Insiders Reveal True Secret of Special Ops Success 🔍

The Middle East has been a constant area of operations for 5th Special Forces Group since its inception. In this clip from Episode 167, Fran Racioppi speaks with COL Gabe Szody and CSM Travis Esterby at Gabriel Field about the legacy of 5th Group’s missions in Afghanistan, the ongoing crisis in the region, and how the unit’s deep regional knowledge and high standards have made a lasting impact. They reflect on the pride of serving in an organization that has consistently stepped up to the challenge and led with purpose, precision, and professionalism.

About the Guests:
COL Gabe Szody and CSM Travis Esterby are the Commander and Senior Enlisted Advisor of 5th Special Forces Group. Together, they lead one of the most battle-tested Special Forces units in U.S. history, with 25 Medal of Honor recipients and a mission to win America’s wars—whatever the task may be.

We Cover:
-Crisis and uncertainty in the Middle East
-5th Group’s operational legacy in Afghanistan
-Upholding standards and values over decades of conflict
-Why their people are their greatest asset

Highlights:
00:14 Crisis in the Middle East
02:15 5th Group’s impact in Afghanistan
02:42 Proud to Serve

Quotes:
“25 Medal of Honor recipients. More Medal of Honor recipients than any other O-6 headquarters. Some divisions don’t have as many.”
“5th Group’s job is to go forward and win our nation’s battles, whatever that may be.”
“The top priority is to ensure that whatever battalion is going out the door is trained and ready to execute their mission.”
“One of the things we can’t assume risk on is not being good at lethality.”
“By, with, and through, that’s where you gain your rapport.”
“I don’t think there’s a crystal ball available that could tell you what direction the Middle East is going.”
“I’m just proud to be here. I’m proud to be part of this organization and to have the history that we have.”
“If the big one kicks off, we will be what the nation needs us to be.”
“It’s our access and placement forward the line of troops that’s unique.”
“In LSCO, you got to be thinking at least 96 hours out.”
“I would rather train for my worst day than anything else.”
“You’re going to be held accountable and you’re going to deploy. Those are my two guarantees.”
“You have to have leaders willing to learn.”
“I made the smartest decision of my life when I was probably the biggest idiot, and that was to join the Army.”
“We are getting the right people. The people that want to serve, that want to be challenged. They’re doing it for all the right reasons.”
“Our secret sauce here at 5th Group is our people. That’s really our superpower.”

Catch the full episode: https://youtu.be/K3Vli6SzgVs

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The opinions presented on the The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are the opinions of our guests and creator and host Fran Racioppi. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Green Beret Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation assumes no liability for their accuracy; nor does Green Beret Foundation endorse any political candidate or any political party.

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