Combat Story (Ep 25): John "Shrek" McPhee | Delta Force | Green Beret | Ranger | SOB Tactical

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Today we hear the combat story of Sergeant Major (ret) John “Shrek” McPhee AKA “The Sheriff of Baghdad,” who spent 20 years in the Army’s Special Operations community, from Ranger Battalion to Group to Delta Force.
He is one of the handful of operators to have served in multiple theaters from Bosnia and South America to Iraq and Afghanistan. John’s one of a smaller group of operators to successfully execute raids in combat by himself during hundreds of solo operations.
After leaving the military, John created SOB Tactical that helps people, law enforcement, and special operators improve shooting skills and security. He also hosts a channel called Booze N Views that talks about current events and new whiskey!
John brings me to tears with laughter in this episode, which is just a byproduct of John’s sense of humor and way of life. I hope that like me, your jaw hurts from laughing by the end of this interview. Enjoy.
From the website: SOB Tactical is a word of mouth based business. As such we stand ready, willing, and passionately able to serve anybody important to you. Giving them exceptional service, products, training and treating them in a very special way.
Find John Online:
Instagram - / sobtactical
SOB Tactical - sobtactical.com/
SOB TV - watch.sobtactical.com/
Booze N Views - watch.sobtactical.com/booze-n...
#deltaforce #johnmcphee #sobtactical #sheriffofbaghdad #greenberets #rangers #rltw #army #veterans #OEF #OIF
Show Notes
0:00 - Intro
0:49 - John McPhee’s bio.
2:46 - “Talking s&*% should be a PhD in school.”
5:16 - Growing up as the little guy.
10:46 - Military history in the family.
11:40 - “I’ve always been incredibly mechanically inclined.”
15:04 - Why the infantry? That was not the intended route.
17:59 - “You can’t follow my path ‘cause I didn’t have one.”
19:07 - “I want to win.”
23:48 - “Never seen anyone run like that.” A guy John couldn’t shake.
27:34 - Combat Story #1: Jumping into Iraq and why static line jumps are so bad.
30:29 - How not to lie to people.
39:22 - Feelings on the Q Course and the route to Delta.
41:47 - How hard was Delta selection? It’s a great response!
49:48 - Where does the nickname “Shrek” come from?
52:00 - Combat Story #2: The Battle of Tora Bora.
55:37 - “Chaos is my jam…”
1:06:23 - Combat Story #3: Solo operations with The Unit.
1:11:33 - Combat Story #4: Craziest thing I’ve ever done.
1:16:44 - How you get soldiers, including the elite, to decompress after multiple hits each night.
1:18:39 - What’s a “hall pass?”
1:25:26 - Tell us about the “Pornstache.”
1:28:04 - Sheriff of Baghdad aka SOB Tactical. Where the name came from and what type of training and work SOB does.
1:37:04 - Booze N Views. watch.sobtactical.com/booze-n...
1:42:17 - What did you carry with you on missions?
1:44:09 - Would you do it all again?

[@michaelvigo6116]

I met this dude and his team in western Iraq back in 2006. We were the Marine Corps base that allowed his unit to stay with us on our shitty ass FOB for several days since the task force declared that the airspace was RED. We gave them our sleeping bags, warming layers, and stuff so that they could camp out with us in the courtyard of this abandoned school where our hooches were located. I remember that some of the operators reminded me of pirates since the had these sawed off shotguns they kept rigged behind their should shoulders. When it was time for them to bounce, they gave our platoons these high speed low drag flash bangs as like a gift for our hospitality. Our 1st Sgt confiscated all of them (except our squad 😎). We did a raid shortly after, and we threw in one of these bangs into our targets front door and made entry, but the bang just kept banging! Me and the other dude in the initial stack all got banged by our own equipment. We all walked away with an awesome story and some green silkies that needed to be changed.

[@AZTigerMMA]

Dope story !!! Haha thank you for sharing , I got a kick outta that!

[@ForceMultiplier]

Legend AF story.

[@drewroy2814]

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz,

[@rangerminiaturesandgaming3647]

This is the best thing I ever heard, never laughed so hard.

[@connorwilson2467]

9 banger?

