Thunder Ranch Founder Clint Smith on Serving in Vietnam - Danger Close with Jack Carr
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- Опубликовано: 26 авг 2024
- This week on Danger Close, Jack interviews a legendary figure in the tactical training community: Thunder Ranch founder Clint Smith.
Clint is the President and Director of Thunder Ranch, a 900-acre ranch in Southern Oregon that is one the world’s most acclaimed firearm training facilities. For nearly 20 years, he’s operated Thunder Ranch with his wife Heidi.
Clint is a Marine Corps veteran, who served two infantry and Combined Action Platoon tours in Vietnam. His experience also includes seven years as a police officer during which he served as head of the Firearms Training Division, as well as being a S.W.A.T. member and precision rifleman.
He’s also the author of the books Urban Rifle: 45 Years of Teaching and Training and Urban Rifle 2: Close Combat Conflict Resolution.
During their conversation, recorded at Thunder Ranch, Clint opens up about his time in the Marine Corps, serving in Vietnam, tactical insights, and more.
Also, later in the show, Jack breaks down some of his favorite everyday carry items.
More on Episode 002: www.officialja...
More about Clint Smith: thunderranchin...
More about Thunder Ranch: thunderranchin...
Follow Thunder Ranch: @thunderranchinc
Featured Gear:
Ball and Buck Wallet
SIG P365
Blackpoint Tactical Mini Wing
Savage Son: amzn.to/2OUOjOP
Ares Driver-1 Watch
New West KnifeWorks Blade
Amtac Northman Blade
Streamlight Flashlight: amzn.to/3d4qX0V
About Danger Close:
In each episode of Danger Close, an IRONCLAD original, presented by SIG Sauer, Jack Carr sits down with fellow SEALs, tactical experts, thinkers, celebrities and authors to give fans and readers a close-up look at the world that inspired his critically-acclaimed novels. The first three novels (The Terminal List, True Believer, Savage Son) will soon be followed by a brand-new installment, The Devil’s Hand, this spring. The action series follows the adventures of James Reece, a Navy SEAL who becomes embroiled in the world of conspiracies, international espionage, and revenge.
The Danger Close podcast launch comes as Amazon Studios begins pre-production work on an adaptation of The Terminal List starring Chris Pratt (Parks and Recreation, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Avengers: Endgame) as James Reece. The series will be directed by acclaimed Hollywood action director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, Shooter, The Equalizer, Southpaw, Olympus Has Fallen, Brooklyn’s Finest).
Produced in partnership with IRONCLAD, the podcast features conversations with renowned authors (David Morrel, Don Bentley, Mark Greaney), former military officials and special operators (Anthony Tata, Jason Gardner, Andrew Arrabito), and well-known personalities and celebrities.
Presented by SIG Sauer.
I stopped watching pro sports several years ago. I’ve redirected my admiration to men like these.
Wish more would see that light!
Sports is dead , unless you’re playing it yourself , and I don’t mean for money
@@leefithian3704 Ain't nothing wrong with playing them. Just the abhorrent idol worship of watching sports like a religion, is trash. One will net you the benefits of better physical health, and dexterity, while the other saps your mental growth on useless sports stats, that do nothing to better your life when you could be focused developing and honing other life skills, or spending time with family helping them grow stronger in a failing society.
@@steelcannibal Nothing wrong with watching them either if you enjoy the athletic talent and the competition - it's entertainment. Admire athletes for their athletic skills if you enjoy sports, admire musicians for their talents if you are into music, admire artists if you dig art, and admire the people who put their lives on the line for the bravery and selflessness of those career choices. You can have musical/sports/etc 'heroes' that inspire you without conflating that concept with true acts of heroism. To say otherwise is one-track thinking.
@@funstuff2006 you missed the entire point of my comment... Re-read it... Slowly...
When Clint speaks, we listen.
ABSOLUTELY!
Dam straight!
That’s it
Those that have ears to hear
"Shoot em in the crotch!" Prolly my favorite Clint quote
I am also 71 and served in the Marine Corps, there is a huge amount of wisdom in this podcast...Semper Fi
Thank you for your service sir! Much love and respect
Thank you sir for your service . Thank you also to the two men in the podcast . 🤙🏼
Thank you
Semper Fi Marine!
