The DEVGRU Mission That ALMOST ENDED IN DISASTER

About this video

A former DEVGRU (SEAL Team Six) operator discusses his first real-world missions with the unit, including a memorable operation in the Kunar Valley near the Red Wings area. The guest describes a five to six-hour gunfight while moving up a steep valley, encountering 22 enemy fighters in various positions, and being extracted by a Chinook helicopter that landed on only its front right wheel at 8,000 feet. He also discusses operational loadout preferences, including his choice to carry minimal gear (three magazines, one rifle, no pistol) and the autonomy DEVGRU operators have in selecting their weapons and equipment.

Key takeaways

• The guest recounts that DEVGRU’s average new operator has six to eight years of experience and is in their late 20s or early 30s, creating a higher baseline skill level than regular SEAL teams.
• During a Kunar Valley operation, the guest’s team engaged approximately 22 enemy fighters over five to six hours while climbing steep terrain, encountering various threats including indirect fire, barricaded shooters, and suicide vests.
• The guest explains his preference for carrying minimal gear (three magazines, 416 rifle, no pistol) to save weight, noting that 95% of his engagements occurred within 10 yards and that team tactics allow for quick rifle replacement if a weapon goes down.
• DEVGRU operators have significant autonomy in weapon selection within established programs, including choice of rifles, pistols, and specialized ammunition, though new equipment requires approval from the R&D shop.

Episode details: published September 1, 2025 · 17.2K views · 11:58 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: Navy SEAL Recalls the Jessica Lynch Rescue Operation · Next: DEA Agent Reveals Why the Dr*g War Can’t Be Won | Ep. 255 →

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