The Pilot Project Podcast Episode 79: The Gunner: Life of a USAF Aerial Gunner and flying on the AC130H Spectre Gunship and the HH-60G PAVEHAWK Part 2 - Anthony Dyer
Nov 25, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Anthony Dyer, a retired USAF aerial gunner and author of "Moonchild," shares harrowing tales from his military career, including a chaotic combat rescue mission in East Africa. He dives into the emotional toll of loss and the meaning behind his motto, “These things we do, that others may live.” Anthony opens up about his struggles with identity loss and addiction after leaving the military, highlighting how therapy and writing helped him regain purpose as a husband and father.
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Episode notes
Two Very Different Gunship Tempos
- Gunship missions split into planned operations and immediate 'troops in contact' responses with very different tempos and preparations.
- Anthony Dyer says the urgent beeper missions often required launch within ~30 minutes and relied on sparse info and rapid sensor work.
Enemy With Base Access
- After a firefight near Bagram, Dyer realized a chow hall worker with base access was an insurgent who later attacked, showing threat complexity.
- The attacker had been replacing staff and blended into base life until the engagement exposed him.
Different Wars, Different Targeting Styles
- Iraq operations often used higher-level 'type three' remote targeting with fewer boots on the ground compared to Afghanistan.
- Dyer notes Iraq produced more surface engagements and higher aircraft firing rates during the ISIS fight.
