This is Jocco Podcast number 279 with Echo Charles and me, Jocco Willink.

Good evening, echo.

Good evening.

Helicopter blades slashed through the hot sky.

The roar of engines deafening as the pilot twisted and turned on our final approach.

Crammed into the back with my man, I tried to keep my balance by tensing my legs and

focusing my gaze on the machine gun in the helicopter's door.

My kit was heavy on my shoulders and sweat poured into my eyes from under the rim of my

helmet.

My palms were wet as they gripped the rifle.

I pulled it closer to my chest and prepared myself for what was to come.

The airman behind the machine gun turned to me.

His face was covered by a scarf and the dark visor of his helmet, but I knew what he meant

when he held up his index finger.

I turned and shouted to my men, one minute, one minute to landing and whatever was waiting

there for us.

Looking into the eyes of my young soldiers, I saw steely resolve, the hardness of the

paratrooper flying into battle.

I was closest to the rear door, which was now winching fully open.

There was no doubt my mind that I had to be the first one down the ramp.

I had waited years for this moment and now was my time.

I'd practiced it over and over again on grass fields in mock-up structures and on the

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