[@buddy22801012]

This guy spent time in Baghdad and some of the most dangerous places in the world and doesn’t want to go back to Chicago. What does that tell us about Chicago. After all he’s been through he’s still smiling and funny when telling his story. We need more men like him today.

[@Ricardoslips]

In true chicago fashion. He spent about 5 minutes just talking about being from Chicago. My man.

[@jonathanbui4692]

He could do something about Baghdad, he can't do anything in Chicago

[@low-budgefudge2164]

What it tells us about Chicago? It tells us that 1. He didn't have to rent a house in Baghdad 2. He can't walk around with a full auto AR & Grenades like he could in Baghdad and 3. Can't wear military grade body armor like he could in Baghdad.

[@mrgrey101]

@Flare - hahahaha so naive, you see to invade the usa, china, or any country, would need a navy which they dont have. they dont even have a way to transport 50k troops across the pacific, much less a full invasion army. china cant even invade taiwan, whose mere existence is a loss of face for china and which sits miles off their coast, much less america thousands of miles away, and having to fight past our carrier groups. so yeah i wouldnt worry about that at all.

[@mrgrey101]

@Flare - you can say you will invade someone all day long, that doesnt make it true. taiwans existence is a literal slap in the face of china, yet china is so weak they cant do a thing about it.

[@dustyrhodes1655]

Woah...he hinted that there have been SOCOM General(s) that have overdosed on narcs on the job...I dont think people realize how "good" a operator is to be allowed to go on solo missions let alone hundreds. Shrek was the elite of the already elite. Absolute legend!

[@afs6596]

yeah but can he ride the 4 train through Manhattan?? now thats good

[@gunbacker9428]

Wow. He did a static line jump in his 50s. And his partner was in his 70s lmao. These guys are bad ass. Much respect

[@manhalen7046]

Yeah because static-line jumping can be executed by retarded chimpanzees.

[@Calvinmob6886]

If he was a Navy Seal he'd already have a TV show, 5 books, a podcast, and an action figure.

[@operationNOBO]

"The Italian job, what was that raid done in? Like 17 seconds? And during daylight...That is why the unit is the unit and then there is everyone else, you cant compete with that"

[@Warpath1337]

Seals swim. Forget the ocean, it takes a special breed to want to be a frogman.

[@rueridge7597]

@@Warpath1337 SEALs are douche bags. Tough guys but hated as much as enemy

[@texastoast5202]

Maybe so but seals are much more tactically sound and capable than Delta. No comparison

[@joehavin1]

@@texastoast5202 🤣🤣🤣🤣 What?

[@mannyvilla-goz1979]

John is a true warrior and the best combat proven NCO I ever worked with. He was my Team Sergeant on my first Iraq rotation. When an operation came down, everyone to include the supporting unit command leadership looked to him for guidance. I'm am fortunate to have served along him. John take care brother.

[@oldman1466]

@Danny Stoddard Even 20 years later and in retirement?

[@007specops]

@Danny Stoddard you thought wrong

[@ca40946]

@Danny Stoddard they made movies about tier 1 operations lol wtf are you talking about

[@ca40946]

@Danny Stoddard they made movies about tier 1 operations lol wtf are you talking about

[@rob230359]

Fucking legend! Truly inspirational!

[@sergiotheg1736]

Shrek is so humble but is literally the top tier of the top tier. He did the most dangerous missions in delta force. 🇺🇸

[@ninjamasterflex]

Don’t forget he did them solo. Alone and unafraid like a legend

[@MrBillkaz]

Yes sir … I read about him 10 years ago .. killing bin Laden by dalton furry aka the late maj Greer .. forever in debt to the warriors of Delta

[@jackpeter642]

Bit exaggerated tho

[@jameskirk3]

​@@jackpeter642starting with a damn report, followed on by your leadership, battle buddies, family, writers, congressional hearings etc etc etc etc....everyone asks these guys to describe what happened, over and over. Yeah, it gets streamlined a bit, and exagerrated a bit, but they actually did the damn thing. It's just a byproduct of the process.

[@mugshot749]

Real combat veterans like this man don't want to talk much about combat. There's something about this guy I really like.

[@Patrick-cr7ql]

As long as America produces men like this, the rest of America can rest at night. However China may want to think twice.

[@levitatingoctahedron922]

@@Patrick-cr7ql china isn't scared of us. america is crumbling socially and demographically, and china is strengthening significantly in this area. they're playing an intergenerational game and the US is constantly focused on the next year or two.

