492: The Path Is Hard. Team Dealer Bravo Company 2-6 Infantry. With Ryan Jackson.

Staff Sergeant retired Ryan Jackson served in Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry, 1st Armored Division, known as "Death dealers." Jackson's military career is defined by his service post-9/11, his leadership in combat, and the heavy casualties his unit faced.

After 9/11, Ryan Enlisted In the Army and Served With Bravo Co, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry, 1st Armored Division

Ryan Jackson joined the Army the day after 9/11, on September 12, 2001, following a failed attempt to join the Marines due to a drug test failure. After completing infantry training and being stationed in Germany, he deployed to Iraq in 2003 for the invasion. He had a brief period to prepare for gas mask drills and MOP gear due to scud attacks. Jackson's unit, meant to secure Baghdad's power plants and sites, faced engagements with T72 tanks and Iraqi Army fighters. They continued on to Saddam's palace, where they finally showered after 67 days.

Failed Marine Drug Test, Joined Army On Sept 12, 2001

Ryan Jackson had attempted to join the Marines through a delayed entry program but failed a drug test. He then joined the Army on September 12, 2001. Despite the initial setback, Jackson's dedication quickly became apparent as he acclimated to military life, finding familiarity in marching from his previous ROTC experience.

Ryan Completed Infantry Training, Was Stationed In Germany, Then Deployed To Iraq In 2003 For the Invasion

After arriving in Germany, where he was sent to Baumholder and designated as a 240 gunner, Jackson was deployed to Iraq just three months later. This marked the beginning of his combat experiences during the invasion.

Heavy Casualties For Ryan's Unit in Ramadi, 2006

Ryan Jackson described the heavy casualties his unit faced during their service, especially in Ramadi in 2006. The difficulty of his deployment was marked by the immediacy of combat and the innovative enemy tactics, such as sophisticated IEDs cleverly hidden to target military vehicles.

Ryan's Squad First Faced Ramadi's Ied Attacks and Ambushes

In Ramadi, Jackson's squad faced intense insurgent attacks. On the second day, they experienced a large explosion at ECP3 and engaged in a firefight that resulted in Ryan using a machine gun and later receiving an award. This experience exemplified the violent and sudden nature of their arrival in Ramadi.

Ryan's Unit Lost Soldiers, Notably Staff Sergeant Lance Aaron, Whose Death and Memorial Ryan Vividly Describes

Although not described in the provided podcast transcript, it's evident that Ryan's unit suffered significant losses, including Staff Sergeant Lance Aaron. The difficulty in handling the aftermath of a fellow soldier's death was a heavy burden, epitomized by the somber experience of solemnly saluting as the helicopters took off with Aaron's remains.

High Casualty Toll From Intense 8-Hour Patrols and Qrf Missions

The high operationa ...

After serving in the military, Ryan Jackson faces significant hurdles as he tries to assimilate back into civilian life, grappling with PTSD, substance abuse, and finding his place in society outside the structure of the armed forces.

Ryan's Struggle With Post-Combat Impact in Germany

Returning to Germany post-deployment, Ryan and his peers underwent a cursory reintegration process. Doctors and checks awaited them, but the environment was charged with a rush to return to normalcy, often marked by increased alcohol consumption. For Ryan, it was a period marred by excessive drinking and the beginning of a challenging transition.

Ryan's PTSD Symptoms: Short Temper, Hypervigilance, Difficulty Connecting

Ryan acknowledges symptoms of PTSD, such as a short temper and difficulty connecting with others. He struggles with repressed memories from his service, which come to a head during sessions in a sensory deprivation tank. The lack of camaraderie that he once felt in the military creates a barrier between him and civilians, making job retention and personal relationships an uphill battle.

Ryan's Use of Alcohol and Painkillers Strained Relationships and Employment

As he tries to manage his pain and internal turmoil, Ryan turns to alcohol and painkillers. Despite regulating his painkiller usage after a pain management intervention, he compensates with alcohol—sometimes drinking heavily even while serving as a drill sergeant. This cycle of substance dependence only exacerbates his struggles both with maintaining employment and with his family connection.

