Eric Davis

Chris Kyle – A Legend Lost Part II

As originally posted on SOFREP Feb 2013: This post was written by Eric Davis, who was Chris Kyle’s Sniper Instructor…and friend.

When I heard the news about Chris, my close friend Brandon Webb of SOFREP was at my house. As we got to talking I began to feel that familiar feeling of regret and remorse, the feeling that I’m sure every Special Forces Operator carries with him after he leaves his team. Every news story, every movie, every book pulls at your soul trying to call you back in. Since I left the SEAL teams in 2008 I’ve been able to, more or less, avoid the things that would yank me back into the only skin that has ever fit me. Much like an addict taking it day by day avoiding all the “Triggers”, I just barely managed to keep my distance.

It’s now been over 4 years since my last opportunity to make a difference, serve my country and do a damn thing about anything. Helpless, mad, disappointed and afraid I began to selfishly share my powerless frustration with Brandon. He simply looked at me and said “Why don’t you write about your time with Chris and I’ll post it on SOFREP?”.

Head down, kicking the ground like a kid who just lost his lunch money to a bully, I replied, “Dude, I’ve got no business writing anything about Chris.” He simply looked at me and said, “Dude, Chris was your student. You personally trained the best sniper in the world. You have a voice and Veterans and their families need more Veteran leaders to speak up.”

Like any Special Forces Operator it’s in our nature to be the “Gray Man“, “Quiet Professional,” to keep to the shadows out of sight. Standing up and talking intimately about what we do is a “No-No” in our world, and to be honest I was more afraid of being “That Guy” if I wrote something about Chris. But then it hit me as I wrestled with the notion.

If it weren’t for the stories, books and movies about men like Chris Kyle and Marcus Luttrell I would have never wanted to be a Navy SEAL. In fact, it was the movie “Navy SEALs” from the 1990’s where I learned about the elite force. So reluctantly I began to write about Chris and I slowly began to actually feel like we were doing something. Probably not much of anything, but it was the first time I felt like I was part of the SOF community in a long time and I desperately missed my brothers. I sent Brandon what I wrote up and thanked him for the opportunity to at least try and contribute to the mission. Again it all felt very selfish, but damn it, I needed to do something, anything to serve Chris and his memory.

As these things go, I ended up in San Diego at 3:00am the next morning to speak to a news station about Chris and the situation. In preparation for some of this commentary several journalists were asking different questions about Chris, the situation, what the family might be feeling, how Chris was as a student, what do I think about PTSD and other details. Now properly nervous about going on live TV, I thought it best to take some time and get some of my thoughts together so that I had a chance in hell to not fumble my words and let Chris and the community down.

Finding No Answers

Having given it all some thought, I became fully convinced there was an actual real opportunity to serve Chris and his legacy. I actually began to tilt in wanting to wake up the American public and get something done for Veterans and their families, thinking that Chris might have wanted something like that to happen.

Long story short, I got my notes together, read them over and over again. Wrote them on a whiteboard, placed it underneath the camera and settled in. As fate would have it the studio had technical difficulties and the interview had to be cut short. We answered two quick questions and then we were done. It was just over.

The news organization was great about it and it was truly an unfortunate technical breakdown and everyone felt bad about not getting anything of substance out there. As I walked out of the studio doors with my notes crumpled in my sweaty palms I began to feel a little anger. When Brandon posted the initial write-up on SOFREP I was amazed at how the SOFREP community responded. They were there – brothers and sister pulling up along side of the memory of Chris. They cared, and the questions that this tragedy has produced needed answers and action. Tearful and authentic comments continue to pour in, searching for peace, resolution and a way to help.

Feeling dejected, I returned to the hotel room, confirming my ineptness to at least attempt to begin to serve in any capacity. Mentally passing the “Torch” to those more relevant, I began to pack up my stuff to return home.

Before leaving I tuned the TV in to perhaps catch the story, hoping to hear that something of use passed through my lips, though I don’t recollect getting anything coherent out. I was unable to find the interview. I seldom watch TV or the news; but today I’m hooked, desperate to hear more about Chris, Veterans and their families. Not expecting any real answers yet; but, putting in some serious effort to find them. Veterans and their families. Chris’s selfless personal mission just kept ringing in my ears like when you crack off a round at the range without ear protection on.

