Scott Huesing: The Iraq Battle History Got Wrong

About this video

Former Marine officer Scott Huesing discusses his experiences commanding Echo Company in Ramadi and Rutba, Iraq during 2006-2007. He recounts working with special operations forces, the crucial role of interpreters, EOD personnel, and military working dogs, and the tactical challenges of urban combat. Huesing explains his decision to title his book ‘Echo in Ramadi’ and argues that the Battle of Ramadi should be understood as a protracted, multi-year engagement rather than separate battles.

Key takeaways

• Huesing describes how conventional Marine units set conditions for special operations forces to operate, utilizing combined arms with tanks, air support, and diverse personnel including contractors and civil affairs
• According to Huesing, military working dogs, interpreters, EOD personnel, and female service members were critically needed but undersupplied resources during urban operations in Iraq
• Huesing argues that the Battle of Ramadi was a protracted 2-3 year engagement rather than separate battles in 2004 and 2006-2007, representing an important but overlooked piece of military history
• Huesing recalls that his biggest leadership takeaway was the importance of listening to those he led, and observes how military relevance and combat experience diminished rapidly in units as the war transitioned

Episode details: published April 24, 2026 · 6.4K views · 21:17 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. Stories told by Mike Ritland’s podcast guests are the guests’ own accounts, attributed to them — not independently verified. Commentary is Ritland’s, presented as his analysis.

← Previous: The Night Stalker Pilot Who Flew Blind Into Afghanistan on Night One · Next: Medal of Honor Marine Reveals the Real Reason Parris Island Changes You Forever →

All Mike Ritland videos · Mike Ritland profile · Mike Drop (official site)