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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

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