CS #66: Bill Ostlund and The Burden of Commanding the Most Decorated Unit Post-9/11

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Today we hear a special Combat Story of one of the military’s most revered leaders who many have never heard of (but should). This is the experience of retired Colonel Bill Ostlund, a beloved mentor and leader developer who served 35 years in the Army working his way up from a private and growing into combat command in some of the bloodiest fighting of any unit in the post-9/11 era.
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Bill’s command in Kunar Province, recounted countless times in dozens of books including Sebastian Junger’s War and the documentary Restrepo, resulted in over 400 awards for valor and three Medals of Honor (all living honorees).
This episode is an embarrassment of riches for those who want to know what real leadership looks like; what the Burden of Command actually means; how you show up after losing a soldier six hours into a 15 month deployment; or leading joint SpecOps task forces with Delta, DEVGRU, 160th, and other Tier 1 elements over thousands of operations.
Bill Ostlund will remind so many listeners of Todd Opalski in how he cared for and treated his soldiers and explains why, so many years later, his soldiers and officers still seek his advice as they step into greater roles of responsibility in the military and their personal lives.
I’m honored to have had a chance to spend this time with what so many think of as the pinnacle of battlefield leadership and hope you enjoy this Combat Story on leadership as much as I did.
#military #veteran
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Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes:
0:00 - Intro
0:40 - Guest introduction (Bill Ostlund)
1:31 - Interview begins
3:44 - The jump into Iraq in March 2003 with almost 1000 paratroopers
12:09 - Bill’s perspective on the current conflict in Ukraine
17:32 - Childhood and getting into the military
42:19 - Combat Story #1 - Lightning in the Storm Air Assault and leadership lessons learned
1:06:49 - Instilling expectations in his soldiers and his love of soldiers
1:26:57 - Combat Story #2 - Troops in Contact 6 hours into a 15 month mission after just taking command
1:37:08 - Awards process and how combat provides a unique opportunity for leaning and growth
1:49:30 - Combat Story #3 - Battle of Wanat
2:08:48 - Feelings about now having a son in the military
2:10:09 - What did you carry into combat?
2:11:41 - Would you do it all again?
2:15:23 - Listener comments and shout outs

[@allangarcia8231]

I’m an old 82nd paratrooper and 34 year veteran (ret)LEO. Suffice to say I’d follow this man through hell wearing a gasoline tuxedo. The complete warrior leader. Great job Ryan.

[@Jim-sj2xk]

I too am an old 101st Airborne paratrooper (Vietnam) and I also would follow this man to hell and back!

[@kechkan2438]

How many kids did you killed? For your boss

[@kechkan2438]

How many families you bomb and destroyed? For your boss

[@georgecoull1883]

Man that's awesome to hear , I was wondering how his men thought of him and you answered my question

[@georgecoull1883]

Thank you for your service 🇺🇸

[@jameshorn4986]

Ryan, you are the best interviewer in the business. And Bill Ostlund is a true American hero, that the Marine Corps missed out on. His change of choice from the Marines to the Army reminds me of the rejection of Audie Murphy's attempt to enlist in the Marines, thus the Army inherited the most decorated soldier in American history.

[@texasinfidel7666]

The best leader and all around man I’ve ever worked for and known. I was honored to have served under him in the 173rd Able company 2/503 during OEF 8.

[@philliphuckeba2330]

Bro….I was also in Able during “The Ocho”. Spent time between Able Main and Honaker-Miracle.

[@gennehring1]

I really, really hope he write's his book. He raises the bar on American profiles in courage.

[@silvertree88]

A Co 2-503rd 2011-2015, I was extremely fortunate to have spent my first duty station and E-3 to E-5 with Able company. Seriously the best leaders I ever served with and they helped me become a decent leader.

[@Centermass762]

This is one of the best podcasts I've ever listened to. This could've went on for 12 hours and I'd have enjoyed it.

[@bartgallant6897]

How can we possibly be lucky enough to have these men and women who do and give so much of themselves for the cause? Ryan, your work here should be required viewing by every civilian in the federal legislative and executive branches. The gravity of decisions affecting every element of this component of a free society should weigh very heavily on them. From recruiting, educating, training, equipping and deploying, clarity of purpose beyond dated intelligence and momentum had better drive every choice with the lives of these incredible warriors hanging in the balance. Every episode has been gripping but Bill Ostland’s 35 years in service lends sharp perspective to modern political history.

[@georgecoull1883]

I agree 💯

[@OvelNick]

I've heard the phrase "Burden of Command" from the movie "The Last Castle" for the first time in the theater when it came out in 01'. I've always wanted to hear someone speak on it that has the foundational understanding of what it really means generally and personally based on their highs and lows of their experiences.

