What Modern Minutemen Can Learn From Combat Vets

[@JohnnyVersnachie]

Bro... You are so full of it!

[@STOKERMATIC]

My dad did used to say that opinions are like @$$holes - everyone has one, and they are both filled with the same substance.

[@JohnnyVersnachie]

@@STOKERMATIC All you speak in is opinion, so there's that...

[@josephkuser3998]

​@@JohnnyVersnachiewhat are you even doing here? Kick rocks nerd.

[@Patriot-American]

@@STOKERMATIC I've heard it this way ... Opinions are like a$$holes, everyone has one and they stink!! Good stuff as usual Top. And that's my favorite camo btw. Stay frosty ...

[@DatcleanMochaJo]

@@JohnnyVersnachie Johnny I know its Summer and you don't have homework to do but your mom thinks you shouldn't spend so much time on the computer. Your friends are playing outside and they dearly miss you.

[@Paul-uw7us]

My first firefight I messed my trousers. Almost did my second. I had a great team that completely understood. They had all done the same. I learned that almost getting killed or wounded was just part of the mission. Thank God I survived.

[@KrisSays]

Thank you for your service!

[@billbaggins7355]

I had the opposite. On my first house clear I got shot at and a round missed my head by about 3 inches. Then another shot from a different room across the hallway missed my buddy AND me by probably millimeters. I couldn't go poop for a week. And let me tell you it IS better out than in.

[@JohnDoe-mt8rf]

Complacency is a killer!

[@STOKERMATIC]

Indeed

[@jamesswain100]

I’m 68 and I train every day. My oldest son did 3 tours in the box as an 11Bravo so we train together as often as we can. However my middle and youngest sons think that when we train we’re putting them down because they can’t do what we do. It breaks my heart that they don’t understand that we are TEACHING not JUDGING

[@tomcreekdevil5967]

Good point, teaching, not judging. I hope your youngest sons get that at some point. They may already have but just haven't expressed it... yet. I suspect they will someday.

[@jamesswain100]

@@tomcreekdevil5967 thanks I just hope it’s not to late

[@tomcreekdevil5967]

@@jamesswain100 I'm with you 100% Going with my personal experience, I'm surprised how often I recall things taught me by my dad who was a WW2 vet, and my grandpa who was a WW1 vet. You only get one (true) dad in life and despite mistakes on both sides, I still loved my dad. I hope it's not too late for you and your sons to have a good relationship with your sons. You love them and they love you accepting each other's shortcomings. At the end of the day, that covers a multitude of relational issues.

[@jklop7841]

You probably are judging. Come on, be honest. 90% of vets have an inflated ego because they worked for the government at one point and think they're some kind of hero. You guys probably have that mindset. Most vets do that thing when they don't like the way people are or agree with how they think, and they just say "stupid civilians". There's a lot of issues with insecurity in the vet community, and insecure people usually humiliate others to feel better. Watch Tyler Grey on the Shawn Ryan Show he talks about how insecurity is super common amongst vets.

[@kennywise237]

@@jklop7841 You sound butt hurt!

[@roberthamm9304]

As combat veterans that are Minutemen, that encounter newly joined Minutemen with zero combat experience, it is our responsibility to take them under our wings and teach them what we know, how we do it, and why we do it. Critique instead of criticism wins results and respect. As they gain experience, give them responsibilities to make them feel included as part of the team. When I was a squad leader in the Army, after the mission briefings, I got my squad together and asked them how they would conduct the mission. They asked why I wanted their inputs, and I told them, if something happened to me one of them would have to step up and continue the mission. My 1st SGT overheard my squad briefing and pulled me to the side and commented that I was the first squad leader to ever ask for a squads input on a mission, and was proud that I would appoint someone else to lead my squad to complete the mission.

[@KrisSays]

Thank you for your service!

[@mikhailkalashnikov4599]

Hunters know how to play it. Those skills can be applied to urban/semi built up terrain as well. The element of surprise and who sees who first is where the rubber meets the road. There's no substitute for experience when it comes to this.

[@TheSixpkAmerican]

😅😅😅😅

[@redryder8622]

Stoker, I can’t tell you how meaningful your efforts are. If more people can push aside their denial and worry of being portrayed as something that goes against their social norm, they can be a more functional citizen. Thank you!

