The Army Ranger Wing

[@willcarpenter8181]

You need not fear of making us bored - I said it last time and I'll say it again, I could listen to your stories for 24 hours straight. Appreciate it very much, looking forward to more episodes.

[@veronicadredd22]

Kevin mentioned his experience in Lebanon tragically An Irish soldier working in the UN peacekeeping force there was killed today, he was on his way home for Christmas leave he was from the same local Barricks where Kevin trained in Dundalk.

[@DavidKenny-nm1qy]

Who did he die ?

[@sledgehammer177]

Loved this video. So true. I served in the 1st Bn Royal Irish Rangers in the Brits from I was 17 to 21 from 1978-1982 Joined the Irish Army 5th Bn, Dublin when I was just turning 30 in 1990, then later joined the Royal Irish when I was 37 so I have been about a bit, experienced and seen a lot of crap and learnt a lot of lessons from the different rolls in the different Armies I served in. When I was in the Irish army, I served in the 72 and 76 Irish Battalions in Lebanon and could tell you some stories. I was trained by a few Rangers in recruit training in the Irish Army and became friends with one of them, who we called Crazy Horse (not his real name lol). One of our guys from my recruit Platoon actually went on to be a Ranger in the Wing (you would probably know them). When I was serving in the Leb, I was with the defence Platoon HQ Coy, Camp Shamrock and I found it completely different from the Brits.. Maybe because I was in HQ COY but at that time, we only had an Officers mess (silver spoon service pricks) and an all ranks Mess where we all drank together. I found this to be far better. Less of "them and us" and more of, "we are all in it together lads". We were able to talk to each other in the Mess and relax together as human beings, all experiencing the same hardships together, still maintaining respect for our superiors. I was a private then and made some good friends who were senior NCOs and still keep in touch with some of them all these years later. I love your honesty and you made me smile a few times with some of the things you said that only soldiers who have served overseas in conflict zones would understand . As soldiers of any Army we are controlled by pricks and go through the same shit lol.. I made a video of an attack on us one time where we were supposed to be taking cover in our bunkers, but instead we were so fed up and so used to coming under fire, we were all just sunbathed while all this shit was going on around us being pummelled by tank rounds and 50 cal machine guns.. It was Surreal. Like something out of a Hollywood movie " I love the small of napalm in the morning"lol. Its crazy what you can get used to. Later I was called to see the intelligence officer (contradiction in terms) because I filmed the insurgents who put in the initial attack on the IDF post and their response, which included them firing on ours and other Irish positions. I wouldn't give him the tape and made the excuse that I recorded over it because some of the very experienced senior NCOs who I filmed during the attack, which included our "sunbathing under fire" episode when we were supposed to be taking cover, were very angry, saying things like "this is bollocks, why cant we respond, we are fucking soldiers, not targets for target practice for these pricks" etc.(sorry about the language but the Army is the Army and can be very expressive with colourful language lol).Anyway, I ended up leaving the Irish Army for personal reasons and because I was set up by a corrupt prick of an Officer who had it in for me over an incident in Damascus , but that's a whole other story. Maybe I will make a video myself lol.

[@You-were-seen-kid]

So glad to see the mentioning of class in the Irish Defence Forces, it truly is prevalent.

[@jordanomasuin8023]

Thank you so much for these videos. Respect from Co. Wicklow, Ireland! I actually live near one of the training grounds in the village I am from (Kilmacanogue) They have signs saying "Special operations " with directions when going towards Laragh on the way up to Glendalough. Also, they have changed it you need to go to college before you join as a CO in the Irish army now. The army is in bad shape now though and there are loads of scandals going on the last few years with a lot of whistleblowers talking about the bad living conditions.

[@Kieran.Walsh.]

