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      

Closing the Gaps: Building Competence in High Performing-Teams

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  

Do You Trust Me? Credibility is Currency

    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  

Protecting your Parents: Fraud and Scams

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  

To Chase or Not to Chase: Are the Risks of a Pursuit Worth It?

   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  

"Don't drop the airplane to fly the radio": Managing Bandwidth

 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

When the US invaded Panama: Operation JUST CAUSE and the War on Drugs

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

So You Wanna Be an Air Force Pilot (…or Not?)

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      

Careers in Law Enforcement - Worth It?

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

Stay in Your Lane? Maybe Not.

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

Feeding the Machine: Range Nutrition for Tactical Athletes

Jim and Mike dig into David Kilcullen's The Dragons and the Snakes to explore how modern adversaries—from rogue states to criminal networks—are adapting faster than ever to Western tactics, tech, and psychology. Drawing from Kilcullen's insights and a CIA review of the book, they unpack the idea that our enemies are evolving because of us—we're shaping their strategy, and sometimes not in the way we want. From guerrilla warfare and liminal conflict to use-of-force doctrine and law enforcement tactics, this episode connects military theory to street-level realities. Are we in a new kind of war without even knowing it? And what are we teaching our opponents every time we act? The Dragons and the Snakes by David Kilcullen - https://amzn.to/3Td5CrM CIA review of the book - https://bit.ly/TheDragonsAndTheSnakes   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

Teaching the Enemy: Lessons from The Dragons and the Snakes

Why do we focus so much on tactics and so little on strategy? In this episode, Mike and Jim tackle the divide between street-level action and big-picture thinking. Drawing on lessons from policing, the military, and community crime prevention, they explore how individual cops, community members, and leaders can influence criminal decision-making—not just react to it. Topics include resource constraints, the Broken Windows theory, and strategies for shifting offender perceptions to prevent crime before it occurs.   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    

It's Chess AND Checkers--Tactics and Strategy Unite!

In this episode, we explore the fine line between hazing and hard training in high-performing teams like law enforcement, the military, and the fire service. Mike and Jim talk about how shared hardship, onboarding rituals, and team standards can strengthen—or sabotage—unit cohesion. When does "paying your dues" cross the line? How do we build tough, resilient people without creating toxic culture? We tackle the definitions, intent, and impact of hazing, and offer practical insight on setting the tone for new teammates through strong leadership, clear expectations, and purposeful training.  Culture matters—and it starts with how we welcome the next person in. 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  

Hazing vs. Hardening: Building Strong Teams Without Breaking People

Have you noticed that the new guys coming in to your program aren't as good as you remember yourself being? Does it seem like they need a WHOLE LOT of teaching, cajoling, and coaching? Let's figure out why and figure out what to do about it.  Links:  https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/next-generation-leadership-special-operations-forces  https://www.cna.org/reports/2022/08/next-generation-leadership-and-implications-sof https://www.cna.org/reports/2022/08/Next%20Gen%20Leadership.pdf   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 Photo Courtesy: DVIDS

Kids These Days - Leading Across Generations

Mike & Jim discuss the tactical considerations for critical incidents involving fire as a weapon. Should we send fire fighters in with cops? Should we add one more training requirement to overtasked police? If someone is making a threat with fire can you shoot him? Should you?  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 Photo Courtesy:  DVIDS

"Fire As A Weapon, Chapter 12" -Sun Tzu, Probably.

Mike & Jim discuss what honor means in the tactical jobs.  Is honesty the best policy? What if other people on your team are lying, cheating, or stealing? Does honor still matter in today's world? Is it okay to cheat on your girlfriend or your workout? 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  

HONOR: Your Own Rules

Mike tells us about recent lessons from training, and Jim tells us about arguments he had on the neighborhood facebook page about CHEMTRAILS and whether birds are real. 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  

Catching Up After a Busy Week

Jim tells Mike about some of the emergencies he has faced on the ground. We discuss when to call 911, what to tell them, and what first aid Jim applied as well as whether he got sued for helping someone.  Did he thwart a murder plot in a hot air balloon? What exactly is degloving? Tune in and find out. 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

Times Jim Has Called 911

The boys talk us through how to achieve work-life balance in full-commitment jobs like aviation, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and other critical roles.   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

180: Balance: Pace Yourself, it's a Marathon, not a Sprint

We delve into the horrifying crimes of a convicted serial predator whose reign of terror culminated in the brutal murders of the Groene family in 2005. We'll explore Duncan's dark past and the stalking and execution-style killings that led to the abduction of Shasta and Dylan Groene. We talk about managing our consumption of evil things in the world, the impact that has on our parenting, and we unravel how media efforts helped bring one of the most dangerous offenders in U.S. history to justice.   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      Title: "Understanding the Use of Force: Rules, Reasonableness, and Critical Thinking" Summary: In this thought-provoking episode, Mike and Jim dive deep into the complexities of use-of-force decision-making, particularly as it applies to law enforcement. They explore the rules, policies, and legal frameworks governing police actions, including key court cases like Graham v. Connor and Tennessee v. Garner. With a focus on understanding the concept of "reasonableness," they unpack how these principles apply not just to officers, but also to civilians and military personnel navigating related situations. Through this discussion, Mike and Jim examine the challenges of balancing split-second decisions with the need for critical thinking, training, and adherence to policy. They touch on how models like the Critical Decision-Making Model (CDM) and Integrated Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) are shaping modern law enforcement training, while also addressing the limits of these frameworks. This episode encourages professionals and everyday listeners alike to critically evaluate their understanding of use-of-force dynamics. From self-defense considerations to understanding the role of government and the judiciary in defining boundaries, Mike and Jim aim to elevate the conversation while emphasizing the importance of informed discussion and reflection.

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