[@Swish82]

I'm 9 years out of the army. Still have my head of a swivel as much as possible. So many people tell me I need to relax cause I'm not deployed anymore.

[@frankgray6014]

I retired in '94 and still do it. Sometimes I think the grayer I get the more in the shit I am as it seems we are viewed as easy targets in this increasingly non-moral society America has become.

[@russellzigler2180]

In my opinion now is not the time to relax .

[@the4thempire]

Yes, never relax especially around blacks.

[@Neckbeard-lt8mi]

I once asked an old timer what was the worst storm he was ever in. He said the worst storm is always the one you are in at present because you have survived the other storms and it is possible you may not survive the present one.

[@mikhailkalashnikov4599]

"A man's got to know his limitations..." - Dirty Harry

[@hagman1077]

A combat Vet who has experienced stuff, WILL have their heads on a swivel and be VERY situationally aware at all times, no matter where they are- Those who know, know what I mean-

[@XR171]

It is honestly refreshing to hear someone say carry more weight then you normally would. I was in the Navy and we ran drills a lot. Multiple times a day usually. Some days were lighter with easier drills (fire in the galley and flooding in the engine room. But often they loved throwing hard stuff at us. Like a fire in a radiation area. So we have to fight the fire, limit exposure, and then deal with cleanup. Or fire in the torpedo room where we have to fight the fire but keep the torpedoes from blowing us up. They threw hard drills at us that made us think. When we had evaluations we were already used to the hardest drills so a fire in a machinery space was simple to us.

[@annextheupforwisconsin7088]

We are obviously headed into a direction of conflict/collapse here at home, and I am eternally grateful to the servicemen who can also see that, and that they use their knowledge to educate younger men like myself who are preparing to fight back. God bless brother!

[@the4thempire]

Love the user name brother. On Wisconsin!

[@GatorsRock01]

I was taught a lot of the same in my martial arts training. My teacher said many times that those ideas and concepts apply to so much more than in the environment in which he is teaching in.

[@rw0341]

Great to see someone cover the importance of keeping complacency in the forefront of your mind. I really don't remember much of my first gun fight. It all just kind of happened. The platoon I was in had been training together for over 2 years though, so immediate action was more instinctual than anything else. The last one was about 10 years later, and complacency wasn't really an issue as it was planned ambush. As a platoon sergeant though I had "complacency kills" painted at every ECP, and supervised every squad leaders precombat inspections.

[@mikhailkalashnikov4599]

I ran some security patrols in the Panamanian jungle leading up to the invasion, Operation Just Cause (LOL) I believe. All I can say is FOCUS-FOCUS-FOCUS on the mission every second of every minute until back inside friendly lines. Patrols are very intense and you can't afford even one weak link in the chain, or one complacent minute to go by. It may be your last.

[@mr.unknownuser7235]

I thought that I was the only one that still used a LBE. I train with what I'm always going to carry. Combat load. I carry a 125lbs Ranger Ruck and I still have and use a AN/PRC 77 to patrol with.

[@ketononeill8898]

Thanks for the motivation, Stoker. Ive been sitting on my butt too long. Finally getting out and getting after it. Even if its triple digits out here. Your land nav vids have been phenomenal and im finally putting my skills to the test. Mastering my craft. Cheers to another great, thought provoking video.

[@brandyhouston2105]

When random people start saying negative things that means your making progress. 😎...the tiger camo speaks volumes to me. Thanks for making the video.

[@CharlesWilliams-v2g]

Thank u for the reminder that there is no place for complacency

[@roberthamm9304]

Train like you’d fight, and fight like you trained.

[@derekninehouse2547]

Thank you experienced veteran, I appreciate your service and expert knowledge. I’m just an American citizen and I’m learning and absorbing your knowledge in case one day I have to defend our country. I train when I can and do my best!

[@Thekulprit92]

Complacent is a powerful word

[@williamneal7210]

Not sure about Stoker's mil background, but just looking at his kit (he's wearing jungle fatigues and his rig isn't MOLLE, it's ALICE, and his Kabar is exactly where I would expect to find it) and listening to how he speaks he was part of a war that taught us A TON of lessons--recco you give this man you attention and heed what he's saying. (OBTW, if you read this and feel compelled to say it was a "Police Action" and not a war, let me just call you a fkn prick right up front...dear heart!)

