Rescuing abandoned puppies in war zones…just one of the many stories that you will hear today that reveal the incredible compassion and kindness America’s most elite warriors possess. Amidst all the badassery, guns ablazin, bad guy stopping and impossible missions made possible by commandos in their covert world, there’s also a whole lot of stuff you never get to hear about in the movies, tv shows and books on them. Today, you get the privilege of hanging out with Command Chief Master Sergeant Bruce Dixon, 24th Special Operations Wing, Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field Bruce Dixon - and he’s hooking you up with the real scoop on life in this intense, unseen covert world. Currently, he’s the Director of Training/ Assist. Director of Operations at the Special Tactics Training Squadron– that’s where the final training phases for Special Tactics operators happen before they get assigned to an operational squadron and start to deploy. Talk about an amazing opportunity to discover more about the CCT world! Bruce takes you inside what life is like for commandos in war -  like doing battle with an ugly, vicious, huge clawed critter while under attack from the human enemy. Tag along on a commando adventure rescuing puppies deep in enemy territory. Find out what happens when commandos are faced with an erupting volcano – make sure not to miss Bruce’s description where he paints a vivid picture of what it is like operating in biblical conditions with volcanic ash blocking out the light….day became darkness with lightning setting the ash ablaze in the sky above while Bruce and his buddies helped evacuate folks to safety. What is it like staying behind as the mission essential team while everyone else has fled to safety and more than 250 earthquakes hit? You’ll find out and much, much more. Each of Bruce’s anecdotes will inspire you and fire you up…through hearing how he and his buddies handled epic challenges, you’re getting a master class in how to handle any scary moments that may come your way. Bruce was close friends with the remarkable John Chapman who was recently – and more than well deservedly - given the Medal of Honor. In today’s episode, you also get the special privilege of hearing more about Chapman and the immense courage he showed on that mountain top. Bruce headed out to that same location and same area about 2 weeks later – just one of the many reasons it is important to hear his unique perspective. From intense, dangerous battles through to hilarious moments downrange, this is one jam-packed unmissable episode.

Today’s Air Commando guest recently was awarded the Silver Star for “extraordinary bravery, technical skill, and complete disregard for his own safety.” The citation explains that during two different battles, West repeatedly “exposed himself to direct and accurate enemy fire” while coordinating 88 fixed and rotary wing aircraft; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms; and medical evacuation assets. We get the privilege of hanging out with Mike West just as he’s left the military after more than 30 years defending our country. He takes you inside those battles and explains what it was like calling in 24,000 pounds of precision ordnance to protect his fellow Americans against “waves of enemy attacks.”  In fact, in just this situation alone cited he is credited with saving the lives of 51 Special Forces soldiers and 33 coalition partners. Mike also shares with you the incredibly inspiring story of his friend, fellow commando John Chapman who was recently awarded the Medal of Honor. Hear about how they would restore antique cars together and find out how one extremely covetable one made a guest appearance in a way that might surprise you. In this episode, you’ll learn heaps about the Special Tactics commando culture and find loads of ideas in it you can apply to crush it in your own life from facing seemingly insurmountable problems head on through to power of harnessing courage and wisdom.

Valentine's Day is closing in....great time of year to check in on the art of being a man. In this second half hang out with CAG (DELTA Force) legend Pat McNamara, you're getting hooking up again with this rare look inside such a covert world - and one committed to surpassing excellence in all things. Expect more hard-hitting ground truth from Pat - you're getting him raw and unfiltered with more of his straight talk in this ride along. Patrick McNamara spent 22 years in the United States Army in many special operations units. In doing so, he became a remarkable marksman and an ultimate man's man. Allison throws Pat some more tough questions and he nails every single one. Pat breaks down what it truly takes to be a real man. He even hooks you up with advice not just on hitting your paper targets masterfully...but on scoring a date with that person you've had your eye on. Pat explains the gentlemanly side to being a warrior and arms you with top tips on how to execute dating like the nation's most elite warriors.  You'll get to hear more firsthand about everyday defense - including his advice on what you should carry every day on your person and in your vehicle. Don't miss more of his unforgettable stories and must-know insider knowledge. Pat retired from the Army's premier hostage rescue unit as a Sergeant Major and is the author of T.A.P.S. (Tactical Application of Practical Shooting) and Sentinel. Make sure to listen to the first half of this rare opportunity to hang out with such an elite commando hailing from this remarkable covert force.

