Tactical Tangents

Gaps in knowledge and performance happen naturally, even in high-performing teams. In this episode, Mike and Jim explore why blind spots develop despite good training, smart people, and strong intent. They walk through the realities of cognitive load—how much information a practitioner can realistically retain—and how this affects everything from tactical decision-making to compliance with policy and law. Using examples from aviation, policing, and military training, they illustrate how complexity, fatigue, and skill decay shape performance far more than most would acknowledge. The conversation also addresses how organizations should think about standards, instructor responsibilities, evaluation systems, and the realistic limits of human learning. They highlight tools leaders can use to expose and correct blind spots: independent evaluation, scenario-based application, and deliberate debriefing. Mike and Jim emphasize the importance of professional education, continual reinforcement, and maintaining a baseline that is both realistic and mission-appropriate. Take a moment and ask yourself: Are you tired of always having to work on the lowest common denominator? Do you know what your own weaknesses are and how they can impact you? This episode helps practitioners understand their own limitations, recognize when they need help, and apply structured thinking to improve safety, efficiency, and organizational credibility. UCSD Report: UCSD students can't do basic math: https://senate.ucsd.edu/media/740347/sawg-report-on-admissions-review-docs.pdf The Johari Window: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johari_window Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents. You can join the conversation in our Facebook Discussion Group. Find all of our episodes, articles, some reading list ideas, and more on our website www.tacticaltangents.com Like what we're doing? Head over to Patreon and give us a buck for each new episode. You can also make a one-time contribution at GoFundMe. Intro music credit Bensound.com

Most of us see ourselves as leaders, but a whole lot goes into "Leadership." One of the most vital aspects of persuasion is the credibility and trust people see in you. Credibility can grow over time, and it can also be spent or wasted. In this episode, Mike and Jim will teach us about building cred with your team, how credibility shapes a leader's ability to influence decisions, maintain team cohesion, and drive mission success. Drawing from research, philosophy, and operational experience, they outline the behaviors that strengthen trust and the missteps that erode it. Strong leadership isn't always about rank or position—it's about credibility. In high-performance teams, the credibility you have determines if you are a true influence on those around you or if you merely hold a title. Pretty good research article on this: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9309999/ How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie - https://amzn.to/49llmSO Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents. You can join the conversation in our Facebook Discussion Group. Find all of our episodes, articles, some reading list ideas, and more on our website www.tacticaltangents.com Like what we're doing? Head over to Patreon and give us a buck for each new episode. You can also make a one-time contribution at GoFundMe. Intro music credit Bensound.com

Even the best of us get played from time to time. From an Air Force pilot duped into buying thousands in Sephora gift cards, to clever banking and family scams that nearly fooled even the most skeptical of us, we talk about some of the psychology and tactics behind modern frauds: urgency, authority, distraction, and good old-fashioned trust. We'll look at how scams exploit our problem-solving instincts, how technology has supercharged the game, and why protecting your family from fraud might matter more than protecting them from burglars. Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents. You can join the conversation in our Facebook Discussion Group. Find all of our episodes, articles, some reading list ideas, and more on our website www.tacticaltangents.com Like what we're doing? Head over to Patreon and give us a buck for each new episode. You can also make a one-time contribution at GoFundMe. Intro music credit Bensound.com

How do you stop a car that doesn't want to stop? If you see a rabbit should you chase the rabbit? We talk about safety and statistics, what factors to weigh the risk versus reward, how policies play into decision making, what the Brits mean when they say "Red Mist," and alternatives to vehicle pursuits including the role of Air Support, PIT, The Grappler, road spikes, surveillance, and intelligence gathering. Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents. You can join the conversation in our Facebook Discussion Group. Find all of our episodes, articles, some reading list ideas, and more on our website www.tacticaltangents.com Like what we're doing? Head over to Patreon and give us a buck for each new episode. You can also make a one-time contribution at GoFundMe. Intro music credit Bensound.com

How do you prioritize your attention in a world full of distractions and competing priorities? Most people understand triage as a concept, but are you ready to sort wounded people? Both operationally and in our personal lives, we have to choose what we pay attention to. That is true in everything from time management and budgeting to room clearing and in-flight emergencies. We talk through some models and analogies that might help you find balance in demanding professional settings and time sensitive situations. Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents. You can join the conversation in our Facebook Discussion Group. Find all of our episodes, articles, some reading list ideas, and more on our website www.tacticaltangents.com Like what we're doing? Head over to Patreon and give us a buck for each new episode. You can also make a one-time contribution at GoFundMe. Intro music credit Bensound.com

