Solid guy and very humble. I had the privilege to cross paths with him on several deployments in the early to mid 90's. At the time he was with Force Recon. Always very friendly with the regular Marines. No ego at all. Definitely one of the guys I aspired to be like.
"I studied combat all my life. But I never studied peace." This is beautiful. Only the guys who experienced the extreme can truly say it with authority and understand it fully.
Served with Todd in 2nd Force Recon. Great guy and extremely fit and competent warrior. Interview the first Marine to win Best Ranger, was in Det 1 and in CAG for a long time. Todd can tell you his name if he and that person agree. I came to 2nd Force from 2/8 USMC Infantry Blt we took Indoc together that individual and me. Opalski, and others from our small Company (5 -12 man platoons max) went on to CCT Tier 1 squadron, The Tier 1 PJ Unit, CAG, Orange many served in Ground Branch (some still are believe it or not I’m 55) and others became DET1 then Marsoc Plank holders. My old roomie I went to Desert Storm with in 2nd Force went from 2nd Force to CCT back to Marsoc when they formed then spent almost a decade at Dev Gru as a JTAC as a Marine. He just retired from Dev Gru. (ST 6). 2nd Force Recon in late 80s and 90s was small and full of Tier 1 talent. I got out after Somalia to coach football and coached HS, Juco and D1 football went into guiding for trophy Bonefish in Hawaii pioneered the fishery there did 10 years there and went into military contracting just retiring. Great times!!! Great to see Todd still looks as sharp as Cpl Opalski did! PS I was in the only 2 Platoons that saw combat from 2nd Force in Somalia. ATL in one TL in other back to back deployments. BOTH. I just caught that. Hope I heard it wrong
@@terryduffield5860you, sir… *are* a badass! I’m a commercial fishing boat captain. I invite you to come try your hand at cuttin some sea scallops for 16-18 hours a day. I’m from eastern NC (he’s talking about Camp Lejuene, in Jacksonville) That entire area fucking *_sucks._* lol.
Fun fact. I'm on that poster. Cool to see it inspire this guy and him make it to the top. Another fun fact. The Marine next to me had a shaved head. They air brushed hair on his head for the pic. Those twin 80's are heavy and they make your arms look even bigger.
@@JB-uj8mz Yes JB i happen to have several. I like to send them to friends at least once a year. I'm trying to hold onto my prime years and milk that picture.
Whoa! This guy is amazing. The host served up the softball question about misunderstood people, where most people would take the bait, thump his chest and say they're all evil terrorist, he gave a thoughtful, insightful and empathetic answer. Clearly from David's face he was not expecting that. Mr. Opalski needs to come back to the States and run for political office, he's got my vote!
Watching from Brisbane Australia guys, I come from a well educated military family, love our guys but always had a soft spot for the American military, USMC and the Green Berets. This was very interesting.
This guy is my view of an "American", we need him and those like him. I was USMC Infantry and wanted the same path, I broke my pelvis in training and that ended.. I like how he remembers how real it is in the Infantry, with social media there is so much fanboy interest in special operations, certainly deserved, But the grunts in the USMC and Army are the real deal. USMC provided me a great foundation and I had great mentors like this guy. Ive been very successful in life and am always thankful for my time in the USMC.
@terryduffield5860 exactly. I've heard that prior to the creating of marsoc, the unit was looked at as the next step in the progression if you were a more senior force recon guy.
@@GriZzLyScOpeZzwe had guys in Orange and CAG in mid 90s still Marines. Others got out went into SF (most Force guys were Ranger tabbed) then to CAG. Others went to AF CCT and PJs and on to JSOC level with them. They also formed Marsoc with us out gate. Force Recon Marines are as good as any spec ops in DOD physically, mentally and tough. We’ve shined everywhere we’ve been given a chance
22:15 I’m glad Mr. Opalski addressed the issue about the war in Iraqi. The reality is that the war was very complex and to view it as good vs evil is a rather simple minded view. I like his philosophy about being 80% zen and 20% warrior. Many tier 1 guys talk about how their perspectives changed after retiring from combat. It shows growth in character. Thank you for sharing your experiences Todd Opalski!
