Matt Koetting served in the United States Marine Corps as an assaultman, machine gunner, joint terminal attack controller (JTAC), Marine Corps instructor of water survival (MCIWS) and Reconnaissance Marine. Matt served with 1st Battalion 3rd Marine Regiment during two deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan.During his deployment to Afghanistan, Matt took part in Operation Moshtarak which was meant to wrest control of the city of Marjah from Taliban and insurgent forces. During the operation, he was severely wounded by an improvised explosive device (IED). He was medically evacuated from the point of injury to Camp Bastion Air Base in order to stabilize him before moving to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and finally Walter Reed National Medical Center. During recovery, Matt underwent more than a dozen surgeries to repair damage caused by the IED blast and was awarded the Purple Heart medal by President Barack Obama.Matt is not one to be held back by adversity, so he applied to screen for one of the hardest jobs in the Marine Corps, Reconnaissance Man. He completed Basic Reconnaissance Course and was assigned to the legendary 1st Reconnaissance Battalion at Camp Pendleton, CA. While serving as a recon Marine, Matt attended the US Army Airborne School at Ft. Benning, GA and the Tactical Air Control Party school at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, among others.After completing his final deployment as part of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Matt realized his ongoing issues with the injuries he suffered during his IED blast would make him liability to his team and he was medically retired from the Marine Corps. After leaving the service, Matt worked in different industries while finishing his degree and used his experience to co-found Invictus International. His company provides armed and unarmed security options for various assets requiring their specialized service. He continues to support the military community by employing veterans that can bring real-world experience to a job that requires maturity and decisive action in stressful situations.It was a pleasure interviewing Matt and I look forward to our future conversations on the Former Action Guys Podcast.As always, make sure to subscribe and share the show!ApplePodcast: http://bit.ly/formeractionguysAppleYouTube: http://bit.ly/formeractionguysYouTubeSpotify: http://bit.ly/formeractionguysContact:Website: www.jcramergraphics.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/formeractionguys Instagram: www.instagram.com/jcramergraphics Twitter: https://twitter.com/4meractionguys Email: jcramermedia@gmail.com Reference:117 - Backpackable radio for tactical use152 - Walkie-talkie style tactical radio7-Ton - Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (Dump truck-sized military vehicle for hauling troops, supplies, etc.)9-Line - CAS mission brief formatAAV - Amphibious Assault Vehicle (Also called Tracks)ABC - ANGLICO Basic CourseANG - Air National GuardANGLICO - Air Naval Gunfire Liaison CompanyBLT - Battalion Landing TeamBRC - Basic Reconnaissance CourseCAR - Combat Action RibbonCAS - Close Air SupportCCT - Combat Control TeamCLB - Combat Logistics BattalionCO - Commanding OfficerCOC - Command Operations CenterCOP - Combat OutpostCorpsman - Navy medic attached to MarinesEOD - Explosive Ordnance DisposalFAC - Forward Air ControllerFCT - Firepower Control TeamFDC - Fire Direction ControlFET - Female Engagement Team.FSCC - Fire Support Coordination Center. Where fire missions are deconflicted and approved prior to shooting.GBU - Guided Bomb Unit GLT - Georgian Liaison Team. Georgian military advisors in Afghanistan.Hesco Barrier - Earthen filled barriers used to make or reinforce outpostsHMMWV - High mobility multi-wheeled vehicleIED - Improvised Explosive DeviceIOC - Infantry Officer's CourseJDAM - Joint Direct Attack Munition (GPS guided bomb)JTAC - Joint Terminal Attack ControllerLGTR - LASER Guided Training RoundM-ATV - MRAP All-terrain vehicleMARSOC - Marine Corps Special Operations Com