What is your first reaction to the toughness this Soldier displayed?

2015-02-12T14:25:41-05:00

Watch from a first person's view as a US Army machine gunner's turret takes 2 hits by RPGs during a mounted convoy in eastern Afghanistan. Although dazed by the impact, he responds in the way that we would all aspire for: he continues mission (Charlie Mike) because he is loyal to the mission and to his brothers and sisters more than his own personal safety. If this doesn't fire you up, please check your pulse.

** Question for RP members: What is your first reaction to the toughness this Soldier displayed? **

//

Note: this is a raw first person video that may conjure up memories for some RP members.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThFZ-TX2bc8

MACHINE GUNNER HIT BY 2 RPGs

Daily Military News & Combat Footage at FUNKER530.com - http://vid.io/xGB While on route in Eastern Afghanistan, a U.S. Army convoy gets attacked. This soldi...

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Feb 12 at 2015 3:26 PM

2015-02-12T15:26:16-05:00

CPT Aaron Kletzing, my first reaction, after the initial shock of the RPG impacts, was one of inspiration towards that young gunner. He personifies the Army Value of selfless service and I am personally proud to have Soldiers like that in the ranks.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 12 at 2015 7:14 PM

2015-02-12T19:14:29-05:00

Wow, I have watched this video several times now -- especially the parts with the RPGs impacting the turret -- and I have to say I am impressed beyond words at how well this Soldier kept his composure and his focus on the mission. I guess you never truly know how you will respond in these types of situations until they actually are happening. But this is also a good reminder of why we all say "You fight like you train, and you train like you fight."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2015 7:55 PM

2015-02-12T19:55:10-05:00

CPT Aaron Kletzing: No CRAP that conjured up memories... they're called flashbacks. I actually think I recognize that area where that took place... So yeah...

Response by SFC James Rigdon made Feb 12 at 2015 8:07 PM

2015-02-12T20:07:44-05:00

I can remember when I was RPG'd in 2003 when I was leaving the BIAP. it was pitch black and we had no idea where it was coming from, all I wanted to do was get out of the kill zone.

I can honestly say, this guy is clearly on top of his game. He also stood up there out of the turret to put that fire out and he could have been engaged then by his exposure but he needed to put that fire out so he didn't care about anything else.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 12 at 2015 8:10 PM

2015-02-12T20:10:01-05:00

Some service members are harder than woodpecker lips! I feel sorry for him when he no one believes his war story about "No S#!$.....there I was.......hit by 2 RPG's and didn't get a scratch." "YEAH, RIGHT!!!"

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2015 8:57 PM

2015-02-12T20:57:10-05:00

At the outset of the war I was extremely impressed by many fighting personnel that under duress and rules of engagement did very well! This is no different. Good stuff.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Feb 12 at 2015 10:05 PM

2015-02-12T22:05:11-05:00

Eff those damn RPG's...

Did you all listen to the conversation in the background? Felt bad for the kid, he was definitely rocked. Inside, someone asks if he is okay, he responded, "no". Thank God RPG's are not more accurate...

Response by Sgt James Northam made Feb 13 at 2015 11:46 AM

2015-02-13T11:46:54-05:00

Bravo Mike Foxtrot!

Response by MCPO Douglas Pennington made Feb 13 at 2015 12:09 PM

2015-02-13T12:09:38-05:00

now that was one tough cookie..

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 12:11 PM

2015-02-13T12:11:20-05:00

What a soldier indeed

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 12:34 PM

2015-02-13T12:34:54-05:00

Good foresight having the camera up.

Response by MSgt Edward Conrad made Feb 13 at 2015 4:14 PM

2015-02-13T16:14:55-05:00

GREAT REACTION, TO A SITUATION THAT COULD HAVE COAST THEM THERE LIVES,,TRAINING AND DOING WHAT IS NECESSARY IN HOT SPOTS..HIS ARMY VALUE AND PERSONAL VALUES CAME IN,,GOD AND COUNTRY, A PLEASURE TO SEE SUCH YOUNG MEN THAT HAVE THE BLOOD AND GUTS TO FACE THE ENEMY...I SAY SEMPER FI ....GOD BLESS...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 4:34 PM

2015-02-13T16:34:02-05:00

Am I the only one wondering why the gun was unmanned for over 2 minutes??