[@2heavyb517]

The mental game is always undersold. It's too easy to become complacent

[@tomcreekdevil5967]

Training, training, training, But if all else fails, rely on training. In the USCGAux Our enemy was the ocean, I loved and feared it. Never hated it. It didn't shoot or lob grenades (in the traditional sense) but lobbed sneaker waves opening holes so deep one time we could see the ocean floor for just a second. Again, it was training, training, training to get us out of there and home safely. Ditto what subdawg said! What Bill says about being lackadaisical is 10000% correct! Inattentiveness and lack of situational awareness kills! We've seen it.

[@jtig75]

This one just hits different sir....

[@johnmorganjr769]

CANDOR......A lost art.....Thank you. !!!🇺🇸 👍

[@Desertrat2213]

I remember my 1st flight in, pucker factor was about 100, first convoy, 1st door kick, the same pucker factor of 100. The Suck meter was pegged. After that, the pucker factor started to drop. Most people haven't experienced combat, and I hope they never will. There is a lot that goes into it, mentally and physically. The 1st time you engage and kill the enemy stays with you. Sorry combat isn't like COD. TOP you speak truth. It seems Little Johnny is a keyboard cowboy who thinks combat is just like a video game. That will get you killed. Training is a must, repetitive training , do it until you can do it with you eyes closed then do it some more, is what our platoon SGT always said. Good stuff TOP, keep up the content.

[@KrisSays]

Thank you for your service!

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

I had the same thought every time, "Here we fvcking go". Adrenaline is a hell of a thing, electricity in the air as the metaphor goes. Good stuff brother.

[@JackBQuick79]

Im full of gratitude for all of this invaluable insight. We as society need to reshoot an azimuth on bearing for common sense. And understand when you are off course, you make the adjustments on the fly ,so as not to stray too far from the virtue.

[@MichaelR58]

Good video, thanks for sharing, God bless !

[@texasjoe3261]

Thank You For Sharing Your Skills and Ideas !! May GOD Bless You And Your Family !

[@STOKERMATIC]

Same to you and yours!

[@danielroncaioli6882]

Nice choice of gear. MOLLE is nice, but you just can’t beat ALICE. Yes, ALICE causes you to reduce what you carry, but pounds equal pain, and it forces you to know what you need. You thus reduce weight, increase mobility, and reduces unnecessary risks. Staying too long in the fight will always increase your risk of leaving by box and not by boot.

[@donaldbarr8300]

Great reminder! Good subject content for Everybody, Veteran, or otherwise. Gotta keep the rust off the blade!

[@GruntProof]

Awesome

[@Patriotx-gx4ce]

#1 thing is opsec. "Keep your plans as dark."- Sparta.

[@digirole60]

Last patrol for me was the opposite of overconfidence. 74 years old still remember it exactly.

[@STOKERMATIC]

🫡

[@marclucier2533]

First time I punched my card and went to work. The on thing I never anticipated was the post engagement adrenaline dump.

[@RAYANDERS-w4t]

thanks

[@Ret64clutch]

Thanks for bringing back all the memories. I was on the phone with my wife who was 6 months pregnant. When my brick made the noise lightning lightning lightning and they cut the d*** phone line between that and upcoming missions. 3 weeks later, when I talked to my wife, I had a daughter. I don't think either of them will ever forgive me For not being there but thank you for bringing back that memory brother

[@ppspsd]

So true! Spoken from experience, that's obvious! The first and the last, the last being the worst of the 2!

[@rhinocus]

Your "down to earth" approach is effective for getting the point across. Might I suggest you do a video explaining what kind of mindset training it will take for ordinary citizens protecting their families and property against ordinary citizens after a shtf scenario. Combat, in country, is one thing, but engaging fellow countrymen at home despite their malicious intent, is going to be emotionally horrific for even the most seasoned warrior.

[@STOKERMATIC]

I dig it.

[@mattmarzula]

I'm guessing you don't know how many guys are chomping at the bit for that CONUS EKIA.