[@indyinsc]

Such a great story and the respect this man has for his Paratroopers makes me so proud to have worn the wings. All the Way!

[@taylorgallup9969]

Talk about a man. This guy will make anyone feel dumb and insignificant. Definitely one of the best interviews so far

[@AbnEngrDan]

This Ranger should be our current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Not political social engineer we currently have.

[@w9akwqsl]

This Commander is a phomaoanal guy, I have watched and listened to a lot of Officers. This officer should be a 4 star.

[@dennismasters8669]

Holy shit this guy was my battalion commander in 07 08 173rd airborne. I was in operation rock avalanche.

[@lfod_nh2969]

I look forward to all of your interviews. Very thourough and contrary to similar formats on KZbin you sincerely listen to your guests speak, and do not make it about you. This was a great one.

[@ander5160]

Best one yet, Ryan. I would love to see another episode with Bill talking more about his 15 month 2-503rd command tour and his follow on time working with the Rangers on the CT strike force. Thanks for doing these Ryan. I love the channel.

[@dickyhertz2539]

Great interview! It's just inspiring to see the love and respect he has for his troops! And he is a badass!

[@V.B.Squire]

Hes the closest ive seen to Clark Kents dad in real life

[@coguy4834]

Great podcast. I have a family member who was unpromotable after doing the right thing. Unfortunately, circumstances outside your control will dictate your future. Great job Colonel.

[@bucknasty173rd9]

Thank you sir, from one of your paratroopers from OEF VIII. Chowkay and Narang Valley. BTN Mortars

[@jayklink851]

This was a phenomenal interview! Honestly, I enjoyed every second of this guy's story; furthermore, I felt really motivated afterwards. Well done gents, well done!

[@eKh79]

Wow, this one… well done Ryan, once again, your interview skills are getting better by the episode. And thank you so very much to Bill Ostlund for sharing his story.

[@nashme1020]

Finished the whole interview. Amazingness. Thank you!

[@wendylabonte9330]

Ryan your podcasts are some of the best yet....they are all very high rated with so much good information and explanations ...THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, and YOUR DAD AS WELL M..keep up the good work.....love the S.O.B. series....what a riot...you guys are great and sincere and respectful......keep those "pods" coming please

[@angerirobertson7133]

What an incredible individual and leader! So much to take away from this interview. Thank you both!

[@Rush-ld2qr]

Thank you Ryan! You have a amazing channel!

[@timkelly2502]

Brilliant conversation. Thank you

[@BugMateo]

Incredible interview. Incredible professional...

[@rowansmith1652]

Fantastic episode! I watched it all the way through

[@almost_harmless]

Love your interviews. You are respectful but curious, informed and good at picking up on nuances or things to make clearer. Good job! As for Bill Ostlund: he sounds like the kind of commander that cares, which is the best commanders I had too.

[@DaleBernardoQueLio]

Mr. Ostlund's mentality and mine at 19, were so similar to one another. Self critique, meeting standards and adapting based on experience was my mantra after attending Ft. Jackson basic (E 2/13) in December of '90. I recall experiences as an armorer at Ft. Hood with the same sentiment as Bill's. His outlook on the profession of arms shares so much with my own. My operations mentality and tactical mind are so in tune with his. It seems that his legacy, and that of his brethren, starting hitting home as I joined 7 years later. Thank you sir for your good conscience and sense of purpose in your service🎯🤌🏻

[@tonymontanamalverde]

This man has seen it all, it must have been an honor to have him as your BC. The Kunar province was a tough place, and he had to make some tough decisions at a cost. Thank you for your service sir!

[@mattt302]

Aco 2-503rd OEF 8 vet here. I really enjoyed this episode. Col. Ostlund brought up some great memories.

[@billstopage]

By far the best interview yet.

[@mikerobinson7033]

Great interview Bill, throughly enjoyed the exchange. You remind me a lot of a great friend of mine who ran a similar career path from 1983 to 2018 from an enlisted Navy Rescue Swimmer to a helo pilot to the skipper of a great Navy warship. Cheers Brother🍻 ad thank you for your service.

[@EdD-ym6le]

Alright Fugit I'll give you this , you do some great interviews with some real hero's . Just in the last week or so I've been watching them and I think you are my " go to " now . I guess I'll have to back up and watch your story now hahaha . Thanks .

[@oreospeedwaggindoesamerica6078]

Wow this was amazing and have heard his name a few times! I didn’t want it to end!

