Last Great Tank-on-Tank Battle | Battle of 73 Easting | Armored Cavalry | M1A1 Abrams | Tim Gauthier

🔥 Dive deep into the heart of armored combat in this gripping interview with Tim Gauthier, a Platoon Leader during the iconic Battle of 73 Easting in Desert Storm! 🎖️

🚀 From the tactical viewpoint of both a scout platoon leader and a tank commander, discover the intense preparation, reconnaissance, and combat strategies that shaped this pivotal tank-on-tank clash. 🛡️

🤝 Experience the high-stakes world of M1A1 Abrams and Bradleys as they faced off against Iraqi T-72s and armored vehicles. Learn about the tactics, challenges, and crew dynamics that define the fierce realm of armored warfare. 🌍

💥 Uncover the critical lessons in leadership, speed, and initiative that emerged from the battlefield. Reflect on the broader impact of this battle on modern combat doctrine and the enduring bonds forged in the fires of conflict. 📚

👥 Join us as we explore the real stories of courage, strategy, and teamwork that secured a decisive victory, and delve into the profound human elements of warfare, from handling POWs to the deep camaraderie among soldiers. 💪

#tankwarfare #combat #military #M1A1 🌟 Don't miss out on this powerful recount of history and heroism!

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🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle

Show Notes:

00:00 - Intro
00:36 Welcome to Combat Story: Insights from a Veteran
00:55 Tim Gauthier's Journey to the Front Lines
03:44 The Making of an Armor Officer: Early Influences and Decisions
11:54 Choosing the Armor Path: A Decision at Advanced Camp
13:53 The Rigorous Training and Preparation for Combat
33:58 Introduction to HR McMaster and Leadership Dynamics
37:04 The Formidable Leader: Setting the Stage
38:30 Preparation and Training: The Road to Combat
40:48 Deployment and Anticipation: The Desert Beckons
43:31 Adapting to the Desert: Training and Tactics
48:04 The Eve of Battle: Tension and Strategy
56:05 Engagement: The Battle Unfolds
01:02:10 A Moment of Triumph: Overcoming the Enemy
01:15:13 The Devastating Power of Depleted Uranium Rounds
01:16:00 Tactical Challenges and Advancements in Tank Warfare
01:16:32 A Detailed Account of a Rapid and Decisive Battle
01:18:22 Reflections on Combat Dynamics and Teamwork
01:25:06 The Importance of Training and Adaptability in Combat
01:29:01 Handling POWs with Humanity
01:31:05 Post-Battle Reflections and the Importance of Leadership
01:36:48 The Emotional Toll of War and the Value of Brotherhood
01:39:24 Insights into Modern Warfare and Leadership Lessons
01:49:57 Personal Reflections and the Significance of Mementos

[jamesolbrisch]

McMaster was my Regimental commander in OIF3. The man was a walking legend. His leadership in Tal-Afar and his COIN operatipns destroyed the insurgency.
I spent my entier 8 Year army career in 3d Armore Cav couldn't ask for a beter unit. IF YOU AINT CAV!!!

[Doc_Roe]

OMG YESSS!!!! I asked for a Tanker in the comments because no other miltiary podcasts have had a tanker on from what I can find and you gave us a tanker literally the next episode! Thank you so much <3 This is why I fucking love this podcast. What a beautiful norification to wake up too!

[ralphpastor]

Great episode and what a story Tim has to tell. I've known him all my life and he is a rock star. You should have him back again to tell you all about his experiences in Korea and other deployments. He's lived quite a life and what a true warrior he is!

[goodwinsooners]

Keep them coming Ryan! You NEVER disappoint with the wide variation of amazing guests you meet with. You’re illuminating so many areas of our American history that have little, and in some cases zero, first-hand accounts of what truly went down. More than that, you know how to bring each and every guest to life. My daughters just nailed why it’s resonates so well with us…we feel like we’re just sitting there around the firepit with the both of you, eavesdropping in on stories we weren’t supposed to be purviewed to. Thanks again for making our Saturday morning drives OUTSTANDING! BOOMER SOONER!-Cam, Ari, & Zoe

[francisjose]

Thank you for this episode! I loved hearing of the experiences of a tanker, especially from an ACR! I hope you can get Tim back as I’d really love to hear more about his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan post 9/11.

