Mike Glover: "It Was a Good Run Killing a Bunch of Bad Guys" | Peak Points
In this episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, Mike Glover reflects on his military career, from enlisting as an Army non-commissioned officer to re-enlisting in the aftermath of 9/11. He recounts his deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, including leading Afghan commandos and participating in joint operations with special forces units. Glover also shares his experiences around the Benghazi attack, detailing the challenges faced and the frustrations that ultimately contributed to his separation from active duty.
Offering an intimate look into the life of a special operations veteran, Glover's candid insights shed light on the realities of military service, from the practical challenges on the ground to the complex decision-making processes behind the scenes.
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1-Page Summary
Glover's military service and career trajectory
Mike Glover enlisted in the Army and served as a non-commissioned officer (NCO), taking on leadership roles like leading an infantry team. His exceptional performance put him on track for a long military career.
Glover was set to pursue advanced training opportunities when he decided to leave the military in September 2001, just before the 9/11 attacks. According to Glover, the attacks prompted him to re-enlist just a day later, driven by a powerful instinct to serve and defend his country.
Experiences around 9/11 and the decision to re-enlist
Witnessing 9/11, Glover felt compelled by a deep sense of duty to return to active service, a sentiment shared by many former military members at the time. He had to undergo full re-enlistment processing, as the military was initially uncertain how to handle prior service members wishing to redeploy.
Deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, including operational details and challenges
Upon re-enlisting, Glover rapidly deployed to Afghanistan as part of an Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) team. There, he commanded 144 Afghan commandos from a remote firebase with minimal resources and constant threats like rocket attacks.
Glover had to assess, train, and enhance the capabilities of the Afghan forces, overcoming challenges like lack of education, basic equipment, and language barriers. Despite limitations, the Afghan commandos proved disciplined in tactics and motivated by community support.
Interactions and relationships with other special operations units
Glover describes mixed interactions with younger, arrogant SEALs and respectful relationships with seasoned SEAL veterans during joint operations. To advance to more elite units like CIF, Glover took courses like Sephardic, earning him selection despite limited team experience.
Aftermath of the Benghazi attack in 2012
After the Benghazi attack, Glover was positioned to respond but ultimately prohibited from pursuing the perpetrators due to political considerations, despite intelligence and capabilities. According to Glover, this caused disillusionment, contributing to his later separation from active duty when other factors like sequestration hiring freezes limited transition options.
1-Page Summary
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Clarifications
- An Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) team is a specialized unit within the U.S. Army's Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets. ODAs are small teams of highly trained soldiers responsible for conducting unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and other specialized missions. They often work in small groups, focusing on training and advising foreign military forces, as well as conducting direct action missions when necessary. ODAs are known for their adaptability, language skills, and cultural understanding in various operational environments.
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Glover's military service and career trajectory
Mike Glover reflects on his time in the Army, detailing his commitment and the potential path his military career could have taken.
Glover enlisted in the Army and served as an NCO
Mike Glover enlisted in the Army, where he served as a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). His exceptional record in the military saw him become a sergeant at a young age. He notably took on various leadership roles, including leading a team in the infantry. His dedication to service and performance placed him firmly on the radar for retention within the Army.
Glover’s military experience was further enhanced by his attendance at Ranger school, a testament to his skills and determination. His role as an NCO put him in a unique position where he could genuinely influence the fight and contribute significantly due to his role and experience.
Glover's post-military career decisions
Glover initially wanted to pursue additional training but plans changed
Glover had ambitions to advance his military skills and sought opportunities to do so. He initially wanted to take on additional training such as sniper school and High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) school. These specialized programs would have furthered his capabilitie ...
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Glover's military service and career trajectory
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Actionables
- Reflect on your career trajectory by journaling about key decisions and their outcomes to understand your own path and potential pivot points. Write down significant career choices you've made, akin to Glover's decision to leave the military, and analyze how they've shaped your current position. Consider what might have been different if you had taken another route and use this insight to inform future career decisions.
- Set personal development goals that align with your interests, similar to Glover's pursuit of Ranger school, to continuously improve your skills. Identify areas in your life where you want to grow, such as public speaking, technical skills, or leadership. Then, create a structured plan with measurable milestones, like completing a specific course or achieving a certification, to track your progress.
- Create a contingency plan for unexpected chang ...
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Experiences around 9/11 and the decision to re-enlist
Mike Glover recounts his experience during the September 11 attacks and how it prompted his decision to re-enlist in the military—a decision influenced by a strong sense of duty and shared by many others.
