How a Special Forces ODA Survived an 18-Hour Gunfight

“Dealing with high-pressure situations, you just have to go to work. A lot of times, it’s the choice between a bad choice or a worse choice. [There’s not always] a good answer. Make decisions, stick with them, and if your decision is not working, adjust.”
We’re grateful that Sean Kirkwood shared his story with us. These kinds of stories are near and dear to our hearts, and we believe it’s important that the general American public knows about it. This is our history, and if we don’t share our experiences then that history will dissolve among the noise of modern life.
Sean works over at Fieldcraft Survival, find them here: fieldcraftsurvival.com/
Keep an eye out for more Stories of Survival. Here are some of the previous episodes:
Top Fighter Pilot Barely Escapes 800 MPH Crash: • Top Fighter Pilot Bare...
Man Survives Being Mauled By a Bear: • I Survived Being Maule...
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[@BlackRifleCoffeeCompany]

Whose story should we tell next on Stories of Survival?

[@waveygravey3575]

Mike Day

[@paulodeblas8354]

YPJ Kurdish women fighters

[@Suplexus]

Cpt/ Major Ivan Torres silver star recipient

[@DirtSpud]

Where the hell is Crispy's story of survival? They already do something for him?

[@LilSebastian_]

David Berkowitz aka Son Of Sam. He served in the US army and was honorably discharged. You’d be surprised how many serial killers are veterans.

[@alfarouqaminufor3892]

Whoever was the guy up on the machine gun, that was forced to use his pistol and successfully engaged a group of enemies and killed the RPG guy should of recieved a silver star as well holy cow.

[@afcgeo882]

Likely he got a Bronze Star with a V. Most SF guys did. The Silver Star requirements are a bit higher, but spec ops guys earned both awards almost on the daily.

[@chrissample3047]

Yep awsom She'll get stuck under turret

[@XnBhawk]

He wasn't doing anything out of the ordinary. All SpecOp people are trained in this manner. Which is, if your primary weapon jams/fail. You employ your sidearm (pistol). Some guys like me, carry the standard 9mm issue, but I also have my secondary backup sidearm. Which is my own personal weapon, and it's a compact .45 caliber. It makes a big hole, and it will stop any jihadist dead on his track. All out of bullets, most guys will pull out their survival knife. Me, I have a Samurai sword. I have short arms, now I have the reach advantage. And last resort is hand to hand, it's labeled as combative now (rolling my eyes). Now, you start breaking bones, larynx, and necks with your bare ✋️ and kicking ass with your legs, Marshall Arts.

[@georgeolusegun6631]

@@XnBhawk you are one bad ass 😂

[@forrestmosby7118]

@@XnBhawk :Martial

[@Quickdraw811]

Pulling a pistol because your turret is jammed could be the most badass thing I’ve ever heard.

[@psvnjengi5840]

With these comments youd think the guys fought against the Nazis. But no just third world insurgents with slippers and homemade equipment. Americans!🤣

[@mr_kb1420]

Edit: Reminds me of cod Vangaurd when that tail gunner pulls out his sidearm when his gun jams and shoots a zero

[@spankywestern940]

Agreed! 100%

[@russmode]

And actually hitting attacker with the shot.

[@hugocorreia8039]

@@psvnjengi5840 yeah, homemade guns. I think they are that smart to create automatic rifles and long range snipers.

[@omaroutdoorstv5872]

I’m proud ICTF member who was part of that, thanks for the A 1/5 for the hard work they spent in Iraq. The gunner who was shot in the video is my friend Ali he was the only son of his family born in 1987 was a brave ictf fighter. This mission lives with me and many ICTF members. Thanks for the US special forces for establishing one of the best organizations in the world the ICTF. B2/3 A1/5 C1/1 C1/10 Navy seals great brothershood! DOL

[@thadeusetyang2399]

ICTF,, strong squad.

[@dimitriofthedon3917]

Thank you for giving them hell mate

[@ericjacobson4991]

Thanks for your service to your nation Omar. From Captain J. ODA 566 Honor to work with you that day my brother.

[@Lpowell42]

Thank You for your Service and Bravery!! You are all Bad Ass and Heroes! Had to be terrifying. But I would imagine with your training and heat of battle that you would kind of numb out and stay focused. Salute Sir 🫡

[@NazriB]

Lies again? Praying For Time L1R1

[@zachking8533]

I wasn’t ready for the screams of pains. Heart goes out for all those who served and those who died. Thank you all.

[@Empress-Missy]

I heard even ten minutes in combat feels like an eternity. I cannot imagine the hundreds of lifetimes they all lived through an 18 hour fight.

[@afcgeo882]

It’s funny because it’s true and completely the opposite at the same time. You lose time awareness in close combat because you have too many things happening at the same time, too many decisions to make, and too many concerns to notice the time passing. Time truly is relative. Our brains need something to compare our perception against. So each minute may last forever in our brains, but 18 hours pass like 1.

[@Kden420]

I think it's the opposite because you have to go into flow state to survive, it comes naturally since we are evolved to do it.

