#259 Mike Durant - 160th SOAR Pilot Who Survived Black Hawk Down and 11 Days as a POW
In this episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, Mike Durant recounts his personal experience during the Black Hawk Down incident in Somalia, where he survived a helicopter crash and endured 11 days as a prisoner of war. Durant details the mission's evolution from providing security for relief organizations to the complex challenges of controlling Mogadishu, and describes the events leading to his capture and eventual release.
The conversation also explores the political decisions that impacted the mission, including the denial of crucial military assets and significant troop reductions. Durant shares insights from his later transition into civilian life, including his venture into politics through an Alabama Senate race campaign, where he encountered various challenges that shaped his perspective on the political process.
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1-Page Summary
Durant's Experiences and Perspectives on Black Hawk Down
Mike Durant shares his firsthand account of the Black Hawk Down incident in Somalia, from the initial U.S. invasion through his capture and eventual release. Durant describes how the mission began successfully, with U.S. forces providing security for relief organizations, but complications arose when trying to control Mogadishu, a city divided by warlords and clans.
On October 3, 1993, Durant recounts how the situation rapidly deteriorated after one helicopter was shot down, killing crew members Cliff Walcott and Donovan Brierley. His own helicopter was later hit by an RPG, leading to a crash that he survived with severe injuries. Durant then endured a harrowing period of captivity, facing beatings, interrogations, and multiple relocations before being released through negotiations.
Political and Strategic Factors of the Black Hawk Down Mission
Durant expresses frustration with the political decisions that affected the mission's execution. He points to the denial of crucial military assets like tanks and AC-130 gunships, and criticizes the reduction of troops from 38,000 to 1,500 as a political rather than strategic decision. Despite these challenges, Durant notes that the mission succeeded, though at a devastating cost in American lives.
Mike Durant's Political Campaign Experience and Reflections
Following his military service and business career, Durant entered the Alabama Senate race with optimism, backed by his experience as a combat veteran and successful business owner managing 700 employees. However, he soon encountered significant challenges, including opposition from figures like Mitch McConnell and Richard Shelby. Durant describes facing unfair tactics, including misleading soundbites and personal attacks. Despite initial strong polling, the experience left him disillusioned with the political process, ultimately leading him to feel relieved about not winning the senate seat.
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Counterarguments
- The mission's initial success in providing security for relief organizations might be seen as short-lived given the subsequent events and the overall outcome of the operation.
- The assertion that the mission succeeded could be contested, as the definition of success in this context could be subjective and dependent on the specific objectives being considered.
- The reduction of troops from 38,000 to 1,500 could be defended as a strategic decision based on changing circumstances or assessments of the situation on the ground, rather than purely political reasons.
- The claim that political decisions negatively impacted the mission could be countered by arguing that military operations are inherently subject to political oversight and that such decisions are made with a broader context in mind, which may not be fully apparent to all participants.
- Durant's disillusionment with the political process might be challenged by suggesting that politics is inherently complex and adversarial, and that such challenges are to be expected in a democratic system.
- The relief felt by Durant about not winning the Senate seat could be seen as a personal reaction that might not be shared by others who believe in the importance of enduring the difficulties of political campaigns to achieve public service goals.
Actionables
- Reflect on personal resilience by journaling about a time you faced adversity, noting how you coped and what you learned. This exercise can help you understand your own capacity to endure challenges, similar to how Durant managed his captivity. For example, write about a difficult project at work or a personal setback, and identify the strategies you used to overcome it.
- Evaluate the impact of leadership decisions on group outcomes by discussing with friends or colleagues how different choices might have changed the results of a shared experience. This mirrors the analysis of political decisions affecting military missions. For instance, after a team project, have a roundtable to consider how various leadership decisions could have led to different project outcomes.
- Practice critical thinking by researching a current political candidate's platform and past actions, then list potential pros and cons of their election based on your findings. This approach helps you engage with politics thoughtfully, akin to Durant's experience with political opposition. You might look into a local mayoral candidate, assess their proposed policies, and predict the positive and negative effects these could have on your community.
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Durant's Experiences and Perspectives on Black Hawk Down
Mike Durant shares an intimate account of the harrowing events of the Black Hawk Down incident, including the complexities of the mission, the fall of Mogadishu, the intense battle that ensued, and his subsequent ordeal as a prisoner of war.