You don’t need a degree to be a Cadet

[@jordanomasuin8023]

@@Kieran.Walsh. Apologies that is my bad, I was confident they changed it. Here are the requirements anyway. www.military.ie/en/careers/army-careers/what-is-an-army-officer-cadet/educational-requirements-for-cadetships-in-the-permanent-defence-force.pdf

[@michaelmulligan0]

That “Special Operations” place is nothing to do with the military, it is a paintballing place (I’m from the same neck of the woods). You don’t need a degree to join as a cadet, if you don’t have one already once your commissioned they will send you to get one in a lot of cases. Absolutely correct on living conditions but they are improving.

[@riffedwood5597]

I love the rant about the Irish military heirarchy. Had no idea that’s how it was but it makes sense. Antiquated rules that no one questioned, or at least taken seriously regarding the questioning. Thanks for sharing Kevin!

[@DonalLeader]

Regarding the British Army way of doing things it is relevant to point out that many men who fought in the War of Independence were ex-Army who had seen battle during World War I. Tom Barry is a famous example but there were others too.

[@cleric670]

Definitely didn't feel like the episode was too long, honestly I'm hungry for more and wish you would just keep talking :) You have really engaging long form podcast material, keep it up.

[@IntrepidTactics]

Thanks for sharing your story Kevin. More people need to hear and know these stories.

[@jasons4882]

Wow the story and information of how the Irish army functioned was so mind blowing. Especially the part where an NCO could lock someone up for three days and refer charges to the commander. For anyone who was curious the American military does not function like this, and I think Keven was making a great point in where entitlement and disrespect would stem from. Overall this podcast was great to listen to, I think Kevin has the best personality to not only share his experiences but also weigh-in with opinions on modern topics.

[@macmelon61]

Man I loved your stories. Ranger wing is the dream.🙏

[@Taffy1974]

6-48 is now an apartment block. Tibnine Bridge has a shopping complex beside it now. It's in Malbatt AOR now. We don't have it. We're in At Tiri now.

[@martinflinter4912]

My father was in the army ranger wing in 1984 or 1985 and did 4 trips to the Lebanon respect to you I can relate to your story’s 👍🏻

[@brybit]

Keep plugging, Kevin, because this will take off! Need not worry about being entertaining - storytelling and narrative are in the Irishman’s blood - and your powerful insights and experience are sufficient unto themselves.

[@thechadillac1211]

Dude! Keep it coming. All these stories are great. Mike drop/ cleared hot just the Tip of the iceberg. Real dude doing dude stuff.

[@rossriley2719]

So much information. Seriously, thank you for every one of these you end up doing.

[@JamesSmith-qv9qo]

Fantastic series! I love the old stories.

[@seamus9750]

I was in the Irish navy 81 to 86....it was a great kick-start for a youngster like me at the time but not as a long-term career . I did leave with a trade which stood me in good stead going forward in life in another country and have never lived in Ireland since 86.

[@CheGuevara110100]

If I pass the vetting I'm getting in to the Irish defence forces at 29.

[@Bathaling]

Really enjoying the podcast! Look forward to the future

[@twofeettentoes1895]

So much knowledge. Thank you for sharing Kevin Owens. 🇺🇲🇮🇪

[@Summit_Moto_Utah]

Pure gold from a master story teller! Look forward to more!!

[@JohnnyL-718]

I agree with you about the class system and it is still there. I always did question it and it was a big part of why I left before my time. Glad to hear your story!

[@johnd5244]

Your not boring me! These stories are great! Thanks for sharing with us.

[@jimsweet3256]

Love hearing your stories! Thank you!

[@goruby2]

Thanks Kevin, good stuff and glad you are doing these. Your a hero.

[@averagejoe1943]

It’s Awesome! Forget the time! KZbin has a pause button! It has a save feature! Your content is real, honest, and a viewpoint most people don’t know! Plus you have the storytelling ability like no other! Keep it up!!!! Thank you!!!

[@snowmanfl]

Really interesting career. Keep the podcasts coming!

[@bryanmcdermott4204]

Being on an gas rig seems terrible. Being on an gas rig in the North Sea seems even worse. Bouncing around those waters in a small craft seems horrific even before hypothermia is factored in, but rappelling in vicious wind doesn't seem better. Gas rig and Lebanon stories are welcome. Great stuff!