I locked onto the TV waiting for action.

One story about the lights at the Super Bowl goes by.

Another story about the lights at Super Bowl goes by.

Apparently when the lights go out at the Super Bowl the danger of someone tripping and falling increases. Has the War ended?

After several reports about the tragic “Lighting episode” and ensuing chaos (I think someone thought it might have been Beyonce’s fault) I put my stuff down and decided to finish what was started and at least do my best to do something more than nothing. So all I could come up with was to attempt to answer the questions caring people have asked. Not wanting another tragedy like the lights going off during a football game to distract us again, I sat back down to write this as quickly as I could.

Digging For Answers

Q: What was Chris Kyle like as a Sniper student?

It was a few years ago now, but I will always remember the humble confidence about him. Sniper school is very difficult and many, many SEALs fail to pass it. It’s so technical and long that it’s very tough to ever predict who will make it and who will not. That wasn’t the case with Chris. From the moment he showed up you knew he was going to make it.

As I’m now seeing everything through my new found love of Texans, in hindsight, I think Chris only attended Sniper school just in case of the unlikely event that simply being a Texan didn’t cover everything he needed to know to be an effective sniper. Not arrogant, but just “Texan,” if I can use that as my new favorite positive adjective.

We may have taught him the technical skills of being a Sniper, but whatever we may have taught him in the school house has long since been forgotten by me and replaced with what he has taught us all about being a real Sniper.

Q. Do you think Chris himself suffered from PTSD?

I wasn’t close enough to Chris to comment on this, but I clearly remember how powerful his purpose was.

Chris was just back from a deployment and he came back to Sniper Cell to debrief us and contribute to how the course could modify to be more effective.

I remember listening to him talk about all of the difficult shots he took. I distinctly remember how impressed I was that he was able to compartmentalize the psychology of the entire experience.

When I asked him, “How are you doing with all this?” he quickly replied “Oh I’m fine with it.” That was when I first heard him speak about why he did what he did. Chris was clear that he was there saving lives. Chris was there fulfilling on his duty and following orders to save Americans and their Allies. I’ve seen a few interviews of him where people tried to question into why he liked or was good at killing people. Chris replied plainly that he wasn’t there to “kill” anyone. He was there to save people, and that is what he did.

He was settled that the psychological burden of this work was his burden alone and he had accepted it, with no complaint or hint of discomfort, despite the media’s attempt to turn it into something dark. God bless the men who will do the things that need to be done regardless of popular opinion.

Chris truly knew why he was doing what he was doing and I found that an amazing testament to his strength of character.

Q. What are we supposed to learn from this?

I can’t imagine what was working inside of the person who killed Chris that day; but, I can guess that what probably wasn’t working was his life after military service.

Now to be very clear, I’m not saying that someone’s life not going well could ever excuse such a thing, but when someone asked me the question “What are we supposed to learn from this?” something Chris said in one of his interviews popped in my head.

Chris commented on the challenges of transitioning out of military life. He related how in the military everything you do is for others – the greater good, but as a civilian, everything you do is for you. Consider how difficult it is for our service men and women to navigate the waters between heroism and capitalism on their own. Nobody is mentoring or coaching them on how to survive in a world marketplace and compete for normal jobs. Chris was working to fill that void.

Now again, I can’t know what we are supposed to learn from this. I mean, right now I think we are all just grasping for something that makes sense. What we do know is that Chris was committed to helping Veterans and their families live a good life.

A lot of people are going to try and use this incident to launch their personal agendas. No doubt we will soon be seeing, if not already, politicians using this in the debate around gun control. It’s a free country and I hold no ill will towards those who would leverage this moment for their cause, in fact, I would fight for that right, but for me, and I’m sure most other Veterans, we will be here to support Chris’s vision and any legacy his family chooses to pursue. This tragedy has everyone talking about PTSD as a possible cause. Regardless of the “cause” of this tragedy, like it might just turn out that the killer was just sick and twisted, lets keep listening to Chris and continue to support his work.

