The Afterburn Podcast

In this episode of The Afterburn Podcast, he reflects on his time in 3rd Ranger Battalion, the intense urban warfare of Black Hawk Down. Recently, Brad was featured in Netflix’s Surviving Black Hawk Down. #blackhawkdown Brad takes us inside the realities of special operations, how gear and tactics evolved, and the raw, unfiltered truth about Mogadishu that Hollywood didn’t tell. Brad Thomas has lived multiple lives—Army Ranger assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment and combat veteran of the Battle of Mogadishu. Brad later went on to serve as a Delta Force Operator. Following a career in the Army Brad tapped into his passion for music and went on to found the band Silence and Light with fellow veterans. Beyond the battlefield, we explore his passion for music, leadership, and veterans' mental health, as well as the upcoming projects with his band. If you're interested in military history, elite training, and how combat experiences shape veterans' lives, this episode is a must-listen. Brad's IG: https://www.instagram.com/bradthomas_official/?hl=en 🎵 Brad's band Silence and Light: https://silenceandlightmusic.com/ Netflix's Surviving Black Hawk Down: https://www.netflix.com/title/81737703 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫 🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺 ☕️Attack Coffee : https://www.attackcoffee.com/ 🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial   🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

🔺 Lowdown Newsletter Defense & Aviation - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺 The U.S. Navy’s USS Harry S. Truman was struck by a merchant vessel in the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s air exercise featured JF-17s, Rafales, F-16s, and F-15s, showcasing multinational airpower. A drone strike at Chernobyl punctured the protective dome over Reactor 4, highlighting security vulnerabilities. China’s J-20 stealth fighter was spotted in "Beast Mode" carrying up to 14 PL-15 long-range missiles, signaling a shift in air combat strategy. The EA-18G Growler crashed into San Diego harbor, with both pilots ejecting safely. 🔹 Subscribe for more aviation & defense insights! 🔹 Join the newsletter for free giveaways! https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔹 Support the show on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast/membership 🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️ 🎯 Become a Fighter Pilot: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain 🇺🇸 Support Veterans: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸 💻 🕵🏼‍♂️Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial ☕️ Coffee Made by Fighter Pilots: https://bit.ly/Attack_Coffee 🛫 E3 Aviation - Exclusive Deals, Content, & Aviation Education: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Afterburn Podcast, Mike “Flash” McVay sits down with Col (Ret) Derek "Woody" Oaks, a pilot who made the rare transition from flying C-130 to the A-10. Woody shares his experiences flying combat missions, the challenges of transitioning between vastly different airframes, and the leadership lessons he learned throughout his Air Force career. From his time at the Air Force Academy to commanding a fighter group, “Woody” reflects on decision-making in combat, the art of close air support, and what it means to lead in high-pressure environments. Whether moving troops and cargo in the C-130 or delivering firepower from the A-10, his stories capture the essence of military aviation, camaraderie, and the evolution of airpower. 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫 🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺 ☕️Attack Coffee : https://www.attackcoffee.com/ 🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial     🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Marine Corps is reshaping its F-35 fleet, swapping some F-35Bs for more F-35Cs. The Air Force ingeniously mended two damaged F-35s into a single viable aircraft. Meanwhile, espionage heats up as a former Fed official faces charges for selling secrets to China. The U.S. is also responding to increased Russian activities in the Arctic by deploying F-16s to Greenland. Plus, developments in hypersonic missile technology and innovative coffee solutions from fighter pilots promise to keep listeners on the edge of their seats!

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter This week on The Lowdown, we break down the latest aviation and defense stories. An F-35 crashed in Alaska, but the pilot ejected safely. Meanwhile, Iran has secured a deal to purchase Su-35 fighters from Russia, adding to its aging fleet of F-14s and MiG-29s. We also discuss Sweden’s massive $1.2 billion military aid package to Ukraine, which includes combat boats, anti-tank missiles, and long-range strike drones. 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫 ☕️Attack Coffee : https://www.attackcoffee.com/ 🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial ☕️ Coffee Made by Fighter Pilots: https://bit.ly/Attack_Coffee 💻 Try Perplexity $10 Off: https://perplexity.ai/pro?referral_code=ZSEH95VD 🛫 E3 Aviation - Exclusive Deals, Content, & Aviation Education: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation 🎯 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Wise, an aviation expert and author renowned for his insights on the disappearance of Malaysian Airlines Flight 370, joins host John 'Rain' Waters to delve into this enduring mystery. They discuss the intricate timeline of events and the technological challenges faced in the search efforts. Wise explores theories including potential cyber hijacking and military involvement, as well as the psychological factors influencing public perceptions. The conversation also highlights the complexities of radar technology and the geopolitical implications surrounding such aviation crises.

In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, Colonel G. Hall Sebren Jr., Deputy Commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center, discusses the critical role of aircraft maintenance in the U.S. Air Force. He shares insights on the challenges of maintaining fighter jets like the F-16, the importance of communication between operations and maintenance teams, and the complexities of keeping the nation's aircraft combat-ready. Col. Sebren also touches on the Air Force's sustainment strategies for legacy and modern aircraft, and his journey from Viper maintainer to senior leadership. 🛫 Launch Your Aviation Career: http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫 🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺 🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter This week on The Lowdown, we cover some of the biggest stories in aviation and defense. The A-10 Warthogs that were stranded overseas are finally home. We take a look at the MiG-29 for our Threat of the Day. Meanwhile, the F-22 Raptor is getting a major enhancement with the new IRST (Infrared Search and Track) system, increasing its ability to detect threats passively. We also break down Boeing’s massive $1.7 billion loss and how delays in programs like the T-7 trainer, KC-46 tanker, and Air Force One are costing billions. Plus, we discuss the Tower 22 attack anniversary, the Philippines' fighter jet procurement, and a United Airlines flight that left 38 passengers injured due to extreme turbulence. 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫 🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺 🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial ☕️ Coffee Made by Fighter Pilots: https://bit.ly/Attack_Coffee 💻 Try Perplexity $10 Off: https://perplexity.ai/pro?referral_code=ZSEH95VD 🛫 E3 Aviation - Exclusive Deals, Content, & Aviation Education: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation 🎯 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join host John 'Rain' Waters as he sits down with recently retired Lt. Gen. Dan ‘Razin’ Caine, former Associate Director for Military Affairs at the CIA and F-16 Fighter pilot. In this episode, Lt. Gen. Caine reflects on his incredible journey from flying F-16s in the Air National Guard to leading special operations missions and working at the highest levels of intelligence. Discover untold stories from Desert Storm and SCUD hunts, lessons from the test center in Tucson, and insights on information sharing in the modern joint force 🛫 Launch Your Aviation Career: http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫 🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺 🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Jeff "Vader" Brandon, Jeff "Bender" Page, and John "Rain" Waters rejoin for a fighter pilot "bro chat" to cover various military topics, including the humorous aspects of military life, the complexities of awards and recognition, the hiring and training processes for fighter pilots, the escalation of global conflicts, and the importance of having clear strategic objectives in military operations. 🛫 Launch Your Aviation Career: http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫 🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺 🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trialFighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.