Nathaniel Fick Interview on MarineOfficer.com

The Marine Corps, in my opinion, is the finest institution in American life. It has an ethos that is unbeatable
-Nathaniel Fick

[@yeahbee8237]

damn the actor who played him in GK has got him down!

[@GalacticEmperorBatman]

Yeah. Stark Sands was awesome as Nathaniel Fick!

[@jayvoorhees4495]

Batman Plays -Well he is a Stark as in Ned Stark ⚔😆

[@patmaloney5735]

GK had some great actors

[@Padre5623]

He nailed it. Unreal.

[@AhHereWeGo]

The resemblance is uncanny.

[@the1thelast]

2 dislikes... ensino man and cpt America.

[@larrygoerke9081]

15 now! Guess these haters generally comprise ragtag NON-HACKERS who either FAILED at MCRD or PLC or who were so unsat they separated OTH. Outstanding presentation for squared away high school & college guys who want to DO something significant. Navy Nuke Power Vet here but I get it & my maturing Grandsons will hear this Word; they're on deck soon. CHEERS

[@12234d]

cpt america didn't dislike Fink tho. I think you mean Casey Casem

[@DukeCannon]

Bahahahahaaa

[@331SVTCobra]

All the dislikes are from the hajis that survived the ambush. ... and Casey Casem.

[@noBearAdventures]

Or guys in black pajamas

[@DomesticTerrorism]

"Sir Your leadership is the only thing I have absolute confidence in"

[@deanlin9105]

DomesticTerrorism was evilness

[@ifirebolti2789]

“I’m assured of this”

[@-Homelander.]

Only a sith deals in absolutes

[@teufeldritch]

@@-Homelander. That saying is itself an absolutism.

[@omarbradley1272]

He never sad that he isn't a sith. May the dark side be with you.

[@bensdadfrank]

When the iceman says, the only thing I have confidence in, is your leadership sir. That’s high praise.

[@omgitsjakelang]

I wrote him a letter after I read his book and mailed it to his company, CNAS. Less than a week later I got a thank you note written by him on his company's stationary and one of his business cards. What a guy. I leave for OCS juniors May 27th!

[@donuts6847]

How are you doing now?

[@hardboiled5577]

So how'd it go, Sir?

[@samjones6046]

Yeah , how are you doing now?

[@Saicharan-hk9id]

You still serving?

[@killerzone107]

Damn.. I think he died

[@tomogburn2462]

I liked the 'post mortem' chapter that the Rolling Stone reporter who went with them wrote. He showed up to Fick's house, who was always a very "by the numbers, patriotic guy", and Fick is getting ready to go protest George Bush over the lack of armor in Humvees. What a dynamic guy. Glad he's on our side.

[@oopsiepoopsie2898]

A real mother fuckin patriot. A patriot criticizes their country for its improvement. We have a huge nationalism problem.

[@phillipp5538]

@@oopsiepoopsie2898 Crazy to see that written to any degree.

[@CrispyGFX]

@@phillipp5538 Keep that head stuck in the sand, papi. Don't question anything.

[@theta426]

@@phillipp5538 boo hoo

[@callusklaus2413]

​@@phillipp5538 Loving something is about being open to it improving and changing.

[@ductuslupus87]

I've just watched the first three episodes of Generation Kill. If what they depict is true to the real life situation, then Mr Fick was a very competent officer.

[@steinhoffski]

Read his book 'One Bullet Away' it's great!

[@22Angst]

I hope you finished the series. The book for Generation Kill is really good and has a few more details than the show. And Nate's book "One Bullet Away" deals with his schooling, Afghanistan and a few Gen Kill era things that are not in the show or other book.

[@tbost11]

It's true I was a scout with lar right with these guys crossing border in 03 like a bunch of junkyard dogs let out the fence my God the feeling of battle

[@DonVito591]

Fick was a great officer, but don't forget Staff NCOs like SSgt Marine, his first Platoon Sergeant, who molded him as a young Lieutenant.