Semper Fi, Brother.
F*** I’d listen to 4 hours of this. Please more Jack.
I read a book about a year ago about what a POS the early m16s were, but it was mostly bad ammo. The top brass decided to use the same dirty burning ball powder they used in the .30-06 and 7.62 ammo, when Stoner designed the round to use extruded powder.
A pistol puts holes in people, A rifle puts holes through people and a shotgun will physically remove a chunk of shit and throw it on the ground.- Clint smith
Will physically remove a chunk of shit and throw it on the ground
Through*
Boog vibe intensifies
with the right load at the right range. is missing from between shotgun and will.
I reckon so......
Thanks Clint. I'm 74. USMC 65-71 served in RVN 66-67-68. Memories. You make me feel proud.
Thank you for serving
🇺🇸
Thank you for your service sir
We’re proud of you.
I'm grateful for your service, Semper Fi Marine. 🇺🇸
A lot of wisdom here 🇺🇸
Man i love Clint, he's such a badass American and humble...wish this podcast was over 3 hours, I could listen to war stories all day. Semper Fi
As humble as a true patriot can come.
@@ThePatriotParadox i'd shake this guy's hand if I could, as my late father (who sadly passed away nearly 16-years ago) was also a Vietnam Veteran
My grandpa passed away about 4 years ago. I wish I’d have listened to more stories. You don’t realize what you’ve got till it’s gone.
“They took down paradise, and put up a parking lot”
I'm sorry, my grandfather did years ago and I was to young, but my uncle was in Panama one of his tours during Vietnam and he passed a couple years ago, there is nothing I miss more than drinking a beer with him and listening to all the stories (the ones that he would actually tell)
He will never be truly gone as long as his memory lives on. Sorry for your loss. I’m sure grandpas smiles every time you think of him.
my father was a vietnam generation vet who never talked about it, sadly he is gone now and listening to this was like that fireside chat I wished we had had, thank you for this
Thank you both for your service. I love listening to the stories our vets are willing to share. I have the highest respect for those that have served. ❤️🇺🇲
I've known 2 Vietnam vets who wouldn't talk about it, one my 2d cousin and another a man I worked for when I was younger. I always assumed the experience was painful -- and I know every man takes a different experience from battle service. My 2d cousin basically became a broken man, psychologically, as a result. I always wanted to understand what happened to my 2d cousin. It helps to hear someone who can talk about it openly like Clint Smith.
My dad joined the Army at 17, rose to Sgt. Then WWII broke out & we needed pilots & he had flown a crop duster as a 12 - 14 y.o. Anyway, he became a bomber pilot, flew thru WWII, Korea & Vietnam. He was killed in '68 in a car accident when I was 10.
@@Capncomeback2023 and what did you do? Hate when people like you have to add something that they never did
my late father (who's been gone for 15-years) was also a Vietnam Veteran like Clint Smith, so I give this guy mad respect for serving his country. So there's a reason why Clint is considered a legend in the firearms world.
Thank you Mr. Jack Carr for a great story time with Clint. My first podcast to listen from you. I'm an Anti-Communist/Socialism-hating, Laotian-American, Secret War in Laos refugee, US Army Veteran, former LE, Texas High School Football Coach & World History Teacher...who's father came to Texas to train in '62 & '67. He was a FAC in both Laos & then over Vietnam as a AC-47 Spooky gunship pilot aka "Puff". It was great to hear Clint share those gunship stories...I wonder now if my dad may have been in the cockpit of one of those four birds that cut those football fields around him and his CAP unit that night providing CAS. Again loved the podcast and thank you and Clint for your service. I'm doing my best to get the current generation to know and love their country enough to either protect it or appreciate and respect it much as I do. Best news received in my recent history: I wrote a recommendation letter for one of my football players to the USMA at West Point, he found out last week that he got in! Again God bless you both, God bless those who have served our nation and God bless those who are serving still overseas and on our streets everyday here at home...Be well, looking forward to Part 2.