Response by SFC Reginald Bailey made Feb 13 at 2015 5:08 PM

2015-02-13T17:08:26-05:00

TOUGH AS NAIL!!! #respect

Response by PO2 Jonathan Scharff made Feb 13 at 2015 6:52 PM

2015-02-13T18:52:55-05:00

I don't know about you guys....but, didn't I catch a quick glimpse of Brian Williams right after that RPG attack?????? Lol

As far as this gunner...I would like to shake his hand...well done soldier, well done.

Response by SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD made Feb 14 at 2015 4:10 PM

2015-02-14T16:10:35-05:00

Brave, and focused young man. Those who are currently serving, do us proud, as demonstrated by their courage, in the face of danger. They don't back down. These young and capable warriors, are truly the cream of the crop. Unsung heroes. Bless them all.

Response by SPC George Long made Feb 14 at 2015 4:18 PM

2015-02-14T16:18:38-05:00

His response was exactly what I would have expected of any of the men in my squad when we were running convoys in Viet Nam. The only real difference is I would have expected a Volley of rpg's not just 2. But this is a good soldier doin a good job. Hope he got home to his family safe and sound.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2015 4:21 PM

2015-02-14T16:21:32-05:00

He was NOT wearing his PT belt!!

Seriously though, that kid got a proper gut check, and did a damn fine job.

Let his courage be an example. I would expect nothing less of any of those I roll out with, including myself.

Damn fine job.

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made Feb 14 at 2015 4:27 PM

2015-02-14T16:27:16-05:00

This Soldier is like most that I served with, take a hit and continue to march, first aid and rest when possible. I am so Proud of our soldiers and how they continue to do what no one else wants to do, in places no one else wants to go, for people that do not appreciate the sacrifice.
I am so disappointed with our politicians who keep sending our soldiers into harms way without a clear mission and permission to use their training and skills to complete the mission.

All I can say is AIRBORNE all the way. I would love to buy that man dinner.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 14 at 2015 4:37 PM

2015-02-14T16:37:06-05:00

My first reaction was holy sh*t and despite being shook up he epitomized the Army values. Once he shook off the cobwebs he took care of his equipment.

Response by SrA Branon Lamphere made Feb 14 at 2015 5:10 PM

2015-02-14T17:10:56-05:00

Fuck!!

Response by MSgt Peter Vatistas made Feb 14 at 2015 5:30 PM

2015-02-14T17:30:15-05:00

Thank God he didn't get seriously hurt. One tough & true Soldier!

Response by CW3 Bill Golden made Feb 14 at 2015 6:30 PM

2015-02-14T18:30:12-05:00

It appears to me that this is a training video in a simulator. The direction of sunshine and the flow of shadows is very different from the turret view and what the landscape itself shows. When the turret turns the lighting and shadow barely changes at all, if at all.

Response by SSG James N. made Feb 14 at 2015 9:07 PM

2015-02-14T21:07:54-05:00

He responds as any well trained Soldier would respond. The response was a bit tame if Marine, however ;)

Response by 1SG Clifford Barnes made Feb 14 at 2015 11:06 PM

2015-02-14T23:06:32-05:00

you wont know until your in that situation

Response by SPC Blake Ryan made Feb 14 at 2015 11:32 PM

2015-02-14T23:32:59-05:00

way to cowboy up there troop beret off to you son!!!!!! Now that is ESPRIT DE CORPS

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 15 at 2015 12:23 AM

2015-02-15T00:23:52-05:00

My reaction is similar to my reaction under these circumstances... that our Soldiers are amazing, they do things most people have no idea about, and do it we us and those we know not. And even when dazed and confused, they pick themselves up and drive on for each other. It is a shame, so few really know what our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines engaged in ground combat operations actually deal with. Movies and games really don't explain it. You have to see it, smell it, and feel it. Soldiers are amazing... and they are all volunteers is this greatest of nations.

