Former Navy Seal deploys 16 times as a Special Ops Pilot! 🚁
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- Опубликовано: 3 окт 2024
- Watch the full interview with CW4(R) Michael Rutledge here: • Navy Seal To 160th SOA...
CW4(R) Michael Rutledge grew up in a small farming community in Illinois. At the age of 5, his father introduced him to flying by taking him into the skies in a 1942 WWII Boeing Stearman biplane. Along with the movie Top Gun, Civil Air Patrol, and his love for military history convinced him to pursue a path in aviation.
Mike served on Active Duty for nearly 30 years - with 12 years enlisted, 8 of which was served as a Navy SEAL with SEAL Team One; the remaining years as a Warrant Officer assigned to the “Night Stalkers” of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR).
Although Mike did not graduate from the United States Military Academy, he had an influential role in the West Point community. Before retiring back in May, he served his last remaining years in the military as the Commander of the 2nd Flight Detachment at West Point. In this episode, we cover Mike’s humble origins, his time as a Navy Seal and his transition to the Army as a pilot, as well as his unwavering passion to fly.
If you would like to learn more about what Michael is working on, please follow him at the links below:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgrutledge/
Instagram: michael_g_rutledge
Website: mentorsformilit...
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Most people will never understand this mentality if you have never served in our Nations military. I deployed twice to Iraq and it teaches you how much we have to be grateful for in the U.S. When I returned to the U.S I kissed the floor in the airport I was so happy to be back on U.S soil. I will never forget my time spent deployed.
Vietnam is very grateful to America, Along with Laos, and more more other country's still clearing up their shit.
@@newton18311 shouldn’t have been communists 🤷🏻♂️
@@Robert_H_DiverI still can't fathom how ignorant some Americans can be.
And those most people are the ones dictating the rules of engagement causing the US lives
Thank you for your service. I wish your grateful feelings for the USA were shared by all Americans.
Nightstalkers are second to none.
NSDQ?
@@kd741 Yes Nightstalkers dont quit.
@@Sarge80 amen! Seeing who was paying attention. Anyone from the Hollywood class?
Without a doubt, the best helicopter pilots in the world. No quesrion. About that. I have too many of them and befriended many during my 15.3 years serving under JSOC.
There’s another US special operations aviation unit out there that likes to recruit pilots from the 160th.
When I got out after 8 years I had forgotten how easy civilian life was compared to being active duty. Felt like I had all the free time in the world while working full time
Army vet here. I was in for 6yrs. 82nd/25th ID with two combay tours. I work 4 days a week now (8hr shifts) doing night security at a mansion. It feels amazing, but it still feels like I work too much. I wish I was retired and could just be home pretty much 24/7. My mental health hasn't fully healed. Civilian life is definitely easier and I have no regrets about getting out. I just feel empty. After getting out, I faced severe living and financial issues for years. Had to live in my car a few times. Had to move around the country multiple times. Been settled in for about 7yrs, but really stable only for the past 3yrs.
@@anony88stay strong guy!! you’re a beast!
@anony88 what was ur MOS? I was a 19d in a light cav unit, 3/71 cav 3bct 10th mountain div. I've been a 30 day mission and that was pretty crappy we were in nuristan in summer and gettin hit everyday multiple times longest TIC was 6.5 hrs...couldn't imagine 60 to 90 days straight.
@@anony88 I feel you. I had the feeling of emptiness and no purpose after doing the toughest job in the world but you need to find a new way to challenge yourself. For me, school was so hard as a kid so I made it a mission to get my bachelors degree and I did. I also loved being there for people serving others while in the military and to keep that satisfaction going I gravitated to Human Resources where I have been since 2013.
Challenge yourself, don’t get complacent
I think it still depends on your lifestyle. I knew people who got out, had kids and did school and they are way more stressed than we ever were, even on deployment.
It goes to grass is greener and poor planning, I get it. But it probably wouldn’t be as bad if they stayed in.
Living legend right there.....unlimited respect for u sir
A little info for everyone confused . Previously before becoming the CWO at West Point Chief Rutledge was a Pilot for 160th (NightStalker) and did multiple deployments as such and before he was a pilot at 160th he was a Navy seal.
I can see why West Point would want him. Quite the role model for the students there.