Q. What can we do?

Lets try and do what Chris was doing. Lets keep our focus on all of the honorable men and women departing the service. We talk a lot about “supporting our troops,” but what are we really doing? Are we teaching them how to transition? Are we mentoring our heroes? Are we making a point to have jobs reserved for them for when they come back home? Are we locking arms with them until they make it? It’s a new world out there and technology is shifting the marketplace so fast that one could leave the work force, volunteer to serve in the military for 5 years, and come back to an entirely new game of which they can not prepare for.

We can’t depend on the Government to mentor and lead our troops back into this highly competitive marketplace. We need business leaders to enter the fight with us. This country has way too much wealth, talent and resources, that remain available because of the sacrifices of brave men and women everywhere. Teachers, Soldiers, Fire Fighters, Law Enforcement and all other forms of “servant leaders” need to be the best cared for people in our country. They are the heart and soul of this nation. If we can’t make sure that life works out for those who choose others before themselves, we will someday no longer have them.

If you’re successful and have something to offer, it’s time to step up!

Q. How do you think his family is handling this?

We know from listening to Chris that he would want to know that his family is being watched over while he’s gone. We need to have Chris’s back and make sure his family is cared for – forever.

I just listened to a clip where someone asked Chris “What if being a killer turns out to be the thing your best at in life?” Chris – without hesitation – made it very clear that could never be true because he is already a better Father and Husband than he was a Sniper.

Chris didn’t do what he did because he hated anything in front of him. He did what he did because so loved what was behind him.

I hope to be so very respectful here of those who are close to Chris this way. With tears in my eyes and my hat in my hands, it is my deepest wish to respect the bond that those who were close to Chris must have.

My wife’s father was a humanitarian who devoted his life to helping others. He too lost his life at the hands of the very person he was trying to help.

This is a very different kind of loss than when we lose someone to war or disease.

This is a much deeper loss for the family and friends left behind. The grief I witnessed within my own family was palpable and severe. What I learned was that there is nothing that can be said or done; but just to recognize that the pain is unbearable and don’t forget about it as there is never a day that goes by that they can forget.

To Chris’s Wife and Children. I never knew you and I can’t know what you are going through; but I want to acknowledge that while America has lost we know that it is nothing compared to the loss you have sustained. Your nation owes you a debt of which there is no payment large enough.

Your husband & father is an American Hero and we will all miss him but none of us can miss him like you will

And none of us can hurt as much as you must be hurting now

And for that I can only say how sorry we all are and we will never forget you.

Kyle family – America loves you.

Chris Kyle – A Legend Lost Part 1

I can’t believe it has already been a year. I racked my brain on how to best represent the legend of Chris Kyle and came up short. The best I thought to do is repost what I was feeling when this all came down upon us 12 short months ago.

As originally posted on SOFREP February 2013.

This post was written by Eric Davis, who was Chris Kyle’s Sniper Instructor…and friend.

Tonight I lost another HERO

Tonight I lost another INSPIRATION

Tonight I lost another LEGEND

Tonight I lost another bedtime STORY

Tonight I lost another BOOK TO READ TO MY SON

Tonight I lost another MOVIE TO TAKE MY KIDS TO

Tonight I lost another WHAT I WANT TO BE WHEN I GROW UP

Tonight I lost another PERSON I CAN BRAG ABOUT KNOWING

Tonight I lost another COLLEAGUE

Tonight I lost another TEAM MATE

Tonight I lost another STUDENT

Tonight I lost another FRIEND

Tonight A FAMILY LOST THEIR EVERYTHING

For times like this. Times when things don’t make any sense we all tend to reflect, or at least ponder, on the what, who, when and how.; but, it’s the WHY that seems to elude us.

The WHY we LOST Chris can’t be answered now. It just has no answer in the moment.

The WHY we HAD Chris we can answer and for that I’m deeply and forever grateful.

Navy SEAL’s have trained, operated, sacrificed and died in the shadows for many years now. “Quiet Professionals” has been their description for decades and is still their mantra to this day. Despite the publicity they receive SEALs seek no recognition, require no reward and could care less about what we think of them. They get the job done at all cost.