The 1989 invasion of Panama was a quick and violent moment in the drug war. We revisit why we went and how it went down. The hung for Manuel Noriega, the messy Army Ranger airfield seizures, Navy SEAL assaults on escape air and water craft, the Little Bird Hostage Rescue of Kurt Muse, the first combat use of the F-117 (spoiler, it missed), the role AC/DC played at the Vatican Embassy, and like 20 other objectives in a joint US Special Operations and conventional forces endeavor. Links: https://aircommando.org/first-fight-special-tactics-in-panama-1989/ Semi-Official AFSOC History https://www.jcs.mil/Portals/36/Documents/History/Monographs/Just_Cause.pdf Official Military History https://amzn.to/4pFthAj Six Minutes to Freedom by Kurt Muse Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents. You can join the conversation in our Facebook Discussion Group. Find all of our episodes, articles, some reading list ideas, and more on our website www.tacticaltangents.com Like what we're doing? Head over to Patreon and give us a buck for each new episode. You can also make a one-time contribution at GoFundMe. Intro music credit Bensound.com

Thinking about joining the Air Force? In this episode, we dig into the real questions behind the glossy recruiting pitch: commissioning sources, officer vs. enlisted life, active duty vs. Guard and Reserve, and what happens when the service downsizes. We'll talk about "up or out," promotions, cross-training opportunities, and the wide range of jobs that don't make the brochure. Is the Air Force really the "softer" service? And are you still cool if you don't fly jets? We share stories, lessons learned, and what you should really know before raising your right hand. Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents. You can join the conversation in our Facebook Discussion Group. Find all of our episodes, articles, some reading list ideas, and more on our website www.tacticaltangents.com Like what we're doing? Head over to Patreon and give us a buck for each new episode. You can also make a one-time contribution at GoFundMe. Intro music credit Bensound.com

Law Enforcement offers a wide range of career paths—but finding the right fit takes more than just filling out an application. In this episode, Jim interviews Officer Mike about what it's really like to build a career in law enforcement. Should you be a deputy Sheriff or an FBI agent? Do you need a degree? They discuss the pros and cons of different agencies, educational requirements, and how personal history—like prior drug use—can affect hiring. The conversation also covers safety risks, the realities of shift work, and how the job can impact relationships and social life. Whether you're considering a law enforcement career or advising someone who is, this episode offers a candid look at the opportunities and challenges in the field. Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents. You can join the conversation in our Facebook Discussion Group. Find all of our episodes, articles, some reading list ideas, and more on our website www.tacticaltangents.com Like what we're doing? Head over to Patreon and give us a buck for each new episode. You can also make a one-time contribution at GoFundMe. Intro music credit Bensound.com

When is it right to stick to your role—and when do you need to step up and act, even outside your formal job description? Mike and Jim tackle the age-old advice to "stay in your lane" by examining what it truly means in high-stakes environments. From a cop showing up to a burning house to Marines turning wrenches one moment and picking up rifles the next, we break down how flexibility, judgment, and initiative can make the difference between failure and mission success. Drawing on real-world examples like the 2012 Taliban attack on Camp Bastion—where Marine pilots and maintainers dropped tools and returned fire—we ask: Is it always someone else's job, or do high-performing teams blur the lines when the stakes are high? This episode is about knowing your capabilities, understanding your limits, and recognizing when stepping outside your lane is not only appropriate—but necessary. Show notes link: https://amzn.to/40CUBnP - Restricted Data: The History of Nuclear Secrecy in the United States by Alex Wellerstein https://bit.ly/ArmyMDMP - Army MDMP (Military Decision Making Process) Lessons and Best Practices Book https://bit.ly/CENTCOM-Investigation - USCENTCOM Camp Bastion Investigation https://bit.ly/450c2zR - Rochester Business Journal Article Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents. You can join the conversation in our Facebook Discussion Group. Find all of our episodes, articles, some reading list ideas, and more on our website www.tacticaltangents.com Like what we're doing? Head over to Patreon and give us a buck for each new episode. You can also make a one-time contribution at GoFundMe. Intro music credit Bensound.com

You train like a pro, shoot like a pro—so why fuel like a rookie? Mike and Jim break down practical, no-BS nutrition tips for high-performance days at the range or on duty for the night shift. Whether you're running drills in full kit, qualifying on a tight schedule, or sneaking in a range session on your day off, what you eat (and drink) matters. From no-fridge no-microwave hacks to high-protein gas station snacks, we'll walk you through how to keep your edge when the sun's beating down and there's no fridge in sight. If your job demands readiness, your nutrition should match. Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents. You can join the conversation in our Facebook Discussion Group. Find all of our episodes, articles, some reading list ideas, and more on our website www.tacticaltangents.com Like what we're doing? Head over to Patreon and give us a buck for each new episode. You can also make a one-time contribution at GoFundMe. Intro music credit Bensound.com