Yeah that helped.. Matching Military things up seeing and hearing I was confused about the how and who..😂👍
A little known fact is that blue suiters accompany every SPECOPS team to provide air support. Yes, they have their own people just for one highly specialized role. That 12 Strong Horse Soldier team definitely had a blue suiter to provide close air support. And don't get me started about Combat Engineers making improv runways that never get used! AF definitely goes out in the boonies from time to time when they're not just qualifying as a Flight Nurse 🤣✌
So, a badass. Looks an sounds like an ordinary human. But he's not.
@@luislongoria6621where was Air Force even mentioned? This guy was Navy then Army...
Ever seen this guy's picture in uniform? Ribbons, wings and SEAL trident on top.
He’s probably going to be accused of stolen valor as an old man. You were a navy seal AND a 160th pilot? Suuuuuure bud
Impressive
@@jordanvangundy975shit it could happen tomorrow lol
@jordanvangundy975 possibly, but these men don't typically wear their dress uniform unless for good reason. Odds are if you meet him in full dress, you know him.
I never ever have dress uniform in public unless I just finish my Army ball and go somewhere to eat. Whoever has dress uniform in public going around must be stolen valor or some low ranked dumb enlisted :)) @@ANONM60D
Thank you for your service. Much respect to you sir
Amen!
The commitment and sacrifice of our warriors is never forgotten by my family. I've met people who have no idea about the cost to live and enjoy life the way we do as Americans.
Bravo Zulu
Tx vet
You sound like a gay sailor...🤷🏻♂️
Thank you you are so right.. we should all be more greatful to our warriors.. amazing people
@@caroleowens9589 They are not warriors, dummy. They are military service members!
This dude is a badass. SEAL for 8 years then transitions to army flight warrant. 27 years active duty. 12 in the navy, the rest army. Now flies for West Point. Has seen combat but wears his SEAL trident on his blues instead of a CAB because he’s decked the fuck out. Pathfinder, senior jump wings, free fall wings, aviator badge and SEAL trident. Along with an 8 row ribbon rack and almost three row unit citation rack.
Zip it up when you’re done
@@reed7562 funny because that’s what I told your mother just 10 minutes ago. You sound a little jealous that you haven’t done a fraction of what he did
His school counselor asked him what he wanted to be.
He answered “a badass”.
SEAL & SOAR pilot? That’s crazy.
Correct me if I’m wrong but doesn’t SOAR provide air support to all SF/SOF across the branches. Or was he a navy seal and then tried out for SOAR, I just wanna make sure I’m understanding this correctly
@@EmergencyL0tionlooks like he was on a Seal team and was piloting in his free time, reclassed into the Army and was accepted into SOAR
The world is full of unlimited possibilities. Anything. Care for turtles?! You chose this.
@EmergencyL0tion
Make Rutledge was in SEAL Team 1 in the 90's. During that time, Rutledge would fly small planes over San Diego with advertisement banners (he would invite me), then he cross-decked to the Army to do what he has done recently
❤ thank you so much !!!!! To These brave and absolutely hard-working people. God bless them.
You guys are AWESOME and HEROES protecting our country. We can't imagine what you do but hope you know how much you are appreciated. 🇺🇸
Protecting corporate interests not yours
Yes no one is invading this country! They are overseas thugs for the Rothschild banking system! Time to wake up.
Top tier pilots, who deliver and retrieve top tier operators, who are tasked with the most difficult missions.
Mostly AF pilots rescuing AF pilots. Teenagers crash everything! Army goes in the hot zones
@@luislongoria6621 OK
@@luislongoria6621they aren’t that bad cmon man 😂😂 except for the one mfer who failed a landing attempt 3 times when we were coming back from a rotation when everyone was ready to go home 😂😢
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!! (those who “have served”, those who are “currently serving”, and those that will “serve in the future”), THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!! 🙏🇺🇸💪🏼
I’m so glad I met some of these brave troops on deployment. They are just amazing
these are the type of guys that make are military so strong💪
Michael Rutledge is a 27 active duty year veteran with almost 12 years enlisted including a 3-year assignment as a Helicopter Rescue Swimmer, followed by 8 years as a Navy SEAL. While at SEAL Team One, he served as an M-60 gunner, Air Operations Specialist, Advanced Training Instructor and Platoon Leading Petty Officer. In 2002, Mike transferred to the U.S. Army to become a Warrant Officer Aviator. Upon graduation from flight school, he was directly assigned to the "Night Stalkers" of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) where he served for 13 years as an MH-47G pilot. His current assignment is the Commander of the West Point Flight Detachment at the United States Military Academy. Mike is also an accomplished aviation author, consultant, speaker, and airshow pilot specializing in vintage WWII aircraft, as well as spending his summers flying crop dusters in the Midwest.
