From Veterans to Vigilance

Upholding Truth in Our Movement

The Mission, Ramadi, Iraq, 2006

Waking up to the smells of ancient land was always so enthralling to me: the smell of the Euphrates or Tigris rivers and the nearby village farms and livestock. Even the sounds were daunting. Distance sounds of fowls, cows, goats, donkeys, dogs, and lambs (to name a few) kind of makes a distinct natural melody. Peaceful, natural, and rhythmic. The sun’s rays even felt different to me. More ancient, old, and wise feeling when they would pierce through my body. I guess when you are in Ramadi, Iraq in 2006, one must try and reflect on the good things around you. Otherwise, the war-torn city and the fierce fighting with the insurgency would consume you. It was my third combat deployment to Iraq, and it was absolutely the worst. Completely life changing in the most magnificent and horrendous way. 

My day was standard for a Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Warfare Specialist, or Navy EOD Technician for short. Our overall objective was to support Naval Special Warfare Squadron Five or SEAL Team Five during combat operations in the Al Ambar province. We were a small EOD detachment of eight men. One officer, one Senior Chief, one Lead Petty Officer and five knuckle dragging EOD guys. We supported four of the task units that deployed to combat areas in Iraq. My Task Unit was Task Unit Ramadi. 

The first time I had ever encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on mission in Ramadi 2006 was surreal and it changed my life and career forever. We were there during an intense time relating to the IED threat. Preposterous, if I were to try and describe it. I’d wake up, eat, work out, then study and plan for the next night mission. I was my SEAL Team Five platoon’s EOD team leader. I had one other EOD guy with me in the area of responsibility we operated in. Brad is still active duty, but I can say he is one of the best EOD guys that I know, and he’s still crushing it today. I hope he is doing well, and I think about him every day. God bless, brother. 

Ninety-five percent of an EOD guy’s job on a SEAL platoon is analyzing the explosive threat. Conducting IED trend analysis and IED trend study daily was required for survival. Each area we operated in presented its own specific set of IED trends. What we learned through the analytical process we studied and applied to all phases of the mission. Chasing the tail, per se. This mission was not any different as it relates to the planning process. 

After we would evaluate and study the IED Significant Activities (SIGACTS), we would get with all the element leads and brief them. Point men, lead drivers, vehicle commanders, snipers, breachers, etc. We would study the map, identify areas of concern or areas where we might encounter an IED on that specific mission. We briefed them on what types of IEDs were found already in the area that we were going to operate in. But still, we felt like we were rolling the dice. I hated that feeling and I was determined to change it and somehow gain an advantage on this massive explosive beast.

My last combat tour took place in 2006, when I was deployed to Ramadi, Iraq, with SEAL Team 5 as their Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Warfare Technician. At that time, Ramadi was one of the most, if not the most, perilous places in the world for military operations. The concentration of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in such a confined area was staggering. Every day, 30 to 40 IEDs would either detonate or be discovered and neutralized. As an EOD technician, my primary mission alongside SEAL Team 5 was to clear these deadly obstacles to enable assaults. I was deeply committed to my job and thrived in that environment. I excelled in the midst of combat, a fact that, paradoxically, made me reflect on my adaptability—or lack thereof—to civilian life.

The truth, or perhaps the sad reality, is that I felt more at ease in combat situations than in what’s considered normal society. This realization perplexed me. I thought I felt this way because, upon returning home, the tranquility and orderliness of American society felt overwhelmingly chaotic in comparison to the war zones I was accustomed to. The silence was unbearably loud. The general happiness and sense of well-being that people around me seemed to experience felt jarring. To this day, I still ponder why a peaceful environment, joy, and happiness could appear so tumultuous and inflict such discomfort.

The Return and The Retirement

My journey into the depths of personal struggle commenced upon my return home in early 2007. Stepping off the tarmac in San Diego, I was immediately struck by the stark contrast between the warzone I had left and the peaceful, seemingly idyllic environment I was entering. Initially, I believed the dissonance I felt—this sensation of pain and perceived chaos amidst peace—would be transient, a short-term surreal adjustment period. However, this notion proved overly optimistic; the discomfort not only persisted but, in some ways, intensified.

