Tactical Tangents

Ed Darack is an author and war reporter who has embedded with US forces in Afghanistan and written a couple books about it. Extortion 17 was a US Chinook helicopter that was shot down by a lucky hit by a Taliban fighter with an RPG. 38 US and Afghan personnel and a military working dog were killed in what became the largest single loss of Special Operations personnel in Afghanistan. Just so happens, Jim was deployed at the time of the incident and has personal connections with the story. In the aftermath, several rumors and conspiracy theories surfaced about the incident, and Ed wrote an article and then a book to get the story right and honor the memories of the personnel and crew who were killed that night. The article, The Final Flight of Extortion 17 The book, The Final Mission of Extortion 17 For an overview on Afghanistan, Ed's book Victory Point Remember that we publish new episodes on the 1st and the 15th of every month! Find us on Facebook @TacTangents or email us at info@tacticaltangents.com www.ta

This might sound a little boring, but let's face it: Trying to get stuff done when you're dealing with your bosses is a skill of its own. Some people are better at it than others. We discuss some strategies for dealing with "obstructions" in the workplace. It's not that you should backdoor everything and circumvent rules or procedure, its just that there are some ways to go about the system that might help you achieve your mission.  How To Win Friends and Influence People Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War The Pentagon Wars Check out Riton Optics! Use their military/public safety discount or our code #TacTangents for 15% off! Tell them we sent ya! Remember that we publish new episodes on the 1st and the 15th of every month! Find us on Facebook @TacTangents or email us at info@tacticaltangents.com www.tacticaltangents.com Intro music credit: Bensound.com

What is a tactic? How do we come up with them? The word tactical is one of those buzzwords we throw around, but what does it all mean? We are going to talk about how people apply creativity and problem solving to coming up with a list of solutions to situations we face in our professions. That involves several layers: We have to come up with ideas, we have to test them, we have to make sure they are grounded in reality, and ultimately it takes a team of people to make this process work. How do we go from "bar-napkin idea," to "the way we do business?" The Ground Truth: The Untold Story of America Under Attack on 9/11 Remember that we publish new episodes on the 1st and the 15th of every month! Find us on Facebook @TacTangents or email us at info@tacticaltangents.com Check out Riton Optics! Use discount code TacTangents for 15% off. Better discounts for military/public safety, but still tell them we sent you! www.ritonoptics.com www.tacticaltangents.com Intro music credit: Bensound.com

Mike and Jim discuss the differences between a boss, manager, and leader, styles of leadership and how they affect a team or organization. We'll cover things like establishing social norms and how close or distant leaders should develop their personal relationship with subordinates. TED Talk Aid in Africa Parkland Sheriff claiming he's not responsible Remember that we publish new episodes on the 1st and the 15th of every month! Find us on Facebook @TacTangents or email us at info@tacticaltangents.com www.tacticaltangents.com Intro music credit: Bensound.com

We interviewed Andy Brown, the author of Warnings Unheeded, to discuss his role in stopping an active shooter with an AK47 by shooting him in the head from 68 yards away with his pistol. We cover the things that he credits with his success that day including dry fire practice, mental rehearsals, and personal responsibility, as well as the pre-attack indicators that several people observed before the attack. We also discuss a notorious B-52 crash that happened in preparation for an airshow at Fairchild shortly after. This is one you won't want to miss. For Andy's book click here: https://amzn.to/2ArHfkD Find Andy Brown at his website, http://fairchildhospitalshooting.com Check out our new sponsor, Riton Optics, at RitonOptics.com and use the discount code TacTangents for 15% off. Contact them for military or public safety pricing and before sure to let them know that we sent you. They have good gear and a rock solid lifetime warranty. Remember that we publish new episodes on the 1st and the 15th of every month

Craig Douglas is a retired SWAT and undercover narcotics cop who started a company called Shivworks, specializing in close-range and entangled gunfighting and knife defense. His classes and training philosophies are legendary, and he joined us on the podcast to discuss some of those things. He also has courses dealing with solo building searches and fighting in a vehicle, which both present a pretty unique set of problems. Listen us to pick Craig's brain about pressure-testing tactics and techniques, edged weapons, de-escalation, and the right time to draw or use a gun. Be sure to check out Craig's open-enrollment classes, he travels all over! www.shivworks.com Entanglement Considerations Verbal Agility (Trigger Time TV) Managing a Stranger's Approach Remember that we publish new episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month! Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @TacTangents, or email us info@tacticaltangents.com.  Now sponsored by Riton Optics! Use discount code TacTangents for 15% off, or contact them

Whether you are organizing an air battle campaign or you are wrestling over a gun with a bad guy, there is a lot to be said about the element of time. Mike and Jim discuss how we have to account for the time variable in a conflict, and how staying disciplined, gaining initiative, and being patient are important factors to consider in terms of keeping up with the fight or shaping the outcome of any individual battle. We also took a few questions from the audience and talked briefly about the Southwest Airlines crisis that occurred recently.  Starbucks Controversy Southwest Airlines radio traffic Remember that we publish new episodes on the 1st and the 15th of every month! Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @TacTangents or email us at info@tacticaltangents.com www.tacticaltangents.com Intro music credit: Bensound.com