When I learned that we lost Chris I had my best friend and fellow Sniper Instructor, Brandon Webb staying at my house. As we cracked beers and began to talk shit about Chris the topic of his story and subsequent rise to fame as the deadliest Sniper on the planet came up.

We paused and reflected and thought how lucky we were to have been in Chris’s life and to have contributed to the training that allowed him to shape the history books. As we were talking Brandon began to share some of the challenges that our nation’s heroes, like Chris Kyle and Marcus Luttrell, face as they share the most intimate, painful and inspiring stories our nation has to offer. For this reason I had asked Brandon if I could take the “Floor” on behalf of these legends to tell it as it is from the perspective of their instructor, teammate, friend and most of all, as one of their biggest fans.

These stories shaped me and an entire generation of modern day heroes

For me, I’m still that kid who grew up reading books and watching movies about Superheroes, Spies, and Special Forces. Kung fu was cool, Superman was pretty tough, but Rambo and the likes were the best. These stories woke me up at 5:00am when I was in high school to run, bike and swim. These stories had me in Navy Boot Camp at the age of 17. These stories had me press through the most grueling training in the world. These stories had me leave my family for months on end traveling to dangerous places with a willingness to never come home. These stories had me want to give my all at any cost.

As you read about Chris you’ll quickly begin to build up an impression of what type of person he was. Often times the impression we get from someone’s public persona can be very different from who they actually are. When you read about Chris it would seem that he was a good old boy from Texas. A horse riding Cowboy that would carry your Grandma to church on his shoulders, stop a bully from picking on a weak kid, rope a runaway calf and change a flat tire. It would seem that he was an actual real Cowboy.

When generations asked “Where did all the real men go?” it would seem that almost on cue, fresh from a mission, Chris Kyle walked in. Sweaty, dirty, smoking gun in hand with a look of concern on his face Chris Kyle stepped into all of our lives and said not with words, but with actions “I’m right here”.

Texans

I was blessed with the opportunity to have been Chris’s Sniper Instructor and to get to know him as a person. Chris was an amazing student. A confident professional who went to Sniper school so that he could better serve his country, community and no doubt Texas. Every time I worked with Chris I was learning as much from him as he was from me.

Being from California I wasn’t accustomed to working with actual “Rednecks.” To be honest, I always kind of poked fun at the stereotype; but, I had no idea of the actual content and character these guys with the funny accents and cowboy boots had. Working with Chris I learned why young men played “Cowboys,” and why Hollywood produces Westerns. These guys are amazing men and spending time with them made me, and countless other SEALs, better Men.

My brother-in-law Chris Del Conte is the Athletic Director for Texas Christian University, and as a result I’ve had several opportunities to attend their games and meet a lot of “Texans”. I continue to be amazed by the Texan culture and amazing character of the people, and I can understand why they turn out heroes like Chris.

Why they write books

As more of our nation’s heroes tell their stories publicly, I’ve been disappointed to hear about people questioning their motives. These stories don’t belong to the authors who write them, nor do they belong to the critics who complain about them. These stories belong to America, and it is their duty to tell them. Where else would a freckled-face redhead (me at 15) get the crazy notion that he could be a “Top-Secret Operative” and go after bad guys for a living?

I was reading about Chris before I wrote this and I noticed the following quote:

“As Kyle told The News in 2012 when asked why he wrote the book: “I wanted to be able to let people know about the sacrifices that not only people in the service make, but what their families go through. I knew this would give me a voice so I could speak about the guys I know who were killed. I wanted to get their story out and I wanted to raise awareness for veterans.”

So when Chris Kyle says he did something to help our Military and their families, then that’s why he did it. Like a true good ol’ boy from Texas, he said what he meant and meant what he said. Let’s not let his purpose and his mission get hijacked by all the opportunistic political commentary that is sure to come. Chris was helping veterans like he said was going to do, and that’s that.