[@davetowz]

@@levitatingoctahedron922 We are still out here, we are the ones thathave kept this continent from being directly invaded.

[@willm678]

My grandfather served for 26 years all over the world. He served in japan at the end of ww2 as a paratrooper, in the 24th infantry unit in Korea, and in the signal corps in Vietnam, as well as many other places. He never once talked about war. He didn’t overshare anything

[@Copium88]

I’m willing to bet he isn’t over sharing either.

[@guidolyons4912]

SGM McPhee is so casual about his experience , he makes it sound like he accidentally stumbled into being a Delta Operator :D

[@JesusChrist2000BC]

He did.

[@sosmotorcycles]

lol i think its because he probably is a bit of a sociopath but you kind of need that in a way i imagine to live that life.

[@sjtv6565]

@@sosmotorcycles That's a bit of a stretch, bro. Just because you're resilient and flexible with morally complex situations doesn't mean you're a sociopath. But I would agree that the sort of mental agility this man has is more like a feature of many sociopaths, but that's also true with psychopaths to a lesser degree.

[@sjtv6565]

@GettingAIDS BeatsGettingWOKE I always wanted to know how those types of guys interact when they're on the same team/ODA or whatever. A lot of SF dudes have said assholes and bloated ego dicks slip through the cracks so I wonder if those guys are just really high speed operators who do their jobs really well or if the chill, even keeled smart guys like McPhee operate even better during missions

[@Esper320]

That is not too far off, usually when the Unit reaches out to you its via some sketchy email inviting you for a brief. Then if you pass the screen and fill a need youll go to tryouts. Usually end up failing selection a few times before getting invited to OTC. You only get another try typically if youre already in Group or Batt. You can get into the Unit as conventional, I got my first invite as a commo dude supporting 5th Group - and failed of course.

[@Bourbon101LRSD]

He’s brutally honest, especially in how F’d up things were. “ We did the best we could”.

[@fernandoleal3576]

“I love chaos”, explains why this man is a legend. He knew equipment would break including himself, learned from lessons and prioritized his training to what he knew were essentials. So grateful for people like this.

[@jacksoncothren5831]

This man is a beast. I remember how legendary The Unit was in the Army. It was like a mythical pantheon of demigods. You never knew who they were but you knew they were out there whenever needed.

[@poloplatinum74]

A pantheon of mythical demigods!! Well put sir!!

[@MrBillkaz]

Truly mythical

[@williamraven7376]

John makes call of duty campaign seem not so far fetched

[@SanLeMans]

The more i hear about SOF stories the more realistic call of duty gets lmao

[@kxkxkxkx]

@@SanLeMans cod black ops was based on the story of John Plaster in SOG just FYI ..

[@joshcowley586]

For real!

[@gradycdenton]

@@kxkxkxkx I love hearing the SOG stories on Jocko Podcast

[@MobileAura]

They just send them on like 20v100 missions it’s insane. Cod/movies is nothing compared to what they go through daily basis.

[@BostonsF1nest]

This guy has done so much that he talks about going to combat, in probably the most elite fighting force in the world, like he just took a trip to the grocery store

[@Ynotnow9900]

Professional chaos maker and death slinger.

[@picolascage5270]

Not probably... CAG is as good as it gets. Pre 9/11 SAS Post 9/11 CAG

[@Soulrollsdeep]

@@picolascage5270 Yeah, because you can quite easily play 'top trumps' with special forces based on the date of your choosing. Grow up.

[@picolascage5270]

@@Soulrollsdeep actually there's plenty of people that can attest to that. When it comes to the elite of the elite tag is the most premier and capable unit in the world. Has nothing to do with my maturity. Get your head out of your ass. Ryan Fugit, former Apache pilot and then CIA has a KZbin channel called combat story in a lot of the podcasts he's done everybody pretty much unanimously agrees tag is the best unit in the world. Even Chris Ryan former SAS operator has a podcast and he had John Shrek McPhee former CAG operator and Chris Ryan even admits himself that tag has taken the number one spot simply because of the funding that goes into the unit and the level of training but please tell me to grow up again you f****** idiot

[@picolascage5270]

@@Soulrollsdeep and the reason why I mentioned 9/11 is because before 9/11 the United States really didn't have a lot of experience in special operations but once we had the ball rolling in Afghanistan and Iraq and the fact that we've been in Afghanistan since has only sharpened their blade especially special operations so shut the hell up

[@workingguy6666]

The hall-pass sections made me realize he is so much more than a war fighter. The guy is a philosopher and genius.

