I’ve had the honor and privilege of serving with AJ Pasciuti and you will find no one more genuine than him. His passion for politics is not born out of money or fame but out of a realization that if he wants to do the most good for others he has to stand on the same footing as those giving orders or making policy for our troops. His passion to do so is only matched by his love for his family and friends. More importantly, he has overcome insurmountable odds and, like all of us, battled his share of personal challenges. Simply put, “no better friend; no worst enemy” when fighting for what’s RIGHT vs what’s popular.
I'm grateful to watch this episode of your series. I was a Marine Scout-sniper in Vietnam, 1966, a re-tread from an 0351 MOS. This was the fledging chapter of the ongoing book still being written about Marine snipers, since the post-Cold War era. Things in our MOS's have progressed radically in particular since 9-11, now a literal military profession. We think of every generation, every iteration of Marine snipers as a brotherhood. It's funny-ironic, listening to AJ Prosciuti's story, his youth, his path to the Marines. Half of it, polar opposite upbringings, half of it nearly parallel paths. Our Marine stories diverged in the war zones - mine ended too early, after an IED took my legs, my teammate's life, and retired me prematurely from my planned career as a Marine. Changes. So, to AJ, my deepest Marine respect, for all of your hard work, focus, courage, and a living legacy. One helluva sincere Semper Fi, young brother. A role model, whether you like being one, or tend to shy from it. Just remember what you give to your successor Marines in the way of wisdom, and a leg-up on their future combat deployments. Lessons help survival.
You and a juco college officer (retired now) are former Viet Nam marine snipers cut from a different cloth from a different time. What you guys went through and came home to is not the same like the guys now (jungle warfare as opposed to desert).
My son is also a Eagle Scout, who was in Recon training. Unfortunately my son was killed in a training accident this past August. Thank you for your service. God bless our troops
Thank you to your son's and your patriotism and sacrifice for the future of America. Even those in training that are willing to put their lives on the line for all of us Americans. So that we ALL may continue to live the lives of freedom like we do and for you two to do that, without either of you even knowing any of us, is extremely commendable, honorable and appreciated by all Americans. Personally from my ❤️ heart I say THANK YOU for your sacrifices and I am sorry for your loss. You are both the literal definition of American heroes!
When someone loses a son or daughter those people serve also so thank you for your service and I thank your son for his sacrifice from one brother to another
Thank you for your service, AJ. Also, thank you for being open and honest and having your ego in check. Not many men, or Marines, would admit to the weapon malfunction, and I'm glad it didn't cost you everything!
AJ debunking the Marine stereotype. Intelligent, well spoken, humble. Fact is every Marine in my rifle company was either highly intellectual, super street smart but typically a combination of the two.
So true. We love to give the Marines a tough time about being Crayon Eaters but it’s definitely a joke and not the reality. I’ve been so impressed with the Marines I’ve come across and for good reason!
I was so ready to lay back and just enjoy this podcast and fall asleep and get ready for work tomorrow it being Monday. Soon as he said he was a liberal from Northern California I fucking just rolled my eyes and left this comment and gave the video a thumbs down. This man literally goes against every constitutional, moral and religious belief that I have. I'm sorry I can't support this dude at all😢
That is a horribly misplaced stereotype...the "stupid" grunt. My gunny had the scores of every Marine in the platoon and he knew over 80...close to 90% of us were in the upper level of test scores.
To be fair, Marines love fluffing up the myth of the Marine Combat Infantryman being a knuckle dragging monster. The cult demands Gunny Hartman and Gunny Highway occupy the same soul, how else can they be convinced they are who they are told they are? Think back on what the Iraqi leadership told their forces about Marines in the lead up to the first gulf war; savage criminals who had to kill a member of their family to be considered etc. to the Iraqi this was abhorent, they were animals, a scourge sent by a wrathful god. To the Marines this was a mark of quality, the fruits of decades (centuries?) of USMC public affairs officiers' hard work. Imagine for a moment that you have been told, repeatedly, that these men are just man sized children, despised by their own forces, the dregs who are only marginally equipped, clothed in rags, fed slops and they are so intellectually incompetent that they enjoy nay prefer eating crayons and run a risk of soiling themselves from boredom. You have been told they are a disorganized rabble who's only purpose is human wave attacks and they will likely wither under return fire, a roiling mass of fear and incompetence. So that's what you've been told because that's what social media and popular culture portrays, they even attest to it themselves. But wait? What's that sound? Is that helicopters? Landing craft? Why can you no longer communicate with your leading forces... where do they keep coming from and why do their forces keep swarming to support them when they engage your "combat elite"? Welcome to today! If the Army is the anvil and the Air Force the fire, the Marines are surely the hammer and like any hammer, it appears a dull dumb lump of metal until weilded with craft and skill.
This was an excellent episode. This gentleman is very thoughtful, articulate and well spoken. His comments about low self confidence keeping some of us from ever really living purposeful lives and the finality of death really hit! Universally relatable. All killer, No filler! Shout out to Ryan aka Jack Ryan on another great conversation.