Response by PV2 Robert Cauckwell made Feb 15 at 2015 1:43 AM

2015-02-15T01:43:35-05:00

HOOAH! Blood was certainly pumping, was hoping he'd give some back but hey do what you have to do to keep the mission going without looking for more trouble.

Response by LCpl Anthony Berg made Feb 15 at 2015 8:13 AM

2015-02-15T08:13:56-05:00

First you need to realize that the audio and video do not capture the extreme pressure that is experienced around a detonation of that type. Having said that. He is one hard mutha!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 9:00 AM

2015-02-15T09:00:50-05:00

Good man. I admire him. I was a gunner in Iraq in 05, there's a strong sense of duty to protect your truck and overall your convoy. presuming of course that you aren't a SB.

Response by SSG Sean Knudsen made Feb 15 at 2015 11:27 AM

2015-02-15T11:27:22-05:00

VALOR!!!!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 2:29 PM

2015-02-15T14:29:49-05:00

I admire this gunners perseverance. He gained his composure back, and hopped back up on the gun. Great example of the age old saying " there is a difference between being injured and being hurt." He was probably hurt but he had the drive to fight one and it showed.

Response by SSgt Stevan Auldridge made Feb 15 at 2015 3:37 PM

2015-02-15T15:37:03-05:00

These men/women are the best America has.

Response by LTC Cory Steinke made Feb 15 at 2015 5:07 PM

2015-02-15T17:07:57-05:00

Like the majority of units in the Army... uncommon valor displayed... commonly!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 6:12 PM

2015-02-15T18:12:00-05:00

He was ordered to retake the turret but still no less commendable that he did.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Feb 15 at 2015 10:22 PM

2015-02-15T22:22:47-05:00

I am gonna take some flak for this, but the way you all are raving, I'm wondering if I'm Captain America. I took a lot, a lot worse than this in RVN and the whole countryside was torn a new one almost immediately. No return fire to speak of and unmanned guns and fire burning on the deck, no sister guns providing cover fire. I'd have expected more from my guys. Granted, it sounds like he had his bell rung good and I wasn't there...a big factor in this, we all deal with our own shit our own way. Glad there were no fatalities.

Response by SP6 Chris Jeffery made Feb 16 at 2015 1:20 AM

2015-02-16T01:20:02-05:00

Hooah!

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2015 11:30 PM

2015-02-16T23:30:04-05:00

So I guess I'll be the bad guy here.... Poor security to start with. He was the first truck in the convoy, first rocket never should have happened. That 240 out ranges a RPG easy. An aggressive posture could have prevented it all together. 2nd shot again not being vigilant, spinning the turret wildly instead of to the direction you just took contact to kill the person shooting at you, (the gunners whole purpose) Almost 90 seconds there abouts after the second one hit with no forward security, lucky they didn't get hit again. Took someone inside telling him to get back in the gun for him to realize the truck was on fire. I saw lack of discipline and poor security and an easy target. He's lucky he's not dead. Before you blast me, yes I have been that gunner, no RPGs hit my truck, lord knows they tried.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 19 at 2015 1:40 PM

2015-02-19T13:40:18-05:00

Whoah, this thread has been viewed 235,381 times over the past 7 days. I've gotta be trending right now. *Drops the mic*

Response by LTC Ray B. (Ret) made Feb 19 at 2015 3:26 PM

2015-02-19T15:26:35-05:00

Proof that enduring courage and fortitude is not exclusive to SOF community. Our young Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airmen are tough as nails when the sh....t hits the fan.

I recall a scout during my 2nd tour in Iraq, 2006-2007, who was wounded twice and kept coming back even though he could have gone home. I asked him why and he said it plainly, "I plan to get out of the Army when I get home but my tour is not up and my unit is still here." He was killed by an IED that day. TOUGH AS FRICKEN NAILS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 5:39 PM

2015-02-19T17:39:33-05:00

We can all measure our respective "war stories" against how he reacted. Soldier A is combat wounded, Soldier B got his Convoy Attendance Badge, Soldier C served in the Ashau. It wasn't easy for any of us. Congratulations and thank you for your service. It was an ambush. For the "leader" crying security, vigilance doesn't solve everything. Its Sex Panther; 60% of the time it works ALL the time. Hope that young Hooah gets home safely. You can AAR the stuffing out of it because hindsight is always 20/20. He is an American Soldier, just an ordinary guy in an extraordinary situation. For those of you who know what I mean, there is a fine line between "hardcore/badass" and "I'm not dying in this rat's ass country today." Ya done good stud, now get your "stuff" together and get back to work. Loyalty and Courage.

