The Team House

The Untold Story of Special Forces and the Iraqi Kurdish Resistance | Mark Grodvic | Ep. 371

Sep 25, 2025
Guest
Mark Grodvic
Mark Grodvic, a former 10th Special Forces officer and author, shares gripping insights about his role in the Iraq War alongside Kurdish forces. He recounts the establishment of crucial relationships with local leaders and the challenges of planning covert operations, including a tense border crossing into Iraqi Kurdistan. Mark highlights the significance of decentralized command, leveraging small-unit actions to build trust, and the complex dynamics with Iran. His firsthand stories illuminate the intricacies of unconventional warfare and the psychological operations that shaped the conflict.
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ANECDOTE

Low, Fast MC-130 Infiltration

  • The 'ugly baby' infiltration loaded MC-130s with troops and ammo then flew low and fast from Jordan; aircraft sustained heavy fire and one emergency-diverted to Turkey. The risky airlift delivered the dispersed ODAs that turned the northern front into a resilient, decentralized force.
INSIGHT

Trust Enables Decentralized Command

  • Decentralized command only works when subordinates are trained to understand intent and act autonomously. Invest time in building trust and doctrinal habits before combat so dispersed teams operate effectively without micromanagement.
ANECDOTE

Viking Hammer: Massed Peshmerga Assault

  • Operation Viking Hammer mobilized ~10,000 Peshmerga in six prongs uphill against Ansar al-Islam and achieved a decisive rout with AC-130 strikes. Kurds captured Sargat and Dargish Khan objectives, boosting morale and weapons capture.
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