[@rhinocus]

@@mattmarzula I do realize there are many like that. True warriors who have been deep in the chaos and mayhem of combat strive the most for peace. The smell of blood, brains, and bile alone incapacitates most soldiers at first and I highly doubt big talking rednecks are going to fare much better once they shoot a couple with their teenage daughters just wanting some food. If they don't feel regret afterwards, they are probably psychotic. There is a reason it's known as the great tribulation.

[@georgepeters9381]

Thamk you!

[@dennisseverns4014]

I got a little complacent cutting a tree two days ago, not looking up as I was cutting a partially rotten tree that I knew was going to twist on me. Watching the tree fall and did not notice the branch that hung up in an adjacent tree and came down on top of me. Got quite a bruise on my shoulder and a couple of small lacerations on my forearm. Could have been much worse. What you said, fits many different situations. Been cutting trees over twenty years.

[@mattmarzula]

Pain is a powerful teaching tool and a motivator.

[@Swamp_Lad]

Oof the poetry in this one ❤

[@recondo4u]

Thanks Bill, solid stuff!

[@genemcphee8053]

Great presentation. A lot of Soldiers don't have you mindset nor spirit. Hard to change them to adopt the Warrior mindset these days. Who Dare, Wins!!

[@Doug807]

This video made me subscribe.thanks. is it possible for you to do a video explaining the kit you're wearing. Trying to get up to speed.

[@STOKERMATIC]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJi2aH59gcaHrM0

[@christopherpeterson1400]

Pinball had a great 1 min drill video... grab and go,, are you ready.

[@AntiFederalist58]

Top, I am intimately familiar with the kit you're wearing. I keep a set in my car. Another good video. Keep up the good work.

[@seedy-waney-bonnie4906]

I was in a gun fight many years ago. The Police got the guy the next day at the E.R.

[@brentwentfishing]

Look at that change of scenery! 😉 You words ring true, Top! We got to keep training and push ourselves. Folks will be relying on us for leadership and direction!

[@STOKERMATIC]

(Shot in WA).

[@brentwentfishing]

@@STOKERMATIC ah... Thanks Bill.

[@garyjohnson4608]

When I was new, I was told that I had to grow eyes in the back of my head. I very quickly found out what that meant.

[@alpine7313]

I would argue that it is even more important to understand what "minutemen" or whatever CAN'T learn from Combat Vets. I see way to many people mindlessly copy-pasting army doctrine without an understanding of all the logistical networks that enable the Army to fight like it does. Civilian fighters are not going to be able to expect resupply, air support, intelligence support, cas-evac, etc. We must tailor our doctrine to our conditions. If anything, a prepared citizen can expect to fight more like the Taliban did, than the United States military.

[@frankgray6014]

It is not complacency that has their heads screwed up. Carelessness is a better word for it IMHO but we called it "channel fever" because the only thing on their minds once given the date for departure is home. You are right about the first and last days being the most dangerous, mainly because in the beginning you don't know anything regardless of your experience because things constantly change and what may have workked the first time around could get you killed on the current deployment. And the last days folks just get plain careless as all their focus is on making plans for what they will do when they get home. Told this to my son on his trip to sandlot and constantly reminded him when he called that he was still in the shit until that bird made it out over deep blue water. Thankfully, his tour was relatively uneventful except for an extremely close call with an IED while on convoy guard duty. At least that is how he describes it. Then again, my time in Uncle Sugar's Canoe Club was just one big pleasure cruise after another.

[@EquipaPatriot]

As a 46-year-old SSGT and team leader of my reconnaissance squad in my state's militia it's difficult coordinating training with everyone, when we all have different schedules. I cannot expect every one of my men to show up. Some times I'm the only one, which was the case yesterday. Nevertheless, training must continue. Although, my biggest concern is trusting my men with their skill(s) when the chips are down and there is no room for error. In that case, I only have myself to rely on. I'll add that training is not only learning and honing in a skill, but vetting your gear. Are you confident that your 47 pound rucksack and those combat boots you bought from the surplus store (or by taking a recommendation from a YT'r) will work well together? There's only one way to find out and it might suck (blisters, sore legs and back...).

[@Shot_Gunner]

Wish you were close. We need more motivated folks. TN here.

[@RedForman22]

@@Shot_Gunneryou guys realize the only modern militia is the national guard right? Haven’t heard of the militia act?