[@keithoades5516]

I had the privilege of talking with a WW1 vet who was at the Gallipoli landings on 25 April 1915. He spoke about being under fire for days at a time. He and his mates were national treasures.

[@MichaelStef77]

@@keithoades5516 That’s super cool you were able to talk to a WW1 vet. That’s something you will cherish forever :)

[@keithoades5516]

@@MichaelStef77 Your not wrong, it was awesome. Very interesting conversation, turns out he was in the same unit as one of my ancestors, he died at Lone Pine and as it turned out the old digger was with him when he got killed. What this old digger told me stayed with me through out my time in the infantry and still is in my mind. It was, to say the least, a rare privilege.

[@stoneymcneal2458]

Having never served, I cannot say that I understand what my fellow Americans truly experienced. Offering a “thank you for your service” does not seem to be good enough. All I can say is that I am grateful our nation is represented in combat by such fine men.

[@Asymmetrical-Saggin]

A thank you is good enough for me. Acknowledgment. Hoo-ah

[@stoneymcneal2458]

@@Asymmetrical-Saggin Then a thank you I shall offer. God Bless the United States Armed Forces.

[@Fatal_Inertia]

Someone has to be the World Police lol

[@alaskayoung3413]

Voting for politicians who are not going to waste the sacrifice is the best thank you we can get imo.

[@stoneymcneal2458]

@@alaskayoung3413 I remember being really pissed off when our soldiers in Iraq were patrolling in unarmored Humvees. You’d think civilian and military personnel would have understood that our boys would need far greater protection while going about their daily duties.

[@Nuevaplaza]

RIP to the Iraqi gunner, gave me chills knowing that was his final moments

[@richardherbert3805]

Very humble guy. No sugar coating, just tells it as it was on the ground. Respect!

[@jjrandolph2000]

I have known Sean for several years now. My little brother and his son are best friends. He is a great husband, father and man.

[@quorbsky3237]

The focus and clarity that Sean has is remarkable. I'm sure he got it from the many interactions he had with people, the critical nature of those interactions, all deeply rooted in love for brother and sister Americans., and pure devotion to duty and responsibility. What would he say?

[@r0ky_M]

LoL who fugg'n cares.

[@mohawkaktownwarrior2540]

This hits the feels for the Iraqis who gave their life fighting against their own radicalized people. Just sad. Thank you to anybody fighting those kind of fights.

[@boltgaming4663]

I never understand Iraq army mentality... USA invade Iraq kill sadam hussain destroy whole Iraq Armed Forces plant ISIS so they keep Iraq weak then USA came back help Iraqi army against these so called radical ppl.... Lol.... Most dumb ppl on earth....

[@gunnareriksson979]

They were fighting an unjust invasion

[@mohawkaktownwarrior2540]

So true. So many manipulators on both sides.

[@melvinmayfield470]

The deployment of the same guys, concurrently/consecutively, without REAL-rest, while the enemy, has MASSES of 'fresh-bodies', is what drives Me crazy, and is WHY, I told My 'Master-Sergent' Brother-in-law, NOT to go back. He did. He never made it back. :( AND, it really, 'burns'-My-A**, how sooo-many of our 'choppers' are driven-down, and especially, with BOTH the Pilots DYING! WTF?! Moghadishu; Iraq; Libya; Too-Many-Times!! There's GOTTA be, a way, to better-design our 'sparrows', so's the enemy's hawks, can't get them so OPEN like they've been doing (Esp., when our guys are SO GOOD!)! Something's really WRONG!! :( Take Care. :)

[@joselplascencia7795]

i wonder if and when we have to do the same against our own radical scum , will our country survive like the first time.

[@brentblevins3393]

As a fellow veteran myself, thank you for everything. You are a true HERO

[@anydaynow01]

Yep during this I was sitting in the belly of a carrier as an engine room operator, it's insane how the different armed forces experience different things. One of the best things the CO would do at the end of the week was the "Half Hour of Power" where they would broadcast all the week's airstrike footage on the ship's TV network for everyone to see, talk about warheads on foreheads!

[@bisinc]

Thanks to all of you for your service, from a disabled Army Veteran myself.

[@fightrrrrr]

And THANK YOU SIR!!!! 🇺🇸

[@sportsmom165]

Thank you for your service!! From the daughter of an Army officer in Vietnam, a MoM of a Marine, who's married to a fish eating ball bouncer. ❤

[@Relaxingmusic-sv8ju]

This man is so good at telling his story. So detailed and in order, left nothing out and didn’t drag anything on. I enjoy these combat stories and listen to them often but this was top notch

[@shahmeerahmed2496]

yeah killing 1 million iraqis over false WPM news. oh an honest mistake

[@thundera9834]

A story like this is something you remember like yesterday

[@Relaxingmusic-sv8ju]

@@thundera9834 I believe it. Never experienced anything like this but I feel like it’d be hard to forget even if you tried.