The struggle I endured felt almost beyond comprehension. My concentration faltered, and the rhythm of everyday life eluded me. My mind would race, and my body would quiver, disconnected from any specific traumatic memories. My issues didn't stem from combat or operational activities themselves. For me, combat was a matter of duty, a requisite of war, irrespective of any debate over the war's justification. At the time, the only thing that mattered was survival and ensuring the safety of the comrade fighting beside you, just as he ensured yours. The U.S. Navy, particularly within the EOD community, upholds exceedingly high standards, and my difficulties did not go unnoticed by my superiors. Their concern was palpable, leading to a decision that, at the time, left me feeling deeply wounded and betrayed: my medical retirement.

In the wake of this decision, I was engulfed by feelings of fury and betrayal. I perceived it as an abandonment by an institution I had dedicated my life to, one that had formed the core of my identity. However, with the passage of time, and my persistance to heal, my perspective shifted. I came to realize that the Navy's action, which initially seemed like a betrayal, was in fact a critical intervention. They recognized the invisible injuries that I myself couldn't see or refused to acknowledge. This decision, difficult as it was to accept, likely saved my life. It provided me with an opportunity to confront and address my struggles, setting me on a path towards healing and understanding. Looking back, I can now see the wisdom and necessity of their decision, even if it took me years to come to terms with it.

Over the better part of a decade, my life seemed to spiral. The challenges I faced nearly led me to lose everything. I saw the end of two marriages, a tangible testament to the toll my inner turmoil took on my personal life. The more I ignored my issues, making excuses not to face them head on, the deeper the spiral into misery and destruction I would go. Eventually, in 2016 I found myself back in San Diego, alone and medically retired, yet still tethered to the SEAL community through a contract role as a chemical, biological, and radiological program manager.

This position represented my first significant employment since returning from deployment nearly a decade ago. Though I managed to perform adequately, I was far from my best. The isolation was suffocating; the absence of my brothers-in-arms was palpable. I could still hear them in my ear after all these years have past. In this new role, I felt like a relic from a bygone era, struggling to find common ground with the younger generation of operators.

Living alone in an RV in San Diego, I found myself grappling with a profound sense of isolation. My greatest dread was the silence of the space that greeted me each day, the absence of my children, and the daunting uncertainty of how to fill the endless hours. To distract myself, I turned to YouTube, aimlessly navigating through an endless stream of videos until I stumbled upon a figure who would inadvertently guide me towards a spiritual reawakening. This individual, Trey Smith, was unmistakably eccentric in appearance, with a wild, Einstein-esque mane and a unique manner of articulation. Yet, it was his intense passion and focus on his subjects that captivated me.

The Journey

My journey towards spiritual connection was reignited through Trey Smith's discussions, particularly those revolving around the Book of Enoch. Although I was well aware that the Book of Enoch is not canonized within the Bible, its exploration of the origins of evil resonated with me, especially in the context of my experiences in combat. Like many veterans, I was burdened with the question of forgiveness for the acts committed during war.

This intellectual and spiritual exploration led me to a deeper understanding of evil's origins and provided me with a form of solace. The biblical stories of King David and other warriors, and how they were perceived by God, particularly struck a chord with me. It was a reassurance that, despite the extraordinary circumstances of combat, my actions were part of a larger context. I began to come to terms with my past, recognizing that the decisions made in the heat of battle were ones I would not have made under normal conditions. I take pride in my service and have no shame in my actions, yet the introspection continues. The lingering doubts about whether I made the right choices, or if there might have been another way, persist.

Amidst this personal journey, two external events notably impacted my worldview. First was the election of Donald Trump, an occurrence unlike any I had witnessed in my country's political history. It signaled a shift, the magnitude of which was yet to be fully understood. Second was my encounter with the phenomenon known as Q. Engulfed in the demands of military life, I had little opportunity to engage with broader governmental actions or conspiracies. Military life is consuming, with success hinging on one's ability to remain present and focused on the immediate challenges. Admittedly, this focus can render one oblivious to the broader political and social currents shaping the world. Yet, these events marked a pivotal moment in my life, prompting a reevaluation of my beliefs and the role of governance in the lives of its citizens.

My experience with Q was distinctly unique to me. Initially, I wasn't an Anon; navigating through 4Chan and 8Chan proved challenging. Attempting to do so often led me to stumble upon disturbing content unrelated to Q. As the movement evolved and Q posts began to aggregate across various websites, my approach was straightforward: if a post eluded my understanding, I simply moved on. I didn't devise any entities or formulas to force comprehension.

My engagement with Q was selective, focusing on posts I could grasp and apply practically. It’s widely recognized that Q posts targeted not just a single demographic but multiple ones. Moreover, it’s clear to me, as it has become to many, that Q represented a psychological operation (psyop) and a form of propaganda. What is often misunderstood is the dual nature of such operations and propaganda—they can be both negative and positive. The onus is on us to discern these nuances.

