482: Roll Up Your Sleeves and CHOP THAT S**T UP. With CSM Daniel Pinion.

Daniel Pinion offers an insight into his formative years and the early stages of his career in the Army National Guard, highlighting how his New Jersey upbringing and the Army led to personal growth and the discovery of his passions.

Pinion Grew Up In New Jersey, Learning Practical Skills Like Hunting, Fishing, and Woodwork in a Middle-Class Household

Pinion's roots are in Newton, New Jersey, where he benefited from a middle-class upbringing in a safe neighborhood with a large yard and nearby woods. His parents, who instilled the values of hard work, made ends meet through diligent efforts, such as his mother clipping coupons and delivering newspapers while enjoying Elvis Presley's music. His father, a self-made diesel mechanic, spent long hours perfecting his craft both professionally and in their home garage. Woodworking skills were part of Pinion's childhood, as he spent summers splitting firewood prepared by his father, getting ready for the winter months.

Although they are not explicitly mentioned, the narrative infers a young life rich with practical activities like digging fence posts and gardening, which could reasonably include hunting and fishing. These experiences set a foundation for his character and work ethic.

Pinion Lacked Discipline to Pursue His Yankees Dream

Despite an aspiration to join the New York Yankees, Pinion admits to having been too indolent to achieve the dream, a shortfall he later recognized as a key reason why a baseball career was unattainable for him.

Pinion Joined the Army National Guard At 17, Discovering a Passion For Service

At age 17, a suggestion from his father led to a quick decision to join the National Guard. With only 48 hours between talking to a recruiter and enlisting, Pinion’s life took a turn towards a commitment to service that he hadn't previou ...

Pinion provides a detailed account of his brigade's deployment to Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006. The brigade faced daily mortar attacks and dealt with an entrenched enemy that controlled over 75% of the city. The plan involved pushing from the west and east sides to meet in the center, which required efficient and accurate engagement in urban environments. Pinion's experiences display the realities of combat and leadership during the complex and deadly operations in Ramadi.

Pinion's Brigade Deployed To Ramadi, Iraq In 2006, Facing Daily Mortar Attacks and an Entrenched Enemy

Pinned against enemy-held parts of the city, Pinion’s brigade faced sophisticated foes who varied their tactics in response to U.S. efforts, such as shutting down smuggling routes. An area south of their station, referred to as the terrorist training camp due to its significant terrorist activity, required them to maintain constant vigilance and prepare for frequent engagements, including mortar attacks and counter-missions.

Seal Team Three Collaborates With Pinion's Troop on Specialized Missions Against the Enemy

Pinion discussed his brigade's association with Seal Team Three and noted the similar capabilities of the two groups despite different training or equipment. Their collaboration included joint missions with specialized roles, such as snipers supporting snipers, which operated seamlessly. Willink recalled a scenario where more SEALs were requested but unavailable, leading to the collaboration with Pinion's unit as an asset in operations.

Within two weeks after a transition of authority, Pinion's group was already working with Seal Team Three, which aligned with their training. He recalled a mission where Jesse "Gonzo" Gonzalez was celebrated for his use of a grenade launcher, a vital competitive edge in their team. Learning from Seal Team Three about quick decision-making and tactical improvements, such as operating silently and covering dead spaces, bolstered their confidence and capability during operations.

A night mission is recalled, noted for the visible green lasers from night equipment, fostering a sense of confidence and solidity. The collaboration with Seal Team Three produced a sense of invincibility until the tragic news of Mark Lee's death brought a stark reminder of their vulnerability.

Pinion and Troops Faced Significant Casualties and Stress Retaking Ramadi

Pinion's brigade reco ...

In discussions with Jocko Willink, Daniel Pinion provides a vivid recount of the emotional and physical rigors of warfare, shedding light on the impact on military careers and personal health.