So the Chris Kyle that you read about in books, watch on interviews, and will be reading about for years to come is not some made up public persona. The Chris Kyle that some 12 year-old kid is reading about, who believes in heroes and wants to be one someday, is who Chris Kyle really was. Chris is still telling it like he sees it – No Bull Shit.

Shot Show Episode 1 – How Blue Water modifies their gear for operators

Most of the time when we see gear: buckles, ropes, guns, knives whatever. We see it through our own eyes and limit it to our own vision. When we get a chance to look at gear through the eyes of the operator and the designer the possibilities become endless.

Check out the quick Blue Water Ropes interview and learn how they work with operators from SEAL Team 6, SWAT and beyond to design some killer climbing gear.

After the video you can head over to their site: Blue Water Ropes

SHOT Show 2014 – Here we go

SHOT Show was a “whirlwind” of guns and gear. We made our way through the floor interviewing some of the finest companies to learn about them, and their gear.

Stay tuned as we release several more episodes during the next few weeks.

Here are just a few of the companies we spoke with at the show. My calendar is filling up quickly as we’re scheduling trips to visit even more vendors and designers to learn more about them and what they have for us in 2014!

Shoot Better – Business Better

So I met this guy in the parking lot

He was a bit older than me, had a “seasoned” look about him. Normally – like never – would I randomly approach someone in a parking lot, but this guy had a killer custom truck shell on the back of his truck and I had to know where he got it.

As I was checking out the shell I noticed several very familiar bags and cases in the trucks bed. The NRA sticker on the bumper could have been a giveaway, but the pistol cases and rifle bags left no question. This guy was a Shooter.

Long story – medium:

It turned out that he was a local business owner and a successful one at that. He explained to me how he used competitive shooting as a way to practice and learn patience and focus. I told him I completely agreed and we got to talking about how shooting helps in life and business.

Bullseye’s Aren’t Free So Start Shooting

Just about anyone can pick up a gun and hit something. If the bullseye is big enough and the person is close enough they’ll be able to hit it.

Like everything else in life targets that are easy to hit aren’t valuable. For this reason we push our targets out further and make them more difficult to hit. It’s only when we challenge ourselves that things start to get interesting and useful.

As the target gets more complex the skill set required to hit does as well. These aren’t things you can just show up and do. As your patience, perseverance and practice continues the herd begins to thin and you become more valuable. Sounds overly “capitalistic” I know, but it’s world we live in and “Gunslingers” still rule it.

I shot like crap but I didn’t care

I had the opportunity to shoot with some of Sure Fire’s national champions, instructors and suppressor inventors a few days ago. I hadn’t shot a gun in a long while (too long and that’s on me) so I knew I would be slow and I was cool with that, but that’s only because I understand the principle of “One Thousand Falls”.

I’ve had so many opportunities as a SEAL to learn things that when I show up and “suck” at something I don’t worry about it. I know from experience that I will soon become an expert as long as I follow the principle of one thousands falls. This paradigm accounts for at least 80% of any equation for performance.

Too many people try something, suck at it and then walk away. I’m not a natural athlete, I’m not good at sales, I’m not _______. Nobody is “Born to Lead” anymore than anyone one is born to shoot. It’s all about patience, perseverance and a continuous focus on your target.

Shooting is an excellent way to demonstrate your personally ability to become an expert at something. This is important because right now you’re probably planning the rest of your life with the skills you perceive yourself as having rather than the skills you can develop if you choose to.

Slow is smooth – Smooth is fast

If you’ve ever spent anytime training to be a gun fighter you’re probably familiar with the saying “Slow is smooth & smooth is fast”. An excellent principle for shooting, but a life changing principle for life.

When I was at the Sure Fire range I was shooting slowly. It was hard because it was a bit public and there was some competition in the air, but I only shoot as fast as I can shoot effectively. So I stuck to my guns and kept with the principles. I love shooting because there are really no shortcuts or fads. You strap a gun to your waist and simulate a combat situation. There’s nothing left to do but execute sound principles.

In life or business we can get sucked into a relentless pursuit of shortcuts. In a highly competitive world our survival depends on our ability to outperform others and to do that you must learn, practice and master the principles of performance. “Slow is smooth & smooth is fast”.

