Tim Kennedy, a former UFC fighter and Green Beret, is facing significant scrutiny regarding the narratives he has shared about his wartime experiences. The “Antihero Podcast” recently released an episode that delved into Kennedy’s bestselling book, “Scars and Stripes,” sparking a heated debate about the accuracy of his accounts, particularly concerning the Battle of Firebase Anaconda.
The podcast, hosted by Brent Tucker, a former Delta Force operator, and Tyler Hoover, also an Army veteran, raised serious questions about specific claims made by Kennedy. While it’s undisputed that Kennedy was present at Firebase Anaconda as part of a convoy, the controversy centers around the details he has presented about his actions during that mission.
Tucker and Hoover challenged Kennedy’s assertions regarding killing enemy combatants, aggressively using grenades, claims of running out of ammunition while in a supply convoy, the necessity of killing to acquire an AK-47, his alleged reprimanding of ground force commander Travis Worlock, and descriptions of injuries sustained during the engagement. These claims, as portrayed by Kennedy, have been directly contradicted by individuals who were also present during the Battle of Firebase Anaconda.
Following the podcast’s release, Kennedy responded with a brief explanation that did little to address the core allegations. He then released a subsequent video featuring Travis Worlock. However, in a later interview with the “Antihero Podcast,” Worlock stated that he had no recollection of Kennedy displaying any exceptional performance during the mission, although he acknowledged Kennedy did not retreat.
Adding further complexity to the situation, “Antihero Podcast” released another episode featuring Travis Worlock alongside Kevin Wolf, the senior communications sergeant during the convoy, and Kevin Jenkins, the K9 handler. These three men directly refuted the accuracy of Kennedy’s account in “Stars and Stripes,” stating that much of what was written was untrue.
A particularly contentious point raised by Travis Worlock was Kennedy’s claim of shooting individuals who might have been wounded or not actively engaged in combat. Such actions, if verified, could potentially be classified as war crimes under international humanitarian law, specifically concerning the prohibition against attacking hors de combat. Kennedy, in a past interview with Shawn Ryan, mentioned engaging targets using thermal vision for extended periods nightly, which, based on his description, implied these targets may not have been actively fighting. A similar account is present in his book.
Tim Kennedy pictured in his dress uniform, a subject of discussion amidst scrutiny surrounding his military service claims.
“That did not happen,” Worlock firmly stated, a sentiment echoed by Kevin Wolf, who confirmed no such events occurred and expressed confusion regarding Kennedy’s statements.
In response to these allegations, Tim Kennedy’s attorney, Tim Parlatore, asserted to OutKick that Kennedy stands by his narrative, arguing that his actions were justified by the circumstances and tactics employed, and were conducted under lawful orders.
However, Worlock vehemently denied this, stating to OutKick, “Absolutely, no, that did not happen because there was nobody to shoot on the ground…That’s ridiculous.” He further clarified that only he, as the ground force commander, had the authority to issue orders to engage individuals in such circumstances, and he found it highly improbable that other officers would have issued such orders without his knowledge. Worlock emphasized, “If that had happened, I would have heard the shots…We would have all heard sniper shots going off and grabbed our gear to figure out where it was coming from. None of that happened.”
Worlock also challenged Kennedy to identify the individual using thermals who supposedly designated the targets he allegedly engaged. He recalled the most significant event during that period was clearing an IED, not widespread gunfire.
The group also addressed Kennedy’s claim of holding a young girl for several hours after she sustained injuries from a grenade. The mission members present stated they had no recollection of this event and considered it unlikely, as the girl was reportedly medically evacuated soon after being taken into their care.
Another claim that perplexed Worlock, Wolf, and Jenkins was Kennedy’s assertion of engaging up to 20 targets from a tower. They emphasized that such an event would have been widely known and remembered, and none of them had any recollection or knowledge of it. Worlock explained the heightened security environment of Firebase Anaconda, which had faced near overruns previously, making random, uncoordinated firing from a tower highly improbable and immediately noticeable.
Tim Kennedy’s Bronze Star citation, presented amidst discussions about his military accolades and service record.
Around the 1:44:00 mark in the “Antihero Podcast” episode, the group collectively addressed the implications of engaging individuals who might not have posed an active threat. Brent Tucker clearly stated that such actions would constitute a war crime, a point on which all participants agreed, reinforcing their collective denial that any such event occurred.
Separately, OutKick also investigated claims regarding Kennedy’s valor awards, as mentioned in a tweet. Parlatore provided documentation of Kennedy’s Bronze Star, awarded for his 2006 Iraq deployment, which did not include a V device for valor. Parlatore highlighted that Kennedy has not publicly presented himself in dress uniform or otherwise with a V device, suggesting an absence of intent to misrepresent his awards. He also clarified that online profiles listing a V device were not created by Kennedy.
The question of potential valorous awards for Kennedy’s Afghanistan deployment remains unresolved. Updates will be provided as more information emerges.
Shortly after OutKick’s inquiries, Kennedy issued a statement on Instagram addressing the allegations of stolen valor and apologizing for a previous post that implied he had received valor awards on every deployment. He clarified he has never claimed a Bronze Star with Valor device or a Purple Heart, attributing online mentions of these awards to third-party errors which he is correcting. He admitted his 2019 Instagram post was carelessly worded and could have been interpreted as claiming valor awards he did not possess, for which he sincerely apologized.
USASOC (United States Army Special Operations Command) issued a statement to OutKick regarding the claims against Kennedy, specifically concerning engaging targets identified by thermal vision. They stated that there are no ongoing investigations and Kennedy’s personal views do not represent USASOC. USASOC emphasized their commitment to the highest standards of integrity and accountability, and that any credible allegations of war crimes would be thoroughly investigated by appropriate authorities, though no such investigation is currently underway.
It is crucial for individuals to review all available information from all parties involved and form their own conclusions. Should Tim Kennedy possess evidence substantiating his claims, making it public would contribute to a clearer understanding of the situation. Continued updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