Glover's Response to 9/11
Glover was in college when he witnessed the tragic events of 9/11 unfold. He immediately understood that these events would lead to war and felt compelled by a strong biological and psychological instinct to fight and defend his country. This sense of duty was so powerful that he decided to re-enlist in the military just one day after the attacks.
Instinct to Serve
This drive that Glover described as part of his character—he felt a profound urge to protect and serve as a response to the attacks on his country. His decision to join the fight resonated with a wider patriotic response seen across the United States.
The Process of Re-Enlisting
Glover had to undergo the entire Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) procedure again to re-enter the Army. The military, at the time, ...
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Experiences around 9/11 and the decision to re-enlist
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Actionables
- Reflect on personal values by writing a "Duty Statement" to clarify what you feel compelled to protect or serve in your life. Start by listing the values and principles that are most important to you, then draft a statement that encapsulates your commitment to these values. For example, if you value education, your duty statement might express a commitment to lifelong learning or volunteering to tutor students.
- Create a "Patriotic Acts" journal to document small, daily actions that contribute to the well-being of your community or country. This could be as simple as helping a neighbor, participating in a local clean-up, or writing letters to service members. The key is to recognize and record the impact of these actions, reinforcing the idea that service isn't limited to grand gestures but can be part of everyday life.
- Develop a personal "Crisis Response Plan" ...
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Deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, including operational details and challenges
Upon re-enlisting, Mike Glover was thrust into a high-stakes role, leading a contingent of 144 Afghan commandos without the luxury of acclimation or ample preparation, exemplifying the pressing demands and unpredictable nature of military deployments in conflict zones.
Rapid Deployment and Operational Responsibilities
As part of an Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA), Glover's rapid deployment to Afghanistan placed him in command of a sizable force of Afghan commandos. They were located at a remote firebase that was evocative of the Wild West—surrounded by high ground and vulnerable to attacks. Within the first few days, his team had to initiate operations, including a critical engagement with local Afghan elders, despite the team's unfamiliarity with the capabilities and trustworthiness of their newly-assigned Afghan forces.
Austere Conditions and Immediate Actions
Upon arrival, Glover's team encountered austere conditions at their firebase. The infrastructure and support were minimal—their accommodations consisted of cots situated within mud huts fortified by sandbags, signifying the rudimentary living conditions. They were positioned at the northernmost post on the Pakistan border, with the closest support being hours away. The scarcity of resources was compounded by constant threats, as evidenced by frequent rocket attacks and enemy activities.
Training and Leading Afghan Commando Forces
Building Rapport and Capability Amid Constraints
Despite the challenges, Glover demonstrated remarkable adaptability and leadership. He undertook the critical task of assessing and training the Afghan commandos, some of whom had prior experience with U.S. special operations forces. Glover's team instigated daily small unit tactics training when they were not actively engaged in the field. Through this rigorous process, Glover was able to build rapport, train, and enhance the overall capabilities of the Afghan forces over time.
Challenges of Equipment and Education
Glover faced significant obstacles, such as the lack of basic educational aptitude within the ranks of the Afghan commandos, many of whom struggled with literacy. Initially, the commandos wer ...
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Deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, including operational details and challenges
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can develop resilience by setting up a 'remote base' challenge for yourself, where you spend a weekend in a basic camping environment with limited supplies. This experience will teach you to adapt to minimal resources and appreciate the essentials, similar to the austere conditions faced by Glover's team. For example, take only a tent, minimal food, and no electronic devices, and use the time to practice problem-solving and self-reliance.
- Enhance your leadership skills by volunteering to lead a group in a community project with limited resources. This will push you to find creative solutions and rally your team around a common goal, reflecting the leadership and commitment required in military deployments. For instance, organize a neighborhood clean-up with only the tools and materials found in your community, encouraging teamwork and strategic planni ...
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Interactions and relationships with other special operations units
Special Forces operator Mike Glover discusses his experiences working with members of other elite military teams, specifically his interactions with SEALs and his advancement within the Special Forces units.
Younger SEALs vs. Seasoned SEALs
Glover recalls mixed experiences with different SEAL teams. He shares a particular incident with a younger SEAL who arrogantly dismissed the possibility of learning anything from Glover’s more veteran Special Forces team. This SEAL questioned what Glover’s team could possibly teach his, illustrating some of the friction that can exist between different special operations units.
Despite this, Glover also had positive interactions with other SEAL members. He speaks highly of seasoned veterans like Jeremy Wise, who later joined the CIA and was killed in action, as well as others who moved on to special mission units. These relationships highlight the camaraderie and respect that can develop during joint counter-terrorism operations between seasoned professionals from different special operations units.