[@lehisena3443]

Much like a psychologist, it helped me a lot hearing that, I could relate

[@germanstudent06]

We had a guy at Ft Benning with a PhD in philosophy and he was enlisted infantry. We called him Doc, and i believe he went on to be an infantry officer. Nicknames and presonas were great in the Army. You had to have tough skin, but it was a great experience overall.

[@wb3191]

If you're gonna fuck it up, fuck it up so bad they wonder how ya did it... Love it! Words to live by.

[@Mark-iz5in]

Great quote. I also love if you can't beat them with brains, beat them with bullshit

[@theclephane2914]

Kill them all!

[@MrChuckwagon55]

There’s only one Shrek in this world. Your best interview ever.

[@DataGeek903]

this is Chuck Norris' father.

[@dfrost3417]

Yeah only one shrek, and he owns a swamp

[@Dwendele]

Glad when I was nicknamed Ogre in the Army, in the 80s, there wasn't Shrek yet. No way I could live up to that name. Ogre? Sure.

[@ThisPageIntentionallyLeftBlank]

Loved when he said “They would say I’m an asshole, but I’m technically and tactically proficient at everything I do” - this guy is my fucking spirit animal.

[@solomotionbanimation610]

The most important thing here is that he lived to tell his stories.. job well done sir 🙏🏽💪🏽⚡️

[@ededdison8965]

That "hall pass" analogy at 1:20:00 is spot on 👌🏼 At some point, we all have to get back to class and pick up where we left off. The hall pass just buys us some goof off time. I had a mentor tell me, "Life will enroll you in classes you need to pass to advance. And it'll keep re-enrolling you in the same course until you pass it."

[@b3tomm12]

Well said!

[@doc_sav]

I have read a *lot* of military history and memoirs. I have never heard of a guy going out on missions alone. This is so next level, it's like it isn't even a concept. Very cool.

[@brooksieluke]

This is so good. I’m an ex medic, I’ve been to Baghdad. This is some of the best advise I’ve heard in my whole ptsd journey.

[@FenrirFire18]

The thing I like the most about Shrek is that his mind is so rational and modest despite what he's been through. People like him are hard to come by.

[@greganderson5981]

100 Face. 200 No Face. 300 No Hands. 400 No Head. 500 No Light Between The Legs. 600 Triangle. SOB's dope. Always evaluate distances by this mantra.

[@jaksahn3370]

What part was this??? I missed it I guess. And this is meters?

[@greganderson5981]

@@jaksahn3370 No it's not in the video. I just mentioned as it's good stuff and from him. Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXXKipavbLJplZI

[@ballisticcranberrypeat7777]

That’s fucking incredible information, thanks man 🙏!!!

[@Version135]

Ty for sharing this.

[@dudeskidude8376]

thanks for sharing

[@jeremyschold2541]

This guy is overly humble for how much of a badass he is

[@ryanhyderh]

It's hard to picture him as a savage but don't be fooled.

[@ComedyGold-ml8wc]

All sf guys are nice af

[@Eagle44]

First time ever heard of this channel I am subscribed🇺🇸🏁

[@xecidex]

Humility and killing of the ego is required to operate on highest level

[@lifeisa.smalllesson4607]

Most real bad asses are. For the ego is an illusion and a defensive tactic..most people w large egos are scared deep down! The reality is that once you realise your stronger than nearly everyone else you no longer have a desire or need to make sure everyone knows that! You take an attitude of they will find out, if it goes to that!

[@rrosado36]

I am going to comment something different from what most people are commenting. I am just very happy to see a guy with so much time in combat being able to enjoy life. He is able to relax and be funny. We need to study guys like this to learn how we can help others to be happy once they get out. And i understand he might also have his moments, but he seems to be doing very good. It makes me very happy when i see a retired warrior living a good life.

