Objective Reindeer

December 22, 2023 00:54:36
Objective Reindeer
The Spear
Objective Reindeer

Dec 22 2023 | 00:54:36

/

Show Notes

In June 2003, almost three months after the US-led invasion of Iraq, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment was given a mission. A training camp of foreign fighters near the Syrian border in western Iraq had been identified. The camp, given the name Objective Reindeer, was situated in a wadi—a depression in the desert. The company commander's scheme of maneuver called for part of the force to infiltrate by ground while the remainder arrived at the objective on aircraft. One of the Rangers on a CH-47 Chinook helicopter was Josh Richardson, the company's fire support officer. As soon as they approached the wadi, the aircraft began taking fire. He joins this episode to share the story of the fight the unfolded next.

Other Episodes

Episode

May 15, 2018 00:36:36
Episode Cover

Crossing the Berm in 2003

In 2003, Alex Perez-Cruz was a company executive officer during the invasion of Iraq. He returned as a company commander during the Surge. Now...

Listen

Episode

February 10, 2026 01:06:02
Episode Cover

Combat Interpreter in Iraq

Ayman Kafel and his family survived civil wars in Lebanon and Liberia before immigrating to the United States. Following the September 11 attacks, Ayman...

Listen

Episode 0

October 15, 2021 00:53:57
Episode Cover

A Horse Soldier Reflects

In late 2001, Scott Neil was a US Army Special Forces soldier whose team was among the first US forces in Afghanistan—the legendary Horse...

Listen