Man 2005 I was with 3/6 on our 2nd pump in Ramadi. Shit was crazy man. Our Ops O Captain Seibert took a lucky shot mortar round, direct hit to his humvee. He was first guy we lost man. Semper Fi
Civilian in Australia and love hearing these stories, training to join the RAAF this year. Combat stories helps me get some insight in what goes on and keeps my motivated! Keep them up
In this moment where I feel like I’m barely keeping my head above water in my civilian job, it was so useful to hear your story about getting kicked out of sniper platoon and getting back in. Love to hear the stories of people who fail but never give up and keep going. A lot of times we just hear the stories about people who are studs and just make it all the way through to their dream jobs.
I love all of your interviews! That being said Chief Pascuiti and your Dad have been IMHO the best. Your own personal story is another. Thanks to all of you great Americans that protect and preserve our freedom at all costs.
Served 8 years as an artilleryman. Some good times some bad times but a good defining part of my life but I worry about kids joining today. Force Recon guys were always guys of legend, then by pure chance I became friends with one that stayed in NC after he got out and I quickly learned why they are just different. I loved that dude and had tons of good times. ORAHH and God Bless.
It's one of my favorite episodes! I love his ability to laugh at himself. Such an important thing in life. He seems like he's a great role model. It gives me hope knowing that there are people out there like him.
Love this episode! Love the humility and panache AJ personifies. I'm amped there's a part 2! Also, you spoken to Aaron now (he and I grew up together), and I suspect in your conversations, you would have experienced the rare mixture of a person with stories to tell and the rare gift of telling them well. Lets get him on the show!
That pop mech from 93 has made a lot of Marine, Army and Navy snipers. There were no fighter pilots featured it was all SF in that article, the “pilot” he’s referring to is a altitude jump Green Barret with full helmet and ox mask carrying mp5. The chads holding m86 and m24, yeh like I said one of the coolest magazine features of military sniper MOS ever, im not suprised so many were inspired to that specially from that pop mech issue!
This was the best and most honest interview you have ever done. AJ Pascicuti thank you for being honest, our young people need to know the truth about being a warrior and learning from failures. This was your best interview ever. Wishing AJ THE VERY BEST.
I am not a veteran. But, I share so many things with Mr. Pasciuti, though I have been an expert in firearms, long gun and handgun. This man's life brings near-tears, and most of your interviews do come close. I tried to be a medic or corpsman but was rejected. Hunting, tracking, armorer in "small arms," and more, with advanced medical skills (been shot once, knifed once) of valuable provable skills were ignored. I have those near-tears in so many of your interviews because I cannot make them disappear.
There are 3 places that I can go to the exact spot I was at when I heard the news of something happening, when Elvis died, Princess Diana( which I had a crush on), and a beautiful Tuesday morning that had the most unique color of blue sky in September.
Gen Scott Miller was as humble and terrifyingly confident as Mattis. I was so glad the powers that are alowed him to leave AFG and let CENTCOM take the loss. From 2018 on he transformed the war.
I was a PIG in the reserves and missed all the combat deployments. Never the less I got to meet and be mentored by some of the greatest scout snipers the Corps had ever had. These men are real and it was an honor to even be around them and know of the things this man is talking about even though I didn’t do much personally.
AJ Pasciuti, you are an incredible person all around, amazing. Humble, determined, disciplined, together... So glad that you are who you are, doing what you do... Thank you for articulating so well what happened, its important that we know these great men that you served with so that we can apply their sacrifice to what we have and not take life for granted. Albeit I was never able to be in the military, I can see that your service never stops. Sadly, you like many others carry so much pain that you cannot let go of or forget... I am praying for your peace and strength to never give up or give in. God's blessings on you and all that served, for our benefit. Thank you for dedicating your life to protecting mine and that of my family, I WILL NEVER FORGET IT.
I'm not in the military, never have been, always wanted to join the marines but life had different plans with me. But I could literally listen to AJ tell a story about making pancakes. Thank you AJ for your sacrifice and your service to this country. Hopefully our country does an about face before its too late, but back on point. AJ is a helluva man and I love listening to his stories.
Did a few jobs with Chris Kyle, (other seal teams incl DEVGRU) we never really got on but personal issues were put aside the second we went on Ops. Went to his funeral too, very sad occasion, Only marine I knew was gunny Bob Davis from Texas, met him in the 86/7 at fort Bliss, left a lasting impression on me, visited him much later at his home, bought him a nice rifle with expensive scope,
In the Marines you can’t rush the process. You have to grind through and learn the job of infantry skills; land nav, weapons skills, tactics, call for fire, first aid skills, etc,etc,etc. while this young man was hungry and eager he wasn’t ready. But, after time and experience, which you can’t rush, he became outstanding. Maybe the First Sargent was right.