[@Raen168]

And don't forget Mike Wynn as well.

[@franciscoGomez-nu9qk]

I think this same Ssgt Marine became my company Gunner when I was in the marine Corps from 09-13

[@aldonunez5082]

Don’t forget about the enlisted grunts

[@DonVito591]

@@aldonunez5082 very true. My Marines had just as much impact as my SNCO did. Semper Fidelis

[@richardf.8412]

In his book “One Bullet Away”, Mr. Fick gives a lot of credit to the NCOs who helped him.

[@srwarrior134]

"Indecision is a decision" Something young people gotta etch in our heads

[@SkullKing11841]

His book One Bullet Away is an awesome read. Its no bullshit and well written.

[@leddielive]

Fantastic and no truer quote from a father ~ "The Marines will teach you everything I love you too much to teach you ." ~ Nathaniel Fick

[@bulaluigi]

4:02 Iceman alert!

[@assasinofeire4776]

The battalion commander offerred no sitrep as to Jlo's status.

[@CJ-ow7sr]

Underrated comment

[@romanomm77]

Mariners lost a great officer. Lieutenant Fick would be a great General

[@Jurassic0Al]

+Vercingetorix Gaul Captain, actually. He got out of the Corps as an O-3. But I agree that the Corps lost a great officer when he was discharged, and that he would've made a great general if he'd stayed. Fick is the kind of officer that you picture as being the ideal choice for a general, but just like Richard Winters, he was a reluctant warrior and ultimately didn't stay in. Both men would have made fine generals, but didn't want it. And by the way, as a CEO Fick sort if is equivalent to a colonel or general today. He's leading at the top, leading a whole corporation. I'd love to work under Captain Fick.

[@jonathanbaird8109]

He said he *would* be a great general.

[@epmek96]

Its interesting how good officers don't stay, but psycho officers are pursuing the general rank.

[@Chrisiamtheluciddream]

@@epmek96 Depends who the POTUS is at the time. When I served we all disliked Clinton so many left. It always depends on who is calling the shots as the good officers know when something shitty is about to occur due to a bullshit POTUS or political move.

[@noco7243]

@@Chrisiamtheluciddream People left over some petty shit like who the POTUS was? That's kinda sad.

[@SteezySteez2011]

What an inspirational Marine. If only my supervisors at work had half the leadership and heart he has.

[@Proteus6684]

If only all our workplace leaders had 1% of him we would be in a far better place my friend

[@bulaluigi]

this is my first time seeing the real Nate Fick, major props to Stark Sands for his spot-on portrayal

[@SirReal1958]

I served 4 years in the US Navy and over 35 years in civilian corporate employment. Nathan Fick = Leadership by Example. I can't begin to describe how my blood boils when I have to work for a supervisor with a "Do As I Say, Not As I Do" style of management.

[@noBearAdventures]

I am assured that we will be heading into that city before Dawn. I’m assured of this

[@mdsjr759]

Man the actor they casted nailed this guy!!! What a great person to look up to.

[@Jack-oz4bf]

Its a shame hes not a marine anymore hes a very very rare competent officer that you do not find at all in the military.

[@ObamaFromKenya]

Jack most officers never advance beyond O-3

[@dirtydave2577]

He might not serve anymore, but once a Marine, always a Marine.

[@johnasche3064]

My Squadron CC, now Lt Col (ret). He was (unknown to the unit until after he retired) going through cancer treatment. He was on meds that would have rendered most men bedridden. So much energy and passion. My wife and I had our second son, and he and his wife stopped by our house to visit. Very humbling to know that my family had my CC's full attention and focus for those few minutes. Another of my great CC's hand picked me to be a Family Assistance Rep for a fallen Airman within our unit. He completely trusted me with the most difficult and terrible and incredible mission I will ever experience. Good man. Great leader. A young Lt in my unit PCS'd, and told me he'd be fortunate to work for me again. Even though I worked for him, he understood that the NCO corps were the ones to realize his leadership vision and implement his orders. He was one of the most genuine men I'd ever known. There are good officers. There are truly great officers.