Story’s like this are priceless. I was a kid in the end of the 60s into 70s. I had one of those hippie liberal moms. I remember being ashamed of how her and her friends treated our Vietnam vets. The best I could do is make sure my kids give respect to our vets and remember those Vietnam vets and give them the respect they deserve. To bad it took a generation before the Vietnam vets got the respect they deserve. War is delightful for those who have no experience of it. We patriots know the cost and will never forget our brothers and sisters we lost.
Well said! Those who have not served, often don't understand why we served and what it meant, often goes un-regarded. We fight fight for each other first!
They also forget the troops didn't send themselves to combat they were sent by people they elected
Amen, my brother., our troops have always deserved honor, from Valley Forge, to Gettysburg, both the blue and the gray. France in 1918 and again on D-day. The Japanese on December 7th. To Korea and Vietnam. To the Middle East after September 1, 2011. To those who continue to defend our country to this day throughout the world ALL DESERVE ALL THE HONOR we can bestow on them. To all who served may God bless you, in heaven and on earth.
Thank you, Sir! And God Bless!
@@davidp4270 General Eisenhower was one of the first to sound the alarm of the military industrial complex. He was definitely in the know.
Clint Smith told me one time that serving in a Combined Action Platoon was the most rewarding thing he has ever done.
Clint Smith is a national treasure and a wonderful human.
"and I got all my TAX money in that next minute that I've ever paid" PRAISE BE. Thank you Mr Carr for this, and to Mr Smith.
I really enjoyed listening to this without commercial interruption
Have a great uncle that served in Vietnam. He loves to fish! Worked his whole life after as a mechanic. I make sure to be the guy to take him fishing! That smile I get when we get in the boat is priceless! Cheers!
That's cool 👍
Clint is a great storyteller it’s awesome that he can remember so many details
I would listen to Mr. Smith snore!
If ammo wasn't so hard to source I'd take classes this year. Need clint to stay healthy. His class is on my list.
It’s easy to find, just expensive
@@goinhot9133 He could take his shotgun glass, bird shot is about the same. But I think they have some wonky no lead rounds? If you stock piled 22 you could use that 22 Glock or the 22 AR bolt.
Your running out of time for classes with clint..Pay the price for the ammo and stop being cheap...
I live in Ireland. Classes at Thunder Ranch are not possible for me. They use frangible Ammo at the ranch. Get after it. Don't wait. Tyranny is on the rise everywhere. You never know when you won't be able to go.
I bought Clint's book Urban Rifle and am doing the best I can where I'm at.
You can source your ammo through Thunder Ranch when you sign up for a class so that it's there when you arrive & you don't have to drive/fly it in.
I never heard Clint speak a word I couldn't learn something from or reflect inward upon myself. As cliche as it is, I thank you both for your service and sacrifice.
We need more Clint Smiths in this day and age
Clint and Heidi are such good and genuine people. I will forever feel honored to have met them at TR.
This man is truly a one of a kind. The mold was broke after he was created. I anybody ever gets a chance to train with Mr.smith you better not pass it up.
Tons and tons of knowledge between these 2... Clint Smith is an absolute legend!
How the hell did you get Clint to set down and do this!??? Lol I’ve been waiting on a “Clint” podcast from ANYBODY and he’d barely do 20 mins here and there haha FINALLY!!!! Lol thank you both!!! Now time to watch/listen 👍🏼
He literally only does them with people he considers friends. Man is as honorable as they come.
Kinda looks miffed about the headphones there 🤨
I went to boot camp in San Diego also. Except I was a sailor listening to the jarheads next door. Semper Fi Clint!
I never met 2 of my uncles. These two were my Father’s older brothers. They were both killed in Vietnam between 1967 to 1968. One was a Corpsman in the Navy but was attached to a Marine Unit. The other was an Infantryman in the Marines. My grandfather was deployed to Vietnam also, as an Artilleryman in the Army. He never spoke about his experiences of that era. And I always saw my grandma saying a prayer to my uncles pictures on her way out to Church every Sunday. So I never asked her about them. I always find it interesting to hear the experiences of that generation of service members. Great interview.
Dang... I'll never look at a Happy Meal again and not think it was a feast. We have it so good because of too many.
I'm pretty new to Clint Smith's stories but I'm amazed at how humble he comes across telling these heroic stories.
