#2238 - John McPhee

John McPhee opens up about his distinctive military career, sharing his unconventional solo missions and revealing interactions with high-profile targets, such as Saddam Hussein and his inner circle.

McPhee's expertise in navigating chaos and employing adaptive tactics during solo missions in Iraq and Afghanistan

John McPhee's long list of solo missions is as storied as it is impressive. McPhee found a certain freedom in being alone on missions, having complete control over his own actions without interference from others. He was known for succeeding where others could not, preferring to work independently. This autonomy required him to be resourceful and quick-thinking—whether it was conducting covert reconnaissance with nothing but a satellite phone in a cigarette bag, or filming a house discreetly under the cover of darkness.

For instance, in Iraq and Afghanistan, he acted as a "coyote" or a "ghost," using discretion in chaotic environments rather than brute force. He could maneuver inconspicuously through perilous terrains, opting to act "retarded" to maintain his cover at a checkpoint or handling confrontational situations with an unconventional approach.

McPhee's ability to quickly assess situations, blend in, and make decisions on the fly to accomplish his objectives without backup

McPhee's adaptability extended to his strategic movements—whether squeezing his Toyota truck into a Chinook helicopter or handling unexpected ethical choices, such as encountering severe human rights abuses and deciding whether to intervene or maintain the integrity of his mission.

McPhee's experiences with volatile and unpredictable environments, including brushes with human rights abuses and moral dilemmas

Additionally, McPhee describes the stark reality of his deployment environments, where the echoes of evil were palpable, and the dilemma he faced when witnessing disturbing acts. He also recounts the difficult choices he had to make while on the ground and the lessons learned in keeping his vehicles clean from the bloody aftermath of conflict.

McPhee's interactions with high-profile targets like Saddam Hussein and his inner circle

McPhee's account of his experiences in Iraq extends to his involvement in covert operations to nab high-value targets related to Saddam Hussein. His firsthand narratives paint a picture of the excesses and brutality of Saddam’s regime and the close quarters in which McPhee operated to gather intelligence.

McPhee's involvement in covert operations to capture and gather intelligence on Saddam Hussein

From capturing Saddam's tailor and butlers who were in the dictator's innermost circle, to handling the bodies of Uday and Qusay Hussein, McPhee's role was not only to fight but also to gather vital intelligence. His adaptability in these roles ranged from subterfuge as a taxi driver to using vehicles commonly drive ...

John McPhee shares his passion for firearms, tactical gear, and his entrepreneurial spirit in designing and marketing related products, revealing his extensive expertise and commitment to promoting safe and effective use.

McPhee's expertise and passion for firearms and tactical equipment

Throughout the discussion, McPhee demonstrates an impressive understanding of firearms and tactical gear.

McPhee's extensive knowledge of firearms, shooting techniques, and gear customization

McPhee's conversation showcases his broad knowledge of tactical situations and firearms use, demonstrated by discussing the Republican Guard's symbolic gun that he carried in Iraq and the gun part he brought back later. He delves into the specifics of shooting techniques like grip and stance, and explains how shooter groupings can reveal flaws in technique. McPhee's deep understanding extends to equipment such as red dot sights and their efficiency compared to iron sights, pointing out problems with reflectiveness and fisheye effects caused by certain coatings and glass shapes.

McPhee's entrepreneurial ventures in designing and selling specialized tactical products

McPhee discusses several products he has designed, including the SOB hat, Team SOB shirt, "shut up hippie" shirt, leather "condom holsters," cooling schmucks, rifle slings, combat bands, and running shoes modified from Solomon boots. These products are specifically tailored to enhance practicality and functionality for the user. McPhee emphasizes the importance of selling quality goods, with products like his rifle slings being made 100% in America. His entrepreneurial efforts extend to producing Non-metallic "punch daggers" and scribe tools designed for stabbing, which are undetectable by metal detectors.

McPhee's efforts to share his expertise through instructional videos and teaching

John McPhee's passion for firearms is complemented by his dedication to teaching and sharing his knowledge.

McPhee's focus on promoting safe, responsible, and effective firearm use

By explaining in detail the importance of proper technique and repetitive practice, Mc ...

John McPhee’s deep involvement in jiu-jitsu, from his beginnings to the present, demonstrates not just a practice but a life passion. McPhee’s experiences provide insight into the mental, physical, and cultural dimensions of this evolving sport.

McPhee's lifelong dedication to jiu-jitsu and its role in his personal development

Despite feeling bored with jiu-jitsu at the age of 38 while serving as a sergeant major in the army, McPhee's commitment to the sport is evident in his continuous engagement. He identifies jiu-jitsu as his "sanity," attesting to its significant role in his mental health. At 54, McPhee is still active in the sport, participating in high-level competitions such as Master Worlds.

McPhee takes pride in facing competitors who are well-prepared, some of whom resort to enhancers like peptides for performance. Despite having used PPC 157 pills, McPhee is not a fan of injections and acknowledges his unique drug sensitivity due to being red-headed.

McPhee's journey in jiu-jitsu, from his early days training with the Gracie family to his current competitive pursuits

McPhee describes training sessions with Royce Gracie, which left a lasting impression of his own vulnerability and drove his determination to master the martial art. His connection to the Gracie family extends to Hickson Gracie, whom he admires for his strength and technical prowess and describes as a "big brother" figure within jiu-jitsu.

McPhee's perspective on the mental and physical benefits of jiu-jitsu, and how it has helped him overcome challenges

John McPhee’s admiration for jiu-jitsu is not merely for physical combat; it's also for the mental discipline the sport requires. Jiu-jitsu acts as a form of meditation, demanding such focus that all other concerns fade away. McPhee associates this mental clarity with the singular focus required in bow hunting. Over the years, McPhee’s experiences have reinforced jiu-jitsu’s value in building confidence, something he advocates for when taking children to learn the sport.

McPhee's insights on the evolving nature of jiu-jitsu and the importance of continuous learning

McPhee's observations on the changing dynamics and increased accessibility of jiu-jitsu in the modern era

Jiu-jitsu’s adaptability and increased accessibility are apparent as McPhee mentions visiting numerous dojos and finding a welcoming community, quite different from the exclusive past. This openness reflects jiu-jitsu's constant evolution, which McPhee appreciates, noting that the sport has undergone significant development over the la ...