This brings us to the present circumstances. As I've observed, this movement quickly amassed significant traction and numbers, only to be fragmented and undermined at an equally rapid pace. The instigators of this fragmentation, it’s worth noting, haven't vanished.

There’s a moral and a specific reason I’ve touched upon all these points in this discussion. Faced with adversity—be it internal doubts, physical injuries, mental challenges, or life’s hurdles—the worst approach is inaction, which invariably leads to the most unfavorable outcomes. To effectively counteract negative psychological operations and propaganda, silence is not the solution. Rather than aligning with agents of chaos, we must identify, oppose, and at times dismantle the narratives they propagate.

I share these reflections not to linger on challenges, but rather to shed light on the often intricate and tumultuous journey veterans may face when transitioning back to civilian life. However, this concept isn't limited solely to veterans; it's applicable to all facets of life. Consider the consequences of neglect: a small leak in your house's plumbing, if ignored, worsens over time. Similarly, disregarding the knocking sounds in your car's engine while driving leads to more significant issues. Community challenges, such as gang activity or drug dealing, escalate if not addressed. Likewise, problems at our borders intensify if overlooked. The same principle applies to our movement: leaving issues unattended, unchallenged, and unacknowledged only allows them to deteriorate, as evidenced over the past six to seven years.

Fighting Back Against Infiltration

It's crucial to recognize that, although confronting these problems can be highly unpleasant and exceedingly frustrating, taking a stand against or exposing wrongful actions by certain individuals will yield greater benefits in the long run.

I wish to make a direct appeal with unvarnished candor: it’s time for the leaders within this community to rise to the occasion. While the impulse to foster unity is commendable, indiscriminate unification risks blending the toxic with the beneficial, ultimately contaminating the collective endeavor.

Adjusting to normalcy after combat parallels the consequences of leaving issues unaddressed: both scenarios can lead to significantly negative outcomes. When I say negative, I mean profoundly detrimental, well below the zero mark—outcomes that can severely hinder progress. Just as in life, avoiding direct confrontation with challenges only prolongs and exacerbates them.

To illustrate the cause and effect of ignoring issues versus confronting them—whether out of a desire for comfort or in an attempt to preserve perceived order and stability—I propose a methodical analysis. We will identify potential outcomes of both ignoring and confronting issues, assign scores to these outcomes, and then compare the scores. This approach aims to reveal the impact, both negative and positive, of any given decision.

Drawing from my experience in special operations as a Navy bomb technician, we often engaged in what is known as "war gaming" decisions. This involved evaluating scenarios to determine which course of action promised the greatest payoff and then proceeding accordingly. Through this methodical approach, we aim to apply a similar strategic lens to address challenges, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement for optimal outcomes.

To professionally articulate the rationale behind the negative impacts of inaction and the positive impacts of proactive measures, we must delve into the consequences and benefits through the lenses of organizational integrity, stakeholder trust, and the achievement of the movement's goals. Let's first examine the drawbacks of inaction with a structured explanation.

Negative Points for Inaction

Inaction in the face of deceit and division within a movement leads to negative outcomes due to several interrelated factors:

1. Erosion of Trust: Trust is the foundation upon which movements build their credibility and rally support. Inaction against deceit undermines trust both within the movement and among its external supporters, leading to skepticism and diminished faith in the movement's intentions and capabilities.

2. Compromised Unity and Cohesion: A movement thrives on the unity of its members towards a common goal. When deceit and divisive elements are not addressed, it creates fractures within the organization, diluting its collective strength and focus.

3. Reduced Effectiveness and Impact: The presence of deceit diverts resources and attention away from the movement's primary objectives, hindering its ability to effect change. This misallocation of resources diminishes the movement's overall impact.

4. Legal and Ethical Risks: Ignoring unethical behavior exposes the movement to legal risks and moral scrutiny. This can lead to legal challenges and a tarnished reputation, which are difficult to recover from.

5. Stunted Growth and Attraction of New Members: Potential members and supporters are less likely to join a movement perceived as tolerating dishonesty and internal discord, limiting the movement's growth and reducing its influence.

6. Diminished Resilience and Sustainability: A movement's long-term viability is contingent upon its ability to adapt and overcome challenges. Inaction in the face of internal problems signifies a lack of resilience, threatening its sustainability.

7. Degradation of Culture and Values: The core values of a movement define its identity and mission. Inaction against deceit signals a departure from these values, eroding the movement's cultural foundation.