Thank you for your service AJ. I don't mean to be disrespectful, but you tell a good story - I was laughing so hard. I think to often I forget who helped me acheive and/or progress - thank you reminding me I didn't get here by myself.
So with all of the content creators calling crayon eaters and insinuating that we lack intelligence. AJ should put that all to rest. It baffles me that we still get grief, yet SOME of the other branches will take people that the only requirement is to fog up a mirror. The recruitment goals in the Marine Corps are being met. AJ exemplifies the standard that is to be set as a Marine. I have seen other podcast of guys from every other branch and sometimes the professionalism is lacking. Kudos to AJ. Great podcast!
I was a Sophomore in High School when 9/11 happened in Jacksonville NC aka Camp Lejune. After the second one hit I have never seen anything like it. They sent us home and the whole city shut down, the gates closed in both directions. 1 Week before I was in DC with my best bud from 2nd Grade, we both ended up Joinin me the Corps him the Army. If you wanna get some good old school Marine stories I highly suggest going to the Vet orgs in Onslow County NC and Fayetville NC. All my nieghbors were all WW2, Korea Vietnam vets heard some of the best stories I wish I had a camera growing up and recorded it. Most of them are gone.
As a fellow NorCal native who’s a little further north then the Bay Area but still cool to know NorCal has some of the worlds finest war fighters. Cheers from NorCal!
I'm just going to say.. I'm from southern middle TN. I hunt thick woods and open land. My hunting strategy changed when I heard another hunter say.. hit the woods like you are the one being hunted and if you aren't sure about the shot, look away from the scope take a breath and refocus, if the shot isn't there let it go. Enjoy the moment, back out when the game has moved, slip out and think about your next move. That's just me as a hunter of edible critters... LoL .
Not A US Marine (bowing to your accomplishment in respect), but Army Artilleryman (FDC), with the 3rd highest GT test score in my unit... I was also chosen, as a Spec4, by our C/O to be a Company Clerk (thought nothing about my being from N CS Central Valley, until now), and any other added Garisson positions (NBC Training asst, R&U Officer, and the Advance Party asst to the X/O) Hats off for entering at that rank... The gave me E2 for being HS Grad, and PFC in my 10th month, SP4 a little over 2.5 years in. Thank You for your Service, Sir ‼️💯‼️💯‼️
I am just one subscriber and I doubt my vote counts for much in the grand scheme of things. I understand videos views, watch hours and the general algorithm of RUclips but as just a listener, watcher and fan... I wish you wouldn't break up the interviews into multiple parts but if you do please post them all at the same time. The Shawn Ryan Show is now doing three parts. Where does it end???
Hi. Canuck here. Just back from R-Day ceremony. Much more fun wearing pants in freezing cold, compared to kilt in scottish unit! Anyway, this ain't product placement. But I got that Cdn. Veteran Card in the mail. Turns out, beyond being a stand-in for a CAA card, 2 companies really stand out. 1) BMO and 2) MEC. Check it out, vets!
In the Army Infantry, we had a nickname for the marine corps…we called them Army Jr… The Army Infantry is the tough quiet older brother…while marines are the loud mouth little brother…they always run to big bro when they need help :)
00:03 Encounter with Navy SEAL snipers in Fallujah 01:57 AJ Pasciuti served as a sniper in Fallujah alongside Chris Kyle, ensuring the safety of Marines. 06:11 Growing up with immigrant families and the importance of community support 08:10 The new American story is about multiple cultures coming together to create something great. 12:13 Learning self-efficacy and accountability through scouting 14:14 Sense of service and collective MH 17:45 Joining the Marine Corps and the role of catalyst 19:30 Marines have a strong branding and good messaging 23:00 The narrator shares his experience as a USMC sniper and Force Recon in Fallujah. 24:47 USMC Sniper & Force Recon in Fallujah 28:18 The speaker faced issues with their weapon system during a deployment. 29:56 Reinvented Marine Corps education after struggling in combat. 32:57 Experiencing first contact in combat as a boot in the military. 34:44 Separated from the group, facing an enemy machine gun position 38:01 Flanking maneuver and grenade launcher used to gain foothold in enemy position 39:48 Witnessing a fellow Marine earn the Navy Cross during intense gunfight in Fallujah. 43:13 Chris Kyle's speech energized the Marines before the mission. 44:44 Going through sniper indoc and the challenges of the training. 48:12 Denied permission to take sniper indoc by a derogatory company first sergeant 49:43 Facing doubts about his abilities, the speaker overcomes challenges to join the sniper indoc 53:02 Learning Land Navigation in Fallujah 54:38 Force Recon team leader shares experiences from a 2012 deployment in Fallujah 58:09 Importance of helping others and not letting anyone down 59:49 Overcoming self-doubt and helping others realize their potential 1:03:28 Being an instructor at the course made it worse because they still won't talk to me. 1:05:13 Encountered Navy SEAL snipers in a chaotic situation. 1:08:22 Providing OverWatch as a sniper to protect fellow Marines in Fallujah. 1:10:05 Sniper Team's role in clearing houses during the push in Fallujah 1:13:20 Stalking principles can be applied to various environments beyond the battlefield 1:15:05 City Boys make good snipers due to lack of bad tactics and influence 1:18:45 Bravery and love in the face of danger. 1:20:31 The death of Greg in Fallujah and the commitment to honor his legacy 1:23:58 Acceptable loss in combat is relative. 1:26:00 The speaker believes in the American experiment and its imperfections. 1:29:34 Deployment with highly trained sniper team in a developing insurgency in Iraq. 1:31:17 Sniper training incident with Cs gas and a teammate's unconventional gear 1:34:32 Running after the enemy without a gun and relying on team support to win the fight. 1:36:20 AJ Pasciuti describes his experiences and encounters during his time in South Baghdad.