I know that comment sounds a little weird because my name is also Clint Smith
Outstanding job gentleman.
Thank you both for your service and sacrifices you’ve made for your country, there are many of us Americans that appreciate it.
A few Aussies still do too..
Thanks for doing this collab guys.
Love your work. 🍻 💙 🇦🇺
And Canadians 🇨🇦...thank you!
Didn’t have the distinction to serve, but my nephew is a Marine, my best friend’s son (who I taught to ride a bike) is a Marine and I’ve had two, not one, fathers in law who served (one earned his brass with a number of tours in Vietnam, the other earned his wings as a pilot in the Luftwaffe in WWII; he was captured by the Russians and escaped with the aid of an American GI…a long story). What they all have in common is a reluctance to talk about their experiences…so it is with both respect and awe that I watched this and I just wanted to say thank you to the both of you. For this and for your courage, service and sacrifice. A big fan of both of you, but this…this was something else.
Clint Smith needs to be on so many more I’d love to see Clint on Jockos
The honor is in the remembrance for those who showed up and gave everything. That is what we owe them. I am honored to have been able to listen to your story.
I'm a former Seabee and work at the local VA supporting my fellow veterans. Love Clint for his honesty and dry humor. Can't wait until part 2. Ooorah.
One of the best interviews I've ever watched. Clint Smith is more of a "hero" and a "real man" than most that walk and have walked this planet. Can't wait for part 2. I have already watched every single video on RUclips, that I could find, with Clint Smith. We need WAY MORE of this guy's wisdom before he leaves us.
AWESOME, Clint Smith national treasure !!! No BS's, just the facts !! Stay Strong and Be Safe !!!
These men are treasures and we should document every story for our history and future
Clint Smith is one of the most inspiring people in the world.
So much to reflect on and apply. The time flew in a what seemed a blink. Thank you Jack and Clint.
I wish this was a 4hr+ episode. I could listen to him tell stories for a long time. He’s such a humble human being.
What a great interview. Clint's my effing spirit animal.
Clint Smith is a legend. Can wait to take a class at Thunder Ranch when I get home next year.
Fascinating interview, and priceless from this generation of American warriors. My Dad had similar accounts as an AmTrac Crewman (1833) in '65-66 and was also WIA when his vehicle was incapacitated by a rocket near Chu Lai. He loved his M14 and also insisted that the real heroes were those that never made it home. Semper Fi
Jack; Thanks for sharing this podcast!! I had a great friend who was a Marine and died from a heart attack 6yrs ago! He was a Lurp and some of his stories were hair-raising to say the least. I was in the AF from May of '67 to Jan. of '71. I remember being in SanFran and almost got into a fight with a crowd of protesters, but the sergeant and I duck into what we thought was a sandwich shop, on one side of the sign but the other side said nude dancers. When he poked me in the ribs and motioned with his head I looked to where he was indicating and this young damsel was strutting her stuff to the beat of the music! I think my jaw hit the floor! We grabbed our sandwiches and headed back to the airport to catch up with our flight back to Holloman, AFB! Some great memories and others not so great!! Take care and I can't wait for your next book to come out on the 13th of April! I loaned my son-in-law your first 3 books, he is a Navy pilot and will be getting out later in the year hoping to be flying for Delta! Stay safe!! A friend from afar!! Dennis
The only guy Chuck Norris looked up too - Clint "Big Balls" Smith. Thank you for this interview, riveting.
Jack, Clint & all others who have served, shed blood or paid the ultimate sacrifice, thank you for your service.
God bless you and yours!
Clint Smith is a true Hero!!! Just because he went and did when others went to Canada. Thank You !!!
So much I wanna say but all I got for the BOTH of You right now is THANK YOU! For Your time, this gem, and Your stories…
thank you both for this, thanks to clint for finally opening up
Thank you both for your service . It’s appreciated by many .
my father inlaw did 2 tours wounded 2 times and passed away in 2007 from agent orange ..ledmond huckleby
Experience, the thing you get right after you needed it. Meeting Clint was a highlight of my son and myself's adventures together. Thank you for bringing him to us. We were preparing to go Antelope Hunting in WY, and the first Antelope Clint saw on Thunder Ranch were on the range on our last morning. Yes, our hunt was successful. My son in particular has become a fine shot.