So many people would do anything for a resume like that. Anything, but join the military and make the sacrifices necessary to earn a resume like that.
That's more than 3 quarters of you're life Serving you're country 💙
These pilots are top notch rode with them many times absolute professionals
Look this man up . He is an American badass
"Make someone bad go away" the euphemisms are never ending with operators
Yeah, but someone bad, according to who - Joe Biden ! He can't even find the toilet ! His wife now comea on stage with him, simply to guide him in the right direction, when he's done giving his speech or whatever !
Thank you for being my pilot, or at least someone like you dropped me off, and picked me up. You guys rock.
God bless the night stalkers
Love his attitude. Mad respect for the people in uniform who are protecting us !
They are not protecting Americans wake up!
🐑🐑🐑
Thanks for your service god bless a true warrior.
Thank goodness for people like you!!! Bless you!!!!!
This is a classic definition of a patriot….. the sacrifice he made is invaluable. He has my utmost respect and admiration.
Can’t tell you how much these guys mean to making everyone over there. Plus warrant officers are the most chill and definitely some of the best in the business.
Because of men like this we sleep n our beds at night. Thank you sir.
Because of navy seals overseas, you are able to sleep in your bed in the U.S.?
This makes no sense at all.
And because of men like these innocent children across the world can't sleep in their beds at night
@@iancuPotcoava24 Makes also 0 sense.
But well, patriotism obviously harms logic and common sense.
“Sleep in peace” is what you were looking for and that is becoming less and less true everyday. It’s actually starting to look like they may be the reason i won’t get to sleep in peace in the near future
@@cmoore42190M total harmed by crime and few(huge chunk of people)of them died this year(till-christmas eve) & increasi'n day to day...
This man and his contemporaries are heroes. May god bless them
Always impressed by 160th pilots every time I was on their birds
Thank you for your selfless service to rest of humanity 🫡🍀
"Someone bad..."
Don't look in a mirror 😂
That’s a bad man . We need more like minded like him .
Otter is one of the best to have ever done it
Thank You for Your Service Sir!!!!
Completely selfless. What a dedicated human being. Thank you for your dedication to our country.
THANK YOU & YOUR FAMILY FOR THE SERVICE TO THIS GREAT COUNTRY … because you’ve given up a lot to serve .
So much respect to seals, i was a blue side only corpsman. Never got to actual combat bc of a disability from covid, but witj how tough blueside is i can only imagine green side and then eben more intense NAVY SEALS 💥
You’re fortunate the enemy sent those with COVID to the front.
Thank You For Your Service AND GOD BLESS YOU.
Many people will never know his sacrifices. Thank you for your service.
This is why we sleep peacefully at night. Thank you for your service.
Don't forget the pilots, I see they never mentioned those heroes too , they risk their life rescue SFs in hostile environments since ww2 Korea Vietnam Irak Afghanistan Africa everywhere n the Navy WWC boats specially too
Thank you for your Service !!
May God bless and protect those and all of our great patriots and their families! 🙏 🇺🇸
They’re the most dangerous delivery drivers on the face of planet earth!!!
Was a controller in Iraq and when it goes dark these guys own the night. Also when they ask questions such as how big is the top of your tower and how tall are your antennas that means you are about to see some cool ass training. They did Air Assault training on a 7A control tower. These dudes are good.
I would love more documentaries on these guys.
Thank you for your service Sir.I,hand salute you..
What did you use to bait this Chief out of hiding? A fresh pot of coffee? NSDQ
A really dark coffee mug, never, ever washed. And never will be. 😂
Thank you for your service.
Thanks for your service. Respect.
Stone Bad Ass man right here and so humble….
Damn! They need to triple or quadruple the personnel doing these missions! That's an unsustainable op tempo!
For weaker individuals yes
I did it for 18 years out of my 27. There are no memories that are more rewarding or more painful than those years. I would do it all over again if given the chance.
Unsustainable yet Nightstalkers have been doing it with great success for years.
@@jethro9341 since 1981
Much love and respect, Soldier, keep up the good fight
Practice makes perfect, leave some for the Marines now……Thanks brother
Thank you for giving so much to protect me.
He was a seal then went and joined the 160th?
Yes, he did. Research CWO4 Rutledge.
Well said Sir. God Bless these Men
Bless the wives and families that support and serve with these men.
