Route Clearance and Counterbattery in Iraq

January 16, 2026 00:55:35
Route Clearance and Counterbattery in Iraq
The Spear
Route Clearance and Counterbattery in Iraq

Jan 16 2026 | 00:55:35

/

Show Notes

JJ Pinter graduated from West Point and was commissioned as a field artillery officer. A few short years after 9/11, JJ found himself in Iraq, leading route clearance missions and performing counterbattery fire against persistent insurgent mortar and rocket attacks. In this episode of The Spear, JJ shares lessons learned in combat in Iraq, and recounts his experiences leading troops in fighting fires in Montana as well as performing humanitarian assistance after Hurricane Katrina. He also discusses the importance of physical fitness and the need for veterans to find community after military service ends.

Other Episodes

Episode 0

June 30, 2021 00:35:11
Episode Cover

Finding Balance

In 2009, Lieutenant Mike Karlson deployed to Afghanistan, new to both his unit and to his job as executive office of its maintenance troop....

Listen

Episode

May 23, 2024 00:54:45
Episode Cover

Rescue in an Afghan Valley

In 2009, Sgt. 1st Class Sean Ambriz was on his first deployment in Afghanistan. When a platoon became pinned down by enemy fire, he...

Listen

Episode

April 10, 2019 00:36:31
Episode Cover

Drafted Twice: From the NFL to Vietnam and Back

In 1968, after one season as a professional football player, Rocky Bleier was drafted by the Army and sent to Vietnam. During a firefight,...

Listen