Ryan Struggled to Reintegrate Into Civilian Life Due to Lack of Structure and Camaraderie

The absence of military structure in civilian life hits Ryan hard. He acutely feels the loss of the regimented daily life and the brotherhood that were his constants during service. Without these, he finds challenges in adapting to post-military society, a sentiment underscored by his immediate embrace of personal freedoms like foregoing shaving—the first sign of a forthcoming identity crisis.

Ryan Faced Challenges Transitioning Out of the Army

Ryan retires from the Army under less than ideal circumstances, with an expedited medical retirement in reaction to unresolved PTSD and a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Losing the cohesion and support of military life leaves him adrift, with his future employment and home life marked by instability and unrest.

Ryan Retired From the Army Due to Mishandled PTSD and TBI

After problems with memory and performance at work, a medical retirement is offered to Ryan—forced upon him after the military grew tired of dealing with his brain injuries and PTSD. Although he ...

Ryan Jackson's life was profoundly changed by Canines For Warriors, an organization that provides service dogs to veterans.

Veteran Ryan Discovers Canines For Warriors

Ryan Jackson, a veteran with significant stress and anxiety issues, was introduced to Canines For Warriors when a fellow soldier showed up at a reunion accompanied by a service dog. The soldier's improved demeanor inspired Ryan to apply for a service dog. After a period on a standby list, he was enrolled in a three-week class where veterans learn to work with their trained service dogs.

Service Dog Caliber Supports Ryan

Upon meeting Caliber, his service dog, at Canines For Warriors, Ryan formed an instant connection. This bond became a lifeline—Ryan talks about how Caliber can sense his anxiety even before he does and provides immediate comfort by jumping in his lap or demanding attention. Caliber has also immensely affected Ryan's family, offering comfort during stressful situations, such as a family medical emergency.

Canines For Warriors Boosts Ryan's Mental Health

Ryan Improved Functioning, Reduced Medication

After teaming up with Caliber, Ryan stopped taking 20 different medications over six years. His functioning improved vastly; he credits Canines For Warriors for his remarkable recovery from needing medication, including blood pressure medicine.

Organization's Support, Training, Advocacy, and Community Aid Ryan's Recovery

The comprehensive training for service dogs at Canines For Warriors involves real-life simulations like navigating airport security. The organization also offers a support system, such as a 24-hour duty phone and assistance with discrimination issues, showcasing a deep, family-like concern for the veterans and the ...

As the 20-year anniversary of their service in Ramadi approaches, veterans prepare to reconnect at a reunion, which holds profound therapeutic and commemorative value for the members of Team Dealer Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry.

Ramadi Reunion, Jan 2026: Key For Ryan & "Death Dealer" Vets

Ryan Jackson and his military brothers will have an opportunity to come together once again, celebrating the resilience of this unit and remembering those they've lost.

Reunion of Resilient Unit Members Despite Losses

Jocko Willink gives thanks to Ryan Jackson and the other veterans, expressing reverence for their service in Ramadi and the significant bond among them. This nod to the upcoming reunion underscores the resilient spirit of these men and women who served. While specifics of their experiences aren't detailed, it's clear that the reunion in Helen, Georgia, with 40-50 people attending, provided a supportive and reconnecting atmosphere that will likely be amplified in the 20-year anniversary event.

Ryan Found Organizing His 10-year Reunion Therapeutic for Himself and His Comrades

Ryan Jackson reflects on the therapeutic benefits of organizing the past 10-year reunion—a sentiment echoed by his comrades. Jocko subtly references the importance of reunions for healing when mentioning their impact and the potential role the upcoming reunion will play in furthering that healing. The reunion is not only a response to combat challenges but also issues like suicide that these veterans have faced post-war.

Reunion Offers Chance to Reconnect, Heal, and Honor Fallen Brothers

The reunion represents an opportunity for nearly 1,000 veterans who plan to attend to commemorate those who have fallen and to continue the healing process. ...