This guy's really smart, and wise. I understand what you're going for Dave, but I don't think you need to bait anyone, or even remind them that they don't have to share certain things. They'll let you know. I love that he talks about meditation. Someday, I hope, the military will insist that all their personal engage in meditation. "Teach Peace" I love it.
I remember in my company in Hi on Schofield Barracks.. For 1 going to sniper school wasn’t a volunteer option having a reputation for being a expert marksman. Secondly, after a FTX, First Sgt would have shooting competitions top 2 guys in each platoon competing against other platoons in our company. Slots for sniper school were limited Ranger qualify got priority followed by top marksmanship further qualifications no negative disciplinary notes in your file Aka DUI’s,low physical training scores, on track to attend PLDC etc. I serve in the army our guys went to the marine sniper school in Hawaii. What’s the difference between the sniper school there compared to Camp Lejeune in NC? RIP to my brother Lyles 2nd platoon Misfits was one of the guys selected .Days from graduation he was completing a mission mid of summer his Gilly suit caught on fire suffered 3rd degree burns fortunately, he recovered and eventually made it to Iraq a couple months after our company deployed. Great individual better teammate RIP brother.
I read a book on the history of Delta. At the very beginning, they always said they would take a Navy cook if he had what it took. I’m not sure if they always had that rule or if it came and went.
It must be understood. There is a physical aspect… But, A doctorate level, of medical, and physical… get on with it level. ❤ The boys don’t play. But they are empathetic to their peers.
Well, that’s a rather simple statement isn’t it? The US hasn’t fought a truly conventional full mobilization war since WW2. Secondly, the Korean and Vietnam wars were not simply conventional wars were in you capture the other sides capitol and war is over. There were much broader political considerations in terms of Chinese and Russian nuclear arsenals and the potential use of such weapons. The US military defeated the NVA and Viet Cong in every major battle and killed at least 10 to 1- the point being, there hasn’t been an opportunity to “win” a war post WW2 or Cold War. Iraq and Afghanistan were never about simply capturing capitols- the US defeated the entire Iraqi army twice and occupied the entire country in 6 weeks. In Afghanistan the Taliban was routed and forced into Pakistan in a matter of months. The notion that US invasions are all about “winning” in the conventional WW2 sense is sophomoric and foolish. Iraq and Afghanistan showed the world the US can hit anyone anywhere anytime and there ain’t a damn thing you can do to stop it. Sure, you can trade hundreds of thousands of lives and fight a decades long insurgency- neat; the net result is your nation is shattered and the US military got its legions in the field to gain the experience required for peer or near peer conflict.
Early in the interview David mentioned how they burned some kids alive and that is a horrible thing to do.. With that being said the ATF and FBI did the same thing to about a dozen kids in Waco Tx
I don’t mean to be disrespectful, I’m sure he was with the units he claims he was but I don’t think he had the same combat experience as many of the before guests.
What does that have to do with anything? He spent 4 year's at the unit, who knows what he did there? We don't know which squadron he was in?....this isn't a competition
"Keeping score" of combat time is a silly past-time for any veteran. Much of any vet's school's attended, combat time, units served in -- is all out of their own control. Todd is purposely very understated in his own experiences & resume, but be assured, while with Victor1/3 and then his multiple tours back with Force, he saw heavy combat, to include Fallujah. That was followed by his tour with CAG, and his time & that "work" he was doing was conducting hit's on high value targets, often 3-4 per night. He didn't even speak to his time in Somalia very much, nor his numerous MEU deployments in which he was involved in NEO operations (1990's) in Africa (or Albania, or Eritrea). Not sure if he was in Bosnia or Kosovo at all, but fair chance of it. VERY OFTEN, these vet's are not reading off their "resume" nor telling long, detailed "war stories" because it is just not their nature.
Great interview, but the Unit accepted candidates from all branches way before 9/11. There are many. Mike Pannone was a former Force Recon guy that made it into the Unit pre 9/11 just to name one who is a public figure.
@@ajback2917 I think you are both correct in that the Marine Corps has always been difficult, if not rigid, about what it permits its officers to do when it comes to school seats, billets, budgets, and time allocation. This was especially true pre-9/11 as most units were under-staffed. I knew a few guys who wanted to do an inter-service transfer and it was made to be an extremely difficult process for them. Essentially impossible, and they had to wait until their contract ran out & resign their commission in most cases. Some folks took things very personally and Commanding Officers never wanted to give up their people, much less talented folks.
