#182 After Dark - Charlie Ross: Tier 1 Special Ops To Hades Consulting

Welcome back to another After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast. Today I’m honored to be joined by Charlie Ross of Hades Consulting—and this one’s special, because it’s the very first podcast he’s ever been on. We first connected back in early 2025 through a mutual friend, and after months of scheduling and logistics, we were finally able to sit down for this conversation.Charlie spent a long career in the United States military working with a distinct special missions unit, and in this episode, he shares the journey it took to get there, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he carries forward into his life and business today. That business is Hades Consulting—an elite training company forged in the crucible of Army Tier 1 Special Operations and tested on some of the toughest battlefields around the world. Their mission is simple but powerful: to continue serving others by providing the highest level of tactical training to military and law enforcement professionals.We cover Charlie’s story, the philosophy behind Hades Consulting, and his perspective on training, leadership, and service. He opens the podcast with a powerful written statement that I think sets the tone for who he is and what he represents—and it left me with a lot to think about. This is a unique and insightful conversation with a man who has lived it at the highest level. Sit back and enjoy this episode with Charlie Ross of Hades Consulting on the Iron Sights Podcast.Timestamps:00:00 Intro04:49  Personal Message08:34 Military Background & Brotherhood13:50 Transition To Special Missions Unit17:00 Team Dynamics & Improvement20:26 Transitioning To Civilian Life24:16 Founding Hades Consulting38:13 Honesty & Building A Training Business40:49 Adapting Training For Law Enforcement44:41 Philosophy Of CQB & Small Unit Tactics51:54 Overcoming Training Roadblocks58:20 Long-Term Client Relationships1:00:47 Growing The Team & Maintaining Quality1:14:19 Navigating Industry Dynamics1:15:47 Leadership & Team Dynamics1:25:14 The Importance Of Hard Skills1:34:08 Professionalizing Training Processes1:40:15 Commitment To Excellence1:45:01 Reflections & Future DirectionsRed Dot Fitness Training Programs:rdfprograms.comOnline Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/