These interviews are about their lives growing up, why the joined , and quick broad strokes covering stories that are Funny , exciting and grim. But he doesn’t paint the picture of what he REALLY saw.
Nope its how these guys are across all special forces across the board, they all feel like theyre struggling and barely making it, even saying to thereself there last but in reality they all feel the same and they are the very best of the best, he felt like he was the worst but graduated top of everything, thats the kind of men these guys are, they are WINNERS that dont congratulate themself and never pat thereself on their back only everyone around them. Its a crazy morality of life, one word to describe these men, exeptional
Try to join the Marine Corps three times failed a written test couldn't pass it but when the bedroom got blown up I was picked up and taking her for Hamilton on standby for the drive
I accused my Army son in law of wanting to be a Marine "so bad", that he ate the childrens crayons. I turned 18 in Hollywood. Peace time 6024 Semper Fi and thank you
Dude. He’s not a bad ass martial artists. lol. He knows how to shoot weapons systems and probably explosive composite understanding with the rest of grunt shit.
@@TJ_CrayonBeltFeeder Fair point but I wasn’t talking about “operator skills” but more so about the mindset of being one, which translates more into real life and day to day scenarios.
I’ve had the honor and privilege of serving with AJ Pasciuti and you will find no one more genuine than him. His passion for politics is not born out of money or fame but out of a realization that if he wants to do the most good for others he has to stand on the same footing as those giving orders or making policy for our troops. His passion to do so is only matched by his love for his family and friends. More importantly, he has overcome insurmountable odds and, like all of us, battled his share of personal challenges.
Simply put, “no better friend; no worst enemy” when fighting for what’s RIGHT vs what’s popular.
Semper Fi
That is the impression I got from his story. It gives me hope, knowing that people like him are still there. He seems like a great role model.
I'm grateful to watch this episode of your series. I was a Marine Scout-sniper in Vietnam, 1966, a re-tread from an 0351 MOS. This was the fledging chapter of the ongoing book still being written about Marine snipers, since the post-Cold War era. Things in our MOS's have progressed radically in particular since 9-11, now a literal military profession. We think of every generation, every iteration of Marine snipers as a brotherhood. It's funny-ironic, listening to AJ Prosciuti's story, his youth, his path to the Marines. Half of it, polar opposite upbringings, half of it nearly parallel paths. Our Marine stories diverged in the war zones - mine ended too early, after an IED took my legs, my teammate's life, and retired me prematurely from my planned career as a Marine. Changes.
So, to AJ, my deepest Marine respect, for all of your hard work, focus, courage, and a living legacy. One helluva sincere Semper Fi, young brother. A role model, whether you like being one, or tend to shy from it. Just remember what you give to your successor Marines in the way of wisdom, and a leg-up on their future combat deployments. Lessons help survival.
You and a juco college officer (retired now) are former Viet Nam marine snipers cut from a different cloth from a different time. What you guys went through and came home to is not the same like the guys now (jungle warfare as opposed to desert).
My son is also a Eagle Scout, who was in Recon training. Unfortunately my son was killed in a training accident this past August. Thank you for your service. God bless our troops
Thank you to your son's and your patriotism and sacrifice for the future of America. Even those in training that are willing to put their lives on the line for all of us Americans. So that we ALL may continue to live the lives of freedom like we do and for you two to do that, without either of you even knowing any of us, is extremely commendable, honorable and appreciated by all Americans. Personally from my ❤️ heart I say THANK YOU for your sacrifices and I am sorry for your loss. You are both the literal definition of American heroes!
Sorry for your lost. May God bless your heart with comfort.
When someone loses a son or daughter those people serve also so thank you for your service and I thank your son for his sacrifice from one brother to another
Sorry to hear this man. Hope his memory lives on.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Sorry for your loss.
Great story. I was there in Ramadi when those guys were there. Juba nearly killed me at the Gov Center. 10 May 2005. S/F
Thank you for your service, AJ. Also, thank you for being open and honest and having your ego in check. Not many men, or Marines, would admit to the weapon malfunction, and I'm glad it didn't cost you everything!
