Shawn Ryan Show Episode Summary: "Mike Glover: 'It Was a Good Run Killing a Bunch of Bad Guys' | Peak Points"

Release Date: November 21, 2024

Introduction

In this riveting episode of the "Shawn Ryan Show," host Shawn Ryan sits down with Mike Glover, a distinguished former U.S. soldier with an extensive background in special operations. Mike shares his firsthand experiences from pivotal moments in recent military history, including deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, interactions with Navy SEALs, and the profound impact of events like September 11 and the Benghazi attack on his career. This episode delves deep into Mike's journey, offering listeners an unfiltered glimpse into the life of a soldier committed to his mission.

Early Military Service and Immediate Deployment

Mike Glover’s military journey took a dramatic turn shortly after his initial discharge. As the conversation begins, Mike reflects on his transition from active duty to the National Guard:

• Immediate Reaction to September 11:
  "He got out September 3, 2001. A week later, September 11 happens." ([00:00] A)
  "We immediately deployed to Afghanistan. So I was in charge of all. Of them as a new guy." ([00:06] B)

Despite being a recent discharge, Mike's commitment to service propelled him back into action almost immediately following the 9/11 attacks. His determination not to fail the mission or endanger American lives highlights his dedication:
"They didn't want to be the guy that failed their mission and got an American killed..." ([00:10] B)

Leadership in Afghanistan

At just 21 years old, Mike found himself leading a sizable force in a volatile environment:

• Commanding Afghan Commandos:
  "As a new guy. Yeah. I'll never forget, he said, hey, your guys are formed up, waiting on you. Waiting on me? Yeah. You're the 18 Bravo. Get up there and be their commander." ([08:39] B & A)

Mike was responsible for 144 Afghan commandos stationed in Nuristan province. The conditions were harsh, with limited resources and support:

• Living Conditions and Resourcefulness:
  "We had to do what we had to do... They were rolling around with Harley Davidson shirts and flannel jackets and USA ball caps." ([15:48] B)

His leadership was instrumental in training these commandos, many of whom had little prior military experience. Mike emphasizes the importance of vetting and building rapport to ensure effective teamwork:
"We did small unit tactics every single day that we weren't operating." ([11:08] B)

Special Forces Training and Redeployment to Iraq

Determined to enhance his capabilities, Mike pursued specialized training:

• Sephardic Training:
  "I went to put my name in the hat to go to Sephardic... It's Our CQB advanced schoolhouse for hostage rescue..." ([16:52] B & A)

Despite feeling underprepared, Mike recognized the necessity of advanced training and quickly adapted:

• Preparedness and Rapid Deployment:
  "I showed up and didn't know shit about CQB until I got there." ([18:07] B)

This training facilitated his redeployment to Iraq, where he engaged in intense counterterrorism missions alongside other elite units:

• Active Counterterrorism Operations:
  "Every operation I explosively breached every other target every other night..." ([21:38] B)

Inter-Unit Dynamics and Collaboration with Navy SEALs

Mike discusses his experiences working alongside Navy SEALs, highlighting both challenges and camaraderie:

• Initial Skepticism and Mutual Respect:
  "He said, what could your guys possibly teach mine?" ([22:09] B)
  "We had a lot of experiences like that with the young seals, but a lot of them weren't." ([23:16] B)

Despite initial tensions, mutual respect developed as they collaborated on missions, showcasing the blend of different special operations expertise.

The Benghazi Attack and Its Aftermath

A pivotal moment in Mike's career was the Benghazi attack, which reshaped his trajectory:

• Real-Time Response to Crisis:
  "I was back in a special Missions units compound doing a crosstalk brief... I stayed an extra few days to assess the situation..." ([27:49] B)

Mike recounts the frustration of not being able to respond swiftly enough due to political constraints:

• Mission Obstacles and Frustration:
  "We offered up a full platter, kill, capture, bilateral mission, unilateral mission, whatever you want, we'll do. And we were told that the political climate wouldn't allow for it..." ([29:16] B)

This experience led to his disenchantment with military leadership and eventual separation from active duty:

• Decision to Leave:
  "I said, go fuck yourself. God." ([30:50] B)

Transition to National Guard and CIA Recruitment Attempt

Post-separation, Mike attempted to join the CIA:

• CIA Recruitment Halted by Hiring Freeze:
  "I had finished my college degree, the year prior to that. So that was a prerequisite to become a staffer for them. But the sequester happened... I wasn't able to do that job..." ([31:46] B)

This setback prompted his transition to the National Guard, where he continued to prepare for potential deployments.

Advice on Personal Defense and Preparedness

Towards the end of the episode, Mike shifts focus to providing practical advice for civilians on personal defense and preparedness:

• Prioritizing Personal Defense:
  "The number one priority for me is personal defense. Because, you know, the first principle of patrolling is security." ([33:26] B)

He recommends starting with a reliable firearm and emphasizes the importance of medical preparedness:

• Firearm Recommendation:
  "A Glock 19 is probably the staple concealed carry pistol... I've never seen one failure." ([34:00] B)

• Medical Essentials:
  "The next priority for me is Med... a tourniquet... is the number one piece of equipment in med that you need to carry." ([35:11] B)

Mike also highlights the significance of carrying necessary survival gear in an accessible manner:
"Having the ability to carry all their stuff is super important." ([37:06] B)

Conclusion

Mike Glover's narrative offers a profound insight into the life of a dedicated soldier navigating the complexities of modern warfare, inter-unit dynamics, and personal aspirations. His experiences underscore the importance of leadership, adaptability, and preparedness, both in military operations and personal life. As Mike poignantly states, "It was a good run of killing a whole bunch of bad guys." ([25:39] B), encapsulating his commitment and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of national security.

Notable Quotes

• "It was a good run of killing a whole bunch of bad guys." – Mike Glover ([00:23] B)
• "The number one priority for me is personal defense." – Mike Glover ([33:26] B)
• "A Glock 19 is probably the staple concealed carry pistol." – Mike Glover ([34:00] B)
• "We did that for three rotations in a row. It's a good run of killing a whole bunch of bad guys." – Mike Glover ([25:39] B)

Final Thoughts

This episode of the "Shawn Ryan Show" masterfully blends personal anecdotes with actionable advice, providing listeners with both an engaging narrative and practical insights into personal defense and preparedness. Mike Glover's candid recounting of his military career not only honors the sacrifices made by soldiers but also serves as a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their own readiness in uncertain times.

Listeners are encouraged to like, comment, subscribe, and share the show to spread these crucial lessons and stories, ensuring that the real experiences of soldiers like Mike continue to educate and inspire.