[@psvnjengi5840]

Americans after 15 years in a country that has faced 2 civil wars and a soviet campaign in the past 2 decades :''''OuR SpeciAl FOrceS SurviVed 18 HoUrs agAinst rPg and AK47 WiElDinG InSuRgeNTS In OUr oWn FoRTiFieD bAsE. We ArE sO baDaSs. And We OnlY HAd MaChiNE gUNs, jAvEliNS, OpReYs , B52 BomBerS, f16S , Mq9 AttACk dRoneS ETc to get BY. So BaDAsS...''''''

[@milwaukeebrewers6337]

I feel the same about your comment.. well said. I'm half way watching and enjoying it.

[@Pterodactyl-kn3ve]

This story was told in a way the common person can understand. Also, excellent editing, lighting and story telling. For those who have been in combat, you get it. Those of us who have not, we can only offer you the deepest thank you for your sacrifice.

[@vortexgaming682]

And the visuals are amazing

[@ricbrow8752]

Clown 🤡 world war monger

[@aidengonzalez7607]

I will be shipping soon, I’m ready fights on!

[@vortexgaming682]

@@aidengonzalez7607 best of luck brother

[@HoodClassic69]

@@aidengonzalez7607 let's fucking go, good job man, best of luck to fucking shit up, but also much more difficult then the average person can do,

[@Anthony-hl7bb]

These men & woman are the true heroes of this country.. couldn’t imagine having to go through that 🇺🇸 thank you for your service 🇺🇸

[@thereindeertherabbitthebat592]

Yes, I can't imagine how difficult it must've been to find all those weapons of mass destruction... 🙄

[@HoodClassic69]

@@thereindeertherabbitthebat592 you mean terrorists? Pretty easy to find the people who strap bombs to children

[@thelion2millionyearsago409]

@@thereindeertherabbitthebat592 what are you tryna say?

[@invictusyt6646]

Invaders not heroes

[@psvnjengi5840]

Yea, like Afghanistan was ever going to invade america

[@corinnem.239]

At 55 I will thank every veteran I come across. I lived through the aftermath of Vietnam and never want to see our Vets go through the devaluation they did then. These are the guys that do the hard work that deserve our utmost respect.

[@ricbrow8752]

Vietnam another war against peasants

[@Truthbomb918]

Hopefully American leaders will learn from history instead of repeating it and losing wars and thousands of troops

[@ricbrow8752]

@@Truthbomb918 America is a big thief

[@Mattman2500]

Seeing these photos and videos makes you remember the little things. Definitely takes me back to 2007 Iraq . Love this series Black Rifle keep them coming.

[@BombproofCraftsman]

07 was a rough year. Can’t believe it’s been 15yrs.

[@FormerVicePresidentDickVeiny]

Where were you in 07? I was in Saqlawiyah, just west of Fallujah

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

Right? I feel that hard, '07 was a wild one.

[@Mattman2500]

@@FormerVicePresidentDickVeiny Working out of Al Asad. Was there from September 06 to April 07.

[@4hyrule247]

@@Mattman2500 al alsad cod 4

[@5thwatchcaptain6]

Sean best team sergeant I ever had. He left out so much of this day because of his humble nature. True American hero

[@MrJob91]

ty for your service

[@feverpurple_3846]

This gives me chills I mean it’s amazing how you guys in the military can handle this THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE🇺🇸❤️

[@josiel152]

Best documentary on a battle in Iraq I've seen. Sean Kirkwood did an excellent presentation of the horrible lengthy battle they were in. the Humvees were really torn up

[@paulclement8564]

You expressed your gratitude and admiration for Iraqi members. That speaks volumes about you. As a former Army and SF member your account is one of the most honest and relatable stories I have heard in awhile. Thank you for your service brother. My children often ask what it is like, I hope they never have to know. God bless and keep you.

[@alearn2714]

Big up

[@aidengonzalez7607]

Anything I should be ready for, I’m shipping soon, to be brutally honest I’ve seen gore, I’ve had moments where I questioned whether what was happening in front of me was real, thank you for your service

[@HoodClassic69]

@@aidengonzalez7607 I've seen gore but not battle, only true violence I've seen is people getting stabbed/shivved. Not heavy rpg fire and shit.

[@papimaximus95]

Outstanding! A Sergeant Major conducted an 18 hour battle with no commander on the ground (17:30). That is what separates the American Military from the rest of the world.

[@richsackett3423]

Our NCO corps rules.

[@PeterNichtlustig0815]

Not really. Most european armys can do the same thing. "Laissez-faire" is nothing special.

[@hardwirecars]

i thought it was the billions we spend I kid i kid.

[@vsupreme9386]

the military moves because of NCO. officers come up with plans. NCO figure out the best ways to execute those plans.

[@papimaximus95]

@@richsackett3423 " Our NCO corps rules. " Yes they do!

[@MT-lp1cp]

This needs to be made into a movie. No words will ever be enough to thank you you for your service.

[@ChuckMorton]

13:54 he paused for the Iraqi who fought and died for his country. The whole story shows exceptional will of all those in the convoy.

[@HoodClassic69]

For real, two different countries, both attacked by the terrorists, both well, hard fighting. Both fighting alongside. Simotaniously different and equal.