Join in on the insider combatives conversation for more ultimate Black Belt badassery in this Part 2 with Alan Shebaro. Alan gives you some straight talk on some of America’s favorite movies and tv shows. This remarkable Special Forces black belt reveals how real combatives are different to the Hollywood version. He shares 3 secrets to his epic success in fighting. Find out what the 4 key advantages that Mixed Martial Arts training provides for real life commandos. Learn what Judo adds to a warfighter's toolkit in a battlespace scenarios. Discover how juijitso is helpful to special operations operators. Alan has also had extraordinary success in is Olympic Weightlifting. Find out the inside story on why this remarkable fighter got into Olympic Weightlifting.  Alan also shares his deep expertise with the very best fighting for law enforcement. For terrorist attacks on the homeland, active shooters, hostage rescue and more…This highly sought after coach describes the best skills for law enforcement – and civilians- to master for crucial advantages. Many people are intimidated by this whole elite world of fighting at the highest level. Folks think you have to be Hercules or Thor to undertake any of the disciplines we discussed...and yet Alan has coached guys who have lost limbs and they train with you and crush it. This amazing veteran donates a huge amount of his time and expertise for working with wounded veterans. We Defy is an extraordinary initiative and Alan shares some powerful stories of some wounded veterans who he has worked with that will leave you massively motivated to hit the gym. Don’t miss the icebreakers with Alan in Part 1 too which are also unforgettable.

Hand to hand fighting between the nation’s most elite warriors and enemy forces…what does it take? Our special guest this week has such a unique perspective.  Not only did Alan Shebaro serve in U.S. Army Special Forces as a Weapons Sergeant Alan and a formidable World Champion Black Belt…he has deep experience training a wide range of elite warriors: Special Forces, Rangers, SEALs, PJs, CCTs, and Marine Corps Force Recon. You are getting quite the Christmas treat having the rare privilege of spending time with this massively sought-after expert. This week you’ll find out how he trains these different types of most elite warriors. Learn how and why the training varies. Alan talks about the key advantages to Mixed Martial Arts training. He reveals how real combatives are different to the fight scenes in the Hollywood movies and reveals what is real in your favorite shows/movies too. Join us after Christmas for Part 2 and more very special, direct access to this extraordinary American warrior.

Dogs have saved countless lives in combat. How do the dogs save lives? How do they learn to work with the soldiers? Kit Sawyer was selected to become a dog handler while serving in the elite Army Rangers. He takes you on a journey from life growing up in Nashville, Alabama – and onto Afghanistan as an elite Army warrior. With several tours under his belt, he has loads of fantastic stories to share with you. On the firefight side of things, you’ll hear about his very first experience in combat and what it is like to be shot at for the first time. You’ll also hear what happens when teams are delivered and extracted by a damaged helo…ever been in a helicopter “rolling landing”? You’ll experience this and other dicey moments alongside Kit today since he is such an awesome storyteller. Find out what is it like learning how to be a dog handler for extremely tough ground missions. Discover how dogs learn to fast rope and jump out of helos. Learn how they stop bombs and attack enemies to protect their human teammates. Ever seen Will Farrell’s “Step Brothers”? Make sure not to miss Kit’s story about his first mission and how life was like the movie.

Find out the 5 ways you can spot someone who may be a dangerous threat – before they reach a point where they bring a gun to school, the office, your local bar and beyond. Learn why nearly all schools have not become any safer- no better at protecting kids- from shooters… even though these mass shootings are clearly on the rise. Find out what tech many schools are dumping huge volumes of money into- that is a giant mistake. The guest this week is Michael Yorio. Michael reveals the biggest vulnerabilities at most schools in America? And shares what simple easy fixes could save children’s lives in the future. To hook you up today, he draws upon very deep experience in defense, security, kidnap & ransom and more. His team draws upon his Blackwater experience where they were called upon to protect US presidents and other huge VIPs. Michael and his team committed to investigating all the evidence and data available on shooter incidents, what works/what doesn’t and many more relevant factors. They’ve developed a best in class system to make schools much safer and the kids safer from shooters. Same thing goes for offices – their techniques could save your life someday. What sorts of gadgets should kids and adults always carry? And what highly advertised gadgets are a waste of your hard-earned money. Should teachers carry weapons? How about football coaches – should they carry weapons? Do you know what technique can make you and your colleagues at increased risk for hostage taking? You will after today. Download and arm yourself with insider knowledge that will change the way you keep yourself, your friends and family safe. Wishing you all a happy Thanksgiving from the Tac Talk team. We are all incredibly grateful to all of you who have served our country. Let’s all give a thought to our deployed troops and their families as well as our law enforcement and emergency services who are working this holiday and won’t be home with their families.