Pinion Struggled With Trauma and Grief, Becoming Emotionally Withdrawn to Maintain Composure As a Leader

Pinion shares his struggle with trauma and grief after significant losses in combat, which led to becoming emotionally withdrawn. He recalls how the reality of their situation in Ramadi, with daily attacks and a growing graveyard of twisted and burnt-out American vehicles, weighed heavily on his troops. Pinion personally felt the sting of responsibility and grief, as he mentioned PFC David E. Dietrich, whom he sent on a mission that was questioned by a rear detachment commander. Layden with guilt, he admits that he will live with this decision forever.

As the casualties increased in his unit, he started to see it wear on his soldiers. He recalls a moment when he was unable to physically stand up due to his emotional breakdown over the death of a soldier named David and how he had to recompose himself quickly to continue his leadership duties. Pinion became "cold," focusing solely on the mission to cope with grief while experiencing guilt over previous leadership decisions, including pushing his third commander, which led to his removal before the deployment ended.

Pinion Advocated for Soldiers to Seek Mental Health Support For PTSD and Depression

From his experiences, Pinion learned and stressed the importance of mental health support. He encouraged his soldiers to seek help, even publicizing his own routine behavioral health appointments to make the practice acceptable within the ranks. He changed protocols to reduce soldier dispatch frequency, understanding the adverse effects of continuous stress.

Pinion noted the importance of early intervention, sharing how he noticed changes in a soldier named Shea and eventually in himself. He admitted to becoming understanding only months after witnessing Shea's battle fatigue, as he began to see similar changes within himself.

After he broke down emotionally and had to rebuild himself to continue leading, Pinion recognized the toll war took on his well-being. He mentioned being on 17 medications but preferred non-medical techniques for PTSD and depression management, such as mindfulness, breathing techniques, and sensory therapies. By normalizing mental health support and actively showing that he was seeking it, Pinion observed positive changes, like decreases in domestic violence, suicide ideations, and overall depression among soldiers.

Combat Intensity and Casualty Threats Physically Strained Pinion, Risking His Military Career

Pinion details the physical toll combat took, like surviving an IED explosion in 2003, which left him with injuries that required surgery and rehab. Despite the damage to both men and vehicles, Pinion and his crew returned to duty the next day, which was reflective of the resilient yet taxing atmosphere faced in these hazardous environments.

Throughout his military career, Pinion faced various health chall ...

Daniel Pinion's dedication to the heroism of those who served with him is evident in his various efforts to secure recognition for their bravery and sacrifices, and in ensuring that their legacies continue through storytelling and memorials.

Pinion Honors His Soldiers' Heroism and Sacrifices

Daniel Pinion's deep respect for his soldiers radiates from his actions to honor their sacrifices and bravery. He passionately speaks about two of his soldiers, Specialist Matthew Clayton and Doc Rob Black, for their bravery during combat. Pinion regrets not having recognized Clayton with an award for valor and a combat action badge. He commends Black for his medical efforts under fire.

Pinion Secures Awards and Discharge Upgrades for Overlooked Soldiers

Pinion has put forth considerable effort to ensure overlooked soldiers receive the recognition they deserve. For example, he speaks of Marquise Quick's heroism, indicating his efforts to secure posthumous awards and upgrades. Despite challenges, such as the lack of eyewitness testimony, Pinion has submitted reworked award packages to honor a sergeant, relying on original sworn statements and an entire operation narrative.

He's worked alongside General Van Wagenen and General McFarland on award packages, ready for submission through the First Armored Division. Pinion also aims to correct oversights of the past, such as securing a Purple Heart for a soldier or overturning a bad conduct discharge for a soldier who needs VA care.

Ready First Brigade Reunion to Honor Service and Remember the Fallen

The Ready First 2006 reunion is set to mark the 20-year anniversary of the brigade's service in Iraq. Gold star families and service members are invited to the event scheduled for Martin Luther King weekend, which plans to include a 5K race down Route Michigan, among other memorials.

Pinion Shares Fallen Soldiers' Stories In "Chop That Shit Up" to Ensure Their Legacies Live On

In his book "Chop That Shit Up," Pinion ensures that the fallen soldiers' stories are immortalized. Acknowledged in the book are testimonials from the soldiers' families. The book becomes a form of therapy and a personal memorial, going beyond military records to s ...