#133 John "Shrek" McPhee - The Sheriff of Baghdad

John McPhee's early life on the South Side of Chicago was marked by adversity and hardship, but it was also a time when he shaped his determination to pursue a better future.

McPhee grew up in a chaotic and disadvantaged environment on the South Side of Chicago

McPhee's childhood was tumultuous, as he lived on his own from the young age of 12 until about 16. With a mother who struggled with alcohol and was abusive, McPhee faced disciplinary problems and a difficult family situation. Despite these challenges, he prioritized attending school, seeing it as an escape from the chaos at home and a way to avoid getting stuck in a difficult life.

McPhee and his brother faced constant violence and abuse

McPhee describes a harrowing high school experience, where he was the only white student and faced daily violence. He recalls being beaten up every day on the school bus and at school, eventually realizing that he had to defend himself to reduce harassment. At a very early age, before he was legally old enough to work, McPhee re ...

John McPhee's military career, marked by both significant achievements and harrowing combat experiences, reflects the dichotomy of valor and struggle within the armed forces.

McPhee had a challenging start in the Army, facing hazing and difficulty fitting in during Ranger Regiment

Initially, McPhee found himself at odds with the structure and leadership of the military during basic training, a time when he enjoyed the simplicity of the activities but struggled with being managed. His real challenge came after entering the Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP), a stark contrast from the less serious atmosphere of airborne school. This transition introduced him to the demanding environment of the Army and especially the Ranger Regiment, which he later found to be a better fit.

Upon arrival at the Ranger Battalion, though, he faced hazing and mockery for his Chicago accent, struggling to integrate and occasionally resorting to physical altercations to assert himself. Despite these tough starts, his aggression and resilience evidenced that he had the fighting skills and determination necessary for special operations, which later led to his selection for Special Forces.

McPhee's aggression and fighting skills from his upbringing made him a natural fit for special operations

This aggression was not just a product of his professional military training; it stemmed partly from his upbringing. McPhee’s natural inclination to fight and take decisive action when wronged was noted by Shawn Ryan as a trait that would make him well-suited for the special operations environment he found himself in later.

McPhee excelled at sniper skills and was selected for Special Forces, deploying to Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq

While McPhee's journey began in the Rangers, his career progression led to Special Forces, where his sniper skills were honed. He was recognized for his contributions and participated in deployments to Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq, where his combat experiences would become both intense and critical.

McPhee's combat experiences were intense, with high volumes of highly kinetic operations and many casualties

McPhee's time in combat zones was marked by high-risk operations and frequent engagements with the enemy. In Afghanistan, he participated in the intense Battle of Tora Bora, with the goal of eliminating Osama Bin Laden. His combat role involved controlling extensive ordnance and making decisions under fire, reflective of the high-pressure situations he excelled in.

In Afghanistan, McPhee led small teams in independently conducting deadly solo raids and missions

McPhee’s Afghan deployments put him in the heart of independent operations. He was known for executing a successful solo raid and overseeing hundreds of missions. ...

Under the leadership of McPhee, a no-nonsense and direct approach to mentorship and instilling important values in his subordinates was favored, as well as innovative methods to manage trauma and promote mental health.

McPhee took a direct, no-nonsense approach to mentorship and motivating his subordinates

McPhee, known for his straightforward manner, employed unconventional measures to mentor and instill discipline in his team. One instance involved McPhee physically disciplining a subordinate in the dojo to teach him about teamwork and humility. After defeating the boastful fighter, he left him in the dirt and whispered to him, hoping to avoid similar confrontations in the future. The key lesson McPhee wanted to convey was that the team operated as a cohesive unit, rather than being dependent on a single dominant leader.

In another scenario, McPhee was tasked as the enforcer of a decision requiring an immature team member to attend Ranger School for his own growth. McPhee's intention was not only to enforce rules but to demonstrate the power of teamwork and the individual's role within the larger group.

McPhee would immediately acknowledge and celebrate successful kills, cutting off their shirts to inspect shot placement

After a successful operation, McPhee would promptly celebrate with his team by inspecting shot placement, sometimes cutting off the shirts of individuals targeted during missions. This practice was part of his focus on marksmanship and providing immediate support and acknowledgment of his team's good work.

McPhee believed this immediate positive reinforcement prevented his team members from developing PTSD

By celebrating accomplishments and offering instant positive reinforcement, such as having a drink and giving thanks right after an action, McPhee believed he could prevent PTSD. He drew a comparison between the lack of immediate support and a "hall pass" that eventually expires, suggesting that unresolved achievements could later manifest as psychological issues. McPhee attributed the absence of PTSD among those who worked under him to his method of immediate recognition and celebration, indicating that it contributed to their mental wellness.

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John McPhee, a military veteran, has channeled his expertise into establishing Team SOB, a company focused on high-level firearms and tactics training. Team SOB's innovative video-based methodology has significantly impacted the way shooting skills are taught, propelling the growth of the brand and community.

After retiring from the military, McPhee founded Team SOB to provide high-level firearms and tactics training

John McPhee, after his military career, identified a niche for a unique firearms training methodology and forged his path by founding Team SOB. He differentiated his training approach by videotaping students to provide them with accurate feedback on their shooting habits. McPhee’s 43-round training regimen guarantees improvement, allowing students to shoot accurately within a three-inch circle from three to five yards.

McPhee recounts the company's origin, the name Team SOB, inspired by his nickname, Sheriff of Baghdad. The idea was encouraged by Dave Kramer from Magpul, and McPhee adopted it, branding his business as such.

Despite starting training potentially as early as 2005, McPhee officially retired in 2011 and had already been conducting classes while on leave. He offers his expertise to SWAT teams and provides a range of courses, from one-day pistol and carbine to two-day classes, employing his distinctive video-based diagnostic training.

This approach has proven effective irrespective of the student’s skill level, gun type, or gear. McPhee explains that the objective video analysis is critical for improvement, especially when seeking to shave precious tenths of a second—a significant advantage in competitive shooting.

Team SOB has grown into a large, nationwide community of firearms enthusiasts and practitioners

Despite not having specific details on the size or reach of Team SOB's community, McPhee has established himself as the "undertow of the gun world," indicating a strong influence in the firearms training community. Since 2011, he has successfully filled all his classes.

The Team SOB brand and community originated with an ...