Fighter Pilot Podcast

'On Future War' is a 12-part series exploring the evolving landscape of military strategy and defense technologies with a focus on the Pacific.

On this episode, Mike "Pako" Benitez and Andrew "Scar" Van Timmeren discuss the differences between fourth and fifth-generation fighter jets, focusing on the F-22 and F-35, with insights on the learning curve and intuitive nature of the Lightning II compared to the complexity of the Raptor.

Pako and Scar further discuss situational awareness and task management in modern fighters, with a look ahead to the future of air superiority with a discussion on sixth-generation fighters.

Brought to you by Authentic Media with the support of Cubic Defense.

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Retired US Navy Captain Greg "Rug Dance" Wooldridge knows a thing or two about the Blue Angels because he led them a time or two...actually THREE times. That was in the 1990s.

Back then, Rug Dance was involved in the documentary Around the World at the Speed of Sound and today he is one of the creative geniuses behind the 2024 Blue Angels iMax feature. On this episode, he explains the magic of being a Blue Angel with guest host Matt "Flounder" Arny.

Book Rug Dance as your organization's next keynote speaker here.

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Former Royal Navy Sea Harrier pilot Paul "Tremors" Tremelling makes his debut as a Fighter Pilot Podcast guest host interviewing his friend John "JP" Parker.

As a career Royal Air Force pilot, JP flew numerous aircraft including the Jet Provost, BAE Systems Hawk, Blackburn Buccaneer, Panavia Tornado, and even the British Aerospace Sea Harrier during a stint with the Royal Navy.

Find Tremors' book, Harrier: How to be a Fighter Pilot here and check out JP's drone project, The Jackal, here.

Enjoy the banter between these two longtime friends on this British-themed episode!

Support this podcast at — https://www.patreon.com/cw/ftrpltpdcst

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Gil "Duster" Rud has led a charmed life, from meager roots on a North Dakota farm to joining Naval Aviation and eventually commanding the Navy's demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels.

Duster explains leading the Blues in general and during the difficult transition from flying the A-4 Skyhawk to the F/A-18 Hornet.

Pick up a copy of Duster's book, From the Prairie to the Pacific and learn more about him on the Blue Angels Phantoms channel here.

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'On Future War' is a 12-part series exploring the evolving landscape of military strategy and defense technologies with a focus on the Pacific.

On this episode, Mike "Pako" Benitez, Dr. Lance "Boil" Lewis, and Scott "Roger" Chafian. explore the background and rationale behind the Marine Corps' Force Design 2030, which fundamentally changes the doctrine and operating concepts of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Removing tanks and transitioning from artillery to rocket units are just the beginning--standing up Marine Littoral Regiments as part of naval expeditionary force enables greater mobility, sustainability, and operations in the maritime domain, providing commanders greater options for sea denial operations.

Brought to you by Authentic Media with the support of Cubic Defense.

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Former F-14 pilot-tuned-astronaut Reid "Tonto" Wiseman describes flying the Tomcat and NASA's return to the moon after more than a half century.

Postscript: since this episode aired, Tonto circled the moon as mission commander of Artemis II.

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Since April 1924, the Royal Canadian Air Force has defended Canadians and all freedom-loving people not just in the skies over North America but indeed, all over the world.

On this episode, Lieutenant General Eric Kenny, Commander of the RCAF, explains the military element's century of service from World War 2 through current global struggles. LGen Kenny also explains the many activities and events occurring in 2024 to celebrate and showcase the centennial of service, honoring past, present, and the future generation of RCAF service members.

Click here to learn more about the Royal Canadian Air Force centennial.

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Most aviation enthusiasts can readily explain what a pilot is and does, but what about a Radar Intercept Officer, Bombardier / Navigator, or Tactical Coordinator?

On this episode, FPP friend and occasional cohost Matt "Flounder" Arny, a former RIO-turned WSO, explains the world of Naval Flight Officers—what they are, what they do, how they're trained, and how far up the promotion ladder they can go.

To learn more about Flounder's services in management consulting and leader development, or to book him as a keynote speaker, click here.

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Retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General John "Dragon" Teichert knows leadership.

As an F-15E Strike Eagle and F-22 Raptor pilot early on, Dragon went on to multiple command tours before concluding his 27-year-career as the Assistant Deputy Undersecretary of the Air Force for International Affairs. Along the way, he championed inspirational, innovative, integrity-filled leadership that culminated in a 2024 run for the U.S. Senate.

Check out Dragon's book, Boom! Leadership that Breaks Barriers, Challenges Convention, and Ignites Innovation here.

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Scott Dworkin won't take "no" for an answer.

As a fighter pilot-hopeful, Scott encountered obstacle after obstacle that forced him to pivot to aviation photography and later aviation photojournalism, where he went on to fly in most US Air Force and many US Navy aircraft, without ever wearing the uniform.

Today, Scott is the genius behind Mach 91 Aerial Photography and the author of this generation's greatest Naval Aviation book, Becoming the Rhino.

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