[@alankeyz1]

My favorite character in Generation Kill, and his book was incredible.

[@mattkaija9138]

A humble man . Thank you for your service 🇺🇸

[@jamesgerrard703]

This dude is such an inspiration to me. He's passionate about his men and he protected and led them. And he didn't put up with the bullshit along the way.

[@justinwalshe]

Indecision is a decision. Jesus Christ that’s a great statement.

[@TaKevinT]

Geez, Stark Sands acting and likeliness is uncanny to the actual Capt. Nathaniel Fick.

[@tinazhao2629]

well I dont think so .

[@Tinyoneo]

im almost done with his book and i have to say, it is quite amazing to actually hear and see him after reading ALL the things he wrote and went through. its just amazing. read the book if you havent!!

[@kaylajardine]

Such an inspirational person! Why does this not have more hits?

[@tanveerhasan2382]

Why indeed

[@jas0ndowhateveriwantgam1n94]

Better than captain america and enchinoman

[@mattyk7033]

Jason Games I’m pretty sure those two are the same people with different nicknames lol

[@Dantinus]

"Enchino Man" is Captain Craig Schwetje and "Captain America" is Captain Dave McGraw

[@Marksman5147]

@@mattyk7033 2 diff people

[@dmacarthur5356]

"I've been assured of this" is still a favorite slogan at my job.

[@angsta22]

Why isn't this guy our President.... I would LOVE to see him run in 2020.

[@harrisonboyt7060]

Only people that served should be in politics!? I get where you're coming from but that is a very ignorant idea.

[@dfwai7589]

@黑狮子 government service, if it was military we wouldn't have FDR

[@Leo-vr3bg]

Joel Atwater good

[@babiesmakinbabies]

We only elect draft dodgers these days.

[@failtolawl]

@Iraq Lobsta!! 45 yep, just bill clinton

[@MondoBeno]

I loved his book. The funny thing is, he looks like something out of the 1960's.

[@xtallyx1]

Here because of Generation Kill HBO mini series.. start your likes now...

[@pixelgamer2579]

xtallyx1 3 likes 4 years later😂

[@captainbadd]

Very smart guy, and very quotable. I recommend "One Bullet Away" to anyone that hasn't read it already.

[@dylankornberg4892]

Nathaniel Fick is one of the best modern examplars of a line written by the Ancient Greek historian/general Thucydides: “The nation that will insist upon drawing a broad line of demarcation between the fighting man and the thinking man is liable to find its fighting done by fools and its thinking by cowards."

[@AitoNitram]

The actor really got the real Nate in to the movie.. Well done! And lot's of respect to Nate here, smart guy you would want to be like or at least follow in to combat!

[@madmoovz]

Actor that portrays him looks like his younger brother. Wow. And he got his mannerisms very well

[@matthiascheah3519]

Maj. Winters of his time

[@kraaidievoel]

As a South African I would say the USMCis the best in the world...

[@Vroktar2009]

This is the perfect example of an Officer.

[@gooner72]

He's a great soldier and an even better writer... in my opinion. 🇬🇧🇺🇸✌✌

[@steagle33]

I'm proud to be a fellow Marine to this man. Enlisted to Officer.

[@tinazhao2629]

excellent interviews and much more better answers from such a smart and determined man . I really like the real Fick LT

[@thefallofoscar]

If only their more Marines like him, but then again he's one of a kind

[@Ser_Arthur_Dayne]

"Brad, I'm not going to let you blow yourself up trying to preserve the price of Real Estate in Greater Baghdad!" "That's right, Up & Out, Sergeant..."