[@SheepdogColumbus]

This is a damn good comment. You need three things to be able to go through the worst trauma a man can go through and appear to be normal to normal people. 1. Graveyard humor: We can crack jokes in the middle of something incredibly sad, scary, or even life threatening and get a laugh. You couldn't pay us to ever get offended. 2. Service to others: Men like us do little for ourselves but find great joy in doing whatever we can for others. We will gladly go out of our way and sacrifice even for strangers. It's a level of selflessness to such an extreme that it doesn't allow us to have self pity, let alone committing suicide. 3. Principles: We are die hard principled men who will not abandon principles for anything. You couldn't pay us enough to go against them. Because of this, we have a fairly easy time accepting things for what they are, which allows us to be calm under pressure and in most cases perform even better because we thrive in stressful situations.

[@sparkyslag6776]

John, I was raised by my Dad to be a Diesel Mechanic, and a Welder. I too was a late Bloomer. My Dad rest his soul was a Korean War Bad Ass. I thank Him every day for the knowledge He gave Me. I now own and operate my own Welding Business. I love Your story, Thank You for Your Service!....and Your Story. 😀👍

[@joeysaim8654]

The best title for a movie about him would be "Shrek goes to Baghdad"

[@Daniel-ld7xs]

Shriek: Adventures in Baghdad. 😂😂😂

[@joecam1167]

Shrek does Baghdad

[@mremu4358]

I think this wins "Shrek's your baghdaddy"

[@BlueAtlanticSea]

Are we talking live action or animated feature lol

[@stevenwilson4910]

You can never go wrong with the SOB. He’s a riot, and he’s been there and done that. Great interview 🇺🇸💪💪🏿💪🏻💪🏽🇺🇸

[@soonerfrac4611]

I love how he was talking about trash talking. Spent 8yrs in the army, another 4yrs as an army civilian cop, and 9yrs total in the oil field, trash talk is a way of life!!!! And the people that get pissy about it don’t last.

[@williamfieldsjr4144]

He is also great teacher one od the few to actually show your ass and corrects your shooting

[@MobileAura]

@@soonerfrac4611 Depends who’s trash talking. If it’s a close friend or some dude you met yesterday and he’s being a d about it.

[@SaltySeaCaptain]

@@MobileAura in the military it doesn't matter if your friends or not you're gonna endure some ball busting regardless

[@MobileAura]

@@SaltySeaCaptain True, but there are also a lot of d bags who trip on power.

[@DrewJ79]

John is like the uncle that everyone wants. I imagine he is a lot of fun to hang out with and probably hilarious after a couple of beers. Thank you for your service sir.

[@treybailey8463]

My guy was out here doing side missions as a taxi driver lmfao. What an incredible guy and soldier such a bad ass

[@shangbtw1451]

Imagine if they made a movie about him and called it “Sheriff of Baghdad”

[@shortbus794]

BOOOOM 🤯 yesssss sir

[@medicchester]

Let's do it.

[@Montweezy]

That would be badass!!!!

[@BostonsF1nest]

And the first scene is like an old Clint Eastwood western where he’s in the middle of the road with two pistols, a sheriffs badge, and boot spurs... as a tumble weed blows past the screen and women and children seek cover, a shadowy figure from the other end of the street emerges... it’s... Osama Bin Laden riding a goat with a suicide vest on. The sheriff tilts his head slightly, cowboy hat covering his eyes and with one swift motion calls in an air strike and suddenly, in what seemed like a split second... an AC-130 gunship emerges overhead and drops every single round of ordinances on the enemy. Target neutralized.

[@jasonpitts8395]

There isn't an actor that could play him. They are all pussies

[@joecapesius2887]

Shrek probably should try his hand at stand-up comedy. This guy is a kill! That how you know how legit he is, by how matter-of-fact he is about things. “I fixed my own compound fracture, walked thru a mine field, scaled a fence...”

[@cash9660]

Fuck Rambo, this guy is the most real and cognitive well together, all round soldier I've ever tell it how it really is so fucken good...Respect

[@caneloalvarez1516]

The only one that beats his cognitive abilities is another Delta detachment soldier by the name of Tom Satterly

[@raywalteroutdoors]

He hit me in the feels with the Army and VA talk. My back sprain was actually broken vertebrae, no discs left and crushed nerves. That happened in 06 I deployed again in 08 and by 2010 I couldn't walk. VA left me doped up. Took me almost 11 years but I'm running again and narcotic free thanks to civilian Dr's.