[@SheepDogNumber6]

You are doing great. Don't overthink it.

[@Johnson11c]

Much love brother Kevin you are an amazing man! God has blessed us with such amazing men!

[@Skeletors_Closet]

I love the informal nature of this. Looking forward to hearing more about Ireland! Even if it’s not military related, it’s such an interesting country with a lot of history. Question from me: what were the mascot/nicknames for your units over there? I’ve always loved the names that the units have in the UK. Would like to hear you talk about that for a bit

[@sire24657]

Very interested in your views on The Troubles currently.

[@BallZakc]

These are great! Don’t worry about the time, the longer the better

[@ibbylancaster8981]

Greetings from Raeford 😉. I have been a fan of the Fieldcraft channel for a while and I always enjoyed your stories and instruction. Really enjoying going through the collection and listening to your stories. Thank you for coming over and serving and adding to the patriotic side of the fence. Keep up the great work. I want to take a class after the first of the year

[@AKsusan907]

Thank you so very much for being willing to share your experiences. Our world needs to hear!

[@jamesgunnyreed]

Your description of Officers in the Irish Army sound like Cpl Himmelstoss from All Quiet On the Western Front. Keep up the Podcasts!

[@kevclaremcd]

Hey Kev, I get most of what you said and agree with nearly all of what you said, but I was there in Lebanon as an acting NCO and gave the order to open fire one night with the GMPG and all our FNs. It was full-on for forty minutes and still had to explain myself to the Duty Officer. So, I took charge as a Private, but then passed selection and then got commissioned so not all officers are devoid of selective thinking. I think it is instructive that there are only NCO vacancies in the unit

[@kevinowens9636]

Kevin, Officers are generally much better if they were enlisted first, very few if any have as much experience as you. I think, in order to be commissioned you should have to spend 3 years enlisted, minimum. Question for you: does the class system in the Irish Army still exist?

[@kevclaremcd]

Hi Kevin, good question, I would say no from my experience. There were certainly hints of it when I was commissioned in 1992 but you'll always get a wannabee wanker in any organization that thinks he or she is above everyone else.

[@kevclaremcd]

No more than your life taking on a different direction once you left the Wing, mine did as well. Mind you I never thought back in the day that I would be running around Africa with a Glock 19 and 45 rounds of ammunition at the tender age of 62!!!

[@kevinowens9636]

Let’s get you on the podcast [e-mail]

[@L330ne]

Been listening to your podcast. Just wanted to say I love it man. I really appreciate you sharing your stories.

[@paddyabroad634]

Great stories as usual. Where you in the army when they captured Dessie O'Hare? I always figured these was more to that story.

[@maxamick9962]

Podcast is great, longer episodes please

[@Ramcharger2Travel]

Man, I didn't know you had a podcast. Always enjoyed watching you and Mike.

[@xJake22x]

I think people actually want you to go off on these long tangents. Really fun and interesting to listen to all of these stories

[@bestrong144]

Awesome content brother, you tell stories about your life and you have the ability to put us right there, we truly appreciate you,your time and service. I’m taking a firldcraft course this spring it would be a honor to meet you.

[@KieranWard-k7f]

Also the medical waz a great way to bring back stereos

[@55932hbt]

Hahahahaha the guy from the Falls just had demolition in his bones

[@MikeFoxtrot1]

At-Tiri is a Hezbollah stronghold so I think a visit there wouldn't be possible. Tibnine on the other hand could be safe.

[@Taffy1974]

Camp Shamrock is in At-Tiri for the past 10 years. You won't get past the Litani unless you're UN anyway.

[@Healthhokie]

Good stuff. Keep going!

[@jamesh8789]

Loving your podcast. 2 hours is a good time limit. Don't have to stick under 1. The longer the better to me lol

[@Ian30rf]

I am loving both podcasts u have done

[@Aceoffroad4x4]

Still digging the videos!! Keep em coming

[@jasonrad9332]

Great stuff Kevin! Keep them coming.

