Ep 297: SOF TACP, Author Wes Bryant

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to the team room! This week is special because Trent and Peaches had the opportunity to sit down with former SOF TACP, Wes Bryant. In this conversation, Wes shares his journey from joining the Air Force, to operating at the highest levels of SOF, to transitioning out and finding a new way to serve. His book, "Hunting the Caliphate: America's War on ISIS and the Dawn of the Strike Cell" is live now on Amazon and Wes has been hitting on all cylinders. Wes discusses his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, highlighting the importance of JTACs in air-ground operations. He explains the role of JTACs as air power integrators and advisors to ground commanders. Wes also talks about the establishment of the kinetic strike cell and the transition from being on the ground to working with screens.During the conversation, Wes Bryant working with General Pittard and the leadership qualities he admired in him. Wes shares his insights on the challenges of the approval process for air strikes and the complexities of relationships in combat zones. He offers advice for those looking to join Air Force Special Warfare and emphasizes the importance of research and perseverance.We hope you liked this one and make sure to pick up Wes's book, Hunting the Caliphate: America's War on ISIS and the Dawn of the Strike Cell here - https://www.amazon.com/Hunting-Caliphate-Americas-ISIS-Strike/dp/1642930555 - 00:00 Introduction and Background01:28 Entering the Air Force and Transitioning to TACP03:16 Challenges in Dive School and Transition to TACP06:08 Returning to Dive School and Graduating07:45 Transitioning to PJ Pipeline and Leaving08:41 Returning to TACP and Deploying to Iraq09:24 Transitioning to ST TACP and Selection13:55 Experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan17:51 Importance of JTACs in Air-Ground Operations19:18 Role of Air Force JTACs in Ground Maneuver Units21:49 Understanding ROE and Decision-Making23:12 The Complexity of the JTAC Role25:23 The Kinetic Strike Cell and Targeting Operations33:32 Establishment of the Strike Cell and Transition to Screens37:56 Frustrations and Challenges in the Strike Cell39:43 Hunting the Caliphate40:32 Working with General Pittard41:23 General Pittard’s Leadership42:16 Running Strike Operations in Syria43:16 Writing the Book with General Pittard45:09 Editing the Book46:13 The Enlisted Perspective47:40 ROE Challenges in Iraq48:59 Approval Process for Air Strikes50:04 Communication Challenges with Strike Cells52:20 Personal Conflicts in Combat Zones53:19 The Complexity of Relationships in Combat Zones55:26 Green on Blue Incidents56:20 Transitioning to Civilian Life59:30 Identity Crisis after Retirement01:05:24 Advice for Joining Air Force Special WarfareSupport the showJoin this channel to get access to perks: HEREBuzzsprout Subscription page:  HERERegister for our Operator Training Summit:  OperatorTrainingSummit.comFind an Air Force Recruiter: AirForce.comCollabs:Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code:  ONESREADY ATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code):  ATACLeteDanger Close Apparel - Promo Code:  ONESREADYDFND Apparel...