In this episode of Power Athlete Radio, I’m excited to sit down with John McPhee, a highly decorated former Delta Force operator known for his unparalleled expertise in combat operations. McPhee, often nicknamed “Shrek” or “the Sheriff of Baghdad,” had an illustrious military career spanning more than two decades, including serving on elite U.S. Army special missions and leading hundreds of solo raids in the Middle East. With an intense combination of humor, courage and insight, McPhee’s career offers a rare look into the life of a Delta Force soldier, and in this episode we explore his experiences, mindset and what it really takes to operate at the top. of military excellence.

Born and raised on the tough streets of Chicago’s South Side, McPhee’s path to military greatness was not easy. His childhood, marked by hardship, taught him survival skills that would later define his success in combat. He grew up in a difficult environment where he and his brother often had to fend for themselves, facing challenges that required intelligence and resilience. This foundation, built through adversity, paved the way for a military life.

McPhee joined the U.S. Army at age 21 after working as a mechanic and welder. His early days in the military saw him join the elite ranks of the Rangers before moving to Delta Force, where he honed his skills in combat, leadership and operational planning. Delta Force, also known as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), is the tip of the U.S. special operations spear, and McPhee’s time there included a series of high-risk solo operations that solidified his reputation as an actor. of the best military operators.

One of the unique aspects of McPhee’s career is his extensive experience conducting solo missions in hostile environments. From Afghanistan to Iraq, McPhee operated independently, often behind enemy lines without reinforcement, conducting raids and intelligence-gathering operations. In the podcast, McPhee explains what it takes to succeed in such isolated and dangerous scenarios.

The physical demands are obvious: navigating dangerous terrain, avoiding detection, and remaining combat ready for hours or days. However, McPhee emphasizes that mental preparation is just as important, if not more. Operating solo requires complete confidence in one’s abilities, combined with a thorough understanding of the mission and environment. For McPhee, each solo mission was a calculated risk that depended on mental discipline and unwavering focus on the task at hand.

“I would walk into the desert, knowing that if something went wrong, no cavalry would come,” McPhee recalled in the episode. His ability to compartmentalize fear and remain calm in life-threatening situations has allowed him to perform operations that would seem impossible to the average person.

In addition to his extraordinary combat experience, McPhee has trained and mentored some of the military’s most elite soldiers, including MMA fighter and Green Beret Tim Kennedy. McPhee’s philosophy on leadership and mentoring is based on action rather than words. He believes the best operators lead by example, setting the standard in everything from tactical execution to physical fitness.

“I don’t coach people and tell them what to do,” McPhee says. “I want them to see how I work, learn from it and then be the best version of themselves.” His approach to training emphasizes autonomy, allowing Soldiers to take initiative and make decisions under pressure.

In the podcast, McPhee also talks about his post-military career, where he moved into video diagnostic training, founding his own platform, SOB Tactical. Through this platform, it helps military, police and civilian shooters hone their skills, using cutting-edge techniques to improve shooting efficiency and accuracy.

Given McPhee’s extensive experience as a sniper, we also look at the evolution of sniper operations in modern warfare. From his early days learning the basics of Ranger School to his later expertise in Delta Force, McPhee reflects on how snipering has changed with advances in technology and strategy.

“A lot of people think that being a sniper is just about shooting, but it’s so much more than that,” McPhee says. “It’s about positioning, patience and the ability to gather intelligence while remaining completely undetectable.” In the episode, he dispels myths about snipers and provides insight into how the role of a sniper has evolved in the face of the complexities of modern warfare.

Throughout the podcast, McPhee offers a candid look at the life of a Delta Force operator, filled with risk, discipline, and a relentless quest for excellence. Whether sharing war stories or reflecting on the lessons he learned in combat, McPhee brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective that listeners will find both captivating and inspiring.

Tune in to the podcast to hear John McPhee’s incredible journey, his lessons from the battlefield, and what it truly means to be a warrior at the highest level.