Positive Points for Taking Action

Conversely, taking decisive action against deceit and division within a movement is awarded positive points for several reasons:

1. Restoration and Enhancement of Trust: Proactively addressing deceit rebuilds trust within the movement and with external stakeholders, affirming the movement's commitment to its values and integrity.

2. Strengthened Unity and Cohesion: Confronting and resolving internal issues enhances cohesion among members, reinforcing their shared commitment to the movement's goals.

3. Increased Effectiveness and Impact: By eliminating distractions and refocusing on the movement's objectives, actions taken against deceit ensure that resources are optimally allocated, enhancing the movement's effectiveness and societal impact.

4. Legal and Ethical Integrity: Taking a stand against unethical behavior strengthens the movement's legal and ethical standing, protecting it from potential legal issues and elevating its moral authority.

5. Growth and Attraction of New Members: Demonstrating a clear commitment to ethics and accountability makes the movement more attractive to potential members and supporters, facilitating growth and expanding its influence.

6. Bolstered Resilience and Sustainability: Addressing and overcoming internal challenges showcases the movement's resilience, ensuring its long-term sustainability and capacity to navigate future obstacles.

7. Preservation of Culture and Values: Acting decisively against deceit reaffirms the movement's dedication to its core values, maintaining its cultural integrity and sense of purpose.

By framing the rationale in this manner, we underscore the paramount importance of integrity, accountability, and proactive measures in maintaining the vitality and efficacy of our movement. We position ethical action not merely as a moral obligation but as a strategic imperative essential for realizing our goals.

The next step involves assigning a numerical value to each consequence and benefit. Once these values are established, we can perform a comparative analysis. Utilizing this scoring system allows us to devise a detailed plan of action based on the provided scores. This approach aids in prioritizing tasks, setting clear goals, and formulating an effective strategy to achieve the stability and unity we have long sought.

Let's quantify the impact of inaction vs. taking action through a scoring system, as requested. The scores provided in the previous analysis will be added up to give a clearer numerical comparison.

Scores for inaction

• Trust Within the Movement: -4,

• Public Perception: -3,

• Unity and Cohesion: -4,

• Effectiveness and Impact: -5,

• Resource Allocation: -2,

• Legal and Ethical Standing: -3,

• Resilience and Sustainability: -5,

• Culture and Values: -5

Scores for taking action

• Trust Within the Movement: +4,

• Public Perception: +3,

• Unity and Cohesion: +4,

• Effectiveness and Impact: +5,

• Resource Allocation: +3,

• Legal and Ethical Standing: +4,

• Growth and Attraction of New Members: +4,

• Resilience and Sustainability: +5,

• Culture and Values: +5

Calculating the total scores

After adding up the scores for both inaction and taking action based on the detailed criteria provided:

• Total Score for Inaction: -35

• Total Score for Taking Action: +37

This numerical comparison shows a clear contrast between the outcomes of inaction versus taking action. A score of -35 for inaction indicates a significantly negative impact across all areas evaluated, highlighting the detrimental effects on the movement's trust, unity, effectiveness, and more. Conversely, a score of +37 for taking action reflects a highly positive outcome, suggesting that addressing the issues directly can significantly benefit the movement's integrity, effectiveness, cohesion, and long-term sustainability.

Therefore, from a mathematical standpoint, taking action against deceit and division within the movement is far more beneficial than remaining silent or inactive. This analysis underscores the importance of confronting challenges head-on to preserve and strengthen the movement's core values and objectives.

From this point, we develop a comprehensive war game strategy. These examples underscore the necessity of organizing to counteract threats that have the potential to disrupt this movement, some of which have already inflicted considerable damage. My aim was to underscore and clarify that, although the notion of pushing back might appear impulsive and divisive, it is in fact methodical and rooted in rational thought. It's crucial that we hold onto this reasoning, ensuring that our actions are not merely emotional reactions but are backed by a well-considered plan.

Based on the scores and the necessity for taking decisive action, a strategic and comprehensive task list is essential for initiating the planning process. This list can serve as a foundation for individuals and smaller communities within the movement, especially within the context of informational and digital warfare domains. Here is a detailed, broad list of tasks to consider:

1. Problem Identification

• Identify Problematic Actors: Catalog individuals or entities whose actions have been detrimental to the movement's goals.

• Assess Information Integrity: Scrutinize the authenticity and reliability of the information being shared within the community.

