Jocko Podcast 360: If You Ever Caught A Fighter Pilot In A Defensive Mood, You'd Have Him Licked Before You Started Shooting. With Navy Fighter Pilot Tom Kopel
Nov 16, 2022
Tom Kopel, a retired Navy fighter pilot with a rich history in Vietnam, shares thrilling tales of aerial combat and leadership. He reflects on the intense training and emotional challenges of flying in high-pressure situations. The conversation reveals the intricacies of night landings on aircraft carriers and the importance of teamwork in combat missions. Through personal anecdotes, he highlights the evolution of military aviation and the camaraderie among pilots, emphasizing the psychological toll and the heroic experiences of a fighter pilot's life.
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Early Aviation Exposure
- As a child, Tom Kopel witnessed trucks carrying Grumman F-6 fighters.
- This early exposure to warplanes left a lasting impression.
Path to Aviation
- Tom Kopel's father suggested he join a military service to learn to fly.
- Kopel initially doubted his eligibility but applied anyway.
Musical Preferences
- Tom Kopel disliked Elvis and preferred classical music.
- He found the rock and roll scene unappealing until the British Invasion.