Mark "Oz" Geist - 13 Hours Survivor Reflects on the Deadly Benghazi Attacks | SRS #74
Witness the courageous journey of Mark Geist, an American hero and Benghazi attack survivor on "Shawn Ryan Show." Geist takes the listener from his humble roots in a small farming town to his distinguished military commitment and law enforcement achievements. Drawing agilely from his experiences in the Marine Corps during his law enforcement career, Mark Geist brings a unique and creative approach to investigations and a profound drive to support his community.
In the second part of his discussion with Shawn Ryan, Geist unfolds an intense first-hand account of the 2012 Benghazi attack, revealing a landscape of political uncertainty and lawlessness. Through the retelling of these heartrending events, he doesn't shy from current political critique while serving as a testament to human resilience and fortitude. His post-attack journey, however brutal and harsh, is a compelling exploration of the irrevocable impact of trauma and a valiant tale of healing and survival.
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1-Page Summary
The Professional Journey of Mark Geist
From Humble Beginnings to Military Service
Mark Geist, an American hero who survived the Benghazi attacks in 2012 and a former Chief of Police, traced his journey with Shawn Ryan in this insightful podcast. He touched on his humble beginnings in Rocky Ford, a small farming town, marked by a close-knit community and reverence for military service inherited from his family. After high school, he joined the Marine Corps, which saw him serve in various capacities in the Philippines, North Africa, and Libya — drawing parallels with his grandfather's military service.
Making Strides in Law Enforcement
In his law enforcement career, Geist made significant strides. His move to law enforcement was triggered by repeated deployments impacting his familial obligations. He served in the Sheriff's Department in western Colorado Springs, working especially on child offenses. Adept at interrogation skills from his Marine Corps days, Geist used his skills to prevent secondary victimization in child abuse cases.
Venturing into Contracting Work
Throughout his law enforcement career, Geist consistently displayed a unique approach to investigations. His adventures led him from serving as the Chief of Police to linking up with the 19th special forces, and then exploring the lucrative contracting sector post 9/11. Geist demonstrated his persistence and skills to a recruiter from Triple Canopy, leading to subsequent stints with Blackwater, then the USIS, training Iraqi SWAT teams, and eventually working with the CIA through a contract with MVM.
The Horrors of Benghazi: A First-Hand Account
Inside the Benghazi attack: Mark Geist's Unforgettable Experience
Geist's recount of his experience during the 2012 Benghazi attack demonstrated his resilience and bravery. Despite enduring 22 blast wounds, he managed to save 25 lives. He provided a first-hand account of Libya's political landscape, marked by tribal discrepancies and lawlessness, even criticizing Hillary Clinton's handling of the Benghazi incident.
The Aftermath of an Attack: Remembrances and Lessons Learned
After receiving a distress call from the consulate, Geist's team, ignoring orders to stand down, found themselves in a grueling gunfight with approximately 40 armed men. Even though outnumbered and battling fierce conditions, the team was able to hold off the attackers using surprise tactics. The search for the missing Ambassador was carried out in harsh conditions marked by lack of visibility and no personal breathing equipment.
Living in the Aftermath: Trauma and Resilience
Dealing with Trauma: Mark Geist's Approach to Life
Even as he acknowledges daily struggles, Geist disputes a classic PTSD characterization of his condition. Central to his coping strategy is his faith and the resolve not to forget these life-changing experiences.
Life Beyond Trauma: Mark Geist's Journey of Healing and Advocacy
His journey post-attack involved a long and painful recovery, multiple surgeries, intensive rehabilitation, and carrying around remnants of shrapnel in his body. Geist's experiences offer a compelling exploration of a veteran's life during and after warfare, serving as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
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Clarifications
- The Benghazi attacks in 2012 involved an assault on two U.S. diplomatic compounds in Benghazi, Libya, on September 11-12. The attacks resulted in the deaths of four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens. The incident sparked controversy and investigations into the security failures and the U.S. government's response. Mark Geist, a survivor of the attacks, played a crucial role in defending the diplomatic compound and saving lives during the intense and chaotic assault.
- Triple Canopy, Blackwater, USIS, and MVM are private military companies (PMCs) that provide security, training, and other services to governments, corporations, and organizations. PMCs like Triple Canopy and Blackwater have been involved in various security operations worldwide, including in conflict zones. USIS is known for its background check services, while MVM has provided security and support services to government agencies like the CIA. These companies have faced scrutiny and controversy for their roles in conflicts and security operations.