[@anydaynow01]

Just goes to show we can't judge folks by initial reactions. There are lots of Iraqis who wanted a free country but couldn't speak out until we brought the thunder!

[@cvgodd1432]

@@anydaynow01 so true and now I just wonder what’s going on in that country now that the Taliban took over again. This whole war just makes 0 sense and just leaving makes it seem even more pointless. We need to put a end to this whole isis thing once and for all. I think every friendly country should send their best and shut down the country. Put all of the Taliban in a hole or put them in prison for life.

[@chrisdemario2636]

When this man talks about training being what is most important I feel that deep down to my core. I remember in predeployment training I approached our 0-3 captain alongside my direct supervisor/team leader for our unit and said "let's do a simulation situation where our top leadership has been taken out or deemed useless." He looked at me with a straight face and said "ok let's do it, you are in command of the next exersize." I told him "no nit me puck someone who you think will take charge." He looked at me dead in the eye and said "You have already shown that you would take over by suggesting that type of scenario." "You must take over and control all of us as if we were your children." When I heard that I was done for. Longer story shorter. I took over and my captain was very impressed. But I do agree that training is what breeds success.

[@afcgeo882]

Good suggestion. Now you know what it’s like to be in command.

[@chrisdemario2636]

@@afcgeo882 oh yeah. It was a trip for sure. Having to tell him and all these others that outranked me by far. But I learned a ton from that situation and have so much more respect for those that are making those decisions

[@daviddallas4607]

A very humbling experience for me as a First Class Perry Officer (E6) deployed for Iraqi Freedom as a Navy Tactical Craft Coxswain with Command and Control and Weapons Release Authority granted by my CO. It made a leader out of me real quick.

[@Gorlami90]

How was bragging camp?

[@KidDynamite6]

@@Gorlami90 he gets a pass for that hte deserves that bragg sesh

[@ethanmeade8508]

Never enlisted but in the fire service we have a saying “you don’t rise to the occasion, you fall to the level of your training.”

[@Dead_Again1313]

A damn good saying. Truth.

[@NinjaofApathy]

I heard that from a former gvmt guy named Brian Alsruhe on KZbin. It's a common saying in those circles. Has stuck with me for these 5+ years since I first heard it.

[@hulk5801]

You lost me at never enlisted

[@DarkShroom]

@@hulk5801 you prob got fired anyway after the war, so nah not everyones gonna piss their life away in the army.... sorry...... if you want to be a security expert or something sure go ahead, if you have maths skills you are best off choosing a different career

[@AbsoluteyAmerican]

@@hulk5801 Bruh. Really. Firefighters deal with extreme dangers as well as soldiers. There are many everyday People who deal with dangerous situations. They may never be under fire or be shot at but they have their own dangers to face and that should be respected.

[@Oldschooldan1]

This was a tough day for my family. My little brother was an Apache Pilot with the 4th of 227th ARB, it was 2 pilots from his unit that were shot down that day. Their names were Cornell Chao and Mark Resh. We got word that day that an Apache from my brother's unit was shot down, but no other details. Needless to say, my sister-in-law was a complete wreck. This was my brothers first deployment and they had 5 young kids. She thought her worst nightmare had come true. When my brother got back state-side he told me about what happened that day. He said, the first bird that flew over the compound held its fire because it had never seen so many enemy forces in one area, he thought they we friendly's. When his wing man (Choa and Resh) followed him in they took an RPG to the cockpit and went down. It took a couple of tense days before we found out my brother was okay, but that moment in time has always stuck with me. It was great to have this put into perspective from the guys on the ground. God bless all you guys.

[@VidarActual]

As a young 24 year old man. Who served in the Army as a Corporal as a 19D and deploy in Korea for exercise training. One thing I realize is when you get a group of men willing to fight. Regardless of training or not. And willing to deal with the adversities that come with training on the ground. They more open to adapt, improvise, and overcome. Even the soldiers that "lack discipline" become well aware and adaptable of the situation. There something about adversity that gets everyone going

[@Ottakazi]

Guys my dad was in 5th group around this time. And I remembered him telling me about an 18 hour long fire fight he was in. I showed this to him and was like "were you here?" And he was like "ya!". He watched this with my mom. I wish I could post pictures in KZbin chat lol

[@Altiveda]

if you upload it let us know

[@juangringo3906]

Stolen Valor! 😤 Jk 😂 HOOFKNRAH!!!

[@psvnjengi5840]

you Dad was a b***ch🤣. Americans after 15 years in a country that has faced 2 civil wars and a soviet campaign in the past 2 decades :''''OuR SpeciAl FOrceS SurviVed 18 HoUrs agAinst rPg and AK47 WiElDinG InSuRgeNTS In OUr oWn FoRTiFieD bAsE. We ArE sO baDaSs. And We OnlY HAd MaChiNE gUNs, jAvEliNS, OpReYs , B52 BomBerS, f16S , Mq9 AttACk dRoneS ETc to get BY. So BaDAsS...''''''