[@EquipaPatriot]

@@RedForman22 The National Guard cannot be trusted since it has been federalized. The citizen militia is the United States of America's last line of defense.

[@donwest600]

Trust needs to be learned by the leader as well as the subordinate, give a task and stand aside, correct what needs to be corrected by after action report, so they learn now and you learn to trust their abilities.

[@joefennell7535]

Right on Top. Most stuff is under your 🎩, no matter the task.

[@STOKERMATIC]

☝️

[@samuelnutter5642]

Noticed the handgun mag but no handgun holster do you plan on running a handgun with that kit?

[@subdawg1331]

well said , but not the same for all... training is the most important thing , both individually and a group

[@DMurray-cn6hp]

How about creating a network, pockets, phase 1 ??? Any NH folks here?

[@billgardner7541]

2 tours VN 68/69 173ABB now 78 never goes away

[@STOKERMATIC]

🫡

[@CamperEater]

Sir I'm sure you don't know this but I've been using your tactics in video games for a while. These tactics actually work on other players and I realized that the human psyche is still the same even in video games. DayZ, rust, and and Ark survival evolved are the games btw

[@nathanielmilam75]

Train until you can't get it wrong. There is a reason why most KIA in Vietnam happened in the first few months or the last month... You can always improve.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Indeed!

[@howtodave1725]

I understand what you are trying to do by comparing the real-world experience of lessons learned down range to those who are preparing for SHTF. The only problem is those who have not been just wont get it.

[@lisadenalibethanyanderson4147]

The teacher becomes the student. Integrity best friend. Take something and master it. Your only improvement and development! Better than the lesser. Got no Time for these rester’s. Sitting on ur “what” talkin. Get it on. Don’t forget about your own.

[@jackassery73]

You undoubtedly have the right approach to passing on information and wisdom. I think a lot of people who didn't serve may be intimidated by the harsher side of teaching vets are numb too. It's probably better to teach noobs humbly at first then build up 🤣

[@348MP]

I call bull shit. Trainee’s need to be put under pressure right away, if they can’t handle the stress and pressure of training how can they handle the stresses and pressures of being under fire.

[@mattmarzula]

All those first taught me that not everyone I put trust in was worthy. I'm not big on telling war stories on KZbin. All people do is undermine those experiences. I know who I am. That's the best thing I've learned in the military. What I know is the last mission doesn't matter. It's the one you're on and the next one. So you stay prepared.

[@STOKERMATIC]

I feel ya!

[@daniellaney7704]

Break it down get good training with age most will learn exactly how to react in situations where its on you to dictate the actions you can around you and improvise everything else. Not bad bro not bad your telling people the best you can. 🤷‍♂️ that's all you can do to help who you can. In the next 10 years America is going to become harder for lots of people.

[@Jupiterxice]

Train to you get it right and always redefine your doctrine or situational planning.

[@dennisseverns4014]

First time driving through a foreign city and a car pulls in front of me and the backseat passenger is pointing an AK at me, should I hit him or take off? It was supposedly a friendly foreign city. First time going across the border during Desert Storm, not knowing what to expect, then getting hit with some kind of Airburst chemical round going off right above our heads as we are crossing. First time being fired at, watching other soldiers running around looking for cover and a few accidental discharges from weapons.

[@raymondj8768]

hE PLAYED WAY TO MUCH SHOOTER GAMES N HES AN OPERATOR NOW LOL

[@dpacheco7349]

This is a parody right? Like Barney Fife pontificating about the jail cells... Holy Crap, you are one strange bird my friend... Modern Minute Man? Looks like your gear is from Bass Pro... You got me Bro, if you do 25 REAL push ups, I'm a subscriber...

[@garyshaimas7250]

Once upon a time myself personally use to be a turtle back in the day did a lot of tailgate jump I still remembered my first jump of running an gunning did that kind of work 4 years loved it Camaraderie had a lot of really good times . That kind work is not for everyone love Country GOD Country Family . If thang keep going the way it looking I’ll will serve again in a different way like my Ancestors an Heritage before myself exterminating all Communist a Traitor to hour country . May GOD have Mercy on all us it’s in the air do you feel it GOD Bless

[@johnmorganjr769]

OIF 2. 30 BCT- 1 I D. M 1074 PLS's. Convoying all over Sunni Triangle. 🌴

[@KrisSays]

Thank you for your service!