Mike Durant Details Black Hawk Down: Pre-mission, Mission, and Captivity
Mike Durant delves into the intricate details of Black Hawk Down, providing a stark picture of the mission gone awry and the far-reaching implications it had on him personally and on military engagement as a whole.
Durant Described the Somalia Invasion As Initially Successful, With the U.S. Providing Relief Security, but Later Faced Challenges in Controlling Mogadishu
Durant begins by painting a picture of the initial success of the U.S. invasion of Somalia, with Marines carrying out a conventional invasion that involved amphibious landings they went through without firing a shot. The U.S. forces initially focused on providing security for relief organizations, successfully ensuring food reached those in need. However, challenges arose when the mission shifted from security to trying to control Mogadishu for a provisional government to assume power, a city controlled by warlords and clans.
Durant reflects on the change in Somalis' attitude, who went from welcoming the U.S. to expressing hostility, evidenced by the horrifying images of dead American soldiers being dragged through the streets. The U.S. lost the battle for the hearts and minds of the Somali people, facing the entirety of the city's population rather than merely the supporters of the warlord Aidid.
Durant Recalls October 3, 1993: Helicopter Downed, Skirmishes, Crashes, Crew Deaths
On October 3, 1993, Mike Durant was part of a slow and vulnerable helicopter operation, flying with caution due to another aircraft clearing the area. The crew successfully completed their objective but faced tragedy when another helicopter with flight crew Cliff Walcott and Donovan Brierley was shot down, both killed instantly when their helicopter crashed into a wall. Durant recalls his disbelief, initially hoping to converse with Walcott and Brierley later about the ordeal, only to realize later they had perished.
The situation that day rapidly deteriorated with multiple skirmishes and not enough support to handle them. Forces were consolidated at the crash site, with a plan to secure the area and provide safety for survivors. Durant singles out the heroic actions of pilots like Carl Meyer and Keith Jones, who executed bold maneuvers to save the most critically wounded despite heavy opposition.
Durant describes his own helicopter being hit by an RPG, resulting in a loss of the tail rotor, setting off a catastrophic chain of events leading to another crash. Surviving the crash with severe injuries, he witnessed the deaths of fellow crew members and expressed gratitude for rescuers Gary and Randy, who made a valiant but tragic last stand.
Durant Recounted His Harrowing Captivity Experiences, Including Beatings, Interrogations, Relocations, and Eventual Release Through Negotiations
Recalling his time as a prisoner, Durant describes being beaten to the point of sustaining broken bones in his face and initially fearing ...
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Durant's Experiences and Perspectives on Black Hawk Down
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Actionables
- Reflect on personal resilience by journaling about a challenging time in your life, focusing on how you set small goals to overcome it. This exercise can help you recognize your own strength and ability to set achievable goals in the face of adversity, similar to how Durant set goals for survival. For example, if you've gone through a tough job search, write about the daily or weekly goals you set, such as networking with a certain number of people or learning a new skill, and how these small steps helped you through the process.
- Create a "second life" anniversary to celebrate overcoming a personal hardship, marking the date as a yearly reminder of your resilience and growth. Durant celebrated his release and survival annually; you can choose a date significant to a personal victory, such as the end of a difficult project, recovery from illness, or overcoming a fear, and celebrate it by reflecting on your journey or doing something meaningful to you.
- Engage in a virtual reality experience that simulates challenging envir ...
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Political and Strategic Factors of the Black Hawk Down Mission
Durant Discussed Political and Strategic Decisions Affecting Black Hawk Down, Highlighting Resource and Support Limitations
Political decisions and resource allocations significantly influenced the events known as Black Hawk Down. Mike Durant discussed these factors, noting both the operational limitations and political entanglements that affected the mission.
Durant Frustrated by U.S. Government's Lack of Tanks, Ac-130 Gunships, and Counter-Battery Fire, Crucial for Mission Success
Durant expressed his frustration with the lack of necessary military assets, such as tanks and AC-130s, during the mission. He revealed that requests for these critical resources were denied. The absence of such assets like tanks, AC-130 gunships, and counter-battery fire was, according to Durant, due to political reasons, even though he mentioned speaking to tank operators who were ready to deploy.
Durant Criticized U.S. Troop Withdrawal From Somalia, Citing Readiness Hindered by Politics
Durant reflected on the political circumstances surrounding the mission, which led to suboptimal troop numbers during the operation. He suggests that the reduction of troops from 38,000 to 1,500 was a political move meant to appease the American public rather than a strategic decision informed by the realities on the ground. He further criticized the decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Somalia following the events that unfolded, describing it as a betrayal and a politically motivated decision that demoralized the soldiers.
D ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Political and Strategic Factors of the Black Hawk Down Mission
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The decision to limit military assets such as tanks and AC-130 gunships may have been based on broader strategic considerations, such as minimizing the mission's footprint or avoiding escalation with other factions in Somalia.
- The reduction of U.S. troops from 38,000 to 1,500 could have been influenced by assessments of the changing situation on the ground, not solely political appeasement.
- The withdrawal of U.S. troops might have been a strategic decision influenced by broader foreign policy objectives or a reassessment of U.S. interests in Somalia, rather than purely a political move.
- The success of the mission is subjective and can be debated based on the long-term impacts and objectives of the U.S. presence in Somalia.
- The assertion that early intervention with more powerful military resource ...
Actionables
- You can analyze decision-making in your workplace by mapping out how recent decisions were made and what influenced them. Start by reviewing a recent project or initiative and identify the key decisions that were made. Then, trace back to understand what factors played a role in each decision – was it data, politics, public opinion, or something else? This will help you see if the decisions were strategically sound or influenced by external factors, similar to how political considerations influenced military decisions.
- Improve your personal risk assessment by practicing with hypothetical scenarios. Create a list of potential risks you might face in different areas of your life, such as planning a trip or investing money. For each scenario, think about what resources or information could mitigate these risks and how their absence could increase your vulnerability. This exercise can help you better prepare for real-life situations by understanding the importance of having the right resources at the right time.
- You can learn to advocate effectively for resources you need by role-playing negoti ...
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Mike Durant's Political Campaign Experience and Reflections
In a detailed recount of his bid for the Alabama Senate, Mike Durant shares the challenges and insights he gained during his political campaign, which followed his military service and business career.
Heading: Mike Durant's Alabama Senate Bid Derailed by Unfair Tactics After Black Hawk Down
Durant Thought His Combat Veteran and Business Owner Background Made Him a Strong Candidate but Soon Found the Political Process Complex and Challenging
Mike Durant entered the political race buoyed by significant public sentiment against career politicians. With a background as a combat veteran and a successful business owner with 700 employees, he thought he was well-qualified and had a strong chance of winning. His experience gave him a clear understanding of leadership, business impacts, government operations, and foreign policy. When he launched his campaign with an effective video, he quickly gained attention and surged ahead in polls.
Despite his strong start, Durant experienced the complexity and challenges of the political process firsthand. From the beginning, his campaign was hampered by dishonest tactics. Durant was open about the unfair practices he faced, including a misleading soundbite posted online that falsely portrayed him as anti-Second Amendment and public claims by Parker Griffith, whom Durant had never met, that Durant suffered from PTSD, hoping to discredit his candidacy.
Durant Opposed by Figures Like Mitch McConnell and Richard Shelby, Who Undermined His Campaign Through Negative Ads and Pressured Him to Drop Out
Durant’s main political opponents included Katie Britt, the former chief of staff for the influential Senator Richard Shelby. Durant hints at Shelby's indirect opposition to his campaign and discusses Mitch McConnell’s involvement. After poll results showed Durant leading, McConnell reached out, indicating a preference against another candidate, Mo Brooks. Soon after, a Super PAC released negative information about him, which Durant suspects was linked to McConnell and influenced by Shelby, who wanted Britt to win.
He also recounted a meeting with Shelby’s surrogate as an attempt to pressure him to drop out of the race and instead pursue Brooks's vacating seat with the promise of support in that race. Sadly, personal attacks even extended to his own family, with Durant mentioning that his sister made negative statements about him, although he did not delve into the specif ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Mike Durant's Political Campaign Experience and Reflections
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can evaluate your readiness for a career change by listing your skills and experiences, then matching them against the requirements of the new role. For instance, if considering a move into politics, compare your leadership skills, business acumen, and understanding of government operations to the demands of a political office. This self-assessment can help you gauge whether your background aligns with your career aspirations.
- Create a personal contingency plan before embarking on a significant career shift, like running for political office. Start by setting aside an emergency fund to cover potential financial losses and outline a step-by-step plan for returning to your previous career or exploring new opportunities if the change doesn't work out as expected.
- Develop a support network by reaching out to friends, family, and professional contacts ...
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