The Panjwai Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 9 - The Commander, Part 1 Feb 18, 2021

Show notes

This week our guest is our former Company Commander, LTC Brian Kitching. LTC Kitching served as the commander of Bayonet Company, 1-64 Armor from 2011 to 2013, and commanded the Bayonets while they held Sperwan Ghar in 2012. LTC Kitching speaks on his journey to B/1-64 and his experiences commanding his Bayonets at Sperwan Ghar, as well as some of the places his career has taken him before and after his time at B/1-64. It was a privilege to have Brian on the podcast, for our very first, 100% in person interview from Washington D.C.

**The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests only and do not represent the views or policy of the US Army, Department of Defense, or United States Government**

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White House Fellow Program: https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/fellows/

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Check out the video version of the podcast at : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOcr1t6H38v9PDf8OoAbrMw

For maps, photos and more information about Panjwai go to : https://www.thepanjwaipodcast.com/about-panjwai

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Episode 8 - Leg Day Feb 11, 2021

Show notes

This week we sit down with SGT(R) Eric Clark, who lost his leg and most of the fingers on one of his hands when he stepped on a pressure plate IED on August 23rd 2012. Eric talks to us about his experiences before, during and after the event, his recovery and his journey towards equilibrium with his military experience.

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Episode Notes:

Semper Fi Fund/America’s Fund:

https://semperfifund.org/

Gary Sinise Foundation

https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/

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Check out the video version of the podcast at : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOcr1t6H38v9PDf8OoAbrMw

For maps, photos and more information about Panjwai go to : https://www.thepanjwaipodcast.com/about-panjwai

Direct donations can also be sent via venmo @thepanjwaipodcast

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepanjwaipodcast

Instagram: @thepanjwaipodcast

Twitter: @panjwaipodcast

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Episode 7 - Juan Rambo Feb 04, 2021

Show notes

We sit down with the combat killer himself, Miguel Perez aka “Juan Rambo.” Miguel was a young high school kid from Compton, California when he joined the Army. Months later he deployed to Afghanistan where he earned his moniker of Juan Rambo due to his tendency to go cyclic on the SAW in firefights. Needless to say he was efficient at suppressing the enemy.

Miguel was shot through the arm later in the deployment. We talk about that day, how the actions of people half a world away can have a direct effect on someone else's life, and about the firefight that played out over the course of that day. It was a classic Panjwai firefight and one that helped to shift us into the “third phase” of our tactical mindset on that 2012 deployment.

https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/01/world/asia/young-girl-and-boy-found-beheaded-in-afghanistan.html

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Check out the video version of the podcast at : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOcr1t6H38v9PDf8OoAbrMw

For maps, photos and more information about Panjwai go to : https://www.thepanjwaipodcast.com/about-panjwai

Direct donations can also be sent via venmo @thepanjwaipodcast

Social Media:

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Instagram: @thepanjwaipodcast

Twitter: @panjwaipodcast

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Episode 6 - The Analyst Jan 28, 2021

Show notes

We sit down with Bravo Company's Intelligence Analyst Seth Price. We talk about how he ended up coming down to a line unit in a company intelligence support “team", and what he knew beforehand about deploying to Sperwan Ghar. Seth talks in detail about the difficulties of clearing the horn and how that helped shape the way he conceived and conveyed intelligence down to the platoons, as well as specific examples where Urgency played a big role in our actions.

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Check out the video version of the podcast at : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOcr1t6H38v9PDf8OoAbrMw

For maps, photos and more information about Panjwai go to: https://www.thepanjwaipodcast.com/about-panjwai

Direct donations can also be sent via venmo @thepanjwaipodcast

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepanjwaipodcast

Instagram: @thepanjwaipodcast

Twitter: @panjwaipodcast

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Episode 5 - The Tripod Jan 21, 2021

Show notes

Glenn Phillips aka “Phil” sat down with us to talk about Panjwai and his experience with Second Squad. We cover life on the FOB, contractors, wild ideas about the functionality of the Army, among other issues. We breach the subject of fear and helplessness, how experience differ in a firefight, and the Gustaf/Gustav. We talk about our limited capacities in Panjwai and what we could do to alleviate that. Glenn gives us the latest on his post-Army life and the support that is in place for veterans to utilize.