Has AJ ever met the girl that wrote that letter. I would’ve wanted to meet her!🇺🇸
Thanks AJ!! Thanks for your service
AJ debunking the Marine stereotype. Intelligent, well spoken, humble. Fact is every Marine in my rifle company was either highly intellectual, super street smart but typically a combination of the two.
So true. We love to give the Marines a tough time about being Crayon Eaters but it’s definitely a joke and not the reality. I’ve been so impressed with the Marines I’ve come across and for good reason!
@@CombatStory I know you do Ryan. We all, hopefully, get the silly stereotype jabs and take them in stride. Another great discussion!
I was so ready to lay back and just enjoy this podcast and fall asleep and get ready for work tomorrow it being Monday. Soon as he said he was a liberal from Northern California I fucking just rolled my eyes and left this comment and gave the video a thumbs down. This man literally goes against every constitutional, moral and religious belief that I have. I'm sorry I can't support this dude at all😢
That is a horribly misplaced stereotype...the "stupid" grunt. My gunny had the scores of every Marine in the platoon and he knew over 80...close to 90% of us were in the upper level of test scores.
To be fair, Marines love fluffing up the myth of the Marine Combat Infantryman being a knuckle dragging monster. The cult demands Gunny Hartman and Gunny Highway occupy the same soul, how else can they be convinced they are who they are told they are? Think back on what the Iraqi leadership told their forces about Marines in the lead up to the first gulf war; savage criminals who had to kill a member of their family to be considered etc. to the Iraqi this was abhorent, they were animals, a scourge sent by a wrathful god. To the Marines this was a mark of quality, the fruits of decades (centuries?) of USMC public affairs officiers' hard work.
Imagine for a moment that you have been told, repeatedly, that these men are just man sized children, despised by their own forces, the dregs who are only marginally equipped, clothed in rags, fed slops and they are so intellectually incompetent that they enjoy nay prefer eating crayons and run a risk of soiling themselves from boredom. You have been told they are a disorganized rabble who's only purpose is human wave attacks and they will likely wither under return fire, a roiling mass of fear and incompetence.
So that's what you've been told because that's what social media and popular culture portrays, they even attest to it themselves. But wait? What's that sound? Is that helicopters? Landing craft? Why can you no longer communicate with your leading forces... where do they keep coming from and why do their forces keep swarming to support them when they engage your "combat elite"? Welcome to today! If the Army is the anvil and the Air Force the fire, the Marines are surely the hammer and like any hammer, it appears a dull dumb lump of metal until weilded with craft and skill.
WOW. What an incredible interview, and an incredible Marine.
Sgt. Mostrous
USMC Desert Storm Veteran
‘84-‘94
Welcome home brother. SEMPER FIDELIS
If you do not mind my asking. you stayed in halfway to a pension why not stay in?
Omg! Love this guy!!! Im unfortunately starting this backwards. Loved pt 2
This was an excellent episode. This gentleman is very thoughtful, articulate and well spoken.
His comments about low self confidence keeping some of us from ever really living purposeful lives and the finality of death really hit!
Universally relatable.
All killer, No filler!
Shout out to Ryan aka Jack Ryan on another great conversation.
Man 2005 I was with 3/6 on our 2nd pump in Ramadi. Shit was crazy man. Our Ops O Captain Seibert took a lucky shot mortar round, direct hit to his humvee. He was first guy we lost man. Semper Fi
Civilian in Australia and love hearing these stories, training to join the RAAF this year. Combat stories helps me get some insight in what goes on and keeps my motivated! Keep them up
Cheers, mate…Godspeed and stay safe.
You should watch Shawn Ryan show if you haven't yet.
Man, AJ is such a great storyteller
This is the best combat story to date because it’s face to face
The in-person format definitely improves the interaction.
In this moment where I feel like I’m barely keeping my head above water in my civilian job, it was so useful to hear your story about getting kicked out of sniper platoon and getting back in. Love to hear the stories of people who fail but never give up and keep going. A lot of times we just hear the stories about people who are studs and just make it all the way through to their dream jobs.
I love all of your interviews! That being said Chief Pascuiti and your Dad have been IMHO the best. Your own personal story is another. Thanks to all of you great Americans that protect and preserve our freedom at all costs.
His dad’s interview is legendary and one of my absolute favorites. I’m just starting this interview now.
@@teddy.d174is his dad's interview on this RUclips channel?
@@Grimm_Holt Yes, it’s one of the first interviews he did…I believe it’s in the first 5-6 episodes. He was a Huey pilot in Vietnam.
What a guy! Fantastic story telling and conversation. Thanks for making these happen, Ryan!
❤good comment!!😂
Served 8 years as an artilleryman. Some good times some bad times but a good defining part of my life but I worry about kids joining today. Force Recon guys were always guys of legend, then by pure chance I became friends with one that stayed in NC after he got out and I quickly learned why they are just different. I loved that dude and had tons of good times. ORAHH and God Bless.
May God Bless you Mr. Pasciuti. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Love the in-studio format! Definitely wouldn't mind seeing more of this in the future..
