Lecture Notes: September 11th Presentation on the Benghazi Incident

Introduction

• Date: September 11, 2023
• Topic: 11th anniversary of the Benghazi incident
• Speaker: Former CIA operative discussing personal connection to the events
  • Mentions Tyrone Woods, SEAL training, and importance of historical documentation
• Encouragement for listeners to support through Patreon or leave reviews on Spotify/Apple

Guest Introduction

• Guest: Mark "Oz" Geist
  • Background: 12 years in the military, law enforcement career, counterterrorism, and intelligence work
  • Survived the Benghazi attack, heavily injured, credited with saving up to 25 lives
  • Engages in nonprofit work, particularly with service dogs for veterans

Early Life and Career

• Grew up in Rocky Ford, Colorado
• Family: Bankers and homemakers, involved in small-town community activities
• Juvenile activities: Rodeo, cowboy culture

Military and Law Enforcement Career

• Joined Marine Corps post-high school
• Experience in infantry and sniper platoons
• Transitioned to law enforcement, working on crimes against children
  • Noted for his skills in interrogation and securing convictions

Contracting Work

• Moved into government contracting post-9/11
• Initial work with Triple Canopy, then trained Iraqi SWAT teams
• Progressed to CIA's GRS (Global Response Staff)
  • Described rigorous selection process and training

Benghazi Deployment

• First tour in Benghazi, Libya, in 2013
• Environment in Benghazi: Safe at a civilian level, complex militia dynamics
• Discussed the relationship and dynamics with CIA staff and local militia groups
  • Noted tension with some CIA operatives who were unaccustomed to warzone realities

September 11, 2012, Benghazi Attack

• Initial Events: Ambassador Stevens in Benghazi, low security
• Attack Details:
  • Ambassador's residence attacked, consulate overrun
  • CIA team led counterattack, led by Tyrone Woods
• Descriptions of firefights, use of night vision, strategic movements
• Personal Experience: Survived multiple mortar attacks, detailed personal injuries

Aftermath and Reflection

• Evacuation and Medical Treatment: Described journey from Benghazi to Germany
• Discussed PTSD and recovery, emphasizing faith and community support
• Critique of political responses and lack of accountability

Closing Thoughts

• Importance of sharing accurate history and stories of bravery
• Encouragement to future generations to learn from past experiences

Key Takeaways

• The resilience and bravery of the team during the Benghazi attack
• The impact of leadership and political decisions on ground operations
• The value of documenting personal stories for historical accuracy and healing

Note: The presentation emphasized the speaker's personal experiences and reflections on the incident, providing both an emotional and analytical perspective on the events of September 11, 2012, in Benghazi.