[@fightrrrrr]

Duuuude!!! Get your dad to do a video w you!!!

[@Usalivestreamtv]

You can post photos.. Upload the photos to facebook/insta/website and post http url it will link right to it.

[@ducatirider8775]

I was in the stryker unit that came. 2-3 Inf. I was a young sgt at the time.

[@pinedac2001]

1-14 here. Small world.

[@williamturpin1596]

a good friend of mine was shipped off fresh out of high-school..at the time I heard story was my foreman..his platoon suddenly came under fire while trying to take cover and return fire one of his recruits was hit by AK round to leg my buddy Drew grew giant size balls turned and ran back into fire by rpg grenades AK what ever else the enemy was firing at them picked his brother up turned and ran out of the line of fire..just goes to show you the bond these young heroes of ours have with one another..after hearing this I have never looked at hime the same.i would deff go back to back with him with no ? asked why because I know he is gonna fight and not leave a mf behind..true meaning of bortherhood..

[@amosngigi389]

@@pinedac2001 You invaded their land, they had to defend.

[@pinedac2001]

@@amosngigi389 They tried and failed.

[@amosngigi389]

@@pinedac2001 Why did you invade their land tho bro? Not really cool of y'all..

[@deadeye7608]

Seeing stories like this makes anything bad that I have ever gone through in life seem so small compared to what our service members went through over there. Your all badass's in my book!!!!

[@abumikail4046]

BAdass till they come home and have to deal with the evil they just commited, deal with PTSD, deal with being thrown in the bin from the government who convinced them to go there... SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SAD

[@anthony_sasquatch8056]

God bless guys like this. It’s not easy to relive and tell the experiences so thank you brother!

[@leeburkai9830]

Outstanding!! I and my MACV-SOG recon team, (8 men) Vermont were in an 18 hour running gun battle with the NVA in Northern Laos with approximately two companies . Running and gunning. F 4's, A1E Skyraiders, Panther gun ships, Charlie model gun ships. Lee Burkins, Author of Soldier's Heart: An Inquiry of War.

[@WheelchairOperator]

Thank you for your service and a huge thanks to the men in Spike Team Vermont. I just watched the vimeo video The Warrior Within that you did. Powerful stuff.

[@anydaynow01]

You are the real hero, those A1 pilots were also sporting a set with the altitude they would come in at to support you folks!

[@tomhawkinson2162]

Vietnam just want to be a sovereign state without any having to owe China or the US to get them out. Vietnam didn’t have to bring in the Russians until MacAuther advanced tok far into the Chosin lakes. Destruction and Setewd were certain the us was able to get a lot more material than they had hood for. Grant won the entire war inVigina by never winning a single one. X

[@victoralexanderkangas8756]

This could be made into a great film/movie. Ridley Scott as director working close with the survivors, this hero telling how it went down seems to remember it very well too + there is lots of footage. And thank you for your sacrifice/service, and for sharing this story!

[@halebopp4747]

Most of the footage here isn’t from the actual battle. Hell, half of it isn’t even from Iraq. But sure. We need more Hollywood films to show us how cool it is to murder brown people and why it’s absolutely necessary. Reality is less entertaining and actually puts a negative spin on your beloved soldiers

[@HSSANITO]

I agree and the movie can be called 18 hours or something like that

[@mclovinlife4018]

Let’s make it happen!

[@MasterShakeeee]

Yeah let's make it a movie so more rich assholes can profit off of the sweat and blood of real people. Great idea

[@zachking8533]

I’d go watch it for sure

[@joshhencik1849]

Love BRCC and Fieldcraft! Nice production and thanks for telling these stories! Semper Fi!

[@GTFCEO]

Wow, so greatly done thank you guys and thanks to him and all his soldiers for what they did!

[@vannlo355]

This guy is a beast and an extremely skilled battlefield tactician

[@swamuelthemlgplaya2268]

@@countdamoney8128 Russians can’t even take Finland or Ukraine

[@swamuelthemlgplaya2268]

@@countdamoney8128 they also do mandatory conscription for 1 year, they have outdated equipment, probably worse optics, or just iron sights, they cant naval invade without Finland and Estonia agreeing, Kaliningrad requires Denmark to agree, so they can’t even reach the USA.

[@swamuelthemlgplaya2268]

@@countdamoney8128 they also maybe have worse training, russias navy doesnt compare to the USA at all, same with airforce, so us has naval and air superiority, they also have NATO support

[@swamuelthemlgplaya2268]

@@countdamoney8128 they are definitely not winning

[@EmillioMelendez]

@@swamuelthemlgplaya2268 Russia can’t even invade a smaller neighboring country right at its border at that.

[@rustygardhouse7895]

Thank you for this series. My grandfathers & their brothers served in WWI & II. Because men like this run towards the sound of gunfire & hold the line, I enjoy the life I lead

[@MichaelStef77]

Well said.