[@ReclusiveMountainMan]

An inspiration. We want that cup of coffee or beer with Col. Ostlund (we'll buy). ;p Great interview, Ryan. Thank you.

[@ClintonCaraway]

I recently finished listening to We March at Midnight and am half way through And The Whole Mountain Burned. I find the best Audible titles via Combat Story and this interview is going to be a perfectly timed!!

[@georgecoull1883]

If everyone was just 50%more like this man the world would be a great place

[@stump713]

Another great interview with an amazing leader and warrior. I have watched every episode of CS and look forward to my Saturday evening cup of Joe while watching a new episode every week. Great stuff! In a side note, Question for you Ryan: I’ve noticed that while watching your shows, that you have either a tic or habit of keeping your right eye somewhat open while blinking. Is this just something that you have always done since childhood or was this developed over your time as an Apache pilot, while using the right eye for the lens on your flight helmet? Again, thanks for the awesome content! God bless!🇺🇸

[@shawnp6653]

Thank you for your service Col Ostlund. Appreciate you sharing your story and the stories of you men. I like the quote from Colin Powell - another great man - I think he nails it.

[@happinesshotel5375]

This is gonna be a great episode!

[@bobgudbranson6332]

Gold Bless you Sir! RLTW from an Old Scroll 90 gunner!

[@zibabird]

Thank you, shared.

[@Bladesforbrothers]

I remember watching jumpers exit the door from my AH-6 as we headed north that night. What a sight to see. NSDQ Sir.

[@Centermass762]

Wait... THE Greg Coker? Thanks for being a badass and for writing the book. SGDM, Chief.

[@Bladesforbrothers]

@@Centermass762 you bet brother

[@troybrown2845]

18 min. into this. This man, kind of reminds me of Col. Hal Moore. Same type of demeanor.

[@Scryppps]

I’ve noticed some of the most elite guys you interview are also the most humble.

[@mylifeinthailand8751]

My Dad was a senior NCO based at The Royal Academy Sandhurst and had the honor of being invited to a Reunion of the Section he helped through their training to become officers, he said they were all very senior officers upto Brigadier General

[@erichou2458]

Ostlund is a true warrior who recognizes that enemy combatants and US military share the desire to fight, be apart of something larger than themselves or need to put food on the table and are separated only by their place of birth

[@alexdeprat]

Phenomenal show! NSDQ.

[@Itsme-vd3dx]

Thanks for making my night. Do mr.Ostlund (Östlund) have swedish orgins? One of my favorite youtube channels.

[@ImBrenjit]

no we dont its just ostlund (im his son)

[@unknownorigin01]

You should interview Joe Teti, the former dual survival host and former special ops soldier and goverment ctu opertive. I bet he'd love to be on the show!

[@petereriksson7166]

Mr Bill Ostlund have Swedish ancesters. His last name used to be the Swedish name Östlund wich means East wild/natural gathering of trees that gives cover and therefore possibility to rest.

[@Nexus_One_Alpha]

This interview made me take a long, hard look at myself and reassess who I am as a person.

[@kathyborthwick6738]

Respect most certainly owned-America’s Best!

[@rgrbmac3066]

Nice job Bill.

[@afvet52]

Great Interview as most of yours are!! Thank you!!! Just one note to clarify...you display in the beginning of the film a photo of the MOH Recipient (Then now LTC.) Capt. William D. Swenson in the Photo receiving his MOH with Then .. President Obama decorating him... I could not understand the correlation with Col. Ostlund's interview.... Forgive me if i overlooked something Thank you!

[@jerrymarshall2095]

This is a sharp man,I didn't care for him at first seemed to drop names and brag about all his glory,but the guy really impressed me as a strong guinuine warrior.

[@davidmorales7371]

The 173rd is the best unit I've ever served in. My opinion is that it gets over looked but overshadows some of the bigger units in the army. Having been in both the 82nd and 173rd, for example, hands down I'd choose 173rd all day.

[@petethebastard]

I've never heard a yank use the term "wicket" before! ...Bravo!

[@JHillNC]

No sir, Colonel, you don't owe me a beer or coffee. You paid that debt years ago. Thank you.

[@bricktopmedic]

I'm an old LRSU guy(107th) and my old surveillance conducting eyes welled up! Great Leader and Great interview!

[@gregghecathorn3923]

great!!!!

[@doug1883]

Would be nice to hear from David Brostrom how he feels about this interview as well.

[@redbluehot]

Hi Ryan, love your podcasts. interview Micheal Rutledge. he is a Navy SEAL and a 160th SOAR CWO 4. Thanks

[@jamieminton172]

I had some awesome NCOs, some really crappy NCOs and I hope to think when I left I was a decent NCO. I can say the same thing about the Zeros. I would have done three 20s under a leader or with a contemporary like this man. That was a long time ago.

