Master Sgt. Brad "Iceman" Colbert encourages getting help for PTSD

‘Iceman’ aids others with post-combat stress
Marine Corps Times
By Bethany Crudele
Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Oct 14, 2012

GRANT BLANKENSHIP
Master Sgt. Brad Colbert talks with Marine Sgt. Zachary Lira on the morning of the final two jumps of Lira's Airborne certification class in Fort Benning, Ga.

In “Generation Kill,” he was known as the Iceman. Today, nearly 10 years removed from the events that inspired the popular book and subsequent TV miniseries, Master Sgt. Brad Colbert is still one cool customer.

A special skills operations chief at the Army’s airborne school in Fort Benning, Ga., Colbert is responsible for making sure that Marines who attend the program receive the necessary skills and meet their requirements. He also regularly leaps from C-130s to reinforce proper jump techniques.

As depicted in author Evan Wright’s rendering of 1st Reconnaissance Battalion’s role during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Colbert’s gungy persona resonated with Marines, earning him a place in the annals of Marine Corps culture. Even after leaving 1st Recon in 2010, Colbert said he still felt the need for speed — particularly when behind the wheel. But as a senior staff noncommissioned officer, he’s now concerned with setting a positive example and helping Marines find appropriate outlets for their energy.

Colbert recently signed on as a speaker with the Heroes and Healthy Families Leadership Awareness Conference, hoping to use his notoriety from “Generation Kill” to help younger Marines identify behavioral red flags that could be detrimental to their careers. Marine Corps Times spoke with him Oct. 3. Here are excerpts from the interview, edited for clarity and brevity:

Q: What is your objective when you speak to Marines?

A: It’s perfectly human to admit that you have a problem. It means that you are willing and mature enough as a Marine to identify that there’s something within yourself that needs changing and that you’re willing to get the help that you need. This is not a lecture on speeding, safe driving or even motorcycle safety. It’s strictly: hey, you guys know me or at least a version of me and I’m telling you that it’s ok to seek help if you need help. It’s not strictly limited to risky behavior, it’s managing adrenaline post-deployment.
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