cleared Hot ill bet you'll enjoy it.

[@randallworkman4423]

in my time on Kadena in 05 it was just gate 2 street!!

[@JMN45]

One of your best and most informative podcasts thus far. Great job sirs!

[@ChaddyyDaddyy]

Very good podcast! I do line construction and I work with blackhawks and other helicopters doing long line work. A lot of those pilots have a military background and they are very impressive

[@MrCoryRM]

I've enjoyed this one so much, and choked up, when Extortion 17 came up.,

[@damonvharris]

Was a young guy at some of those hangar walk through. Great leader.

[@throttlepinnedatvsxs]

What an interview! Awesome job and what a career!

[@willc2062]

Cole Hauser was in tears of the sun. Idk if I recall Andy making mention of that documentary.

[@mr.nordstrom]

“Post-trauma growth,” I like that. That whole discussion really makes me hope you bring back Sean “Buck” Rogers once his new book “Better broken” is released. I've read the first book and seen your previous episode with him (a few times). I remember you guys having a brief discussion where you specifically asked, “are broken people better,” and I think the second book will talk about *how* you can make that answer a “yes.” Because I'm pretty certain the answer is “yes” for people that actively make it a “yes” (if they have the capacity or support system needed) or have a rare type of personality and mentality that subconsciously makes it so. The latter seeming quite common in the special operations community. Sustaining (and growing) that strength over time and after getting out seems much more of a challenge and gets much more focus, which I presume is mostly because the “no's” are (more or less) weeded out at that level. It's interesting to wonder if more potential “yes's” could be identified and developed. To me at least, with my limited perspective which may or may not be entirely wrong-I should really shut the fuck up and just listen to you guys (in the community) have these discussions instead, honestly. Point: I think it'd be a fantastic follow-up to episode 166.

[@herkymatthews6767]

WOW!!!!, ONE OF THE BEST SO FAR Andy.

[@arnewiththeboats7324]

Two amazing people, absolutely awesome!

[@KNOXHOLIDAY]

Andy I’ve seen many episodes and this is my favorite 😂

[@timothycappy389]

Fantastic episode...one of your best to date!

[@DannyB497]

Great guest! Thanks

[@imagetf]

Great interview Andy. Solid job as usual.

[@briangrady367]

A friend of mine was the fire control officer in the AC-130H overhead Extortion 17.

[@legendbrahhhh]

I love his Pepsi. In other news - Special Operations Aviator! Andy sent it full!

[@southernappalachianrecon]

Happy Monday folks 💯👍

[@690409]

Ist 3 oclock in the morning and i need to go to work at 6, but i cant stop watching.

[@pavman2006]

This was a really awesome episode, nothing to crazy in it. Just decent organic discussion that flowed really well. The general seems down to earth and I wish he had been in my command structure. Unlike the SEALS you don't hear much about the 160th. They need more book deals....

[@f0rumrr]

Damn, commander of the 160th night stalkers, went out with 2 stars. He's a man you listen to.

[@tig3r_lily]

Clay does great interviews

[@Squadica65]

The General reminds me so much of my Brigade Commander that I was a crew chief for. He was the finest leader I ever encountered. I would've followed him to hell and back.

[@mugshotmarley]

I would've loved to serve under leadership like him. I was never in special operations, but it's common for great leaders to come out of that community. If not from a special operations background, all the great officers Ive served under were mustangs (previously enlisted before getting their commission). Some of the worst leadership Ive experienced were officers that never served once in a combat role or was in an admin MOS/behind a desk their entire career.

[@nobodyspecial7185]

Knew two pilots on Turbine 33. Good dudes. Trying to remember what magnesium parts he's referring to, the one part I recall was the fuel cell mount angle,. Finally got Boeing to redesign it from aluminum,. I remember replacing a bunch. Tried to explain to Boeing that we preferred in the new part without holes since the aircraft already had holes, 152 rivets as I recall.

[@clausosorensen4681]

Salute to a hell of a podcast to kick of the week.

[@Ras7685]

Andy , one of the best guest yet.....I thought a General , what the fu*k does he have to say ? Apparently , he has A LOT of very interesting stuff to talk about ....and I listened. Very cool guy !

[@dancaulfield1008]

You can hold on for way more than 3 rotations, watch the videos of them starting up

[@BV-yz4bp]

great interview.

[@jasonfukuyama8089]

Great episode and interview

[@johnf6146]

Great episode Andy. Please, please, please try and get this journalist on Matthew Cole. This would be a awesome listen being that I bet you have inside knowledge of his book Code Over Country. Listen to his podcast on The Team House. We need your take. If you would be allowed to speak on it. Maybe your not able to.

[@morelanc]

This looks like a good one, thanks!

[@RichardPyle86]

I could listen to this gentleman talk for hours, Andy you should see if you can get Mike and Clay on together.

[@RayRayReddington]

Agree with you on the UDT shorts. Had to wear them when I was in a MEU(SOC) raid company. Ugh.

[@Gravel1331]

What an amazing episode!!

[@MrRolled1]

Awesome podcast. Andy I didn't know you were getting married in August. Right on congratulations!

[@dispohero1]

LDO’s and CWO’s were the best O’s!

[@swimp_stew_pawpaw1006]

I was never in the military but am fascinated by all these warriors. How do you summon the focus and the courage to do what you do? As a person who generally keeps his cool under pressure, i would like to know how you do it. Oh ...and thanks for your service to the greatest country.

[@joeblow1282]

Unreal podcast here Andy

[@stuartoveral4597]

I've waited 5 years for this.

[@justinlake6604]

Stay safe this week everyone.

[@joshuawagy]

Enjoyed this 👍🏼

[@deborahambrose15]

Great podcast & congrats on coming up on 100K subscribers!

[@godcurse9835]

I'd say what's likely to cause PTSD is a failure to fully process traumatic events and assess what you can do about it and then do it, because if you never do anything about it you'll just exist in a state of anxiety by default, which then escalates to worse problems. Which would probably explain why some people are more resistant to it than others, because they naturally process trauma fully, rather than the more "common" instinctual response which is more or less experiencing shock and confusion followed by compartmentalization and continuing forward regardless of the unfinished business that has now built up in their mind. Whereas the people who do fully process trauma resolve that issue in their mind immediately and no longer feel extreme instinctual anxiety because they're already doing everything they can do about it so they might as well just chill out.

[@Jwnorton]

I'd have loved to ask him what he thinks of the upcoming S-97 Raider dual rotor helo in testing.

[@Jwnorton]

Heh.... Pvt. Schmuckatelli.... I wish he would have been my CO....

[@hulkangry5546]

I'm down with Andy's Black Hawk flying/ base jumping plan.😁

[@manuellabor2759]

"When the Big Fan stops, things are really, really bad..." O.o

[@BIGFUN369]

Happy Monday

[@timakers9138]

That first story Andy told about the helo was Lattrell