A deep dive into the life of Delta Force operator John McPhee

On 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 referred to as “Shrek” or “The Sheriff of Baghdad,” had an illustrious military career spanning more than two decades, including serving in elite US military special missions and leading hundreds of solo raids in the Middle East . With an intense mix of humor, seriousness, and insight, McPhee’s career offers a rare glimpse 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 rough streets of South Chicago, McPhee’s road to military greatness was not straightforward. His difficult childhood taught him survival skills that would later define his success in battle. He grew up in a harsh environment where he and his brother often had to fend for themselves, facing challenges that required street smarts and resilience. This foundation, built through adversity, set the stage for a life in the military.

McPhee joined the US 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 transferring 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 spearhead of US special operations, and his time there included a number of solo operations of high risk that cemented his reputation as one of the top operators in the military.

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 support, conducting raids and intelligence-gathering operations. In the podcast, McPhee talks about what it takes to succeed in such isolated and dangerous scenarios.

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

“I’d be walking around the desert knowing that if something went wrong, no cavalry was coming,” McPhee reflects in the episode. His ability to compartmentalize fear and remain calm in life-threatening situations 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 of leadership and mentoring is based on actions rather than words. He believes the best operators lead by example, setting the standard in everything from tactical execution to fitness.

“I don’t guide people by telling them what to do,” says McPhee. “I want them to see how I operate, learn from it, and then be the best version of themselves.” His approach to training emphasizes self-reliance, empowering soldiers to take initiative and make decisions under pressure.

In the podcast, McPhee also talks about his post-military career where he transitioned into video diagnostic training, founding his own platform – SOB Tactical. Through this platform, he helps military, law enforcement 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 delve into the evolution of sniper operations in modern warfare. From his early days learning the fundamentals in Ranger School to his later experience in Delta Force, McPhee reflects on how sniping has changed with advances in technology and strategy.

“A lot of people think that being a sniper is just about taking a shot, but it’s so much more than that,” explains McPhee. “It’s about positioning, patience and the ability to gather intelligence while remaining completely undetected.” In the episode, he dispels sniper myths 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 an honest look into the life of a Delta Force operator, one filled with risk, discipline and a relentless pursuit of 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 engaging and inspiring.

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