- Geist's unique investigative approach in law enforcement involved leveraging his interrogation skills from his Marine Corps background to handle child abuse cases with sensitivity and prevent secondary victimization. He demonstrated persistence and adaptability in transitioning from law enforcement to contracting work post-9/11, showcasing a versatile skill set. Geist's ability to link up with various organizations like the 19th special forces, Blackwater, USIS, and the CIA highlighted his strategic networking and expertise in security operations. His experiences in different roles underscored his commitment to serving and protecting communities through a multifaceted career trajectory.
- Libya's political landscape is marked by tribal divisions stemming from historical and regional factors, with various tribes holding significant influence in different parts of the country. These tribal discrepancies have often led to power struggles, conflicts, and challenges in governance, contributing to the country's instability post the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The complex interplay of tribal affiliations, historical rivalries, and regional interests has shaped Libya's political dynamics, impacting security, governance, and stability in the region. Understanding these tribal dynamics is crucial to grasp the complexities of Libya's political environment and the challenges it faces in achieving unity and stability.
- Mark Geist criticized Hillary Clinton's handling of the Benghazi incident due to perceived failures in providing adequate security measures for the consulate despite prior security concerns and requests for increased security. Geist and others believed that the response to the attack was insufficient and that more could have been done to protect the lives of those at the consulate. Geist's criticism was part of a broader debate and investigation into the events surrounding the Benghazi attack, including the decisions made by the U.S. government officials at the time.
- Mark Geist's coping strategy involves relying on his faith and a determination not to be defined solely by a traditional understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He emphasizes that while he faces daily challenges, he does not see himself as fitting the typical mold of someone with PTSD. Geist's approach to dealing with his experiences focuses on resilience and moving forward, rather than being consumed by the label of PTSD.
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The Professional Journey of Mark Geist
Mark Geist, an American hero who survived the Benghazi attacks in 2012 and a former Chief of Police, traced his journey with Shawn Ryan in this insightful podcast. Ryan paid tribute to the 11th anniversary of the Benghazi incident.
The journey began from his humble beginnings in Rocky Ford. His belief system, particularly concerning his interpretation of life, death and transition, greatly influenced his ability to handle the horrors of war. He believes that at the point of death, a person's spirit has already departed to be with the Lord.
Throughout his professional journey, Geist stressed the importance of maintaining professionalism and an unclouded assessment of situations. He consistently differentiated between 'killing' and 'murdering.' He defined murdering as an act influenced by ill-will or hatred, sentiments he strived to avoid in his career.
Notably, Geist also advises against adopting a perpetual victim mentality, instead urging those who've experienced trauma to use their experiences as motivation to improve their circumstances.
From Humble Beginnings to Military Service
He touched on his humble beginnings in Rocky Ford, a small farming town, marked by a close-knit community and reverence for military service inherited from his family.
As he advanced in his military career, Geist's training took place at the Camp Pendleton's 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines. Here, he showcased a distinct proficiency in pistol shooting, often practicing with nearly a thousand rounds daily, a skill honed during his term as an anti-terrorism/counter-terrorism instructor.
However, Geist openly admitted to having less practice with rifles, offering an honest insight into his strengths and weaknesses.
Making Strides in Law Enforcement
In his law enforcement career, Geist made significant strides. His transition to law enforcement from the military was sparked by familial considerations and the adoption of his son which made him yearn for stability. Serving as a special officer dealing with child offenses in the Sheriff's Department in western Colorado Springs became a core part of his career.
His previous experience as a Marine Corp interrogator enabled him to perform the role of a forensic interviewer to child victims in abuse cases. His method aimed to avoid secondary victimization and repeat recollection of traumatic experiences, ensuring the child's story was portrayed effectively in court.
An intriguing aspect of Geist's approach to interrogation was the progression from friendly conversations to an in-depth investigation, often verging on compassion for the offender. Interpreting non-verbal signals was a valuable part of his strategy, as these often indicated deceit.
He worked on cases like a large-scale sex trafficking operation and an instance involving a soccer coach, lending credence to Ryan’s observation about respected professionals committing crimes akin to white-collar offenses. He also dealt with a case involving a recidivist offender karate instructor exploiting weaker sex-offender legislation in different states to bypass legal consequences.
He noticed the difficulty in implementing lifetime supervision laws for child predators, owing to budget constraints and the substantial number of offenders. Geist underscored a troubling pattern ...
