Ep. 044 - SSgt Matthew Koetting
Matt Koetting served in the United States Marine Corps as an assaultman, machine gunner, joint terminal attack controller (JTAC), Marine Corps instructor of water survival (MCIWS) and Reconnaissance Marine. Matt served with 1st Battalion 3rd Marine Regiment during two deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan.During his deployment to Afghanistan, Matt took part in Operation Moshtarak which was meant to wrest control of the city of Marjah from Taliban and insurgent forces. During the operation, he was severely wounded by an improvised explosive device (IED). He was medically evacuated from the point of injury to Camp Bastion Air Base in order to stabilize him before moving to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and finally Walter Reed National Medical Center. During recovery, Matt underwent more than a dozen surgeries to repair damage caused by the IED blast and was awarded the Purple Heart medal by President Barack Obama.Matt is not one to be held back by adversity, so he applied to screen for one of the hardest jobs in the Marine Corps, Reconnaissance Man. He completed Basic Reconnaissance Course and was assigned to the legendary 1st Reconnaissance Battalion at Camp Pendleton, CA. While serving as a recon Marine, Matt attended the US Army Airborne School at Ft. Benning, GA and the Tactical Air Control Party school at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, among others.After completing his final deployment as part of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Matt realized his ongoing issues with the injuries he suffered during his IED blast would make him a liability to his team and he was medically retired from the Marine Corps. After leaving the service, Matt worked in different industries while finishing his degree and used his experience to co-found Invictus International. His company provides armed and unarmed security options for various assets requiring their specialized service. He continues to support the military community by employing veterans that can bring real-world experience to a job that requires maturity and decisive action in stressful situations.It was a pleasure interviewing Matt and I look forward to our future conversations on the Former Action Guys Podcast.As always, make sure to subscribe and share the show!YouTube: http://bit.ly/formeractionguysYouTubeSpotify: http://bit.ly/formeractionguysGooglePlay: http://bit.ly/formeractionguysGoogleApplePodcast: http://bit.ly/formeractionguysAppleiHeartRadio: http://bit.ly/formeractionguysiheartr...Contact:Website: www.jcramergraphics.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/jcramergraphics Instagram: www.instagram.com/formeractionguys Twitter: https://twitter.com/4meractionguys Email: formeractionguyspodcast@gmail.com Reference:152 - Walkie-talkie style tactical radio7-Ton – Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (Dump truck-sized military vehicle for hauling troops, supplies, etc.)7171 – Patrol Base in AfghanistanABC - ANGLICO Basic CourseANGLICO – Air Naval Gunfire Liaison CompanyBLT – Battalion Landing TeamBRC - Basic Reconnaissance CourseCAR – Combat Action RibbonCLB – Combat Logistics BattalionCO - Commanding OfficerCOC – Command Operations CenterCorpsman – Navy medic attached to MarinesEOD – Explosive Ordnance DisposalFAC - Forward Air ControllerFCT – Firepower Control TeamFDC – Fire Direction ControlFET – Female Engagement Team.FSCC – Fire Support Coordination Center. Where fire missions are deconflicted and approved prior to shooting.GBU – Guided Bomb Unit GLT – Georgian Liaison Team. Georgian military advisors in Afghanistan.Hesco Barrier – Earthen filled barriersHMMWV – High mobility multi-wheeled vehicleIED – Improvised Explosive DeviceJDAM – Joint Direct Attack Munition (GPS guided bomb)JTAC – Joint Terminal Attack ControllerM-ATV – MRAP All-terrain vehicleMCRD - Marine Corps Recruit DepotMCIWS - Marine Corps Instructor of Water SurvivalMEU – Marine Expeditionary Unit (Unit attached to ships for deployment)MRAP – Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (armored vehicle)OP – Observation Post. An area where forward observers spot enemy positions and conduct fire missions on targetsPB – Patrol BasePGM – Precision Guided MunitionsPLDR – Portable Lightweight Designator Rangefinder PosRep - Position ReportPSS-SOF – Precision Strike Suite Special Operations Forces. Targeting program.RO – Radio OperatorROMAD - Radio Operator, Mechanic, and DriverSACC - Supporting Arms Coordination Center (FSCC on a ship)SALT – Supporting Arms Liaison TeamS Shops – S-1 (Administration), S-2 (Intelligence), S-3 (Operations), S-4 (Logistics), S-6 (Communication)SVBIED – Suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive deviceTACP - Tactical Air Control PartyTaco Rice - Greasy food for drunk Marines stationed in OkinawaWater Dogs – Logistics Marines in charge of purifying water and running sanitation facilitiesVBIED – Vehicle-borne improvised explosive device