There are no shortcuts in life and here’s why

We live in a competitive world and that means you are compensated by your performance. The moment a “shortcut” becomes available everyone will start using it and it just becomes “The way”. Once something becomes “The way” everyone else jumps on board and the next thing you know you’re all together again like a herd of cattle. No cow is more valuable than the other so you best find your way out of the herd.

To be valuable means that you must be unique and what’s unique is hard-work. Every other fool is out there chasing the latest way to cheat the system. Few and far between are those who accept that life is going to require discipline, hard work and sacrifice. Just like becoming skilled at shooting. There’s no way to improve without doing the work.

Hot Brass Burning Your Skin Teaches Focus

It had to be at least the 250th time in the kill house when my buddy next to me took out a target and simultaneously sent a burning piece of the bullets brass down my neck. The hot brass got pressed in-between my skin and the pressure of my body armor. When you’re in a kill house there are guns, people and live bullets flying all over the place so intense focus is the only option.

I remember the hot casing just searing into my back – incredible pain. This memory has helped me so much in life. So often I’ll find myself in an intense situation when something happens. Something breaks, a bill doesn’t get paid, someone gets sick, someone dies. The “Hot brass” is burning, but when you’re engaging your target there’s no getting distracted. Your life and the lives of your team-mates count on you staying in the game.

Getting out to the range and training for a gunfight simulates the highest stakes game there is, life or death. This is important because only when we’re clear that our life is on the line do we shed all the Bull Shit and focus on the fundamentals.

So I know a lot of the readers here regularly apply all of these principles to shooting, but I hope this post opens up some thinking regarding to life application.

Whether you’re in a “Kill-House” or an office it’s important to develop and maintain the skills required to stay focused and most of all realize that how you shoot today isn’t how you will shoot tomorrow. You’re either going to get better or worse and it’s your choice.

Your Thoughts?

Looking at shooting from this point of view: In what other ways do you see your time on the range relating to life?

Ghillie and the Suit

511 Overwatch — Author Eric Davis developing urban sniper techniques

Last week I had the opportunity to visit with Dave Rhoden at 511 Tactical Gear. He sat me down in their conference room, pulled out a pen and with a look of intensity asked, “What do you need?”.

I went on to tell him about how relevant the tactics, principles, and gear were to professionals outside of the traditional tactical channels. I explained to him how asymmetrical warfare had thrusted traditional Operators into suits and ties and that the day’s of not blending in were over.

From there I went on to describing a new breed of business professionals. Powered executives thirsty for adventure and serious about protecting their loved ones. In almost what must have sounded like the voice of a desperate man I looked him in the eyes and said “If there was just a tactical gear company that understood this, it would be a game changer”.

Dave looked up at me and said. “You could not have come at a better time”.

Dave stood up and began to walk me around. He showed me what they’ve done and what they’re going to be doing. He introduced me to the 511 team. Each and everyone of them engaged me with the enthusiasm and casual intensity that only comes from those passionate about what they do.

A few days later this showed up at my door. A perfect blend of tactical meeting professional. The 511 Overwatch Carry-on.

Their site said it best: “Playing equal roles as a duffel, shooting platform and garment bag, the Overwatch Carry On delivers on all fronts. Fast business-casual design integrates a duffel bag, shooter’s mat and garment bag into one easy, carry-on size. When versatilty is what the mission calls for, this meets the needs of the quiet professional”.

This bag does it all.

A duffel, garment, rifle bag and shooters mat in one. If you go to their site you can see more of the detail that they built into it.

Those side flaps have laser-cut micro loop internal web platforms built in. So yes you can attach whatever pouches or accessories you need for shooting.

It’s of course built with gun carry in mind. It’s perfectly sized for a compact assault riffle as well. You’ll just have to leave your blowdryer behind to carry it.

So whether you’re on a business trip and plan on doing some shooting or working in LA to provide overwatch and surveillance this bag has you covered.

Be sure to visit their site and checkout the video they shot about how to deploy the bag.

I look forward to showing you more of their stuff in the very near future. It’s about time someone gets ahead of the curve.

511 Tactical