Ones Ready Ep 477: Special Tactics Officer & Combat Control School Commander - Lt Col Rylan Tanner
Some dudes show up shredded with swagger. Others show up ready to grind. Rylan Tanner showed up both — and still had to bleed for it. In this brutally honest episode, Aaron and Jared break down the rise, stall, and redemption of one of the most talked-about Special Warfare candidates to come through the prep pipeline.
You’ll hear about what it’s like to crush PSTs and still struggle, the lessons of humility when leadership doesn’t think you’re ready, and why “doing everything right” sometimes still ends with you getting dropped. But guess what? That doesn’t mean you’re done.
This episode’s about embracing failure, owning the pain, and building back with twice the fight. If you’re preparing for A&S and think heart alone will get you through, press play. You’re gonna need more.
🔥 Key Takeaways:
- 💀 You can crush PSTs and still get dropped
- 🧠 Special Warfare selection doesn’t care about potential—it demands performance
- 🛑 Rylan got told “No.” Then “You’re not ready.” Then “Still no.”
- 💡 The difference between being trainable vs. being ready right now
- 🔁 Second chances come—but only if you’re humble enough to deserve them
- 💬 Real mentorship requires honesty, not just motivation
- 🥵 A&S is about pressure, not perfection
- 🧭 You are not entitled to success—earn it every damn day
- ⚔️ Leaders don’t pick the best—they pick who can survive with the team
- 🔁 Ego kills. Grit saves. Know the difference.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro and why Rylan Tanner’s story matters
01:30 – The early potential: PST domination
04:00 – What instructors really look for
06:15 – Getting dropped: not personal, but always painful
09:00 – Feedback vs. feelings: the harsh truth
12:00 – What humility sounds like in uniform
15:30 – Rebuilding from failure the right way
18:00 – Second attempt mindset
21:00 – Why ego is the ultimate liability
24:00 – Lessons for every A&S candidate
27:30 – How mentorship can suck but still save your life
30:00 – Final thoughts and Rylan’s message to others
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