[@RedForman22]

I thought you were one of the only common sense prepared channels that didn’t focus on being a “minuteman” operator wearing bdus and kit in the woods, guess I was wrong. apparently all the veterans just miss the military so much they can’t help themselves . Prepared civilians don’t need to be patrolling around the woods defeats the whole purpose of being prepared. Next will be a video on patrolling through the woods by yourself and conducting recon on other towns.

[@STOKERMATIC]

I can’t speak for others, but my channel is fieldcraft related content - I’d dare say over the course of 400 videos that it would be hard to argue there was a specific focus. But you are right - next week will be me patrolling through the woods - alone. Follow up to Come Hell or Highwater.

[@RedForman22]

@@STOKERMATIC hate to see it.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Well, there’s 409 videos in the past to chew on. But if you make it next week, you may enjoy the final 30ish seconds to understand why I made it.

[@348MP]

Everyone wants to run with the big dogs until it’s time to do big dog shit. Without mental and physical training your just a guy with a gun. Those are the ones that die first and/or put everyone else lives in jeopardy. You can have the skills but if you don’t have the mental capacity to take a life YOU are the weakest link.

[@bigchief4044]

lol …

[@GinaLynneBrosman]

😍GLORY BE JESUS😘TODAY TOMORROW FOREVER🥰AMEN AND AMEN❣

[@jamesswain100]

Amen

[@GinaLynneBrosman]

@@jamesswain100 🤗❣

[@tomcreekdevil5967]

Amen!

[@GinaLynneBrosman]

@@tomcreekdevil5967 😉❣

[@dirtlegdirtleg]

Even at 2X this was painful.

[@Shot_Gunner]

Dipsh1t 🚽

[@darylwalker256]

New to this sight but am not sure if l wanna take advice from someone with unused gear. None of that gear you have on looks like its ever been used. Even your rifle looks out if the box brand new. Hard pass on subscribing.

[@maxdougherty3429]

lmao u paid more attention looking rather than listening. everything this man said is 100% correct

[@ThatDarnTurtle]

u just like to hear yourself talk lol nonsense chatter

[@STOKERMATIC]

Bless your heart.

[@rdaugherty52]

Hello Stoker haven’t commented in awhile been busy with the garden, riding the motorcycle anyway noticed your camo when I lived up in the mountains it was just like a jungle I wore tiger stripes loved m but as your standing there notice the colors and the shapes. White lines running up and down next to the trees lines running up and down, everything running up and down your tiger stripes running horizontal and a dark blob. In the winter looking out my kitchen window if I wanted to find a deer in the mountains I looked for horizontal lines, find them every time. I took my camo and some swimming pool bleach and made vertical white lines not a lot just some, some on white on the left shoulder some on the right leg. On my face always blacked out or dark green with white dots or white slash marks vertically, I could disappear without wearing a guillie suit. Anyway I live in town now and if I wanted to blend in I guess I would look like a homeless person with a Walmart buggy, as always good to hear from you stay safe.

[@thundercock6599]

primary arms acss 3x prism?

[@STOKERMATIC]

Yup. Though I’m getting ready to convert to a 300 blackout

[@thundercock6599]

@@STOKERMATIC That's what I did ammo is more expensive though

[@oczhaal]

Stoker, the real question is "what can we learn from the ukrainian conflict, which brought a new player in the game: the drone!"

[@PreparedOverlander]

The drone is not really new, the US has been using the RQ-11 since 2003.

[@oczhaal]

@@PreparedOverlander the RQ11 or the reaper arent new. What's new is the extensive use of cheap drones to drop grenades or do a recon.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Although smaller drones were used in similar fashion in Iraq for nearly a decade, they are a threat, but can be defeated.

[@PreparedOverlander]

@@oczhaal Doing recon by drones is not new either. Dropping grenades has come and gone, the US military is fielding a counter measure for small drones as well. These devices will be attached to vehicles in the coming months similar to the Rhino and ECM's from Iraq and Afghanistan. If you are talking about you dropping grenades on your neighbor, my question is, where did you get the grenades?

[@oczhaal]

@@STOKERMATIC there must be counter measures but when you see the clips coming from the Russian side in Ukraine it's definitely a threat to take seriously.