Navy SEAL Charged w/ Murder Explains Himself | Eddie Gallagher • 256

A former Navy SEAL, Eddie Gallagher, discusses his experiences in the military, including his controversial deployment to Mosul, Iraq, and the subsequent investigation and trial. Gallagher maintains his innocence and attributes the charges to disgruntled members of his platoon who were dissatisfied with his leadership style and the intensity of the combat operations.

Military Service

• 00:00:01 Gallagher served 15 years in the military, including four years as a Navy Corpsman with the Marines and then as a Navy SEAL. He emphasizes that he remains proud of his service and sees the SEAL teams as a positive institution despite a few bad apples.

SEAL Training

• 00:46:12 Gallagher describes the SEAL training process as a demanding experience that requires extreme sacrifice and a willingness to push through difficult circumstances. He believes the key trait that separates those who make it through from those who don't is an unwavering determination to succeed.

Military Leadership

• 00:07:22 Gallagher expresses concern about the current state of military leadership, particularly within the officer corps. He believes there is a lack of strong leadership, with officers prioritizing their own advancement rather than serving their troops. He cites the Afghan withdrawal as a prime example of this trend.

Changes in Warfare

• 00:25:44 Gallagher notes significant changes in combat standards and the way military operations are conducted during the Global War on Terror, particularly the shift from offensive operations to counterinsurgency and the increasing emphasis on civilian protection. He criticizes the shift towards a more risk-averse approach and believes this has undermined the military's effectiveness.

Mosul Deployment

• 01:52:19 Gallagher's platoon was tasked with clearing the western side of Mosul, a city controlled by ISIS. He describes the deployment as chaotic and intense, with constant combat and exposure to atrocities.

The Incident

• 02:18:55 Gallagher recounts the incident that ultimately led to his arrest and trial, involving a wounded ISIS fighter. He emphasizes that he and his medics provided medical care to the fighter until they believed him to be deceased. He admits to taking a group picture with the fighter's body, which he acknowledges was unprofessional but common practice amongst SEALs.

Rumors and Accusations

• 02:24:14 Gallagher details the rumors and accusations spread against him by certain members of his platoon, alleging that he stole from them and was excessively aggressive in combat. He refutes these accusations and points to their origin in dissatisfaction with his leadership and the intensity of the combat operations.

The Investigation

• 02:47:42 Gallagher was placed under investigation for war crimes based on the accusations of his former platoon members. He describes being interrogated for hours by NCIS agents, having his home raided, and being shunned by his fellow SEALs. He attributes these actions to a deliberate attempt by authorities to make him a pariah.

The Trial

• 02:50:00 Gallagher emphasizes that he was never informed of the specific accusations against him before his trial and that he relied on his lawyer to defend him against the charges. He was ultimately acquitted of murder but convicted of posing with a deceased ISIS fighter. He attributes this conviction to political motivations and the desire to maintain the integrity of the military.

Lessons Learned

• 02:49:12 Gallagher expresses regret for not recognizing the toxicity of certain members of his platoon, believing he should have taken action sooner. He also acknowledges the importance of humility and vulnerability in leadership, and the need for officers to be present alongside their troops during combat operations.