Morgan Lerette joined the Air National Guard prior to 9/11 and was called to active duty to support the newly minted Global War on Terrorism. After his first deployment to Oman, Lerette provided security for expeditionary airfields during the invasion of Iraq. Following that deployment, Lerette was approached about joining the private security firm Blackwater by a former Force Recon Marine that he met in the Air National Guard. Lerette eventually came around to the idea and worked under various contracts for 18 months. He and his teammates became familiar with running the infamous Route Irish and trying to go fast enough to throw off any IED triggermen. During this interview, we also talk about contracting in general and some of the positives and negatives with that career path. He gives us a peek into his new book Welcome to Blackwater that gives a boots-on-the-ground perspective of the organization, mission, and lasting effects. Book website: http://welcometoblackwater.com/ Want to be on the Former Action Guys Podcast?https://forms.gle/9MuoSkzBUgNiVgPu5 Support the podcast and website: www.jcramergraphics.com Podcast Links:YouTube: http://bit.ly/formeractionguysYouTubeSpotify: http://bit.ly/formeractionguysApplePodcast: http://bit.ly/formeractionguysAppleSocial Media:Instagram: www.instagram.com/formeractionguys Instagram: www.instagram.com/jcramergraphics Twitter: https://twitter.com/4meractionguys Reference:117 - Backpack-able radio for tactical use148 - Walkie-talkie style tactical radio152 - 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 - Assault Amphibious 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 CommandMART - Marines Awaiting Recon TrainingM-ATV - MRAP All Terrain VehicleMCAS - Marine Corps Air StationMCMAP - Marine Corps Martial Arts ProgramMCRD - Marine Corps Recruit DepotMCIWS - Marine Corps Instructor of Water SurvivalMCT - Marine Combat TrainingMEB - Marine Expeditionary BrigadeMEU - Marine Expeditionary Unit (Unit attached to ships for deployment)MRAP - Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (armored vehicle)MSOT - Marine Special Operations TeamMTU - Marksmanship Training UnitOCS - Officer Candidate SchoolOP - Observation Post. An area where forward observers spot enemy positions and conduct fire missions on targetsPB - Patrol BasePGM - Precision Guided MunitionsPID - Positive identificationPLDR - Portable Lightweight Designator Rangefinder PosRep - Position ReportPSS-SOF - Precision Strike Suite Special Operations Forces. Targeting program.RO - Radio Operator (Sometimes called an RTO)ROMAD - Radio Operator, Mechanic, and DriverR&S - Reconnaissance and SurveillanceSACC - Supporting Arms Coordination Center (FSCC on a ship)SALT - Supporting Arms Liaison TeamSERE - Survive, Evade, Resist, EscapeSOCS - Special Opera