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

At a Glance

• Life Lessons from Combat - ‘You can’t kill enough people to win today. You just can’t. The Nazis tried it. It doesn’t fucking work. Stop saying that.’ This point emphasizes the speaker’s reflection on the futility of violence and the importance of preserving life even in warfare.

• Career Advice for Newcomers - ‘First and foremost, you get to a team, shut your fucking mouth, just for a little bit. No one cares about you. You’re fresh meat.’ Showcases the harsh reality and tough love approach in military training and integration into new units.

• Value of Experience - ‘I valued everybody’s life. And I know the war takes bodies. And I had already seen loss and I had already learned the solo mission stuff.’ Highlights the speaker’s growth in understanding the gravity of leadership and the value of life through intense personal experiences.

• Humor Amidst Seriousness - ‘And then the cone lights could have spawned me dancing in the cage in gay clubs, you know what I mean? That I’m rich. Actually, that wouldn’t have been bad either.’ Provides a light-hearted moment, showing the speaker’s ability to use humor to lighten a discussion about potential career paths.

• Reflection on PTSD and Humanity - ‘I don’t think PTSD is a war thing. I think it’s a humanity thing. You could be a kid, see your fucking cousin get hit by a train, you can be fucked up since that day.’ Offers a poignant insight into the nature of trauma, expanding its association beyond just war to any impactful human experience.

• Training Philosophy - ‘Here, they’re not trying to fuck with you. If you’re getting fucked with you’re fucking something up.’ This quote underlines the professional and performance-based approach in elite military training, contrasting it with other organizations where hazing might be used as a weeding-out strategy.

• Cultural Differences Between Squadrons - ‘B Squadron was very much like gung ho like a ranger squad back then… A Squadron where I was is the older mature brother.’ Offers an insider’s view on the distinct cultures and operational philosophies within different military squadrons.

What to Do

• ‘Shut your mouth when you’re new’ - This advice is given to emphasize the importance of listening and learning rather than speaking when you are new to a team, allowing you to understand the dynamics and expectations without making premature judgments or mistakes.

• ‘Don’t mess up your name’ - The reasoning here is that your reputation is crucial, especially when you are new. A good name can open doors and create opportunities, while a tarnished one can close them.

• ‘Be technically proficient’ - Being skilled and knowledgeable in your tasks, whether it’s handling weapons, communications equipment, or medical duties, ensures you are prepared and dependable in critical situations.

• ‘Pay attention to detail’ - Even when hungover or under stress, focusing on details can prevent mistakes and ensure the quality of your work, which is critical in high-stakes environments.

• ‘Avoid partying during important training’ - This advice highlights the importance of discipline and focus during training periods, as indulging in distractions like partying can impair performance and hinder success in competitive environments.

• ‘Stay prepared and on time’ - This involves always being ready with the necessary gear and respecting time commitments, which are essential for maintaining order and efficiency in operations.

• ‘Take care of your health’ - Addressing issues like physical discomfort without hesitation can prevent them from becoming severe, which is crucial for maintaining personal well-being and performance during demanding activities.

What to Get

• Analgesic Balm - Amazon - Used for treating chafing and discomfort; specifically mentioned for use on irritated skin.

• MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) - Amazon - Used for cleaning; mentioned in the context of personal hygiene in the field.

Summary

In this podcast episode, the conversation revolves around the gritty and raw experiences of a man who grew up in a challenging environment and later joined the military. The episode delves into his turbulent childhood, marked by an unstable family life with a mother who struggled with alcohol issues and a series of transient father figures. The narrator describes how he had to mature prematurely, taking on adult responsibilities from a young age, which included ensuring he attended school regularly despite the chaos at home.

The discussion also covers his military experience, which he found relatively straightforward compared to his turbulent upbringing. The structured environment of the military, while not enjoyable to him due to his disdain for authority and structured settings, provided a stark contrast to his earlier life. He humorously reflects on basic training and airborne school, describing them as easy or “a joke,” highlighting his resilience and adaptability.

Moreover, the episode touches on his advice for others who might find themselves in similar dire circumstances. He emphasizes the importance of education and taking control of one’s life, no matter the age. His narrative is a compelling testament to the power of perseverance and the will to overcome adversity.

Throughout the conversation, there is also a promotion of various educational and personal improvement opportunities, such as online courses offered by Hillsdale College and products like True Classic tees, which add a commercial element to the episode. These segments are woven into the conversation, providing listeners with resources for self-improvement and education.

Overall, the podcast paints a vivid picture of a man who, despite early life struggles, carved a path for himself through sheer will and determination, with a strong emphasis on the importance of self-reliance and education. The episode serves as both an inspirational story and a practical guide for overcoming personal obstacles.