Reflections on Being First In

Editor's Note: In conjuction with the pending publication of the latest edition of the Modern War Journal, Relections on Security Force Assistance and the Afghan War, we are re-releasing this episode, which was first published on September 14, 2022. In 2001, Scott Neil was already an experienced Green Beret assigned to 5th Special Forces Group and preparing to deploy again to the Middle East. The events of 9/11 changed the nature of that deployment and directly impacted Scott. Within weeks, he became part of the legendary Horse Soldiers who led some of the opening operations in America’s war in Afghanistan. While theirs is a well-known story, Scott’s career did not stop there. The following years saw him deploy multiple times in support of the Global War on Terrorism. In this episode of The Spear, he reflects on twenty-five years of service, the battles that shaped him, and his evolving role as a leader, mentor, and soldier. From occupying a foxhole in Panama as a young private to being wounded for a third time in Iraq to serving as the senior enlisted advisor to an interagency task for with US Special Operations Command, Scott’s career was consistently one of transition and growth. Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro and Combat Montage(00:01:16) - Meet Scott Neal and Early Army Career(00:02:45) - Panama Invasion Experience(00:05:01) - Post-Panama: Germany, Fort Carson, Gulf War(00:05:52) - Trying Out for Special Forces(00:06:34) - Special Forces Qualification Course(00:07:28) - Robin Sage and Language School(00:09:31) - First ODA Assignment at Fort Campbell(00:11:16) - Kuwait Rotations and Iris Gold Exercises(00:13:14) - Missions in Kenya and Pakistan(00:15:23) - September 11th and Deployment Alert(00:17:57) - Planning the Afghanistan Invasion(00:19:10) - Return Home and Iraq Invasion Prep(00:20:33) - Fall of Baghdad and Post-Invasion Chaos(00:21:35) - Mapping Foreign Fighter Networks in Africa(00:24:21) - Return to Iraq Amid Civil War(00:25:27) - Role as Troop Sergeant Major on Raids(00:29:26) - Managing Battlefield Chaos and Communications(00:32:00) - When Missions Go Wrong(00:35:28) - Post-Mission Recovery and Operational Rhythm(00:37:02) - Family, Isolation, and Coping with War(00:38:18) - Early PTSD Awareness and Hidden Injuries(00:41:09) - Third IED Hit and Deciding to Step Back(00:42:02) - Transition to SOCOM Headquarters(00:44:26) - The Decision to Step Down from Combat Role(00:47:28) - Leadership Role in Interagency Task Force(00:49:10) - Retirement and Life After the Army(00:51:34) - Reflecting on Legacy and Mentorship(00:53:10) - Closing and Outro