Response by SPC Raymond Young made Feb 24 at 2015 2:44 PM

2015-02-24T14:44:27-05:00

Amazing God Bless

Response by SSG Timmy Phillips made Feb 24 at 2015 3:21 PM

2015-02-24T15:21:04-05:00

Gotta love that armor!

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2015 10:39 PM

2015-02-24T22:39:40-05:00

Holy hell! Two RPGs? I'll tell you what, that's an impressive soldier right there. Shake that shit off, get back into the fight. The gods of war and strife were definitely smiling on him, and his own discipline and training took it from there.

Good shit.

Response by SGT Micheal Allen made Feb 25 at 2015 3:55 AM

2015-02-25T03:55:08-05:00

It was a simulation............ training...... took awhile for someone to get in the gun...........

Response by CPL Stephen Williams made Feb 25 at 2015 4:38 AM

2015-02-25T04:38:31-05:00

He is tough guy.

Response by PO3 James Wissinger made Feb 25 at 2015 11:12 AM

2015-02-25T11:12:17-05:00

Tough Yes Hard not to be in a fire fight. My boat was hit with just one rpg. and it did some damage. My crew and I would be considered tough in that one
. But as we put it we were fighting for our lives then. When that happens anyone can be tough. Or die

Response by PVT Blake Smith made Feb 25 at 2015 1:41 PM

2015-02-25T13:41:01-05:00

Total inspiration

Response by SGT Wade Matsuda made Feb 25 at 2015 4:46 PM

2015-02-25T16:46:28-05:00

wish we could have seen him light up that damn shooter

Response by SPC Matthew Gebhart made Feb 25 at 2015 7:24 PM

2015-02-25T19:24:33-05:00

Lucky to be alive. Very brave, kept his composure. All signs point to one tough soldier

Response by Sgt Dave Smith made Feb 25 at 2015 7:58 PM

2015-02-25T19:58:19-05:00

Inspiring!

Response by CPL Jonathan Gilmore made Feb 25 at 2015 8:28 PM

2015-02-25T20:28:23-05:00

Fuckin HOOAH and he's doin the first thing I learned in a Basic! GET DOWN!

Response by SPC Timothy BaumannI made Feb 25 at 2015 9:46 PM

2015-02-25T21:46:44-05:00

Lock 'n load boys... lock 'n load.

Response by SPC Chris King made Feb 26 at 2015 12:53 AM

2015-02-26T00:53:41-05:00

I'll be the other bad guy here i agree forward security was terrible, After the first rpg the soldier never returned fire it looked as if he ducked out action. we had a situation similar to that. We had two rgs on overwatch on a small area that had several qualats, we were ambushed with RPGs, idf, and small arms fire from all angles the first gun trucks gunner automatically ducked out of the turret and never fired a single round while my gunner started laying down rounds at every possible target (I was a heavy dismount) I noticed instantly the other truck wasnt returning fire so I stood up through the rear escape hatch and fired off every 203 I had then I switched to a battle buddies saw and continued. The soldier in the other gun that abandoned his turret(like the one in the video) Was stripped of rank, given 45 days extra unpaid duty and was never aloud to go on mission with us again for acts of cowardice, the soldier in the video has nothing to be proud of, he should have been identifying targets and engaging not hiding, he shouldn't be in the gun.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2015 6:06 AM

2015-02-26T06:06:39-05:00

Dude is a dedicated high speed Soldrier. Hooah

Response by SFC Arnoldo Garcia-Bochas made Feb 26 at 2015 8:01 AM

2015-02-26T08:01:26-05:00

Unmand weapon system? Obviously not infantry. .