Our veterans have my undying respect and love. Simple words cannot convey the proper appreciation for their service and sacrifice. God bless you all.
This interview alone was worth the price preordering devil's hand. Love listening to Clint, what a wealth of experience!
Thank you to Jack Carr and to Clint Smith for an amazing podcast. I've listened to this one over and over while I'm with my soldiers and they have all learned something everytime. They have now tuned in and opened thier eyes to life. Thank you again.
This was very important and eye opening to have watched. Most veterans hold their experiences inside and try to just move on. Thank you, for sharing this wonderful interview with us!
Unreal. I'm glad I got deeper into guns, just for the sake that I have had opportunity to listen to Mr. Smith. This was a perfect interview.
Amen! Thanks to both of you for “showing up”, and sharing wisdom and experiences! It was the greatest honor of my career so far taking care of the greatest citizens in the greatest country the planet has ever seen.
Awesome interview! Thanks to both Clint and Jack. Holy cow this was great.
My Dad, who saw combat in WWII and China afterwards, gave me the best advice in readjusting to post war life. He said : " Son, it never leaves you, ( the horrific memories of combat) you just learn to live with it".
At nearly Seventy, it was the best advice concerning my own PTSD that I ever got, from someone who'd been there, survived it, and lived out the rest of his life...
I went in 10 years after Clint. It was tough when I went through (2 of my D.I.'s were Vietnam Vets) but things had changed due to some Recruits death. They weren't supposed to be able to hit you, but I got belted once. But I wouldn't change my Marine Corps career for ANYTHING! Many of the Marines (mostly Officers & SNCOs) served in 'Nam, altho since my Recruiter talked me out of being a Grunt most of these guys had Aviation MOS's.
But I would have LOVED to talk to my dad about his WWII experiences. Or anything, honestly.
Thank you Clint. I am 75. It brought tears to my eyes and a calmness to my heart.
Regards
I could listen to Clint Smith talk all day long. Amazing American!
My grandfather was 0311 in vietnam. He was present at the tet offensive 1 and 2. Starlight and king fisher. God bless all our troops
Clint is a national treasure. Great interview. I salute both of these men for their service and strength of character.
Thank you for one of the most genuinely enjoyable hours I've ever had watching anything in years.
Thanks to both Jack and Clint for their service.
From Iowa...................John
Clint has to be one of the greatest guys alive today. I know he'll never do it, but i wish he would have his own podcast. Thankyou sir for having him on here. Always a great listen. 🇺🇸
Ya'll kicked ass during '68 Tet. The Viet Cong lost their ass, literally. The press robbed you of your victory.
0311 Rah
My grandfather was 0311 in vietnam. He was present at tet 1 and 2 starlight and king fisher. 2 purple hearts. He's my hero.
@@dennisdaugherty70 Mine too.
The politicians costed them the war.
After Tet, the U.S. should’ve drove the communists into China and then finish the communists in China, which is what should’ve happened during the Korean War and the U.S. would’ve likely never had a Vietnam war.
troopcom then the military industrial complex couldn’t have a bogeyman to keep us controlled. We allowed the genocide in Cambodia and we allow this shit now. This race shit is about divide and conquer and any thinking person knows it. God Bless Freedom.
@@mathewmcdonald3657 word
Very enjoyable interview. I was a newly promoted, 24 year old, 1st Lt in 101 Airborne, 3rd Brigade, 1970-71 in the same places Clint mentioned. Hue, Phu Bai, Quang Tri, Dong Ha, Route 9, Firebase Sarge, etc. I was based at Camp Evans, built by 1st Marines, who the 101st replaced in I Corps. Welcome Home, Clint.
Love and respect to Clint Smith from a fellow Marine veteran of OIF. He's always been someone I've looked up to. I can listen to his wisdom all day long. Semper Fidelis Clint.
The story about Him getting his MOS was very similar to mine. I went in with an open billet expecting to be 0300. I got my order to be a Marine Journalists. I thought the same thing he did. Man the Marine Corps screwed this up because i had failed high school English.