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Check out the video version of the podcast at : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOcr1t6H38v9PDf8OoAbrMw

For maps, photos and more information about Panjwai go to : https://www.thepanjwaipodcast.com/about-panjwai

Direct donations can also be sent via venmo @thepanjwaipodcast

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepanjwaipodcast

Instagram: @thepanjwaipodcast

Twitter: @panjwaipodcast

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Episode 4 - The Seminole Jan 14, 2021

Show notes

Special Guest Stuart Nincehelser joins us for an in depth interview about his experiences before, during, and after the 2012 deployment to Sperwan Ghar. Stuart was a squad leader for 1st Platoon, B/1-64 in 2012.

Stuart is currently a licensed attorney and employed by the United States State Department. Stuart talked to us about his experiences as a squad leaders, the challenges his men faced, and the courageous acts of a pair of Combat Engineers on a horrible day in Skecha. Despite the serious topics, we had a light, intelligent conversation that is easy to follow and enjoyable to listen to.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHSbnt8AMUE - Combat footage from Nince's 1st deployment to Afghanistan

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Check out the video version of the podcast at : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOcr1t6H38v9PDf8OoAbrMw

For maps, photos and more information about Panjwai go to : https://www.thepanjwaipodcast.com/about-panjwai

Direct donations can also be sent via venmo @thepanjwaipodcast

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepanjwaipodcast

Instagram: @thepanjwaipodcast

Twitter: @panjwaipodcast

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Episode 3 - The New Lieutenant Jan 07, 2021

Show notes

This week, the Panjwai Podcast brings on its first guest. CPT(R) Matthew Kohler was an Infantry Officer assigned as the Platoon Leader for 1st Platoon, B/1-64 in 2012. Matt came to his platoon midway through the deployment, and had to learn to lead in combat on day one. We talk to Matt about several specific events on the deployment, including the injuries to several of his soldiers, and he speaks of the valorous actions of his men. We also talk about the challenges we faced after the deployment , the importance of seeking help and the power PTSD has. This was a long interview, but we decided to keep it intact and at full length because it is powerful. This was a powerfully emotional episode for all three of us. Viewers and listeners that served in combat may find portions of this episode hard watch or listen to. Remember we are always here if you need someone to reach out to.

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Check out the video version of the podcast at : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOcr1t6H38v9PDf8OoAbrMw

For maps, photos and more information about Panjwai go to : https://www.thepanjwaipodcast.com/about-panjwai

Direct donations can also be sent via venmo @thepanjwaipodcast

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepanjwaipodcast

Instagram: @thepanjwaipodcast

Twitter: @panjwaipodcast

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Episode 2 - The First Firefight Jan 03, 2021

Show notes

In this episode Curtis and Luke talk about their first firefight in Panjwai. They discuss the importance of the Combat Infantry Badge or CIB. They go into detail about that firefight, the results of the fight, and how to deal with the adrenaline rush. They talk about the complexities of fear and bravery in combat. They also address their scariest moments and close calls and the psychological effect they have on a soldier.

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Check out the video version of the podcast at : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOcr1t6H38v9PDf8OoAbrMw

For maps, photos and more information about Panjwai go to : https://www.thepanjwaipodcast.com/about-panjwai

Direct donations can also be sent via venmo @thepanjwaipodcast

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepanjwaipodcast

Instagram: @thepanjwaipodcast

Twitter: @panjwaipodcast

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Episode 1 - Welcome to Panjwai Jan 01, 2021

Show notes

The Panjwai Podcast launches with an inaugural episode featuring podcast hosts Luke Coffey and Curtis Grace. In this episode they discuss their own military background and history, how a mechanized unit ended up in Afghanistan, and orient the listener to the terrain of Panjwai and Sperwan Ghar. We discuss the topography and geography of Panjwai and some of its culture, the kind of fighting we saw, the difficulties of fighting in the terrain, and the tactics used by the Taliban. Join us for the beginning of this journey. New episodes every Friday.

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Check out the video version of the podcast at : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOcr1t6H38v9PDf8OoAbrMw

For maps, photos and more information about Panjwai go to : https://www.thepanjwaipodcast.com/about-panjwai

Direct donations can also be sent via venmo @thepanjwaipodcast

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepanjwaipodcast

Instagram: @thepanjwaipodcast

Twitter: @panjwaipodcast

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The Panjwai Podcast - Trailer Dec 08, 2020

Show notes

The creators of The Panjwai Podcast briefly explain their goals, format and what we can expect in 2021 with the launch of the Panjwai Podcast