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Marine Infantry, Sniper, Force Recon (twice), Ranger School, Delta Force…. This dude is a fuckin Warrior! 🇺🇸
Solid guy and very humble. I had the privilege to cross paths with him on several deployments in the early to mid 90's. At the time he was with Force Recon. Always very friendly with the regular Marines. No ego at all. Definitely one of the guys I aspired to be like.
"I studied combat all my life. But I never studied peace." This is beautiful. Only the guys who experienced the extreme can truly say it with authority and understand it fully.
Marine Infantry is the best place to be a leader! His proudest point in an amazing career ! Do or die 03
I went to The Citadel with this guy, he scared me to death.
Lol why?
So cool when you get this story from a Marine that started out as an 0311 and just climbed the ladder from there to the ELITE....
Marine infantry is already elite for conventional forces across the world. First to fucking fight
Served with Todd in 2nd Force Recon. Great guy and extremely fit and competent warrior. Interview the first Marine to win Best Ranger, was in Det 1 and in CAG for a long time. Todd can tell you his name if he and that person agree. I came to 2nd Force from 2/8 USMC Infantry Blt we took Indoc together that individual and me. Opalski, and others from our small Company (5 -12 man platoons max) went on to CCT Tier 1 squadron, The Tier 1 PJ Unit, CAG, Orange many served in Ground Branch (some still are believe it or not I’m 55) and others became DET1 then Marsoc Plank holders. My old roomie I went to Desert Storm with in 2nd Force went from 2nd Force to CCT back to Marsoc when they formed then spent almost a decade at Dev Gru as a JTAC as a Marine. He just retired from Dev Gru. (ST 6). 2nd Force Recon in late 80s and 90s was small and full of Tier 1 talent. I got out after Somalia to coach football and coached HS, Juco and D1 football went into guiding for trophy Bonefish in Hawaii pioneered the fishery there did 10 years there and went into military contracting just retiring. Great times!!! Great to see Todd still looks as sharp as Cpl Opalski did!
PS I was in the only 2 Platoons that saw combat from 2nd Force in Somalia. ATL in one TL in other back to back deployments. BOTH. I just caught that. Hope I heard it wrong
You should share your story on this podcast man
What do you think about those two dudes caught fake fishing at tournaments and were lying about it the entire time?
@@MachineGunPepelmao 😂lmao 😂
How’d it work out for them?
@@terryduffield5860 Not good. But it makes the tournament community look bad. They need a "behind the barracks" beating.
@@terryduffield5860you, sir… *are* a badass! I’m a commercial fishing boat captain. I invite you to come try your hand at cuttin some sea scallops for 16-18 hours a day.
I’m from eastern NC (he’s talking about Camp Lejuene, in Jacksonville) That entire area fucking *_sucks._* lol.
Fun fact. I'm on that poster. Cool to see it inspire this guy and him make it to the top.
Another fun fact. The Marine next to me had a shaved head. They air brushed hair on his head for the pic. Those twin 80's are heavy and they make your arms look even bigger.
I wanted to see that poster no luck finding it….do you have a pic of it or maybe you can find it? 🇺🇸🤙🏼
@@JB-uj8mz Yes JB i happen to have several. I like to send them to friends at least once a year. I'm trying to hold onto my prime years and milk that picture.
Whoa! This guy is amazing. The host served up the softball question about misunderstood people, where most people would take the bait, thump his chest and say they're all evil terrorist, he gave a thoughtful, insightful and empathetic answer. Clearly from David's face he was not expecting that. Mr. Opalski needs to come back to the States and run for political office, he's got my vote!
Marine infantry, Marine Scout Sniper, Marine Force Recon, then finally Army CAG/Delta. That's a lot!
Watching from Brisbane Australia guys, I come from a well educated military family, love our guys but always had a soft spot for the American military, USMC and the Green Berets. This was very interesting.
