508: The Mission Continues Beyond Ramadi. With Major Scott Huesing

Scott Huesing's command of Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines during the Battle of Ramadi showcased leadership under the most intense urban combat conditions in what was considered Iraq's most dangerous city at the time.

Huesing On Intense Combat in Iraq's Most Dangerous City, Ramadi

Echo Company Endured Firefights and Casualties Pursuing Insurgents

Upon entering Ramadi, even veteran Marines were shocked at the conditions worsening from a previous fight in 2004. Huesing encountered heavy firefights upon arrival, and his unit suffered significant casualties, including during an episode where Huesing's convoy rolled up to a casualty named Libby, who had been shot. Describing the combat as the "Super Bowl of combat", Huesing led his Marines against a well-armed insurgent force daily, sometimes engaging multiple times a day. Under his command, Echo Company engaged in serious firefights, particularly in the Malab area, which Huesing compared to South Central LA—a comparison made to indicate the certainty of encountering combat upon entering the area.

Huesing On Loss of Marines and the Unit's Emotional Toll

Huesing led a large group of Marines, many of them fresh out of high school, into the unimaginable conditions of urban warfare. He emphasized the importance of survival in the face of combat, knowing from day one the inevitability of casualties. The psychological burden on the Marines was heavy, with Huesing taking responsibility for any lives they took in combat. After intense encounters, like chasing a young Iraqi male thought to be carrying a weapon, Huesing would reflect on these life-altering decisions. Emotional incidents—such as the loss of Marines like Sergeant Espinosa or the young Marine Sanchez—underscored the toll that combat takes on military leaders like Huesing. Upon Sanchez's mortal injury, and less than 24 hours after another casualty, Andrew Mattis was fatally injured signaling the continuous emotional strain the unit underwent.

Huesing, Marines Cleared City, Burned Weapon Caches to Deny Enemy

Huesing Faced Challenges With Restrictive Rules and Navigating Civilian Casualties

During operations in Ramadi, Huesing undertook clearance efforts, frequently engaging insurgents and searching expansively for weapons caches. He discussed a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) raid and broader strategies to gain local support. Huesing's aggressive tactics involved systematically clearing Western Ramadi, confiscating weapons—even if they were legitimately owned by civilians—and at one point, he made an on-the-spot decision to hit multiple mosques based on real-time intelligence, ...

Scott Huesing’s story is one of transformation from a self-described "horrible high school student" living on the edge to an esteemed leader within the Marine Corps, taking on roles as an infantry officer and imparting his perspective on leadership.

Troubled Youth Drew Huesing to Risk-Taking Marine Life

Huesing describes his younger self as leading a high-risk lifestyle characterized by underage drinking, riding motorcycles, running from the police, and fighting. Despite being a poor student with a low GPA in high school, Huesing was drawn to the Marine Corps, which appealed to his penchant for risk-taking. Inspired by a friend who had enlisted, he joined the Marines in 1988 and embarked on a career that would eventually lead him to seek a commission as an officer.

Huesing Served As Infantry Officer and Pilot Instructor, Gaining Diverse Experiences and Leadership Responsibilities

Huesing’s career advancement in the Marine Corps was characterized by a journey through various roles, showing resilience and adaptability. He began as a Hawk missile operator and transitioned to working with Stingers, suggesting a broadening of his military experience. After leaving active duty and attending Illinois State University, Huesing joined a reserve unit as a machine gunner while attending college. His movement from enlisted Marine to a commissioned officer was not a straight line, but rather a zigzag path marked by practical decisions in response to external circumstances, including a hiring freeze at the U.S. Federal Marshals service and an offer to rejoin the Marines by Sergeant Connor.

His determination and ingenuity were evident when he returned to active duty and eventually landed his first duty station as a commissioned officer at 29 Palms in 1998. Huesing got an infantry placement after his class at The Basic School (TBS) and went on to the Infantry Officers Course. He reflects on his early assignment with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines in 29 Palms, California, and recollects being in Okinawa during the 9/11 attacks.

Selected for the Navy's fleet anti-terrorism security team, Fast Company, Huesing describes leading a team of selected Marines without disciplinary issues, termed as 'varsity'. After multiple deployments and holding various roles, he also took part in writing doctrine for helicopter-borne operations, reflecting his growing prowess in military strategy and his direct interaction with the integration of the Osprey aircraft.

Huesing's ability to continuously adapt is highlighted by his various roles which included serving as a CENTCOM liaison officer (LNO) in Bahrain and the opportunities for learning and leadership at the Expeditionary Warfare School at Quantico.

Marine Background Shaped Huesing's Leadership Appro ...

Scott Huesing, following an illustrious career in the military, has transitioned into a multifaceted role as an author, publisher, and mentor, leveraging his experiences to honor Marines, assist veterans, and guide aspiring writers.

Huesing Wrote "Echo In Ramadi" to Honor His Marines and Preserve Their Stories

Huesing authored "Echo In Ramadi" as a tribute to the warfare and the warriors of Echo Company, including their families and interpreters. The book is not just an account of war; it seeks to preserve and honor the vivid experiences and challenges faced by the Marines. It's evident that Huesing wrote the book with intent and care, meticulously ensuring accuracy down to the caliber of machine guns mentioned, to honor the stories of his Marines. This dedication to authenticity stemmed from his deep respect for the Marines he served with and his desire to share their diverse stories.

Huesing Interviewed Marines and Families For Perspectives

The process of crafting "Echo In Ramadi" included over 100 interviews with Marines and their families to capture their stories, something that took both time and sensitivity to trauma. Huesing discusses interactions with families of the lost Marines, reflecting on the emotional weight of these conversations. For some like Marine Kibbin, sharing stories was challenging, leading Kibbin to send tapes recorded on cassettes. Huesing recognizes the varied timelines for veterans to process their experiences, and he values their methods of coping, whether through storytelling or otherwise.

Huesing Founded Solid Copy Media, a Company Helping Veterans and Civilians Publish Books

Solid Copy Media, LLC, founded by Huesing in Texas, emerged from a passion for writing and sharing stories. The company has been growing through word of mouth, aiming to coach and mentor aspiring writers. Huesing shares his expertise by offering structured resources to potential authors on various aspects of writing and publishing. More than the average agent, Huesing adds personalized involvement, as seen in his work with books like "Guns, Girls and Greed" and "Forged in Chaos," showcasing his commitment to getting powerful stories out into the world.

Huesing Leverages Experience to Coach Authors, Offering Guidance and Industry Access

Huesing draws upon his personal network to support the projects he believes in, showcasing his knack for providing industry access to emerging authors. He utilizes his company to give authors access to a wide range of industry professionals, acting as a gateway to best-selling authors, editors, publicists, and more, hence streamlining their path to publishing success. His direct involvement in the authorial process is evidenced by his work on various books, including relaunching stories and assisting in content development. His connections extend even to public figures outside the literary world, underlining his broad network.

Huesing Supports Veterans, Organizing a Ramadi Reunion

Huesing's value for connections and shared stories of veterans is clear as he discusses organizing reunions for those who served in Ramadi. The upcoming event sched ...