[@Cozza84]

If this guy is elected President someday i'm moving to the US. Top man in every sense of the word

[@Luke2108]

Great man. If you're even thinking about going to OCS, read "One Bullet Away". Not only for the fact that it's a great story, but all of Mr. Fick's insights are right there for you to reference back to whether you choose the path of a Marine or whatever you choose to do. Every candidate at my OSO (60+) has read this book AT LEAST once.

[@ray.shoesmith]

Y'all startin' to look like Elvis's!

[@trooperodst6880]

Pooooolice that stache' :))

[@patrioticcat5768]

M O O S T A C H E

[@dsl32]

I read Nate Fick’s book and I really enjoyed it

[@cubefarmerhkc9105]

This guy’s book was so great.

[@urivinals8632]

"Marines will teach everything I love you too much to teach you".

[@rubyc7771]

2:44 that Ray & Brad on his right? Looks exactly like the actors who played them

[@eliwatson7936]

Ray looks nothing like his actor

[@richardf.8412]

The real Ray complained they cast an actor who weighs 120 pounds soaking wet. But he did say he captured his mannerisms.

[@40walnutstudios]

Great perspective for me. I'm considering entering the corps after my spring semester ends at university of Vermont.

[@blue4629]

Did you?

[@BobSmith-dk8nw]

If you look at what he said about his Platoon Sargent - that also went for the Company First Sargent - who was supposed to be taking care of the Captain. He wasn't. That First Sargent may have ruined a Captain who could have turned out to be a better officer - but at the time was incompetent - because his First Sargent - let him be. The Real Problem with that Captain - was the First Sargent. .

[@Peoples_Republic_of_Devonshire]

The key to a successful subaltern is a good senior NCO

[@tbost11]

The guy they got to play him in generation kill kinda looks like him

[@riptaway]

His first platoon sergeant was named Keith *Marine*?? Lol, amazing

[@maxpain1947]

Well said sir... Semper Fi

[@jgarss]

@halflifeproductionz he i believe is when he retired i have his book its one of the better books ive read

[@331SVTCobra]

I'm going to write this gentleman's name in on every presidential ballot for the rest of my life.

[@Klimessss]

You're right, the Oval Office hasn't had a military dude in a while

[@darbyheavey406]

Bush’41? Bush’43?. Most Americans don’t seem to agree; McCain was defeated. Dole was defeated.

[@richardf.8412]

Kerry was also defeated.

[@classact9557]

“Personal feelings, sir.”

[@thechrisandphaedrusshow]

Ssg Marine.... In the Marines....

[@jeffrose5622]

The really scary part about Generation Kill (which is a great series) is that about half the marine officers are portrayed as complete morons who shouldn't be leading a girl scout troop.

[@nicksf1]

@GhostLate did vote for him if he ran we need a president like him

[@plasterdbastard]

I'd follow him into any fight.

[@halflifeproductionz]

this guy is amazing. i don't understand why he wasn't captain.

[@ManWithAPlan747]

He was a Captain. He got promoted shortly after he returned from Iraq, but he left the Corps about a year afterwards

[@mooppymcd]

"I knew I can read a map" You aint tricking us sir. Dont worry thats what you got NCOs for.

[@L8Pilot]

Semper fiedelis, younger brother! You understand!

[@emceehamma3693]

very intelligent guy

[@mikepaz4870]

Re-reading “One Bullet Away “. HM 2 ( SW ) ( FMF ) with a CAR , earned in Gulf War

[@MasonCaster]

He was Lt from Generation Kill.

[@mattl9303]

Bad Ass!!!

[@stephenstarmang8315]

I was to busy looking for AL Quada in Florida and that got me in cross hairs of military industrial complex .

[@Adam-bq2vw]

Won’t stay home when his people work weekends? Wow.

[@MrBadAuk]

0 dislikes, the way it should be

[@mikeyman6]

im glad the shit didnt come down on him and he even got promoted

[@jdsmith542]

Captain is pretty much time in service. He got out rather than continue knowing he was marked.

[@camerontillery3331]

Anyone know who that man on the far left is?

