Ep. 119 - Morgan Lerette - Blackwater Security Contractor, Air National Guard Veteran (OIF1), Author

Morgan Lerette joined the Air National Guard prior to 9/11 and was called to active duty to support the newly minted Global War on Terrorism. After his first deployment to Oman, Lerette provided security for expeditionary airfields during the invasion of Iraq. Following that deployment, Lerette was approached about joining the private security firm Blackwater by a former Force Recon Marine that he met in the Air National Guard. Lerette eventually came around to the idea and worked under various contracts for 18 months. He and his teammates became familiar with running the infamous Route Irish and trying to go fast enough to throw off any IED triggermen. During this interview, we also talk about contracting in general and some of the positives and negatives with that career path. He gives us a peek into his new book Welcome to Blackwater that gives a boots-on-the-ground perspective of the organization, mission, and lasting effects. Book website: http://welcometoblackwater.com/ Want to be on the Former Action Guys Podcast? https://forms.gle/9MuoSkzBUgNiVgPu5 Support the podcast and website: www.jcramergraphics.com Podcast Links: YouTube: http://bit.ly/formeractionguysYouTube Spotify: http://bit.ly/formeractionguys ApplePodcast: http://bit.ly/formeractionguysApple Social Media: Instagram: www.instagram.com/formeractionguys Instagram: www.instagram.com/jcramergraphics Twitter: https://twitter.com/4meractionguys Reference: 117 - Backpack-able radio for tactical use 148 - Walkie-talkie style tactical radio 152 - Walkie-talkie style tactical radio 7-Ton - Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (Dump truck-sized military vehicle for hauling troops, supplies, etc.) 9-Line - CAS mission brief format AAV - Assault Amphibious Vehicle (Also called Tracks) ABC - ANGLICO Basic Course ANG - Air National Guard ANGLICO - Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company BLT - Battalion Landing Team BRC - Basic Reconnaissance Course CAR - Combat Action Ribbon CAS - Close Air Support CCT - Combat Control Team CLB - Combat Logistics Battalion CO - Commanding Officer COC - Command Operations Center COP - Combat Outpost Corpsman - Navy medic attached to Marines EOD - Explosive Ordnance Disposal FAC - Forward Air Controller FCT - Firepower Control Team FDC - Fire Direction Control FET - 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 barriers used to make or reinforce outposts HMMWV - High mobility multi-wheeled vehicle IED - Improvised Explosive Device IOC - Infantry Officer's Course JDAM - Joint Direct Attack Munition (GPS guided bomb) JTAC - Joint Terminal Attack Controller LGTR - LASER Guided Training Round M-ATV - MRAP All-terrain vehicle MARSOC - Marine Corps Special Operations Command MART - Marines Awaiting Recon Training M-ATV - MRAP All Terrain Vehicle MCAS - Marine Corps Air Station MCMAP - Marine Corps Martial Arts Program MCRD - Marine Corps Recruit Depot MCIWS - Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival MCT - Marine Combat Training MEB - Marine Expeditionary Brigade MEU - Marine Expeditionary Unit (Unit attached to ships for deployment) MRAP - Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (armored vehicle) MSOT - Marine Special Operations Team MTU - Marksmanship Training Unit OCS - Officer Candidate School OP - Observation Post. An area where forward observers spot enemy positions and conduct fire missions on targets PB - Patrol Base PGM - Precision Guided Munitions PID - Positive identification PLDR - Portable Lightweight Designator Rangefinder PosRep - Position Report PSS-SOF - Precision Strike Suite Special Operations Forces. Targeting program. RO - Radio Operator (Sometimes called an RTO) ROMAD - Radio Operator, Mechanic, and Driver R&S - Reconnaissance and Surveillance SACC - Supporting Arms Coordination Center (FSCC on a ship) SALT - Supporting Arms Liaison Team SERE - Survive, Evade, Resist, Escape SOCS - Special Operations Capabilities Specialist SOI - School of Infantry SOTG - Special Operations Training Group S Shops - S-1 (Administration), S-2 (Intelligence), S-3 (Operations), S-4 (Logistics), S-6 (Communication) SVBIED - Suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device TACP - Tactical Air Control Party Taco Rice - Greasy food for drunk Marines stationed in Okinawa Water Dogs - Logistics Marines in charge of purifying water and running sanitation facilities VBIED - Vehicle-borne improvised explosive device