[mavrikmavrik]

Love to hear Tim’s story. This is back when we were geared up to fight two peer wars at once. Back when we had mass as well as skill.

[davidwatson]

Thanks so much, 😊
This is my Era of Armoured warfare.👍

[echoredfour]

Yes great history lessons about the ACRs before the fence going down and our mission. Spent 8 total years watching the fenceline. Two years with 2/2 ACR Hof and Coburg 1977-79 and 6 years in 3/11 ACR Bad Hersfeld until June 1988. Best job I ever had.

[upperroomtoo]

I was a tanker, got out in 87'. I went back in 91' trying to get to the desert. Missed it but so many of the NCO's were friends of mine from my first tour.

[dannyfowler]

Outstanding General! Made us all feel like we were there. You’re dedication to training I’m certain is the reason your Troopers came out of that Battle in one piece. As we would say in the Navy… BZ, Shit Hot!

[lindablake]

Great interview. Very interesting story. Thank you both, for your 🇺🇸🌟🇺🇸service to our 🗽country🦅!

[SpencerPhotography]

This is AWESOME! Such a great interview! I was with 2/2 ACR HHT Commo 86-88

[shawnp]

Great interview. Love hearing about 73 Easting. Thank you for your service Mr. Gauthier!

[brandonlackowski]

i was at FOB HIT, Rawah, Al Asad, AQ, and TQ. Crazy to hear these names again.

[Optrixx]

Ryan, I truly enjoy your interviews kudo & many thanks! I like that in general your channel is an "ego-free zone" allowing stories to be expressed objectively...

[rjackson]

His delivery of these stories if very captivating. Solid episode.

[bricktopmedic]

Col. McMaster was my 72nd Regimental Commander at 3d Cavalry! Great interview! Veterans! Aiyeeyah!

[martinlammey]

Hi Sir!!! I served on Lt Gauthier track as a Jafo!

[ThendFirst]

My LTC, Soldner was a hell of a guy and a great commander. I was a line medic in 1/7 CAV which was a DIV CAV Squadron at Ft Hood. He left the army rather than be passed up for what was then a real ACR. He would come down and talk to us during motor pool days. Of course we never bitched about stuff to the Colonel, but he was always there. 1/7 was unstoppable in the 90s. A Divisional cavalry squadron was a LETHAL organization. As this guy says; Each line troop, A B and C. Two scout platoons, two tank platoons. Then there were the aviation side, which was E G and F. Echo was ground maintenance, F were scouts when I was there, and Golf were gunships. While I was there, Gunships and scouts changed to Kiowa Warriors so it wasn't so scout/gunship oriented. If you've never been in an M113 and had a Cobra sneak out of the woods and overfly you, you haven't lived. I loved this guy talking. He's talking about my Army experience. I know very well how lethal we were. I went to a regular tank unit later. The officers weren't as good.

[michaelkalinoski]

Toujours Pret Tim!! Love the painting of Col. Reed at Houstau Czech. Got to visit that exact place with the Association last summer. My famous painting in my office is Captain Charles May charge at Resaca Dela Palma. Your history is so familiar to my own coming from not far from Bucknell. I went enlisted, got offered prep school then West Point at Ft. Riley unfortunately, turned it down. My time at Ft. Riley was very rewarding got my strips very fast. My papers for Germany was highly recommended for the 2nd ACR with my tank skills through my Platoon Sargents and CO at Riley. Killer troop 80/81. Served under thee famous one and only, " Dueler" 60th ROC Robert Wagner. His Cav cheer was classic and it took many times till he was satisfied.
"IF, YOU AIN'T CAV, YOU AIN'T SHIT!"
Growing up watching Battle of the Bulge at age 8, I was hooked!