Ep 297: SOF TACP, Author Wes Bryant

Send us Fan Mail Welcome 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 Background 01:28 Entering the Air Force and Transitioning to TACP 03:16 Challenges in Dive School and Transition to TACP 06:08 Returning to Dive School and Graduating 07:45 Transitioning to PJ Pipeline and Leaving 08:41 Returning to TACP and Deploying to Iraq 09:24 Transitioning to ST TACP and Selection 13:55 Experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan 17:51 Importance of JTACs in Air-Ground Operations 19:18 Role of Air Force JTACs in Ground Maneuver Units 21:49 Understanding ROE and Decision-Making 23:12 The Complexity of the JTAC Role 25:23 The Kinetic Strike Cell and Targeting Operations 33:32 Establishment of the Strike Cell and Transition to Screens 37:56 Frustrations and Challenges in the Strike Cell 39:43 Hunting the Caliphate 40:32 Working with General Pittard 41:23 General Pittard’s Leadership 42:16 Running Strike Operations in Syria 43:16 Writing the Book with General Pittard 45:09 Editing the Book 46:13 The Enlisted Perspective 47:40 ROE Challenges in Iraq 48:59 Approval Process for Air Strikes 50:04 Communication Challenges with Strike Cells 52:20 Personal Conflicts in Combat Zones 53:19 The Complexity of Relationships in Combat Zones 55:26 Green on Blue Incidents 56:20 Transitioning to Civilian Life 59:30 Identity Crisis after Retirement 01:05:24 Advice for Joining Air Force Special Warfare Support the show Join this channel to get access to perks: HERE Buzzsprout Subscription page: HERE Register for our Operator Training Summit: OperatorTrainingSummit.com Find an Air Force Recruiter: AirForce.com Collabs: Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code: ONESREADY ATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code): ATACLete Danger Close Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADY DFND Apparel...