[@andrewvogel5344]

I've always been a proponent of manual labor and discipline it makes a man out of anybody and not just an average man a man with good morals and a sense of duty.

[@bryanknight1056]

To hear the explanation behind the battle of Wanat was cathartic, no one ever explains task and purpose like that to junior enlisted or even company command level leadership. From that side it feels like there are zero fucks given about your units well-being and that senior leadership is willing to expend your life for an oer bullet, it would do well for morale if information like that got pushed a little further down the chain to the guys that are actually executing the operation.

[@paulhill7952]

Great leader

[@markmanleyH2Oactivity]

Salute. 🥾🥾

[@daveaver2804]

Would have served under Col. O anytime, anywhere. Great American!

[@jerrymarshall2095]

America needs guys like this and others like him to organize Militias across our great nation.Our forefathers and constitution allowed for these to protect of from our own government .The handwriting is on the wall there's nobody but ourselves to see that our constitution, country and way of life is perserved from enemies foreign and DOMESTIC,and that a ruling class and legion of fools don't destroy the birthright our ancestors worked,fought,and bled ,for the most prosperous ,just and dynamic country to have ever existed.

[@EdD-ym6le]

@ around 43 minutes he said he was in a " Lurce " guard unit , anybody know what that is ? Great Interview !

[@douglasryle6499]

Long Range Surveillance

[@andrews2990]

LRRS- Long Range Reconnaissance & Surveillance

[@EdD-ym6le]

@Uncle B Thanks guys - all 3 .

[@chkoha6462]

First!thanks for your work!

[@Spaceman-X]

RIP to the heroes of Wanat.

[@5ryans]

Dude looks like Mel Gibson

[@jamesgilmore9225]

Where did he get that shadow box from?

[@altonmedcalf5790]

What a remarkable man and soldier. Its sad to hear that he had to take a bite out of the shit sandwich that comes from being a piece of Govt. property after such a distinguished career but he digested it with grace and humility. I'd pack a grenade up my butt and run through a brick wall for this a leader of his kind!

[@AquitaineIronOak]

Didn’t 10th mountain operate in that region?

[@333BlkFlagg]

Chosen few!!

[@dickiebrewer1232]

Bill for President! This is what our country is missing today . . .

[@justinplaysguitar]

He was my commander in the kunar bill ostlund is the man

[@mylifeinthailand8751]

The 173rd did the business in Vietnam, recently saw something on KZbin about them

[@DomManInT1]

Need to fix your camera/software problem with the zooming the frame in and out.

[@kechkan2438]

You running 🏃‍♂️ from man on the old motorbike 🏍 🤣

[@crusader777]

This is the caliber of man we need in the whitehouse leading the nation

[@darthmercur3067]

This man should be on the front of his own box of cereal. A true Captain America 🇺🇸

[@F3PIZZA]

10:00 Those are balls.

[@rockorockwell1420]

Whatever happened to Capt Kearney in Restrepo?

[@chrisculley3756]

He ended up coming over to the 3rd Battalion 75th Ranger regiment for a couple of years. I think if I remember correctly, it was around 2011 or 2012 . I left 3rd batt in 2013, so I don't really know much after that. Generally when an officer comes to Ranger batt. They are given a PL position and they will do 2 deployments with us. After that second deployment they are sent back out to the regular army to spread the knowledge and experience. They can come back to Ranger battalion after that. RLTW 3/75

[@Abnrgr7583]

Dan was recently selected for BCT/O6 command.

[@JB-wv9jo]

He’s the real deal! I could see him being president one day

[@johnnyfryar]

I went to The Citadel with Todd Opalski.

[@TheScoville1990]

Duke 6 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@FREEDOMGUNNER]

Americans like this are the primary reason God hasn't abandoned this nation yet! Thank them & thank God. With all of our increasing moral and cultural degradation, these people maintain the foundation of our FREEDOM as ONE NATION UNDER GOD. Let's sincerely pray and continue to nurture our precious next generation to be like these types of men and women, and become even better than what we are now.

[@nana298]

One of my favourite interviews, what a stud.. Dont make em like this anymore

[@ski4ever791]

I have a question: Did he call that marine recruiter “a colored guy”?

[@MeKnotChu6651]

Chosin sir.

[@willwilliams9713]

He looks like a marine!!! But he’s too smart for them.

[@maisonbing1722]

Hi

[@JasonTrenner]

😀💪💪✝️

[@stevennolan3966]

RLTW

[@bradalan7188]

⛩