He has a great attitude for a warrior.I really enjoy listening to him and you
Awesome Stories , Awesome American , Outstanding Marine
What a likeable guy. Fantastic interview once again
It's one of my favorite episodes! I love his ability to laugh at himself. Such an important thing in life. He seems like he's a great role model. It gives me hope knowing that there are people out there like him.
Love this episode! Love the humility and panache AJ personifies. I'm amped there's a part 2!
Also, you spoken to Aaron now (he and I grew up together), and I suspect in your conversations, you would have experienced the rare mixture of a person with stories to tell and the rare gift of telling them well.
Lets get him on the show!
Its outstanding to here story's from a Marine that went through some of the somethings that happened to me but in a defrent era.
Outstanding Marine. Why couldn't have a Marine like him as a mentor instead of my stepfather.
That pop mech from 93 has made a lot of Marine, Army and Navy snipers. There were no fighter pilots featured it was all SF in that article, the “pilot” he’s referring to is a altitude jump Green Barret with full helmet and ox mask carrying mp5. The chads holding m86 and m24, yeh like I said one of the coolest magazine features of military sniper MOS ever, im not suprised so many were inspired to that specially from that pop mech issue!
What a great interview. I can't wait for part 2. Thanks for posting Ryan.
This was the best and most honest interview you have ever done. AJ Pascicuti thank you for being honest, our young people need to know the truth about being a warrior and learning from failures. This was your best interview ever. Wishing AJ THE VERY BEST.
I am not a veteran. But, I share so many things with Mr. Pasciuti, though I have been an expert in firearms, long gun and handgun. This man's life brings near-tears, and most of your interviews do come close. I tried to be a medic or corpsman but was rejected. Hunting, tracking, armorer in "small arms," and more, with advanced medical skills (been shot once, knifed once) of valuable provable skills were ignored. I have those near-tears in so many of your interviews because I cannot make them disappear.
There are 3 places that I can go to the exact spot I was at when I heard the news of something happening, when Elvis died, Princess Diana( which I had a crush on), and a beautiful Tuesday morning that had the most unique color of blue sky in September.
Great story. Can’t wait for round 2. Liked the in-person episode.
What a great guest and the new studio! Looking forward to part 2. Scanning the bookshelf, I see many books that are on my bookshelf too.
Which books do you recommend?
What a quality human being. And this in person interview is amazing.
Gen Scott Miller was as humble and terrifyingly confident as Mattis. I was so glad the powers that are alowed him to leave AFG and let CENTCOM take the loss. From 2018 on he transformed the war.
I was a PIG in the reserves and missed all the combat deployments. Never the less I got to meet and be mentored by some of the greatest scout snipers the Corps had ever had. These men are real and it was an honor to even be around them and know of the things this man is talking about even though I didn’t do much personally.
Thanks for your service! Deployments are about timing. All out of your hands 🫱🏽🫲🏼
You mean POG lol
What years were you in
Best interview ever!.
Finally in person interviews with good audio, thank you!!
AJ Pasciuti, you are an incredible person all around, amazing. Humble, determined, disciplined, together... So glad that you are who you are, doing what you do... Thank you for articulating so well what happened, its important that we know these great men that you served with so that we can apply their sacrifice to what we have and not take life for granted. Albeit I was never able to be in the military, I can see that your service never stops. Sadly, you like many others carry so much pain that you cannot let go of or forget... I am praying for your peace and strength to never give up or give in. God's blessings on you and all that served, for our benefit. Thank you for dedicating your life to protecting mine and that of my family, I WILL NEVER FORGET IT.
Awesome to see an in person interview on this channel! You’re a great interviewer
Great interview. He has a great work ethic!
"So I'm watching the guy do the Navy cross thing" lol. That would be badass to see. Thats super hero movie sht.
Great Episode!! Thank you!
I'm not in the military, never have been, always wanted to join the marines but life had different plans with me. But I could literally listen to AJ tell a story about making pancakes. Thank you AJ for your sacrifice and your service to this country. Hopefully our country does an about face before its too late, but back on point. AJ is a helluva man and I love listening to his stories.
Love the channel. Audio setup definitely improves the listening experience compared to the older videos with the webcam / laptop audio
Fantastic story from a true warrior!
Iv been waiting and watching for part two for a few days I'm losing my mind I need the second part!! 🤣
Did a few jobs with Chris Kyle, (other seal teams incl DEVGRU) we never really got on but personal issues were put aside the second we went on Ops. Went to his funeral too, very sad occasion, Only marine I knew was gunny Bob Davis from Texas, met him in the 86/7 at fort Bliss, left a lasting impression on me, visited him much later at his home, bought him a nice rifle with expensive scope,
I grew up in Littleton co. I knew of Greg growing up. I went to columbine and lost friends. RIP Rund.
Awesome interview
Praise God for MEN who look out for others. Who help them and guide others to success. What an awesome Gunny.
"WE PAINT OUR FACES BLACK AND GREEN!" In My Cadence voice!
