The Leader and the Damage Done

August 30, 2023 00:43:16
The Leader and the Damage Done
The Spear
The Leader and the Damage Done

Aug 30 2023 | 00:43:16

/

Show Notes

"Trust your NCOs" is common advice given to every new lieutenant. This adage, the overwhelming majority of the time, is valid. But when it’s not, it’s not. When Chris Liggett was a lieutenant, he deployed to Afghanistan as an infantry platoon leader in the 101st Airborne Division. His weapons squad leader was fit, aggressive, capable, and confident—and his hard work earned him Liggett's trust. So when his platoon was given responsibility for gate security at Forward Operating Base Fenty—an unglamorous but vital job—it was a natural decision to place the weapons squad leader in charge of the night shift. It was a mistake, Liggett later learned, with serious consequences.

Other Episodes

Episode

May 22, 2025 00:52:07
Episode Cover

Forward Air Controller in Ramadi

In this episode of The Spear, retired Marine officer David Berke joins to share a story from 2006, when he was a forward air...

Listen

Episode

February 28, 2024 00:40:01
Episode Cover

The Bridge on the Saddam Canal

In early 2003, Karl Blanke was a Marine platoon commander during the early stages of the US-led invasion of Iraq, when his battalion was...

Listen

Episode 0

July 29, 2021 00:37:14
Episode Cover

Drone Strike in Kunar

This episode of The Spear features a story from US Air Force Major Joe Ritter. An RPA pilot, his story takes place both at...

Listen