Yet they wives cheats on them..bless their hearts
Jodie was fucking their brains out. They divorced their Army/ Marine/ Navy/Air Force husbands. Their children wonder who they are. Great.
@@mrdeecroft3114 You watch too many shorts
Proud to be on this land.
Rutledge was attached to our unit in 98 as a Seal on the Duluth.
Stand-up dude!
Thank you thank god for men like you ❤
This dude is a savage he speaks so clearly without explaining what he does vut you know hes walked out of houses looking like a butcher. God bless him
Thank you!
I served with them and was carried by them. They are the best in the world.
Thank you all who served or are serving for your service. Stay safe and come home to your family and friends 🙏🏻🙏🙏🏻🙏
Gail Lewis served 10 years as a Walmart associate
This is very candid and down to earth. It is surprising how it moves me. The last sentence haunts one into the silence and hopefully no further
This is HIM!
"bad go away...".Lol, they are the bad guys!!😅
Warrant officer Mike Rutledge?
Good Stuff, my Brother!! God Bless you!! 🙏 🇺🇸
This is the taxi service for the crazy soldiers and sailors
LOL and what do you call a pilot who tells six individuals sitting outside his aircraft that if you get any hot rounds on him he will shoot you in the face? 😆🤣 NOT a taxi driver....
@@danmcdevitt4975 more like Uber then…😁
Thank you for your service!…. 💯
He is a priceless treasure...🙏🏻💝🙏🏻
Thank you, sir!
Night stalkers!
God be with you today and forever. ❤ Thank you for being
Civilians never understand the true sacrifices that military makes.
That's why their ungrateful.
Not all of us.
Small percentage of the military even does anything remotely to “sacrificing”.
Military now is just a big frat party. Worst and best years of my life.
@@jlehm: 👍👍👍👍👍👍!.
So peaceful at night
Carry on brother!
Thank you for your service.
Respect. Grateful
Old time tough guys. These men could have survived in the distant past.
NSDQ, on target plus or minus 60 seconds! Next stop Dairy Queen? Lots of respect for the nightstalkers
+-30 seconds*
@@Andromedon777 seeing who was paying attention! It was a test and you past
@@kd741 sure.....
@@Andromedon777 service in the 160th
@@kd741 what does that even mean?
ZERO FEAR flying when the 160th is in the house.
And as a SF guy myself, your family takes the biggest hit. Then you find out that they lied about alot. The government I mean.
thanks for all you and everyone who has severed do brotha
The SF recruiters were telling us that they get to spend most of their time with their family. Guess they were lying lmao
Thank you Sir 🙏
I always like when they say, "make someone bad go away," like they aren't capable of being the bad people
Everyone is capable of being a bad person. But in this case, it sounds more like you're on the side of the terrorists these guys go after.
Maybe you should step your game up so that you can meet these guys in person one day.
@@Danlovestrivium The only case that's a parent here is you struggling with making intelligence statements. Your reply was nothing more than a stupid ass fallacy
@@Danlovestrivium: No problem with me, as a number of family members (I have no idea how many) served in the Army or Navy - regardless of rank, years of experience, all got my respect, support and friendship.
I've never been more happy to be back on Anerican soil after 2 yr deployment
You’ll never hear these story from army special forces cause these guys are no navy seals
@ex_asperated yes you are right. I should say he is army special operations, maybe night stalkers?
Is this meant as an insult or compliment
@@alexg5107i think they just uneducated. For they all have books and have become successful by sharing their history.
He was a SEAL before he became a pilot…
Thank you for defending our Freedom. Thank you for your service. Respect in overload.
I pray that GOD continues to Bless you.
This should be mandatory for everyone after high school for 3-4 years. The direction our world is heading demands that we prepare our next generation
Next Gen as in GenZ? They are woke and weak AF!!
Active deployment in war zones?
@@TheMcPattey Serving in the military, genius!!!!!!!
Having a volunteer force is what makes us strong. Compulsory service is a terrible idea.
The elites don't want people to be physically and mentally strong.
Every day you help make bad people go away... That's how you get things done, through folks like this.
Bro crop dusts my opium fr, thanks for his service and idk guarding my opi was this hard lmaoo 😂😂
God bless you all who are brave enough to defend us night after night. 🙏❤
God bless you and keep you safe!
Love and respect
Now that is a very impressive line of accomplishments wow let us 👏 go after every goal like this gentleman did, find out how he did it and emulate just what he did, accomplish your goals , look at the best and rinse and repeat!!!