Elite Training and the CIF
Glover pursued enhanced Close Quarters Battle skills through a demanding course known as SFARTAETC, or Sephardic. This course, which spans eight to nine weeks, is necessary for service in the Commanders in Extremist Force (CIF). It focuses on advanced tactics such as hostage rescue and direct action. Before attending Sephardic, Glover had basic CQB training but sought to gain experience and skills befitting the CIF's reputation.
Ascension to the CIF
CIF is recognized as the most elite e ...
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Interactions and relationships with other special operations units
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Counterarguments
- The perception of arrogance in younger SEALs could be a misunderstanding or a result of the competitive nature of special operations forces, rather than a true reflection of their attitudes.
- Positive interactions with seasoned SEALs may not necessarily be representative of the interactions between all members of different special operations units, as individual experiences can vary widely.
- The SFARTAETC course, while rigorous, may not be the only path to acquiring advanced CQB skills, and other courses or experiences could also provide valuable training.
- The CIF's status as the most elite element within Special Forces could be seen as subjective, as "elite" status often depends on specific mission requirements and the unique skill sets needed for those missions.
- Fast-tracking Glover's career might raise concerns about the importance of experience and the potential risks of advancing too quickly without suff ...
Actionables
- You can seek mentorship from experienced professionals in your field to gain insights and accelerate your career growth. Find someone whose career trajectory you admire and reach out for guidance. They can provide you with valuable advice and may help you identify opportunities for advancement that you hadn't considered.
- Embrace learning opportunities from peers across different specializations or departments within your organization. By collaborating on projects or joining cross-functional teams, you can broaden your skill set and gain a more holistic understanding of your workplace, which can be beneficial for personal development and career progression.
- V ...
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Aftermath of the Benghazi attack in 2012
The Benghazi attack in 2012 left not only a political turmoil but also echoed through the lives of military professionals eager to respond, like Mike Glover. Glover’s experience and the political landscape after the event highlight complications in the interaction between military operations and governmental decisions.
Glover's involvement in Benghazi
Mike Glover, already slated to build a counter-terrorism program in Libya, found himself in a Special Missions Unit compound receiving a briefing when the Benghazi attack occurred. The attack, occurring amidst bombings, shootings, and assaults on foreign nationals and embassy staff in the region, heightened the volatility of the situation on the ground. Glover stayed extra days following the attack to assess the situation, recognizing his unit’s responsibility to respond to the unfolding crisis.
Pursuit hindered by political considerations
Despite Glover and his team being positioned and prepared to pursue those responsible for the killings in Benghazi, they encountered an insurmountable obstacle: the political climate. They had the intelligence and capability but were instructed that no action could be taken due to the surrounding political conditions. This inhibition caused profound frustration for Glover, who felt a profound sense of duty and desire to take immediate action.
Glover's disillusionment
Glover’s disillusionment was compounded when upon his return from deployment, he encountered a lack of action and willingness to undertake missions. Glover expressed particular irritation towards a fellow officer who did not share his commitment and seemed to make daily excuses. These circumstances and the inability to actively respond to the incident played a part in Glover's decision to separate from the military.
Transition from active duty prompted by multiple factors
Further influencing Glover's departure from act ...
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Aftermath of the Benghazi attack in 2012
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Counterarguments
- The political climate may have included legitimate concerns for safety, international law, or diplomatic repercussions that justified the restraint in military response.
- The decision-making process in such situations often involves intelligence and considerations that may not be apparent to all parties, including those eager to respond.
- Disillusionment with military or governmental decisions can sometimes stem from a lack of understanding of the broader strategic context.
- The hiring freeze and inability to transition into a CIA role, while frustrating for an individual, could be part of larger budgetary and administrative decisions affecting many personnel, not just Glover.
- The sense ...
Actionables
- You can reflect on your own experiences where you felt hindered by external factors and write a personal action plan for future similar scenarios. Start by identifying past situations where you felt your actions were limited by circumstances beyond your control. Then, outline steps you would take to navigate such situations differently in the future, focusing on proactive measures like seeking alternative solutions, building a support network, or enhancing your adaptability skills.
- Develop a personal contingency plan for career transitions that might be affected by factors like hiring freezes or shifts in industry demand. Begin by assessing your current skill set and identifying transferable skills that could be applicable to various roles or industries. Next, create a list of potential career paths and the necessary steps to pivot towards them, such as additional training, networking, or volunteering to gain relevant experience.
- Engage in community discussions or fo ...
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Get access to the context and additional materials
1-Page Summary- Glover's military service and career trajectory
- Experiences around 9/11 and the decision to re-enlist
- Deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, including operational details and challenges
- Interactions and relationships with other special operations units
- Aftermath of the Benghazi attack in 2012
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