This guy is my view of an "American", we need him and those like him. I was USMC Infantry and wanted the same path, I broke my pelvis in training and that ended.. I like how he remembers how real it is in the Infantry, with social media there is so much fanboy interest in special operations, certainly deserved, But the grunts in the USMC and Army are the real deal. USMC provided me a great foundation and I had great mentors like this guy. Ive been very successful in life and am always thankful for my time in the USMC.
The Unit recruits from all branches: nice to say an elite Marine become a CAG Operator, you don't see this very often...
There’s 18 shooter billets in CAG for Marines just for stack guys. They’ve been in CAG since mid 90s in good numbers
@terryduffield5860 exactly. I've heard that prior to the creating of marsoc, the unit was looked at as the next step in the progression if you were a more senior force recon guy.
@@GriZzLyScOpeZzwe had guys in Orange and CAG in mid 90s still Marines. Others got out went into SF (most Force guys were Ranger tabbed) then to CAG. Others went to AF CCT and PJs and on to JSOC level with them. They also formed Marsoc with us out gate. Force Recon Marines are as good as any spec ops in DOD physically, mentally and tough. We’ve shined everywhere we’ve been given a chance
@@terryduffield5860Wow! Some Marines became AF CCT's and or PJ's!? That would be a cool story. I would buy those books!
@@huntmatthewd a bunch not some
Todd sounds like a humbled and awsome dude. My respect 🙏 🇺🇸
You should interview Mike Pannone. He was a Marine Recondo turned Delta guy. Amazing experience throughout GWOT. He currently operates CTT Solutions.
22:15
I’m glad Mr. Opalski addressed the issue about the war in Iraqi. The reality is that the war was very complex and to view it as good vs evil is a rather simple minded view. I like his philosophy about being 80% zen and 20% warrior. Many tier 1 guys talk about how their perspectives changed after retiring from combat. It shows growth in character. Thank you for sharing your experiences Todd Opalski!
I'm surprised the interviewer didn't know that Delta was open to all branches of service .It's even open to cooks,mechanics,supply clerks etc.
Todd is great! Great energy... and a fucking savage!
Very humble guy! A true inspiration!
TO is an amazing guy❤️🇺🇸🙏🏻
Mans a real pro. Thk u todd🙏🏻🇺🇸
What a great interview. Really enjoyed this
Fantastic interview
This was excellent! So thankful it came up in my feed. Wow, this man is exceptional, and the interview was flawless. Thank you!
Get this man on the Shawn Ryan Show for a proper interview
He looks dangerous in that thumbnail with him in kit, you would have never guessed he looked like that . Damn
This guy's really smart, and wise. I understand what you're going for Dave, but I don't think you need to bait anyone, or even remind them that they don't have to share certain things. They'll let you know.
I love that he talks about meditation. Someday, I hope, the military will insist that all their personal engage in meditation.
"Teach Peace" I love it.
Great video he looks like George St Pierre ufc champ.
Seems like a great dude.
Semper Fi
Great episode, this career is awesome
I remember in my company in Hi on Schofield Barracks.. For 1 going to sniper school wasn’t a volunteer option having a reputation for being a expert marksman. Secondly, after a FTX, First Sgt would have shooting competitions top 2 guys in each platoon competing against other platoons in our company. Slots for sniper school were limited Ranger qualify got priority followed by top marksmanship further qualifications no negative disciplinary notes in your file Aka DUI’s,low physical training scores, on track to attend PLDC etc. I serve in the army our guys went to the marine sniper school in Hawaii. What’s the difference between the sniper school there compared to Camp Lejeune in NC? RIP to my brother Lyles 2nd platoon Misfits was one of the guys selected .Days from graduation he was completing a mission mid of summer his Gilly suit caught on fire suffered 3rd degree burns fortunately, he recovered and eventually made it to Iraq a couple months after our company deployed. Great individual better teammate RIP brother.
I read a book on the history of Delta. At the very beginning, they always said they would take a Navy cook if he had what it took. I’m not sure if they always had that rule or if it came and went.
Nice
These guys voice sound almost identical
It must be understood.
There is a physical aspect…
But,
A doctorate level, of medical, and physical… get on with it level.
❤
The boys don’t play.
But they are empathetic to their peers.