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The Professional Journey of Mark Geist
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Clarifications
- The GRS official in the text stands for Global Response Staff, which is a security force employed by the CIA to protect their personnel and facilities in high-risk areas. The Blue Badger is a term used to describe a specific type of military personnel, often an officer, who is not directly involved in combat operations but provides oversight and coordination during missions.
- During the Benghazi attack, 'Tig' was responsible for guarding the southeastern quadrant, 'Ty' served as the group medic, and 'Jack' oversaw sectors on the west and north.
- Mark Geist's training at Camp Pendleton's 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines involved honing his pistol shooting skills through rigorous practice sessions, often firing nearly a thousand rounds daily. While proficient in pistol shooting, he openly admitted to having less practice with rifles, providing insight into his strengths and weaknesses. Geist's training background showcased his dedication to mastering specific skills relevant to his roles, such as his experience as an anti-terrorism/counter-terrorism instructor.
- Mark Geist's approach to interrogation involved transitioning from friendly conversations to in-depth investigations, focusing on interpreting non-verbal signals for signs of deceit. He utilized his background as a Marine Corps interrogator to conduct forensic interviews with child victims of abuse, aiming to minimize secondary victimization. Geist's method emphasized effective portrayal of the child's story in court while also showing compassion towards the offender during the interrogation process. His strategy included a progression towards a thorough investigation, incorporating non-verbal cues to detect potential deception.
- Challenges in implementing lifetime supervision laws for child predators stem from issues like limited resources, budget constraints, and the high number of offenders. These laws aim to monitor and restrict the activities of individuals convicted of child sexual abuse for their enti ...
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The Horrors of Benghazi: A First-Hand Account
Geist had a deep comprehension of Libya's intricate political, tribal, and geographical landscape, which in turn influenced her work in diplomatic security.
She segmented Libya into Eastern, Western, and Southern parts with their unique issues. These range from tribal discrepancies to illicit activities. Additionally, there are exterior combatant training camps to consider.
Inside the Benghazi attack: Mark Geist's Unforgettable Experience
The beginning of the Benghazi attack was marked by an urgent distress call, leading to Geist's team defying management orders and rushing into the hail of bullets to provide essential support at the consulate. More details of the attack revealed a 13-hour timeline, starting from when they were first alerted to when they arrived at the airport.
The attack took place in spurts, not continuously. Through open-source intelligence, they were able to identify almost 150 to 180 attackers. Many of these were found to be linked with al-Qaeda.
Shawn Ryan showed interest in Mark bringing Sarah, the analyst instrumental in identifying the attackers, on his show. Geist agreed to do so, citing the value of her analytical perspective.
The team's strategic positioning resulted in the neutralization of an incoming group of adversaries in just a few minutes. Following the attack, Geist was escorted by a local militia to the airport from the attack site.
This resilience-indicative moment ...
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The Horrors of Benghazi: A First-Hand Account
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Clarifications
- Shawn Ryan is an American screenwriter and television producer known for creating and producing various TV series. He has worked on shows like The Shield, The Unit, and S.W.A.T. In the context of the text, Shawn Ryan expressed interest in having Mark Geist and Sarah, an analyst, on his show, possibly to discuss their experiences during the Benghazi attack.
- Geist's survival tale in Benghazi highlights his resilience and bravery during the attack, showcasing his ability to navigate through dangerous situations. The communication error occurred when his wife learned about his near-death experience through a news broadcast, rather than directly from him, causing surprise and emotional impact due to the unexpected revelation.
- Geist's work in diplomatic security involved understanding Libya's complex political, tribal, and geographical dynamics to enhance security measures for diplomatic missions. This included identifying and addressing potential threats such as tribal disputes, illicit activities, and external combatant training camps. Geist's expertise in these areas was crucial for ensuring the safety and protection of diplomatic personnel and facilities in challenging environments lik ...
Counterarguments
- Geist's deep understanding of Libya's landscape is commendable, but it could be argued that no single individual can fully grasp the complexities of a country's entire political and tribal system.
- Segmenting Libya into three parts with unique issues is a simplification that might overlook the interconnectedness and nuances between regions.
- The assertion that the team defied management orders suggests a breakdown in the chain of command, which could be criticized as unprofessional or risky, despite the positive outcome in this instance.
- The identification of 150 to 180 attackers using open-source intelligence raises questions about the reliability of such data and whether it could lead to misidentification or oversimplification of a complex attack.