This guy is the best!!! I haven't laughed so hard in a long time!! If we can't laugh at ourselves who can we laugh at??
Thank you for your service and thank you for sharing .
Do they still do Super Squad Competitions in the Marine Infantry Battalions, Regiment, and Division?
Yes, the Marine Corps just brought back a Corps Wide competition too! Look up 2023 quantico super squad!
Great interview. ❤
In the Marines you can’t rush the process. You have to grind through and learn the job of infantry skills; land nav, weapons skills, tactics, call for fire, first aid skills, etc,etc,etc. while this young man was hungry and eager he wasn’t ready. But, after time and experience, which you can’t rush, he became outstanding. Maybe the First Sargent was right.
Great Interview! So very interesting, awesome Marine!❤🙏🇺🇸
Many people inspired me along the way as well
Marine stud! Semper Fi
I dont know whats more impressive.. his story telling or the fact he knows the first and last names of the guys he served with :)
Thank you for your service AJ. I don't mean to be disrespectful, but you tell a good story - I was laughing so hard. I think to often I forget who helped me acheive and/or progress - thank you reminding me I didn't get here by myself.
So with all of the content creators calling crayon eaters and insinuating that we lack intelligence. AJ should put that all to rest. It baffles me that we still get grief, yet SOME of the other branches will take people that the only requirement is to fog up a mirror. The recruitment goals in the Marine Corps are being met. AJ exemplifies the standard that is to be set as a Marine. I have seen other podcast of guys from every other branch and sometimes the professionalism is lacking. Kudos to AJ. Great podcast!
AJ had balls so big they need there own parachute 😂
I was a Sophomore in High School when 9/11 happened in Jacksonville NC aka Camp Lejune. After the second one hit I have never seen anything like it. They sent us home and the whole city shut down, the gates closed in both directions. 1 Week before I was in DC with my best bud from 2nd Grade, we both ended up Joinin me the Corps him the Army. If you wanna get some good old school Marine stories I highly suggest going to the Vet orgs in Onslow County NC and Fayetville NC. All my nieghbors were all WW2, Korea Vietnam vets heard some of the best stories I wish I had a camera growing up and recorded it. Most of them are gone.
Man… such a good damn Marine.
SFMF!
What a story. Thank you for sharing !! Wow !! 👏🏽❤️
Semper Fi Marine
As a fellow NorCal native who’s a little further north then the Bay Area but still cool to know NorCal has some of the worlds finest war fighters. Cheers from NorCal!
Outstanding AJ Semper Fi.
Semper fi brother. The marines offer the EGA.
I'm just going to say.. I'm from southern middle TN. I hunt thick woods and open land. My hunting strategy changed when I heard another hunter say.. hit the woods like you are the one being hunted and if you aren't sure about the shot, look away from the scope take a breath and refocus, if the shot isn't there let it go. Enjoy the moment, back out when the game has moved, slip out and think about your next move. That's just me as a hunter of edible critters... LoL .
Not A US Marine (bowing to your accomplishment in respect), but Army Artilleryman (FDC), with the 3rd highest GT test score in my unit... I was also chosen, as a Spec4, by our C/O to be a Company Clerk (thought nothing about my being from N CS Central Valley, until now), and any other added Garisson positions (NBC Training asst, R&U Officer, and the Advance Party asst to the X/O) Hats off for entering at that rank... The gave me E2 for being HS Grad, and PFC in my 10th month, SP4 a little over 2.5 years in.
Thank You for your Service, Sir ‼️💯‼️💯‼️
Christian P. Wade you need to interview him. Incredible marine gunner. AJ I would almost guarantee knows him
Great interview brother and I miss serving with you!
I am just one subscriber and I doubt my vote counts for much in the grand scheme of things. I understand videos views, watch hours and the general algorithm of RUclips but as just a listener, watcher and fan... I wish you wouldn't break up the interviews into multiple parts but if you do please post them all at the same time. The Shawn Ryan Show is now doing three parts. Where does it end???
Can you give the guys at Team House some tips on production quality? Or at least audio?
What absolutely amazing Company Guns
Freaking awesome, Ryan!
Very interesting individual, great interview.
🇦🇺
AJ seems like a great dude.
Can this guy come tell me bedtime stories?
Hi. Canuck here. Just back from R-Day ceremony. Much more fun wearing pants in freezing cold, compared to kilt in scottish unit! Anyway, this ain't product placement. But I got that Cdn. Veteran Card in the mail. Turns out, beyond being a stand-in for a CAA card, 2 companies really stand out. 1) BMO and 2) MEC. Check it out, vets!
Great story@
Eugene Sledge also served in 3-5.
Just watched the Pacific again. Man that battle of pelelui was insane. Eugene sledge was mortar man correct?
The ARMY's 1st Infantry Divison is The ONLY BIG RED ONE. The USMC makes movies, the ARMY makes history.