2. Impact Evaluation

• Analyze Impact: Evaluate the extent of the negative influence these actors or misinformation have had on the movement's cohesion, public perception, and effectiveness.

• Stakeholder Feedback: Gather input from key stakeholders and community members to understand the broader impact.

3. Strategic Planning

• Set Clear Objectives: Define what success looks like in addressing these issues, including restoring integrity and unity.

• Develop Action Plans: Outline specific steps to mitigate the impact of problematic actors and misinformation.

4. Community Engagement

• Educate and Inform: Launch campaigns to educate members about misinformation tactics and how to critically assess information.

• Promote Dialogue: Foster open discussions within the community to address concerns and gather suggestions for improvement.

5. Digital Vigilance

• Monitor Platforms: Regularly monitor social media and other digital platforms for harmful content or deceptive practices.

• Implement Reporting Systems: Establish mechanisms for community members to report suspicious or harmful activities.

6. Professional Decorum and Mutual Accountability

• Establishing Professional Decorum: Promote principles of professionalism and respect as foundational guidelines for interactions and behaviors within the movement, without formalizing a code of conduct.

• Mutual Accountability Measures: Implement a transparent system that supports community members in holding each other accountable for maintaining these principles, ensuring a culture of mutual respect and responsibility.

7. Collaboration and Partnerships

• Partner with Experts: Collaborate with cybersecurity and misinformation experts to enhance digital defense strategies.

• Network with Allied Movements: Engage with other movements or organizations facing similar challenges for shared learning and support.

8. Resilience Building

• Crisis Management Planning: Prepare for potential backlash or challenges that may arise from taking action against problematic elements.

• Community Support Networks: Establish support networks to assist members who may be targeted or affected by digital warfare tactics.

9. Continuous Improvement

• Feedback Loops: Implement mechanisms for ongoing feedback from community members to continuously adapt and improve strategies.

• Performance Review: Regularly assess the effectiveness of actions taken and make adjustments as needed.

10. Advocacy and Awareness

• Raise Public Awareness: Use various platforms to raise awareness about the importance of digital vigilance and the impact of misinformation.

• Legislative Advocacy: Advocate for policies or regulations that support transparency and combat digital misinformation.

Addressing A Currrent Narrative

Before we conclude, I’d like to address a recent issue that has emerged within our movement concerning some Anons. It has come to attention that there have been significant discussions about the necessity for veterans to provide proof of their status when accessing benefits, whether for medical purposes, using the VA home loan, receiving charitable funds, or similar. It's important to understand that requiring proof of veteran status, such as a DD 214, falls well within professional norms and is not only routine but essential. The responsible protection of privacy is paramount, and private entities or fundraisers must take appropriate steps to verify veteran status. This not only protects themselves but also the donors and the individuals running the fund.

Recent false accusations suggesting that a veteran was at risk of being doxxed during this verification process are unfounded and, frankly, serve as a massive red flag. Those responsible for organizing community funds or fundraisers, especially those taking on the mantle of responsibility for initiating and promoting these funds, should have ensured such verifications were conducted to confirm the veteran's status. The notion that we intended to dox someone is entirely baseless. Requests for these documents were made privately and met with undue hostility, leading to unfortunate rifts within our community.

I share this to emphasize that in the realm of informational and digital warfare, it's imperative to counter false narratives promptly. Failing to do so allows these narratives to gather momentum, making them increasingly challenging to address. It's crucial that we act swiftly to preserve the integrity and trust within our movement.

In conclusion, the discourse surrounding the verification of veteran status within our movement highlights the delicate balance between maintaining privacy and ensuring authenticity. The recent issues and accusations that have arisen demonstrate the critical need for clear communication, transparency, and respect in our processes. It's a reminder that in the digital age, where information can be both a tool and a weapon, the integrity of our actions and the accuracy of the narratives we support are paramount.

By addressing misunderstandings and false narratives head-on, we not only protect the integrity of our movement but also reinforce the values of trust and authenticity that are its foundation. This incident serves as a learning opportunity for us all, emphasizing the importance of due diligence, respectful dialogue, and the swift correction of misinformation.

Moving forward, let us continue to strive for a community where accountability is not seen as an accusation but as a cornerstone of our collective integrity. In doing so, we safeguard not only the reputation of our movement but also the respect and dignity of every individual within it. Together, through open dialogue and a commitment to truth, we can navigate the complexities of digital warfare and emerge stronger, united in our purpose and unwavering in our commitment to justice and authenticity.

Written by Andrew Fayal, 17th SOG