- The decision to feature Sarah on Shawn Ryan's show could be critiqued for potentially exposing sensitive methods of intelligence gathering or putting individuals at risk.
- The strategic success of Geist's team is notable, but it might also be important to conside ...
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Living in the Aftermath: Trauma and Resilience
Dealing with Trauma: Mark Geist's Approach to Life
Even as he acknowledges daily struggles, Geist disputes a classic PTSD characterization of his condition. Insisting that death does not engender fear, Geist looks forward to the anticipation of joining with his family or God.
Fundamental to his coping strategy is his faith, which allows him not to forget these life-changing experiences. In addition to this, Geist emphasizes the necessity of enduring both the highs and lows that come after experiencing trauma.
He also underscores that faith is not about achieving perfection, but about allowing divine intervention to change your life. Geist positions faith as a potent tool to combat negative self-perception and mental or emotional downturns.
Life Beyond Trauma: Mark Geist's Journey of Healing and Advocacy
His journey post-attack involved a long and painful recovery, multiple surgeries, intensive rehabilitation, and carrying around remnants of shrapnel in his body. Mark details the complexity of his injuries and explains the medical reasons for which shrapnel pieces were not removed.
Despite this, he credited his survival and ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Living in the Aftermath: Trauma and Resilience
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- In the context of PTSD, individuals typically experience fear and distress related to traumatic events. Geist's disagreement with the classic PTSD characterization suggests that he does not align with the common symptoms and responses associated with this condition. This could indicate that Geist's perspective on his trauma and coping mechanisms differs from the traditional understanding of PTSD.
- Geist's statement about looking forward to joining his family or God after death reflects his belief in an afterlife where he will reunite with loved ones and his faith in a higher power. This perspective provides him with comfort and a sense of purpose beyond his earthly struggles. It signifies his spiritual outlook on life and his acceptance of mortality as part of a larger spiritual journey. Geist's faith plays a significant role in shaping his mindset towards death and the future.
- Geist emphasizes the importance of facing and navigating through both positive and negative experiences that follow a traumatic event. This approach involves acknowledging and accepting the highs and lows in life post-trauma, rather than trying to avoid or suppress them. Geist believes that enduring these fluctuations is crucial for personal growth, resilience, and ultimately, healing from the impact of trauma. By embracing the full spectrum of emotions and experiences, individuals like Geist can gradually find a sense of balance and strength in their journey towards recovery.
- Mark Geist carries remnants of shrapnel in his body as a result of injuries sustained during a traumatic event. Shrapnel is fragments of a bomb, shell, or other object thrown out by an explosion. In his case, these pieces were not removed for medical reasons, possibly due to their location or the risks involved in surgery. The presence of shrapnel serves as a physical reminder of the past trauma and the challenges he has overcome in his journey of healing and resilience.
- Mark Geist's decision to leave shrapnel pieces in his body was based on medical reasons. In some cases, removing shrapnel can pose more risks than benefits, especially if the fragments are not causing immediate harm. Surgeons may opt to leave shrapnel in place if it is deemed safer than attempting to extract it. This decision is typically made after careful consideration of factors such as the location of the shrapnel and potential risks associated with removal.
- Mark Geist credits his survival to faith in a ...
Counterarguments
- Geist's rejection of classic PTSD characterization may not align with the experiences of other trauma survivors who find the PTSD framework useful for understanding and treating their symptoms.
- The anticipation of death and joining family or God might not resonate with individuals who have different beliefs or who fear death.
- While faith is a powerful coping mechanism for some, others may find solace in secular approaches or alternative spiritual practices.
- The emphasis on enduring highs and lows might be overly simplistic and not acknowledge the complex psychological support some individuals may require after trauma.
- The idea that faith is not about achieving perfection could be seen as a way to avoid accountability for one's actions, which some might find problematic.
- The notion that faith alone can combat negative self-perception and emotional downturns may not acknowledge the importance of professional mental health interventions.
- The narrative of a long and painful recovery with a focus on resilience might inadvertently minimize the ongoing struggles and potential for chronic issues that some trauma survivors face.
- The decision not to remove shrapnel for medical reasons might not be fully explained, leaving readers with questions about the risks and benefits of such a choice.
- Crediting survival to faith in a higher divine purpose could be seen as invalidating to those who attribute their survival to chance, medical intervention, or their ow ...
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