This is Jocko Podcast Number 457 with Echo Charles and me Jocko Willink.

Good evening.

The hollow thumping of a mortar round leaving the tube echoed across the hilltop bringing a wave of

quiet over the chattering Marines. Some men looked up while others

flattened against the rocky surface of the hill. The first round exploded

against the base of the small hills southern side.

The second round hit 15 meters up the slope of the southern side.

I stuck my face into the dirt and put my hands over my helmet.

I wanted to hide, but there wasn't even tall grass available. The third round hit the

crest of the hill. I heard a scream. I clawed into the rocky earth with my

fingernails.

I heard another thump, followed by a faint whistle.

Then a violent explosion shook the ground I was trying to become a part of.

I peaked from under my helmet just the ground I was trying to become a part of.

I peaked from under my helmet just in time to see another explosion, 10 meters to my right.

Rocks and dirt came down on my back.

The mortar rounds walked across the top of the hill like a giant's

footsteps, mangling anything in their path. I shoved my face into the dirt and waited for the pain.

Guns up, guns up.

The command came from the other side of the hill.

Red jumped to his feet with the M60 in one hand and ammo belts in the other.

Come on, boot.

...