We revisit Ramadi 2004 with Jon Wade to trace how hard lessons learned became durable leadership in his later career as a senior NCO and Staff NCO. We end on brotherhood, nerves at the finish, and what it means to bring people home.
• early raids blocked by chains, walls, missing tools
• switch from textbook CQB... to shock and overwhelm
• April 6–10 battle: motorbikes, shifting ROE
• intel gaps and rare feedback on detainees
• HVT hit with Delta and Oliver North present
• corrupt cop raid with large caches and documents
• unit culture built through a new family and trust, repetition
• leadership lessons carried to Afghanistan
• final weeks’ nerves, rituals, and an IED close call
• reflection on ego, stewardship, and bringing everyone home
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If you are a member of Weapons Company or someone with a story about Weapons Company 2/4 in 2004, please come tell some stories with us - 20 mins or 20 hours! Help paint the canvas of an archival story for others to know what it was like. Contact us @ RamadiPodcast@gmail.com, or via the podcast website above.
All music used with permission by soundbay: https://www.youtube.com/@soundbay_RFM