[@OkaneHaus]

Oh man! Glad to hear you're up and at it again man! That must've been one helluva ride...

[@JK-vc7ie]

Awesome

[@tristynschmidt1094]

45:19 he says “when you deal with negativity everyday of your life you start to think negatively” i’m a junior in hs rn and i’ve been homeless for almost the whole year, it’s been pretty hard my entire life dealing with things a lot of people deal with... but this resonates with me and i’ve been trying to find a reason and or a stronger incentive to join the military and he pin points it with what he talks about in this podcast.

[@johnmackie8838]

Hey brother i grew up in homeless shelters im 32 now and ive paved my own path. Keep putting one foot in front of the other in the right direction and embrace the suck. You will be fine

[@tyjohnston5889]

Life has ups and downs but overall it will improve. Hang in there, hope you're doing well.

[@SaltySeaCaptain]

Good luck man stay strong and work hard

[@wilsoncrocker]

i was in boot camp with a couple fellas that were previously homeless (as in homeless the day before recruit training indoc) and they breezed through... after living on the street, navy boot camp was a cake walk... one dude went to college and became an officer... if youre willing to take the advice from an old bubblehead, id say go and just talk to a recruiter, take the asvab, learn your options/possibilities... if nothing else it can help remove the negativity and allow you to live a life of choice... your choice

[@williambennett7033]

U can do it brother your already more of a man then half the men I know .....u got this

[@1911smokinggun]

I met John last week at a Carbine class. He is one hell of a good guy. He is made of granite. I hope they put up a statue of "ShreK" in the middle of Washington D.C. He is an American Bad Ass.

[@kojoe6984]

Agreed lol so I’m a Leo been to two of his classes for law enforcement but originally before i was Leo i went to his pistol video diagnostics class an became a better shooter in 7 min lol after quite sometime of shooting an classes

[@dabtican4953]

They should put it up in Bragg

[@MrNcgy]

We're so fortunate to have had you, thank you for everything you did Mr. McPhee. I appreciate what you said about the importance of getting appropriate rest and the pitfalls of relying too heavily on booze.

[@purelife9000]

1:23:00 He's right, positivity can be contagious in combat. Once we were getting indirect fire in Iraq and one of my buddies was terrified. I just told him it's ok, there will only be three or four more rockets and we can go back to sleep. It worked. He relaxed and sure enough we were back to sleep within a half hour.

[@nickdantzlerward8567]

This is the kind of guy stolen valor folks pretend to be

[@Kaun_of_Man]

Dream they could be.

[@MobileAura]

This guy is an absolute legend.

[@remedy-1879]

I served. And I wish I was this guy. Lol.

[@MobileAura]

@@remedy-1879 I served but I never SERVED. But this guy SERRRRRRRVED. Some people are just next level. These guys are above Olympic level of conditioning.

[@donaldsteele6276]

@@MobileAura don't forget the lucky as fuck to still be alive factor hahaha . These guys do fuck it up and some how death fucks it up too and they make it home after messing up some shit. It's like mission what the fuck just happened? Not sure but we made it home by mistake glad we did. Lol 😆 🤣

[@richardkenny7555]

"Chaos is my Jam".

[@BirdDawg1]

I felt that too

[@AshtonCoolman]

I was born in 1982(41yo). This guy speaks like guys from my generation. He's awesome.

[@ralfhorne5559]

I was actually going to go the gym and stumbled across this podcast. i don't think I've actually laughed so much listening to John' what a amazing story and badass! so much for my workout, listening to him was well worth missing a workout!

[@cuddlypop23]

every other interview or video i’ve watched on this entire process is so serious and go into great detail about how hard it was. then you have this man who is basically just like “idk it wasn’t that bad”

[@FallOnThese]

I've noticed that too w Delta guys. It's like it was all fun for them. SEALS, other special forces, when they tell stories it's more dramatic, its life and death. (not knocking them at all cuz it literally is)..but the delta guys tell the story like it's a funny night out on the town...it's very different. These guys are scary.