I wish sometimes these interviewers would learn a more Socratic, nuanced, and/or professional technique to the whole process.
Crazy that he was so mature at 19. No way in hell I would of lasted in the military at age 19.
I was 18 got to my unit and we deployed
"Baseball is 90% mental and the other half is physical." - Yogi Berra
3/1 I co wpns plt machine gun section
Every Americans a legend every units special forces even when their not…their whole military is tier 1….and they still can’t win a war in 80yrs
Well, that’s a rather simple statement isn’t it? The US hasn’t fought a truly conventional full mobilization war since WW2. Secondly, the Korean and Vietnam wars were not simply conventional wars were in you capture the other sides capitol and war is over. There were much broader political considerations in terms of Chinese and Russian nuclear arsenals and the potential use of such weapons. The US military defeated the NVA and Viet Cong in every major battle and killed at least 10 to 1- the point being, there hasn’t been an opportunity to “win” a war post WW2 or Cold War. Iraq and Afghanistan were never about simply capturing capitols- the US defeated the entire Iraqi army twice and occupied the entire country in 6 weeks. In Afghanistan the Taliban was routed and forced into Pakistan in a matter of months. The notion that US invasions are all about “winning” in the conventional WW2 sense is sophomoric and foolish. Iraq and Afghanistan showed the world the US can hit anyone anywhere anytime and there ain’t a damn thing you can do to stop it. Sure, you can trade hundreds of thousands of lives and fight a decades long insurgency- neat; the net result is your nation is shattered and the US military got its legions in the field to gain the experience required for peer or near peer conflict.
Early in the interview David mentioned how they burned some kids alive and that is a horrible thing to do.. With that being said the ATF and FBI did the same thing to about a dozen kids in Waco Tx
Doesn't seem like this dude ages.
Haha these two sound exactly the same
🤝🏾🇺🇸💪🏾🫡
I don’t mean to be disrespectful, I’m sure he was with the units he claims he was but I don’t think he had the same combat experience as many of the before guests.
What does that have to do with anything? He spent 4 year's at the unit, who knows what he did there? We don't know which squadron he was in?....this isn't a competition
What makes you think that?
What makes you say that
@@ericwilliams1595 probably because he was an officer
"Keeping score" of combat time is a silly past-time for any veteran. Much of any vet's school's attended, combat time, units served in -- is all out of their own control. Todd is purposely very understated in his own experiences & resume, but be assured, while with Victor1/3 and then his multiple tours back with Force, he saw heavy combat, to include Fallujah. That was followed by his tour with CAG, and his time & that "work" he was doing was conducting hit's on high value targets, often 3-4 per night. He didn't even speak to his time in Somalia very much, nor his numerous MEU deployments in which he was involved in NEO operations (1990's) in Africa (or Albania, or Eritrea). Not sure if he was in Bosnia or Kosovo at all, but fair chance of it. VERY OFTEN, these vet's are not reading off their "resume" nor telling long, detailed "war stories" because it is just not their nature.
Yep! Ahhh. I taught him everything he knows!!! Those Delta guys can learn a lot from me!
21:47 Strawman argument. No one ever said ISIS aren't bad people 😂
everybody from the US MILITARY CAN TRY OUT FOR CAG
Yep more people try than people may think, obviously most don’t make it.
@@MarvToTheMax attrition rate of 90% plus they don't always take the best guy they take the right guy
Yeah not your business to be policeman of the world to help "nation build"
Great interview, but the Unit accepted candidates from all branches way before 9/11. There are many. Mike Pannone was a former Force Recon guy that made it into the Unit pre 9/11 just to name one who is a public figure.
It did on the enlisted side, not sure about officers though. Probably more an issue with the other services than the unit (USMC in particular).
@@ajback2917 I think you are both correct in that the Marine Corps has always been difficult, if not rigid, about what it permits its officers to do when it comes to school seats, billets, budgets, and time allocation. This was especially true pre-9/11 as most units were under-staffed. I knew a few guys who wanted to do an inter-service transfer and it was made to be an extremely difficult process for them. Essentially impossible, and they had to wait until their contract ran out & resign their commission in most cases. Some folks took things very personally and Commanding Officers never wanted to give up their people, much less talented folks.