In the Army Infantry, we had a nickname for the marine corps…we called them Army Jr…
The Army Infantry is the tough quiet older brother…while marines are the loud mouth little brother…they always run to big bro when they need help :)
🤣🤣🤣 You guys are hilarious.
@@tigerleoneinc.9282 the truth tends to be funny sometimes ;)
@@AirborneAnt - We don’t call 1st Marine Division “The Big Red One”. Never have, never will. 1st ID can have that shit.
😂 Seems as the Army sometimes makes things up.
Awesome story thanks.
Wait, he said that he had to learn how to use a map and compass….?
I really would have assumed that he would’ve been taught that in Boy Scouts.
00:03 Encounter with Navy SEAL snipers in Fallujah
01:57 AJ Pasciuti served as a sniper in Fallujah alongside Chris Kyle, ensuring the safety of Marines.
06:11 Growing up with immigrant families and the importance of community support
08:10 The new American story is about multiple cultures coming together to create something great.
12:13 Learning self-efficacy and accountability through scouting
14:14 Sense of service and collective MH
17:45 Joining the Marine Corps and the role of catalyst
19:30 Marines have a strong branding and good messaging
23:00 The narrator shares his experience as a USMC sniper and Force Recon in Fallujah.
24:47 USMC Sniper & Force Recon in Fallujah
28:18 The speaker faced issues with their weapon system during a deployment.
29:56 Reinvented Marine Corps education after struggling in combat.
32:57 Experiencing first contact in combat as a boot in the military.
34:44 Separated from the group, facing an enemy machine gun position
38:01 Flanking maneuver and grenade launcher used to gain foothold in enemy position
39:48 Witnessing a fellow Marine earn the Navy Cross during intense gunfight in Fallujah.
43:13 Chris Kyle's speech energized the Marines before the mission.
44:44 Going through sniper indoc and the challenges of the training.
48:12 Denied permission to take sniper indoc by a derogatory company first sergeant
49:43 Facing doubts about his abilities, the speaker overcomes challenges to join the sniper indoc
53:02 Learning Land Navigation in Fallujah
54:38 Force Recon team leader shares experiences from a 2012 deployment in Fallujah
58:09 Importance of helping others and not letting anyone down
59:49 Overcoming self-doubt and helping others realize their potential
1:03:28 Being an instructor at the course made it worse because they still won't talk to me.
1:05:13 Encountered Navy SEAL snipers in a chaotic situation.
1:08:22 Providing OverWatch as a sniper to protect fellow Marines in Fallujah.
1:10:05 Sniper Team's role in clearing houses during the push in Fallujah
1:13:20 Stalking principles can be applied to various environments beyond the battlefield
1:15:05 City Boys make good snipers due to lack of bad tactics and influence
1:18:45 Bravery and love in the face of danger.
1:20:31 The death of Greg in Fallujah and the commitment to honor his legacy
1:23:58 Acceptable loss in combat is relative.
1:26:00 The speaker believes in the American experiment and its imperfections.
1:29:34 Deployment with highly trained sniper team in a developing insurgency in Iraq.
1:31:17 Sniper training incident with Cs gas and a teammate's unconventional gear
1:34:32 Running after the enemy without a gun and relying on team support to win the fight.
1:36:20 AJ Pasciuti describes his experiences and encounters during his time in South Baghdad.
love the interview but what was with that Son Tay raid thing that popped up?
Damn. Practically tell us the entire story in the introduction. Thanks now I don’t even need to listen
These interviews are about their lives growing up, why the joined , and quick broad strokes covering stories that are Funny , exciting and grim. But he doesn’t paint the picture of what he REALLY saw.
Great story.
Nope its how these guys are across all special forces across the board, they all feel like theyre struggling and barely making it, even saying to thereself there last but in reality they all feel the same and they are the very best of the best, he felt like he was the worst but graduated top of everything, thats the kind of men these guys are, they are WINNERS that dont congratulate themself and never pat thereself on their back only everyone around them. Its a crazy morality of life, one word to describe these men, exeptional
Try to join the Marine Corps three times failed a written test couldn't pass it but when the bedroom got blown up I was picked up and taking her for Hamilton on standby for the drive
I accused my Army son in law of wanting to be a Marine "so bad", that he ate the childrens crayons. I turned 18 in Hollywood. Peace time 6024 Semper Fi and thank you
Hey AJ did you serve with any native guys from east coast Canada???
Same thing happened to me I was just changing into jr high school Herbert green I remember everything on 9/11
The whole apologizing for doing what marines do seems like such a northern california thing
Lmao this guy’s hilarious. He’s giving Jason Bateman vibes, but is actually lethal and could kill you six ways to Sunday if he wanted to 😂
Dude. He’s not a bad ass martial artists. lol. He knows how to shoot weapons systems and probably explosive composite understanding with the rest of grunt shit.
@@TJ_CrayonBeltFeeder Fair point but I wasn’t talking about “operator skills” but more so about the mindset of being one, which translates more into real life and day to day scenarios.