[@trapjudas1631]

That story about the machine gunner taking out the guy with a pistol is one of the wildest stories I’ve ever heard. Thank you all for your service, bravery, sacrifice 🙏💪

[@alienxna6511]

Amazing story, proving the old adage, 'train hard, fight easy'. Sean is a true warrior - ferocious in battle, magnanimous in victory. Utter respect for him and his troops.

[@themachine3490]

Love hearing these stories. Makes me appreciate the country I love that much more and appreciate my fellow Americans, especially the Veterans that have served and that are currently serving.

[@g00gleisgayerthanaids56]

The feds just leaked a document basically putting every veteran on a domestic terror watch list. Fieldcraft survival is listed as a domestic terror organization... this country is fucked when the government is telling you the war heroes of yesterday are domestic terrorists today.

[@MichaelStef77]

I agree. Thank you to everyone who has served and is currently serving. You make this country what it is. God bless you all.

[@psvnjengi5840]

With these comments youd think the guys fought against the Nazis. But no just third world insurgents with slippers and homemade equipment. Americans!🤣

[@g00gleisgayerthanaids56]

@@psvnjengi5840 the iraqi military was the 4th most powerful in the world prior to the gulf war, fielding a million troops... they were down 40% when we invaded again in 03, thats still a force of 600,000 troops, which outnumbered all 5 branches of the us military combined. These guys werent fighting the typical man dress insurgent forces like you saw later on in the gwot.

[@hulk5801]

2 million. That's how many innocent people your country killed in this war. How you can stand proud on that I won't understand.

[@egseven]

Respect to all lives lost for the sad war . God bless their souls

[@mclovinlife4018]

I’ll still never understand what it takes to be one of the men and women that put themselves in those situations for their country. So much respect for something i couldn’t have ever done 🙌🏼

[@moahammad1mohammad]

professionally trained killers

[@randysenana7027]

It's crazy how these warriors lived what we play in video games. Thank you for your service.

[@Swordofmichael333]

The video games are to prepare you for real war

[@MarcusWeiser]

I really appreciate these series of videos gentlemen. As a vet myself I was moved deeply with this video. Thank you very much. Semper FI gentlemen.

[@wisdomseeker6804]

Send him to Ukraine....

[@blutakk_4831]

My whole life respect goes toward them.

[@ralphcotter7175]

This brought so much pride to me and my heart. I sincerely love you guys with all my heart 💜. True super heroes. Thank you for your service and sacrifices. This short film literally brought a tear to my eye. Especially when you said the Apache pilots where gone. I hope they didn’t suffer. And to that Iraqi Gunner that gave his life,he belongs with the most cherished and I hope he is at peace wherever his soul ended up. And to the the guy on the twins,he is a special hero to have abandoned his primary and used his side arm at that range. That guy is an example of what valor is. Rolling CQB. Impressive. And to you sir,I’m glad you made it home to tell this story so that others may know how much we did sacrifice over there. Thank you and may god bless you and your family,brothers,and friends. Thank you sir for everything that you’ve done.

[@josecolon8143]

I love you big brother! Thank you for the times you shout my ass up as a young 19D. I’m, certainly, here today because of it! God bless you and your loved ones not only today but always.I couldn’t finish the video I passed it along but thank you for everything! 🙏

[@yankbat8481]

I was there at that time with 5th. I remember seeing the SEALS night after night stay in the palace. The GREEN BERETS went out every night. I went from Jordan to Baghdad with them. Green Berets are just so damn good.

[@joebone3151]

American soldiers in general are worth 100 of the next best country. Maybe because we don't take our peoples weaponry.

[@SnapCracklePapa]

I went to the Q-Course but never saw action. This guy reminds me of that matter of fact "lets do this" attitude that makes me miss the SF and wish I was there to help. Well done, soldier. I hope this experience brought you some good things in exchange for all that bad.

[@JimsCorner]

I really like these short, condensed videos. Straight to the point.

[@PrinceAlhorian]

My father told me stories of his engagements in Angola (South African Border War 26 August 1966 - 15 January 1990), he survived an anti tank mine (blew the front axle off his APC and broke all the connective tissue between his ribs and sternum) and an ambush. This video put those stories into perspective, the reality of conflict, the blessing I have for still having a dad. Thank you for your service sir, and the illumination on the reality of the battlefield.

[@iidentifyaskingoftheuniver1928]

I’m 25 and my generation is failing these brave men’s sacrifices I’m so sorry and will forever fight and appreciate my freedom I did not earn but was born into by the blood, sweat, and tears of these men and men before them

[@arzra7224]

bro chill im from iraq nobody here wants to steal your "freedom" you invaded us on the basis of wmds which turned out to be not true but who cares about the truth right..

[@joinjen3854]

Wise comment.

[@shahmeerahmed2496]

brave men sacrifices? cant wait for you all to kick the bucket . efing clowns

[@gshock3092]

amen

[@DespaceMan]

This current young gen is a sad state of affair, the woke, alphabet people the non binary or trans will they step up to the plate? Men or man there are still some mostly in the outer country towns but that soon will be eroded away, they trying to remove masculinity so the new gen of sensitive men can take it's place?