[@mrdeathclaw66]

haha it's 3 dislikes now, looks like Casey Kasem joined them.

[@1987jimmyjames]

2 people dislike this post. prob went to ocs/served w/ this marine. haters gonna hate!

[@FINALLYOUTAFTER7]

“ it’s a binary issue, either you did it or you didn’t” From Nate Fick himself.

[@JayPee570]

3:35 - 3:42 Such a novel thought.

[@AzzHunterbunny]

@jgrubb426 You base that statment on info you gained from ''Generation Kill''?

[@tinazhao2629]

After reading Even‘s and Fick's books, I felt more and more that the portrayal of Lieutenant Fick in the show was a little too gentle and a little off. The real Lieutenant Fick was actually more capable, more competitive, more determined and more manly. In fact, the difference between the real Lieutenant Fick in the TV series is a bit obvious.

[@Klimessss]

I don't get it.. D:

[@thehantavirus]

the public wouldnt, it would make the office seem like a military dictatorship

[@angsta22]

Why is he not our President.....

[@GhostofRhurValley]

Did he end up getting court martialed ?

[@angsta22]

The higher ups that were wrong didn't want dragged into that court martial, the matter just got disappeared.

[@angsta22]

Thought he was being all tactical and shit...

[@jdsmith542]

@taltos73 Resigned. He didn't have enough time to retire.

[@gustavofigueroa3873]

If true to to events then he tried to unfuck Encino man.....yes the coordinates for arty were fucked and wouldn't have been used....he still tried to unfuck the situation. I'm sure there where other officers who were trying but we got a small view into this platoon and the major events. I'm sure if we got the day today we would hear alot more. For my veterans who were deployed during that time....the stories you guys earned....giants among men you are.

[@Dylan-le9zi]

This is the kind of guy that gets to know about aliens are real or not.

[@thehantavirus]

I think it wouldve eventually come down on him, he left before that could happen

[@jdsmith542]

Zero defect military. One questionable incident and you're through, right or wrong.

[@Brokkolesz]

5:40 Generation Kill. The reporter is on the bottom.

[@dacosta0656]

Marines come from Parris Island, not Quantico

[@ObamaFromKenya]

dacosta0656 Officers come from OCS.And ROTC. And Annapolis.

[@danroffee4904]

Mattis is a Marine

[@iplayfoofee3547]

Enlisted Marines comes from Parris Island and San Diego. Commissioned Officers comes from Quantico. OCS is officers boot camp. Very simple stuff you can google and find out.

[@danroffee4904]

@@iplayfoofee3547 OCS is more of a Job interview than boot camp. There's not as much yelling and external motivation from the sergeant instructors at OCS. The OCS candidate is undergoing a lot of leadership potential and action evaluation plus...integrity checking. The common question and emphasis to candidates is why should we let you lead Marines. Other than the guys who could not hack the practical leadership tests, 2 candidates were dropped in my class for integrity... 1 glancing at another candidate's test and another for not doing all of the sit-ups he claim to do. both of them when caught were immediately walked out the door pack their bags went home.

[@alansohn855]

The next Major Winters? Oooo

[@bw_l560]

Alan Sohn He didn’t get to the rank of Major or hold any big positions in the Marine Corp for he got out to pursue a career in cyber security and counter terrorism. Winters was a Battalion Commander, Fick was a platoon commander.

[@alansohn855]

@@bw_l560 I was referring to his traits, not the positions he held.

[@sabercruiser.7053]

👍👍🦅🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸

[@SuperHusky83]

STUD

[@user-fh5dl2tp6p]

😊👍

[@olivedinuss8564]

3:56 For a better one 😉

[@rmitch7r]

Did you think Rudy was hot too?

[@dwringer]

uh huh, compared to what credentials, exactly, held by some OTHER candidates who may remain nameless? give me a fucking break.

[@snafubar447]

Muscles Are Required. Intelligence Not Essential.