Response by CPL Joseph Garcia made Feb 26 at 2015 8:39 AM

2015-02-26T08:39:35-05:00

That is definitely hard core he C.M. thats what its all about ..... All the way

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2015 8:46 AM

2015-02-26T08:46:05-05:00

Commitment and focus under fire

Response by SPC David Harris made Feb 26 at 2015 11:11 AM

2015-02-26T11:11:16-05:00

Hurah!

Response by SPC Ryan Boll made Feb 26 at 2015 2:50 PM

2015-02-26T14:50:04-05:00

That a boy, I was a gunner in operation Iraqi Freedom from 2005-2006, civilians need more exposure to this kind of stuff, so maybe a couple more would understand. Understand what we go through, and why whatever they seem to be down and depressed about, isn't worth our time, way to do your job brother!!

Response by SPC Jerry Goodman made Feb 26 at 2015 4:45 PM

2015-02-26T16:45:24-05:00

Get your ass back on the 240. He didn't seem wonder why did he wait so long to get back on the weapon system. If your shooting there ducking lol.

Response by SPC Billy Rose made Feb 26 at 2015 7:40 PM

2015-02-26T19:40:31-05:00

I was in a Convoy Security Detachment and he would have gotten reemed for not scanning his sector and being more prepared. Above all, he survived, his crew survived, and that's what counts. Great recovery and proud of a fellow seviceman for reacting under fire.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2015 8:31 PM

2015-02-26T20:31:17-05:00

I have only 1 thing to say.... sierra hotel india tango!!!!

Response by SGT Justin Hall made Feb 26 at 2015 9:09 PM

2015-02-26T21:09:11-05:00

Lay down the scunion motherfucker.

Response by PFC Phillip Cordova made Feb 26 at 2015 11:04 PM

2015-02-26T23:04:57-05:00

Wow drive on

Response by PO2 Chris Fender made Feb 27 at 2015 12:16 AM

2015-02-27T00:16:24-05:00

He gothis bearings and Charlie miked the best he could, didn't see much returned fire but I'm sure his head was ringing!

Response by SGT(P) Khalid Wise made Feb 27 at 2015 10:01 AM

2015-02-27T10:01:24-05:00

DSC minimum definitely MOH worthy, enough said. However, it will be interesting to see what valor award (given how incredibly inspiring we all agree this was) was initially written up by the Combatant Commanders on the ground...

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2015 10:56 AM

2015-02-27T10:56:01-05:00

Nothing but love for a brother in arms that's tough stuff

Response by SGT Tony Quilici made Feb 27 at 2015 1:01 PM

2015-02-27T13:01:22-05:00

Guts, which is not so much readily available by Senior Officers and NCOs when dealing with all enemies of the Constitution and the Republic.

Response by SSG Theresa Schatte made Feb 27 at 2015 3:40 PM

2015-02-27T15:40:00-05:00

He reacted faster than I expected I usually took care of the wounded gunners I was a 68w M6 in FST , gunners would get hit bad. I would be honored to meet him tell him great job now get out of that seat and head to medical.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2015 5:24 PM

2015-02-27T17:24:41-05:00

I don't understand how this could be getting this many views. It just went up 18 views between me seeing this time and clicking the title to open it. There's shenanigans a foot.

Response by CPL Kenneth Lamm made Feb 27 at 2015 8:27 PM

2015-02-27T20:27:21-05:00

HOOAH!

Response by PO1 Mark Works made Feb 28 at 2015 11:36 AM

2015-02-28T11:36:51-05:00

Courageous.

Response by CN Scott DiPietro made Feb 28 at 2015 6:39 PM

2015-02-28T18:39:55-05:00

Great job

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 6:27 PM

2015-03-03T18:27:07-05:00

Why was no one manning the gun returning fire for such a period of time.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2015 9:36 AM

2015-03-22T09:36:15-04:00

Incredible! The mental toughness our soldiers have to endure is extraordinary.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made May 4 at 2016 7:24 PM

2016-05-04T19:24:05-04:00

Wow this thread got like 2.5MM views. Nice!

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2017 8:32 PM

2017-02-13T20:32:34-05:00

Bravo Zulu