Daniel Corbett: The American Mercenary – SEAL Missions, 18 Months in a Serbian Prison, and Life as a Private Contractor

Team Never Quit

From Navy SEAL to Private Contractor: The Journey of Daniel Corbett
In this gripping episode, Marcus and Melanie sit down with Daniel Corbett, a former elite Navy SEAL operator turned private military contractor. Daniel takes us through his fascinating journey from joining the Navy in 2002, right out of high school, to serving in some of the most renowned and secretive SEAL Teams, including SEAL Team 5, SEAL Team 6, and SEAL Team 17. Hear about his deployment to Iraq in 2005, his global missions with SEAL Team 6, and his experiences instructing the next generation of SEALs at the Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command.
We also delve into Daniel's transition from active duty to private military contracting—a world where high-stakes missions take on new meaning. Daniel shares the story of his 2017 arrest in Belgrade, Serbia, where he was imprisoned for eighteen months. Now back in the States, Daniel continues to apply his expertise in unconventional problem-solving for clients in need of unique solutions. Whether he’s monitoring international events or getting unexpected phone calls, Daniel’s post-military career is anything but ordinary.
Tune in for an inside look at one of the most high-stakes careers on the planet, and hear firsthand what it takes to thrive as a SEAL, contractor, and global problem-solver.
In This Episode You Will Hear:
• [Growing up] We lived in Germany. My dad was stationed there. We’d just drive around and see castles. It was cool. (3:06)
• What got me [to join the SEAL teams] is that they interviewed one operator, and he goes “What makes you guys so good?” The team guy responded with: “It’s not that we’re that good, it’s just that everybody else sucks.” (6:35)
• [Marcus] Q: What do you think the best job in the SEAL teams is? Best rank.
[Daniel} A: E5 Mafia. Cause you have some power, but you’re not responsible for shit. (9:47)
• I was a triathlete and cross-country runner. (13:39)
• [Marcus] There’s a thing that we don’t talk about. It’s not in the books or the documentaries. You sign up knowing you’re gonna fail all the time, so naturally, you wanna be a shit bag. (18:16)
• I’m the man at weddings, because I do bring my sewing kit. Buttons? I got you. (23:55)
• I was a young hot shot guy. I was at the squadron. It’s nice, but nothing has ever compared to when I had a Platoon OIC, LPO or chief come up and say “Hey, these kids you put through CPC, they’re awesome. You did a really good job.” (26:34)
• I coined the terms: “Falsely Intuitive.” (29:18)
• [Melanie – While escorting cargo ships] Q: What would you do if pirates did roll up on you?
[Daniel] A: Get on the Bridgeway and take your iron sight, and try your best. (34:25)
• In Belgrade, Serbia, I was arrested and locked up. I wasn’t charged for 11 months. I looked up, and there was a 21 year old kid with a gun pointed at my head, terrified. I could hear the magazine springs rattling with his finger on the trigger. And I’m like “After all the stuff I’ve done. Not like this.” (35:49)
• When I was being interrogated, they asked: “You’re not CIA, DEA? You’re not here to kill the president?” (37:35)
• I came home to $86,000 in debt to the IRS, and a credit score of 530. (43:28)
• Love is the antagonist to fear. (46:12)
• I know I’m loved. That’s really what got me through. (46:26)
• There’s no responsible journalism anywhere anymore. (48:18)
Socials:
- IG: american_mercenary
- www.danieldavidcorbettiii.com
- https://a.co/d/7XstytC <------ (Get the book here)

- IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
- https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit

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