Jocko Podcast 502: Crazy Horse: Courage, Loss, and the Fight in Iraq. With Pilot, Dan McClinton
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Aug 20, 2025 Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 and Apache pilot Dan McClinton, who served 24 years in the Army with three combat tours to Iraq, shares gripping tales from his time as a military pilot. He recounts the emotional challenges of a mission over Baghdad, reflecting on the loss of comrades and the bonds formed in high-pressure scenarios. McClinton dives into the dynamics of air combat, the harsh realities of war, and the difficulties of transitioning to civilian life, all while emphasizing the importance of preserving military narratives.
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From Huey Kid To Apache Veteran
- Dan McClinton recounts serving 24 years as an Army pilot, transitioning from Hueys to AH-64 Apaches and flying over 1,000 combat hours in Iraq.
- He wrote Crazy Horse and other works to document those experiences and lessons learned.
Street-To-Flight Path Choice
- Dan describes joining the Army to pursue flight after college and getting sent to Warrant Officer Candidate School then flight school at Fort Rucker.
- He emphasizes not letting recruiters steer aspiring pilots into crew-chief routes if they want to fly.
Helicopter Training Is Rapid And Practical
- Army helicopter pilot training puts students directly into helicopters without fixed-wing time, emphasizing hands-on learning and quick soloing.
- The program evolved from Vietnam-era needs to rapidly produce pilots for combat demand.