Did you know that the US Army Rangers have been bravely fighting for American values as far back as battling the British to win our Independence? In fact, Rangers even fought to protect us BEFORE the Revolutionary war…before we became the United States of America. The 19 standing orders from back in the mid 1700s used in the French + Indian war…are still used today. This Veterans Day, 12 modern Rangers came to hang out with Allison. These amazing veterans honor the fallen by sharing their stories, to recognize their brothers in arms by sharing stories of remarkable derring-do and pay tribute to those before them by sharing stories of their inspiring missions and bravery. Very few get the privilege to spend an evening with one of our nation’s most elite warriors – let alone a pub full. But you are invited and always inner circle with us. In this special double-header episode, you are sitting right there with them and taking part in a good old-fashioned session fueled by beer, bourbon and tequila…with some Black Rifle Coffee thrown into the mix to keep everyone sharp. Have some drinks while honoring our veterans by listening to their voices, learning about their experiences and hearing their stories. You are going to hear proof that Rangers are so hardcore…even being struck by lightning bolts will not stop them. Find out why a fierce Ranger behind enemy lines and evading capture hunted by the adversary carried a ribbeting frog in his pocket the entire time. The Rangers reveal to you the most fascinating way that Rangers recognize each generation of Rangers before them and all the many, many places all over the world they have shed blood fighting for our country. Discover the very special and unique way that each Ranger recognizes a Ranger who gave his life for our country. Hear the chivalrous story of how a Ranger saved his sister from attack and many more inspiring stories.The “Black Hawk Down” event is widely known…but what people do not know is the impact it had inside the covert world of the Rangers afterwards – today, you’ll know too. This double-decker is bursting with unforgettable stories. And make sure not to miss the final minutes when you get to join in on a jungle mission where Rangers are attacked by swarms of Killer Bees…

Jaw-dropping courage. Extraordinary perseverance. Astonishing resilience. In the lead up to Veterans Day, we’re zeroing in on a WWII story that deserves to be just as well-known as Pearl Harbor…and yet few know it. Hook yourself up and pay tribute with us to those who gave everything for our freedom. Join Allison and veteran Jacob Dahl served in 2nd Ranger Battalion. He took on the Bataan Memorial Death March extreme marathon (Heavy Ruck Division) - a remarkable feat - to recognize the surviving veterans and those who we have lost from this time. Known as one of the most difficult marathons in the world, it honors those incredibly brave warriors who against overwhelming numbers and firepower, while starving and often suffering from crippling malaria and dysentery, cut off from the US military… they resisted the Japanese invasion to stop them from reaching the US west coast and invading our homeland. And then continued to suffer beyond imagination for another three years as POWs were subjected to staggering brutality at the hands of the captors in a merciless environment. They are truly a lesson to us all. Hear firsthand about this remarkable “Death March” event held in the desert terrain of the White Sands Missile Range (famous for nuke bomb testing and now missile tests). Between the sheer scale, the heat, the elevation making just breathing far more difficult, the scorpions and tarantulas, running on the terrain of sand and other threats, about 25 percent become casualties during the Bataan Memorial Death March. Find out about how Army Rangers compete for the honor of paying tribute to these brave souls. The Battalions, and other parts of the military, put forward their best men to participate. Go inside this unforgettable tale when Japanese forces invaded the Philippines – but the soldiers hung on and defended the crucial islands for seven more months starving, ill, wounded and isolated. The “Bataan Death March” followed when the Japanese marched about 75,000 soldiers across 65 miles of jungle, scorching heat – carrying the wounded and Japanese supplies. Too slow for the Japanese? Couldn’t keep up the crazy fast pace because of wounds? Soldiers were bayoneted, shot, decapitated, buried alive, sometimes tortured and beaten to death – to name a few of the ways lives were lost. By the time they reached the camp, more than 10,000 had been killed en route. Once there, the soldiers endured about three years of unspeakable, staggering brutality in the POW camps. Known as “the Great Raid,” US Army Rangers pulled off an amazing raid to liberate those brave souls. Don’t miss the chance to hear an inspiring Ranger from this generation provide his insights on this chapter of our military history, share his experiences with the veterans of the Bataan Death March and provide his secrets to conquering extreme challenges. Make sure not to miss Jacob’s MRE recipes and gladiatorial battle with a giant, ferocious camel spider in the middle of a dangerous mission.

Bears. Bows….and deploying cats as a crafty tactic in war. These are just a few of the many surprising twists and turns in today’s episode. If you’re curious what life for modern day gladiators in their downtime, then this episode is definitely for you. Hang out with Army Ranger Hayden Treu. He hails from Texas and takes us with him on missions in the Middle East through to the backcountry of Washington state for some wild hunting expeditions. This is a deep dive inside the world of the elite Rangers. Traditions, inside jokes, pranks – and the serious stuff too. Hayden had the privilege of serving in Ranger Recon so you’ll get to hear all about how those special skills and hardcore training has helped him as a hunter. Find out some of these techniques you can use to enhance your hunting too. Hayden takes you blow by blow through a face off with a giant bear – in fact nearly record breaking in size…just off by a smidgen. Learn about some awesome places he has come across in his adventures that would be next level for your next outdoor exploration – for mountain climbing, hiking, camping, hunting and just kicking back with a cold beer and enjoying a gorgeous spot. Get hooked up with his top tips for bowhunting and if you’re into elk hunting he has some special particular tips for that too. Hear about the Ranger advantage in tracking and borrow some of those ideas for yourself. Make sure you do not miss finding out how Taylor Swift pops up with the Rangers in the war zones. How is she on a ride along and why? You’ll have to download to find out.