Love this man! Tons of knowledge and experience. Greetings from Poland.
Please do this some more clints wisdom needs to be preserved before this guy dies also a north eastern indiana kid fortwayne so hes kinda my idol as far as tactical people whove come from my ally of the world
When he’s talking, I bet Jack is imagining everything happening in story form.
Today is Vietnam Veteran's 'Memorial Day'. I got back 12/1970. Was shocked at the vile treatment I received from family, 'friends,' and the VA. Have had that part of my life locked away for decades. Eighteen months ago I received a DD-215 in the mail with an update of the medals I should have received 50 years ago. I mention the medal update to a few family members and 'friends.' They called me a liar. I put the DD-215 in the lock box with the life memories of 50 years ago and will not bring it out again. You would have thought I would have learned my lesson 50 years ago when I came home to keep my mouth shut.
Please don’t keep your mouth shut. There are tons of us who appreciate you more than you know or that we can ever show. I remember being a kid in the early 80s and my dads generation who had been there were so silent either for fear of how they’d be treated or to bottle up the feelings and memories. Future generations NEED to hear these stories from men like Clint and you. Thank you sir for your service and sacrifice.
I'd love to hear your story/stories, sir.
We are here for you if you want to expound.
Mind blowing that civilians have the balls to trash talk men like you. Your service is appreciated by many of us.
"Be who you are, say what you feel. Because those who matter dont mind, and those who mind dont matter." - Dr. Seuss
YOU, CLINT, LUTTRELL, KYLE, ALL FUCKING MATTER. i LIVE to hear your stories. when i say thank you for your service, i insult you with my lack of ability to tell you how much you and your stories mean to me.
@@TheBoatPirate get your own stories before you get to old.
Great to hear more about Clint’s time in Vietnam, he’s a humble man regarding his own service and doesn’t talk about it much. Loving the podcast Jack, halfway through True Believer but I love your non-fiction content even more! Keep up the good fight brother!
God bless Clint Smith! Great interview! Thank you to all who have served.
Beautiful as always and thank you both for your service 🇺🇸
Clint is so humble - I love to listen to him. I can also see why he calls you a friend, though I’m late to the JC and Clint party.
Congratulations on a second great podcast and your small business just blowing up!
Cleared Hot got me here and I’m stoked that Jack is doing this! Loved the first two. Make a big run with these Mr. Carr and don’t stop writing, ever!
Just amazing.....not a boring moment. Semper Fidelis Mr. Clint.... Mr. Happy Meal!
I love what guys like you and Andy Stumpf are doing. Thanks for bringing this wisdom to a broad audience. Long form is the best form.
Thanks Clint, I was SF in I corps 69,70.
You sure got it right, nice to reminisce
Here from cleared Hot. Super pumped to hear this
This should be mandatory viewing for every teenager in America. Great stuff here. Well done.
God bless you two men. I served in the Air Force. God bless.
I think Clint should go on jockos podcast. We appreciate you both
Thank you for another great podcast. It is always refreshing to listen to Clint Smith. He is a straight shooter, (no pun intended) no BS either. The insight into Vietnam and the Marine Corp. was very informative! Keep up the good work. I am looking forward to your forthcoming book. I am a big fan.
This is a real life tough SOB! Love listening to real world men! Real MEN! Thanks!
Clint is a national treasure.
The interviewer seemed amped up in the beginning of the interview.
The interview became much better when you let Clint Talk without interruption.
Constructive Criticism only!
Great Podcast!
Best Wishes! M.H.
Easily one of the best Clint Smith interviews of all time, great job!
I’d love to see another one of these with Clint talking about his law enforcement career!
Love these podcasts and Mr. Smith is an absolute legend of a man.
If Love is Honor+Respect...
I♥️Clint!
Thanks again for your service, God bless you and all the one's whom never made it home.
Glad I am able to hear Clint Smith share his service memories and thanks for bringing it to us JackCarrUSA
Hanging on to every word. Love ya Clint thank you. For everything.
This was a great interview! I enjoyed his outlook on life & sense of humor. Thank you sir!
Thank you both for this!!! Stay safe and God bless 🇺🇸☠️🇺🇸!!!