We met with the commanders of the Air Unit and SWAT Team for the Bernalillo Co Sheriff in Albuquerque. This is a busy agency with a lot going on. We talk about leadership, career paths to special teams in law enforcement, discuss a police helicopter shot down, and cover practical tips to keep yourself and your stuff safe. Thanks to Undersheriff Koren, Lieutenant Blackmon, and Deputy Maggard for arranging this interview. Sign up for our new weekly bulletin for short emails (500 words) of tactical insight! newsletter.tacticaltangents.com Remember that we publish new episodes on the 1st and the 15th of every month! Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @TacTangents or email us at info@tacticaltangents.com www.tacticaltangents.com Intro music credit: Bensound.com Episode Photo Credit BCSO Homepage

Doctor Tang is a trauma surgeon, professor of surgery, and the Director of Trauma at the University of Arizona Medical Center in Tucson, AZ. Doctor Tang joins Mike and Jim to discuss things related not only to trauma and medicine, but also leadership, teaching, and working under pressure. Hear the Doc explain what he knows about certain prehospital practices and what we could do better as part of a larger trauma system. Are chest seals worth while? Should we transport people in the back of police cars? What are your odds of survival if you get shot? Hear the answers to these questions and more in this episode! Philadelphia PD transports patients with penetrating trauma: Link Be sure to check out the Southwest Regional Trauma Conference, link here Photo used with permission, Credit: Roni Ziemba, Ziemba Photographic Arts, http://ziembaphoto.com and on Facebook @ziembaphoto Remember that we publish new episodes on the 1st and the 15th of every month! Find us on Facebook @TacTangents or email us at info@tactica

We are just starting to comprehend the impact of information protection and cyber security on tactical reality. It turns out that you don’t have to be a level 9 computer hacker ninja – you just have to manage your risk and actively work on your security. Self-awareness and layers will help you a lot. Alridge Ames Interview The Interrogator Protecting the Gift DEFCON 15 No Tech Hacking Remember that we publish new episodes on the 1st and the 15th of every month! Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and now Instagram! @TacTangents or email us at info@tacticaltangents.com www.tacticaltangents.com Intro music credit: Bensound.com

Language warning! In an earlier episode, we had our buddy Isaac on the show who was getting ready to start the police academy. Isaac graduated the academy and is now a sworn officer in the middle of field training, and he's checking in with us to share some lessons learned. He's going to talk to us about active shooter training and a shift in his thinking, away from gadgets and gear towards training and mindset (People, Ideas, Hardware--In that order!) and he'll tell us about some dumb rookie mistakes he's made. What challenges was he not expecting? What wasn't on the brochure? We'll also touch on the importance of being able to write a good report, which Jim talked about in this article. And of course, we still make fun of his mustache.  Remember to subscribe for new episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month. You can find us on Facebook @tactangents, check out the website www.tacticaltangents.com, and if you need to reach us, send an email to info@tacticaltangents.com! Intro music credit bensound.com  

A police officer on the east coast was fired for failing to shoot a suicidal person with a gun. We talk about applying critical thinking to discussions like this, because it's important that we consider the arguments of both sides to such a debate. We're going to talk about context in use of force, how lawsuits and litigation fit in to these sorts of discussions, and reconciling the fact that sometimes cops have to kill otherwise good people. Remember that we publish new episodes on the 1st and the 15th of every month! Find us on Facebook @TacTangents or email us at info@tacticaltangents.com www.tacticaltangents.com Intro music credit: Bensound.com

The courts make the final judgement on use of force--but they rely heavily on the expert testimony of legends like Massad Ayoob. Mas is a champion shooter and long-time teacher in matters related to self-defense, police doctrine, and use of force. He joined Mike on the podcast to answer some questions from our audience. What are we lacking in training? What should a citizen look for in an self-defense attorney? What should we do about the inconsistencies in our statement compared to video recordings? Are defensive gun uses trending up or down? Check out this episode to hear it from an expert and 45-year veteran in the industry.  Find us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/TacTangents or on the web www.tacticaltangents.com Email us info@tacticaltangents.com Subscribe for new episodes on the 1st and 15th!  Did you know we are starting a newsletter? Check it out at newsletter.tacticaltangents.com  

Annette is a competitive shooter, private firearms instructor, attorney, author, blogger, and she was gracious enough to join Mike on the podcast for an interview. If you are just getting into shooting as a private citizen, listening to her talk about learning a new skill is worth your time. She and I talk about her progression from casual shooting to serious self-defense, and the value of steeping yourself in the competition shooting sports. She tells us what to look for in shooting instructors, some thoughts on carrying a concealed handgun, and ways to practice shooting at home "without the noise and recoil." (Hint: It has something to do with her book, The Dry Fire Primer!) Links related to the show:  Annette's book, The Dry Fire Primer Annette's Facebook Page PHLster (Use discount code blastingbeauty10) Annette makes a reference to John and Melody's Class (and the podcast, Ballistic Radio) Annette's video on purse carry (she didn't love this question, thanks for being a good sport Annette!) For more on de