[@ai-baking-f1]

What a helluva battle - respect to you all

[@freeman-1776]

Nothing but respect for you. Thank God you made it home alive.

[@chandrawalker9220]

Thank you SO much for doing this! Our Veterans have been through some crazy stuff. I'm grateful people are willing to share their stories. These stories help me to appreciate, understand, and be more patient and loving with my Veteran.

[@brycegrounds476]

I love how straight to the point this video was

[@rusty-gaming1988]

I was the team translator at that time I still remember this fight like it was yesterday . It was good serving with you guys .

[@fowlkeskm]

I was with 2/58th from 2003-2004. Jumped from Kuwait to Al Najaf, to Escondaria, to Tikrit, and finally to Mosul. God bless you brother. God rest the souls of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

[@stephrc6647]

Honestly total respect to all our armed forces. But it just shows you what the boys went through in WW1 and WW2. The bravery that these kids had in WW1 and 2 is unreal.

[@ricbrow8752]

Yeah you are correct but russia did most of the fighting to rid our selfs of the nazi's.. or so we thought ukraine begs the question 🤔

[@JS_360NC]

@@ricbrow8752 Russia was a help. They forced the Germans to fight on another front, but also suffered the most of any country in WWII. There were a lot more fronts than just Russia and Germany.

[@ricbrow8752]

@@JS_360NC yeah but none fought as fanatically as the nazi and Russians . Maybe the Japanese .but the nuke made them surrender. But still after the Japanese started the surrender process.. the evil usa let the second nuke drop anyway.. and they haven't stopped killing and mutilating civilians since that day

[@MMA-Mishap]

Vietnam was worse

[@tomriley5790]

@@ricbrow8752 Russia originally coluded with Nazi Germany and supplied them with oil.

[@WES-JGC-2013]

Awesome story! Can't imagine what goes through your mind after being through something like that! You are a true hero, and no words can express the appreciation and gratitude you deserve!

[@ahmadiabdulhameed979]

I worked with these heroes for almost 12 years! May God's blessing always be upon them!

[@kaladization]

الله يحشرك معاهم

[@insultingmyintelligence6862]

You traitor .

[@phillipgoodwin7776]

Wow what a battle story most people would crumble in that situation hat’s off to good training and bravery just to survive. Goes to show how team work and a cool head under fire got these boys through

[@wyattoneable]

You guys are great at putting together these short documentaries. Just awesome work all around.

[@chadillaq]

Insane respect for everyone and everything about this video. Thank you!

[@coryackley944]

Well done Sean, hope all is well with you and the family!

[@ky1ebetts]

I had a blast doing the “firing from concealment” class. A well trained Marine fire team is about as lethal as it gets.

[@bobhaehn5470]

God bless all those who put themselves in harm's way for the rest of us. Thank you for shouldering the responsibility and the risk

[@RayPendergast]

Literally tripped across this vid this morning & looked interesting. Wow. It was just an incredible story! Hats off for the people who put this together. And Mr. Kirkwood? So glad you did you what you did and do what you do and came back strong. Thank you.

[@anyoneme8110]

@Morgan Hill yes even though they donated to bidens camp. The soldiers that are out there at the camp could always use donations. It isn’t biden out there at the camps. So why would it matter if they donated to one of the camps?

[@Tikimohn]

You're 100% right training is everything. You want to get to a point where there's no thought, just actions and reactions. Requires muscle memory which requires hours upon hours of training.

[@A-DUBCLUB]

i love hearing these stories. stories of the elite in action and how they formulated there plan and there strategy on the field. man i got goose bumps listening to seans words

[@blaketomlinson6553]

I just want to say… I truly hope and pray that this man and every other man of arm’s sacrifice has been worth the grind. We greatly salute and love all of you brothers, and I want to give my sincerest thanks to all of our soldiers serving right now

[@Slywulf86]

You and the people you served with are truly some badass heroes, Sir! Thank y'all for everything! Hope y'all get to live long, peaceful and healthy lives. Y'all more than earned it! For all those we lost in the madness. We owe y'all everything! None of witch we can ever repay, So we remember you and thank you for your courage and sacrifices! RIP.

[@carlosmesa5077]

Thank you for the service 🙏🏻

[@glennharless1399]

Thank You ! Sean...We sure need more like you . Thank you for your service to our country !! Enjoyed this video

[@4212daniel]

this man is the real deal . Glad he still with us

[@thejurydoctor6097]

I’d love to hear the full story of then Cpl. Clifford wooldridge’s valor story. And myself being in just a 2 hour firefight couldn’t imagine this battle!

[@gladlawson61]

incredible story. happy you made it and feeling love for the the people who didnt make it. :(

[@skylineranches]

Bless you and your men. Thank you for your bravery, your dedication, your service.

[@montanatony5838]

Thank you for the stories! I didn't serve but had a younger cousin that served 3 tours (I believe) in the army in Fallujah his 1st tour. He came back home and wasn't the same, we lost him and his brother on Thanksgiving morning In a drunk driving crash, the two other guys In the car walked away. I believe God took them because Duane was so broken inside from the war. Thank you for all our boys have endured, my heart and prayers are with you.