[@burr6303]

Easily the most entertaining revealing and incredible video I’ve seen in years. The world needs more of this man, and more men like him

[@Westsideswimcoach]

So much Fun ! My dad was from Back Of the Yards. Marine Veteran with 2 tours Vietnam. I was born in North Carolina. Fishing hunting from the age of 5. Thanks for the show !!!

[@anthonymcfarland7522]

YES ! Understand this guy so much I grew up in Toledo Ohio all the elders spoke Southern dialect all the old sayings and ways . It's a million miles away from that now . Thanks for your service . My son Rory McFarland now serves .

[@MM-eo2oz]

These delta guys are amazing humans. For those who don't know, delta force recruits from rangers and special forces and about 95% of those guys fail selection.

[@kojoe6984]

Hey FYI delta also allows marines an pj an even a cook could apply but likely won’t go to selection due an limit on amount of people that could tryout an more qualified soldiers will get the spots like rangers an SF guys lol

[@rileyshepherd3862]

@@kojoe6984 well I would argue that marine recon and marsoc are pretty qualified

[@kojoe6984]

@@rileyshepherd3862 they are very qualified I’m not arguin that

[@kojoe6984]

@@rileyshepherd3862 was referring to cook with qualify

[@dbohler8640]

@@kojoe6984 our DFAC NCOIC was old school SF. He served in Vietnam and was later injured doing operations in Honduras. He reclassified because cooks were the only other MOS with the same rate of promotion as infantry. I know the point you were making but Thought I’d share because this was one spooky dude.

[@smokeyops6635]

I stumbled across this video. This is a great man reminds me of my dad. Instantly love this guy. God bless ❤️

[@brianstollings6416]

It’s absolutely mind blowing how one man accomplished all this. What a legend.

[@LP3me]

Heard so many stories about this guy in books and articles and he seems like a real nice guy considering what a badass he is.

[@LP3me]

Only book I can remember at the moment is “Kill Bin Laden” by Dalton Fury.

[@firstnamelastname9444]

That’s an impressive guest, I don’t really see Shrek doing that many interviews. Thanks for another great episode!

[@CombatStory]

So true. He's got an impressive story to say the least!

[@tanks6868]

@@CombatStory Are there more women or men in the American army? 🇺🇲 sorry for the question, Answer please🖐

[@andy47456]

@@tanks6868 9 men for every woman.

[@bestjobieverhad9584]

I was thinking about that. Fucking guy is a legend. Legit no bullshit hard charger

[@kojoe6984]

Hey check out Sheriff of Baghdad podcast it’s all him an some guest as well a lot of episodes available on Spotify an iTunes im sure elsewere but it’s awesome content go to beggining you’ll learn tons about him his career tactics etc.. very smart man

[@earlelzy7243]

He speaks the truth about being positive and letting it go. That's how I feel and live now. Great stuff.

[@FallOnThese]

This guy is hillarious...And scary as hell. One of the baddest dudes on the planet but not once does he talk about being a bad ass...he doesnt try to make himself sound cool or tough..minimizes what he did...would love to hear more from him.

[@larryking7]

What an honest and funny guy. Best comment “ Who shot the hostage, game”. Love this guy.

[@clutchclipperjk5169]

"I kinda washed it with my canteen and pushed the bone back in"...I f'ing dying over here! SOB is THE MAN!!

[@somethingsomethingusername802]

Just imagining that makes me whince like a bitch. I'd like to be able to say "I'd do the same thing" but fuck me, that shit hurts to even look at lol

[@ponchoslappatv5358]

I used to have a friend who was a navy seal he had such bad ptsd but he told me so many awesome stories

[@theateroftheabsurd2168]

"There's kinda gotta be something wrong with me if I do what u expect me to do" that statement sums it up for all of us. Get well brothers keep pushing

[@Peglay]

Gotta say this is one of my favorite episodes so far, John has some crazy stories and he seems like such a good dude.

[@emt7614]

Ive taken a few classes with John and was able to have dinner with him a few times, he is an awesome person. His classes are so worth it.

[@ouchouch7887]

Super honest guy that was refreshing to listen to

[@happinesshotel5375]

Oh yeah, he talked about red wings on his podcast! He's very honest!

[@xObscureMars]

@@happinesshotel5375 wtf

[@dabtican4953]

@@xObscureMars why wtf

[@Horner181]

God bless you and the sacrifice you have made for us.It’s men like you who motivated me to enlist,and it’s men like you who kept me alive.