Communicating during a crisis is its own skill all by itself. We’re going to talk about some principles that can help you get it right whether you use radios professionally in public safety, aviation, or the military--or if you are a private citizen trying to get that 911 call out in a hurry. Ideas in here to think about: "Aviate, Navigate, Communicate." Don't be "that guy" on the radio, take one step back from the crisis when you click that button. “Push to talk, not to think.” -A friend we know. Finally, think about how communication strategies are also leadership strategies--Clear out some of that fog and friction, and bring calm to the chaos. Intro sound credit: SoundBible.com

Ambush is a term that we tend to overuse to mean any attack that catches us off guard. We are going to define the term ambush and, more importantly, define the counter-tactics to apply if you are ambushed. The important thing to realize is that the sooner you identify an imminent or in-progress ambush, the sooner you are able to effectively respond to it. So we have to make sure we aren’t getting too wrapped in the semantics here, it only matters if your counter-tactics apply. We're going to look at a handful of civilian case studies and discuss what those ambush tactics and counter-tactics look like so you might be able to pick up on them if they are ever happening to you.  Opening Story Links to Active Self Protection, thanks John!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zpA2IZNTRY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYIGWVdCZGM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRhzk8SYm-M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLmoERgcTx8 Clear and Present Danger Gift of Fear  Remember that we publish new episodes on the 1st and the 15th o

Like many good ideas in the tactical community, "Slow is smooth, Smooth is Fast," is one of those that started out with strong roots and grew into something barely recognizable. We lose IQ points when the adrenaline hits--the emotional response that we experience under stress bypasses our ability to make rational decisions. We think that this phrase is best applied to our cognitive awareness and ability to take control of feeling overwhelmed, get a true sense of the problem at hand, reason with competing priorities, and bring calm to the chaos. It's a useful training tool, but it really doesn't have anything to do with "acting slow," it's about slowing our mind down enough to make sense of what's happening around us.  Black Hawk Down Remember that we publish new episodes on the 1st and the 15th of every month! Find us on Facebook @TacTangents or email us at info@tacticaltangents.com www.tacticaltangents.com Intro music credit: Bensound.com  

In the mid-nineties a Fedex employee facing termination attempted to hijack Fedex Flight 705 from Memphis to San Jose. His plan was to take over the plane and crash it into the Fedex headquarters, and he wanted to make it look like an accident. Armed with a hammer and a spear gun, he launched a surprise attack against the crew of three shortly after takeoff. This is one of many chilling examples of how workplace violence can turn really bad really fast. We discuss some of the warning signs and pre-assault indicators, strategies for intervening in a close-quarters attack, and some of the reasons checklists are such a big deal for pilots. Links from the show:  Voice Recorder transcript Court Case Checklist Simulator example Example of all the stuff going on in the cockpit during normal takeoff/flight/landing 2015 intentional crash The Gift of Fear Mindhunter Columbine Ted Bundy   New shows on the 1st and the 15th!  www.tacticaltangents.com facebook.com/tactangents  

Boyd used to walk people through a thought experiment in which he wanted people to use their imagination to “create a new reality,” to illustate the creative nature of our minds. In a tactical sense, we can take lessons learned from several different places and apply those principles to whatever realm is important to us. At Tactical Tangents, we are always trying to find a balance among law enforcement, military, and concealed-carry topics—but it’s important to consider that we can all find value in the lessons learned in each of those fields. In this episode, we discuss two controversial police shootings (Philando Castile and Daniel Shaver) and the binary terms that people tend to use to describe these sorts of incidents: Justified, or not. Murder, or self-defense. Good shoot, or Bad Shoot. Sometimes, it’s somewhere in between. Think of it like a critical thinking exercise—understand the complexities of human behavior and decision making. No two tactical encounters look exactly the same—but sometimes they rh

John Boyd was the guy behind the OODA loop, the F-15, the F-16. He and his group of reformers were also largely responsible for the A-10, the Warfighting manual for the USMC, and some of the planning of Desert Storm. Boyd said, "War is ever changing, and men are ever fallible-Teach men to think!" He was also, in a lot of ways, the inspiration for the Tactical Tangents project. Hear about the guerilla reform movement he led against the bureaucracy that is the US Department of Defense and how his work affected tactics, leadership, decision making, and the Art of War.  57:09 New episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month! Please leave us feedback, reviews, like/share/subscribe! Follow us on Facebook or Twitter @TacTangents Links: The Book The Pentagon Wars by James Burton (Book) (Video) Intro Music credit--Bensound.com