[@robertryan2542]

Best wishes from Limerick 🇮🇪

[@bennolan6291]

How did yas cope with the AUG coming into service? There's a device on the trigger now to stop get going full-auto ( ALO)

[@atlantaswelder]

Story Time with Uncle Kev 🎉 I Love it Sir

[@robertryan2542]

Kevin this is a great video, great insights.

[@KieranWard-k7f]

You and Tony Regan i respect so much....im skip ward youngest bro...Rangers to usa special forces(green beret)...defo not sandbaggers

[@Taffy1974]

TAS 😂

[@JackCantwell-eg5yt]

Heard the Wing was called the Farm, Funny farm back in the day,the mental stuff you have to go through in Selection.Heard it's not as bad nowadays.

[@notownsavage2024]

I'm loving these!

[@AJaCoB1709]

Currently in the leb with 121 unifil... i can confirm the same bullshit is still going on...

[@gatormcklusky5850]

Love the story telling, Anytime one can take me out of my regular day to day, I thank you!~!🙏✌PS, you could good well into 2 hours .Most all pod casts are 2 hours min some good ones going into 3 hours, The bottom line is... You have a good story, You have an audience!

[@intolead]

very good as always

[@JammyDodger45]

Did you see much combat Kevin? Did you ever get to fire your weapon on anything other than a range?

[@gazzthompson]

Good stuff Kevin

[@kuttermcneil1520]

Could you talk about leadership? Most of the things I look into leadership about focus on promoting or advancing competence (which is fair enough) but I'm wanting to know specifically about leadership. Just because someone is competent doesn't mean they'd be a good leader. Sorry if it's too vague. thanks.

[@tylerlabarba5128]

Love your content boss.

[@himselfishere3125]

I haven't heard COD6 quoted in a while and officers who are considerate are hard to find speaking from experience

[@MikeFoxtrot1]

Do you know the reason the Army Ranger Wing dropped the HK33 in favour of the Steyr AUG? Was it a better rifle or was it just to have a common rifle with the rest of the army?

[@michaelmulligan0]

Did GIGN train to hit in arms etc too?

[@kevinowens9636]

Yes

[@intolead]

this is great

[@andysemple9057]

that class system is still there to this day in the irish navy to some extent. A/B from logistics branch still take officers food orders and serve it to them

[@ThePleasent1]

Did the Ranger wing operate in the north ????

[@kevinowens9636]

No

[@wisenheimer66]

I was in the U.S. Army enlisted mid 80’s. Aviation. I was somewhat like you who asked why a lot when things didn’t add up or not making any sense. My whole enlistment, including different units,the result/response was the same. “ You’re not paid to Fuckin think” & /or “Shut the fuck up” Great podcast. Very interesting

[@hugmc]

Although there were many good officers that cast society system wasn’t a good idea some officers were dicks I hope it has grown up since I was in it many years ago such a small army should do better. But I still respect my country men the Irish 🇮🇪

[@conorj2349]

The private soldier is an animal

[@vespatrixie2555]

Fascinating. I long story footprint better. Your information is a lot to digest in 45 mins.

[@10mikemike89]

Hopefully you explain why you don't want to discuss certain events. Maybe it's sensitive information, too personal, might make someone look bad,,etc.

[@jimhartzell5092]

I work with a bunch of chimps 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Have a great Thanksgiving, Stay Strong and Be Safe !!!

[@eisirt55]

The problem is that , in Ireland , we don't value our army or it's soldiers .

[@noodles5438]

35 mins

[@squatch2461]

🍻

[@patboland1650]

Kevin is the class system absent in the US Military by comparison

[@kevinowens9636]

Pretty much, everyone eats together, I think the Airforce still play it a little

[@patboland1650]

@@kevinowens9636 Yeah. Expected that. that's what I love about Americans.......it never actully crosses their mind that one guys is somehow more important than the other....its just alien to them

[@jimmccormack7507]

Irish bog wogg

[@swiggamortis5521]

Great vids, keep it up!

[@SaladDressing69]

Lovin the story time