In this month’s episode, Zach hosts Colonel Byron Owen. As a Marine Officer, Colonel Owen has earned the Military Occupational Specialties of infantry, intelligence, recon, and cyberspace warfare. Additionally, he has extensive time spent with Force Reconnaissance. Colonel Owen has led Marines in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, including when he led a platoon from 1st Force Recon in the 2008 Battle of Shewan. This episode covers this battle, along with much more from his exceptional and diverse career.
Topics covered include:
How experiences as a rifle platoon commander and CAAT platoon commander shaped his approach to command for the rest of his career.
Lessons learned from these earlier experiences in command.
The importance of competence in Marine leaders and trust in enabling success in combat.
How to build a culture of trust in your unit.
Observations on outward indicators of unit discipline.
Advice for officers who are considering branching into Recon and MARSOC, as well as his own decision to become a Recon Marine.
Deploying to Afghanistan a week after deployment notification in 2008.
Integrating with 2d Battalion 7th Marines as a Force Platoon Commander in Afghanistan, 2008.
Lessons learned and critical factors from the Battle of Shewan in 2008.
Decision-making in combat.
Keeping a sense of humor in tough situations.
How his Force Recon experience influenced his return to Rifle Company Command.
How he approached command at MARFORCYBER and RADBN.
What grunts should know about cyber effects.
Links for referenced media:
Podcast interview from MTNTOUGH with Colonel Owen on the Battle of Shewan.
Article about Shewan from Coffee or Die.
Have ideas of people we should interview or topics to discuss? Please send along your recommendations and questions we should be asking!
Editor’s Note: Listeners may notice the audio drops for a few sound-bites towards the end of the interview. Our apologies!
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