[@jjdbzfan18]

This is amazing. I truly wish our country would do more to support our troops. They shouldn’t be burdened with financial or political strains if they are fighting for their country. Dear lord please protect those who serve.

[@jibjones1233]

Then vote Democrat the only people trying to get vets their rights

[@yoboiwhitemancheddaman391]

My grandfather is in the US infantry hall of Fame in Georgia. I was there at the ceremony and it was me my dad chose to take there. It was there I realized that my dad was well respected but it was also there that I realized that life is fragile because I found out on my way back to my home state at the moment my grandfather on my mom's side(technically not her dad) died to stage four kidney cancer. It didn't hit me but I soon did realize that this happens to people all the time because of these situations. Being at the ceremony, not everyone receiving an award we're alive. So I'm waiting for my time. Your coffee by the way is amazing Edit: waiting for my time to join

[@maemae9534]

Thank you so much for keeping us safe. I’m so proud of you alll. WOW POWERFUL HEROES!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dgax65]

Thank you for telling these stories. Americans need to know about the professionalism and valor of our military.

[@havoc1zero]

Another memorable 18 hour firefight was on March 2, 2002, first day of Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan. Worst and best day of my life. OEF1, 10th Mtn Div, 1/87 IN

[@thepatriotsrage661]

WOW. Oh WOW. Massive respect. I remember the time period well, I was in 3rd year varsity at the time. Old enough to have been there fighting, but born in the wrong country. You guys are phenomenal!

[@havoc1zero]

@@thepatriotsrage661 thanks

[@Nikkiwho791]

I was a flight medic 09-2010 watching videos like this brings up so many ghosts,I hope we never see war again,So many young lives taken and ruined,

[@careymeade764]

Thanks for your service ❤

[@medln5357]

I wonder how fast/long those 18 hours must've flown by for those guys

[@colette2552]

Sir, THANK YOU FOR TELLING YOUR STORY!!! I'm amazed at the abilities of each and every soldier who fought along beside you!!! I'm thankful that there is video of what all of you went through, so we know what it REALLY takes to defend our country!!! As civilians, we REALLY Kdon't know what it takes, or what you go through to fight the enemy!!! 😐 After seeing this video, it left me with a NEW RESPECT FOR ALL WHO SERVE TO PROTECT AMERICA 🇺🇸 🙏🏻 I pray that this, and all of your videos reach our YOUNGER GENERATION and has an impact on them that will CHANGE their lives FOREVER!!! I hope they realize that they can have a life more purposeful than doing drugs, becoming a thief, a criminal, a GANG MEMBER or any other bad path they think is so COOL!!! That's NOT A FAMILY. The people you train with day in and day out, and live with WILL ALWAYS PROTECT YOU AND HAVE YOUR BACK!!! Turning these videos into a training that they could learn from, should be SEEN IN HIGH SCHOOLS AROUND THE COUNTRY!!!! OUR young people of 2022 and beyond have NO IDEA WHAT IT REALLY TAKES TO SURVIVE in today's society!!! They just really don't know because NO ONE IS TEACHING THEM what dangers are really out there!!! How each girl and boy could really make a difference instead of turning to a life of drugs and crime!!! Again, THANK YOU FOR PUTTING YOUR LIFE BEFORE MINE SO I CAN LIVE MY LIFE 🤗👍❤🥰😉😃

[@ismaelcastillo43]

This should be taught in school ! And you are correct in all you said but today’s society just wants thrills as is evident by the likes your comment received I agree with you !

[@oldtop4682]

Great job CSM, and thanks for being so open and honest. That was a shit day, but turned out well for you and your team. The pucker factor alone.....lol. Props to the Combat Camera person too.

[@seangleason260]

You guys make excellent documentaries, probably the hoghest quality of your genre for sure, thanks for your service fellas

[@markdavis9829]

Awesome video, and love the take-aways lessons about leadership and decision making! God bless

[@philipmccumbee3624]

Thank you for your service. My son was 3rd group and spent his time in Afghanistan.

[@richardmoloney689]

Looking back, bearing in mind some of the same idiots got back into power there, was it worth it? It's not a judgement of your sons or his fellow warriors, I'm just curious. What was achieved if things are now as they were ? To have survived there at all was a tribute to your son's professionalism.

[@earljohnson2676]

Love these mini docs thanks guys n keep up the good work . For me being conventional it’s cool for us to watch how you guys do your thing you learn

[@Softail77us]

Thank you guys for serving and for the video! You're what makes America great.

[@Striker9]

I can only imagine how much adrenaline a body can go through for 18 hours. It's amazing 👏 much respect

[@aaron6178]

Thanks for sharing your story brother. You definitely earned your peace.

[@frankhigareda834]

I would love to meet you one day and give you the biggest hug ever! Sir, you are the real definition of a hero and can't find the right words to say how much I thank you and your men that were out in the battle field. God bless you!

[@robbiemurda2213]

"Lack of communication always breeds chaos" truer words have never been spoken 💯