US Marine Landon Longgrear on Combat in Sangin, Faith, and Sacrifice | Jocko Podcast 523

Early Life and the Call to Service

• 💡 Grew up in a suburban, All-American environment in North Texas, with parents in education, fostering a strong sense of community and the "American dream."
• 🌲 A significant part of his childhood involved experiencing the outdoors through family ranches and camping trips, where he would often role-play as a military figure.
• 🇺🇸 With grandfathers who served in WWII, the concept of service and duty was present, though not heavily discussed, instilling a belief in upholding the ideals America was founded upon.
• ✈️ Witnessing the events of 9/11 in seventh grade and the subsequent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan solidified his resolve to serve in the military.

Marine Corps Recruitment and Boot Camp

• 🌟 Drawn to the Marine Corps for its perceived excellence, resolve, and unbreakable spirit, viewing it as the pinnacle of military aspiration.
• 🤘 Experienced a "punk rock" youth, balancing wholesome Christian community with rebellious teenage antics, which provided an outlet for youthful energy.
• 🎓 Enlisted immediately after high school graduation in June 2007, entering boot camp at a time of active war, a decision that was difficult for his parents but ultimately supported.
• 💥 Boot camp was a transformative experience, designed to break down ego and personal achievements to rebuild recruits as Marines, a process he found humbling yet ultimately beneficial.
• 🏆 Excelled in boot camp, becoming platoon guide and earning platoon honor man, finding a fresh start and a sense of purpose.

Path to Combat and the Sangin Deployment

• 🗺️ Initially pursued a Platoon Leadership Course (PLC) program to become an officer, leading to an MOS in electronics, which he found unfulfilling.
• 🔄 After struggling with his initial MOS and reserve unit assignment, he transferred to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines, aiming for a grunt unit deploying to Afghanistan.
• ✈️ The unit's mission focus shifted from Delam to Sangin, Afghanistan, a highly strategic and intensely hostile region known for high casualties.
• 🧠 Pre-deployment workups were rigorous, involving intense training, cultural studies, and sobering briefings from Marines who had recently served in Helmand Province, highlighting the brutal realities of combat.
• 🕊️ Maintained his Christian faith amidst the "eat and drink for tomorrow we die" mentality, aiming to be a light and servant, demonstrating his convictions through actions and unwavering performance.

Combat Experiences in Sangin

• 💥 First patrol outside the wire was a baptism by fire, encountering an IED strike, ambush, close-quarters small arms attack, and multiple Hellfire missile strikes within hours.
• 🛣️ Route 611, the main supply route, was heavily targeted with IEDs and ambushes, requiring constant patrols and vigilance.
• 🤕 Experienced near misses with IEDs and a direct hit to their MRAP, highlighting the constant danger and the unsustainable nature of early patrol tactics.
• 🎯 The mission focus shifted to Patrol Base Alcatraz in the northern Sang Valley, an area known for intense IED activity and ambushes, requiring aggressive foot patrols into the "green zone."
• 👦 A profound moment involved almost mistakenly engaging a young boy in the green zone, reinforcing the importance of positive identification and the tragic potential for error.
• 💥 Engaged in intense firefights, often with the enemy having the advantage of surprise and position, necessitating a shift in tactics to rely on air support and suppressive fire.

The Cost of War and Blue-on-Blue Incident

• 💔 Experienced deep internal conflict grappling with the brutality of war, the loss of comrades like Staff Sergeant Smith and Doc Rast in a devastating friendly fire incident involving a drone strike, and the near-fatalities of others.
• 🗣️ The "blue-on-blue" incident led to investigations and a profound impact on the unit, but also highlighted the importance of leadership and resilience, exemplified by Major Wood's "man in the arena" speech.
• 😔 The deployment concluded with a sense of accomplishment but also profound sadness, loss, and a hardened heart, struggling with the moral complexities of combat and the loss of brotherhood.
• 🤝 Transitioned back to civilian life, pursuing higher education in theology and philosophy to process his experiences, finding healing and a new perspective.

Post-Military Life and Legacy

• 🏗️ Entered the construction and real estate development industry, leveraging military-honed skills in project management and leadership.
• 📚 Committed to writing his book, "US Marines at the Battle for Sangin," to share his experiences, honor fallen comrades, and raise awareness for veteran health issues through the Hunter 7 Foundation.
• 🙏 Emphasizes the importance of faith, family, and purpose in navigating life's challenges, advocating for intentionality and making a positive impact.
• 🇺🇸 Believes in the necessity of being prepared for war to defend freedom and justice, while acknowledging its tragic human cost and the importance of striving for peace.