Back to Episodes
ARMY

Surviving the Surge in Iraq | Special Forces and Infantryman | The Surge | 7th GRP 1st ID | Dan Pace

Dan PaceJune 22, 2024
Surviving the Surge in Iraq | Special Forces and Infantryman | The Surge | 7th GRP 1st ID | Dan Pace
WATCH ON YOUTUBE

About This Episode

Today’s Combat Story dives deep into the career and combat experiences of former infantryman turned Cavalry officer turned Special Forces Green Beret, Dan Pace. Dan retired after over two decades of service in the military, seeing combat in both Iraq and Afghanistan on both the enlisted and officer sides of the house.

Stay Updated: Subscribe to our Newsletter https://www.combatstory.com/newsletter Support Us: Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/combatstory

Dan recently wrote a book titled "It Was What It Was: A Tale of the 1st Infantry Division in Iraq (2006-2008)" where he details his experiences, particularly those with the 1st ID in Iraq during a pivotal moment in the war. In this episode, we dive into the transition from enlisted to officer and conventional to SF, some of the tougher moments in combat, and how perspective may change from that of a soldier to an officer.

General Petreus on the book: "...the timeless tale of a young leader and his soldiers on the ground seeking to find meaning and purpose in the gritty, visceral reality of war at the small unit level."

Enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with retired Special Forces officer, Dan Pace.

Guest Online Information: Contact Dan: contact@grey-zone-ethics.com It Was What It Was: A Tale of the 1st Infantry Division in Iraq (2006-2008) https://www.amazon.com/Was-What-Infantry-Division-2006-2008/dp/B0CW3MH7KT Grey Zone Ethics Courses https://danielvpace.com/courses.html

Join host Ryan Fugit in a gripping episode of Combat Story as he delves into the remarkable military career of Dan Pace, a former infantryman, cavalry officer, and special forces Green Beret. Dan shares his intense experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, from frontline battles to coordinating medevacs. Explore his journey from enlisted to officer roles, the evolution of military strategies, and the personal toll of long deployments. The episode also addresses innovative countermeasures against IED threats, fortified vehicles, and ethical dilemmas faced by troops and leaders. This raw and insightful look into Dan's life and the complexities of modern warfare sheds light on the creativity, resilience, and moral challenges within the military.

Show Notes

Featured Guest

Dan Pace

Chapters

  • 00:00Intro
  • 01:03Meet Dan Pace: From Infantryman to Green Beret
  • 02:35The Story Behind the Book Title
  • 03:36Reflecting on the Surge and Its Impact
  • 09:23Joining the Military: A Whimsical Decision
  • 15:16First Deployment Experiences
  • 20:11Life in Afghanistan: Challenges and Reflections
  • 33:37The Decision to Become an Officer
  • 34:18Encouragement and Motivation
  • 34:57Transitioning to Officer for Better Opportunities
  • 36:03Financial Incentives and Career Moves
  • 36:51Branching and Trading Roles
  • 37:47Formation of Brigade Combat Teams
  • 40:52Deployment and Initial Challenges
  • 47:00Extended Deployment and Coping Mechanisms
  • 01:03:00Leadership Decisions and Ethical Dilemmas
  • 01:09:34A Life-or-Death Decision
  • 01:10:11Moral Dilemmas in Combat
  • 01:12:14Humor Amidst Chaos
  • 01:14:03Economic Stimulus in a War Zone
  • 01:14:52Transition to Special Forces
  • 01:22:20Ethical Challenges in Special Forces
  • 01:32:45Training Mishaps and Close Calls
  • 01:38:25Reflections and Farewell