[@BW-dh7vf]

Love the reality clause in John's perspective. Reality is so very different from what we think...or expect. Great time. Thanks!

[@shawnlund]

“I was real little when I was small” I know what he meant but that still struck me as funny.

[@DevotedGamerXD]

Thank you so much for getting Shrek on here. I haven't been able to find many deep interviews with him and this didn't disappoint.

[@kojoe6984]

Bro u ever watch sheriff of Baghdad podcast or booze an views tons of great content if u go to beggining of podcast i think 2015-16 he started it all good stuff

[@andrews2990]

He has his own podcast, man. Check it out.

[@Cuefrost101]

I love this guy...!!! Clearly he is the epitome of adapt and overcome !!!

[@johns6147]

I’ve enjoyed many of your combat stories. This was the best one yet. You’re very good at what you do, great questions and you know when to let your guest go without interrupting. Nice work. Thanks.

[@reif0037]

Easy top 3 interviews. Amazing content and I'd buy the Shrek a beer every time I saw him. He's a legend in the operator space. He's a legend story teller. Thanks for your service gents!

[@MrChris2163]

This guy is so real.. I love his personality and humbleness.. Great interview.. No bullshit just real world guy!. You Rock Shrek!

[@anthonycharles8920]

Bro... 100s of solo operations alone. Absolutely amazing

[@lesflynn4455]

Outstanding. The whole thing from start to finish was full of great info, advice and some big laughs. Five stars from me. Shrek is a big man among men.

[@mikeyrodriguez3702]

That’s my coach! Been a member for a few years and have learned more from him than I ever did in the Army on combat deployments as a regular joe

[@beenschmokin]

This guy and fucking pat Mac together would be a God damn duo to hear tell stories and teach us civilian minutemen.

[@StanUlch]

Growing up in both rural and urban settings, imo, teaches a child to adapt to many very different cultures, and everything that goes with them.

[@marsellewalker739]

I was seriously thinking about selection and I train like I was going, but hearing this has made me happy and I reconsidered it. The part about decompressing, it is the reality and I am happy I found this. Thank you

[@seamusorourk8652]

One of the best podcasts/interviews I’ve seen. Especially where we are now in current events. The world is messed up. Good luck to all of you as we progress into the future.

[@CM-gy4ib]

Hands down one of the best, funniest, wow-inspiring interviews you have done - and you have had some great ones on here! Laughed my ass off, blew my mind with respect.

[@DrSpas]

Greatness, brilliant. These are great lessons to be learned, a seemingly miraculous story not designed but lived. Goes to show, stay genuine and in the flow and you will play out.

[@teotwawki00]

What a great guy. Midwestern people have a practical sensibility that you understand if you're Midwestern. Funny is in the DNA. Great to watch on the 4th of July. God Bless America 🇺🇸🙏❤.

[@GBW175]

Wow. Great interview. I stumbled into your channel just like a stumbled into SOB a few years ago with one of his original video interviews that he did. Honestly John, it’s your straight shooting, humble, down to earth, keeping it real attitude that makes people give you the time of day. IMO. As a vet/LEO, I think you nailed it with the decision must be made to NOT get jaded & bitter. God did good work when he made ya👍🏻🇺🇸

[@samuelborchardt-cho7379]

From Battalion to Group to The Unit, Guys balls must be huge

[@AMG-316]

I heard Shreks balls are so vital to our countries security that they have their own SSN.....

[@Voidz52.]

Shit they rode on their own helo

[@brendanhayes2752]

What a great interview, hilarious guy and great stories. I was smiling the whole time. Thank you.

[@ryanwilliams1410]

Love the show it’s what I listen to everyday at work to keep me motivated. The inside look into the soldiers mindset is incredibly fascinating and makes me want to do better in my everyday life. Please keep em coming it’s improving my daily life.

[@stefanmcfarland7905]

This man speaks some serious truth. Great, brutal, honesty spoken here.

[@d.cypher2920]

First: *Respect, respect, and respect brother!!* Second: a moment of analysis on trash talking... *my son (26ish) and I (45ish), trash talk A LOT. I actually believe it serves a truly invaluable tactical purpose, that is that it *'keeps the skin, from getting too thin'* so instead of getting too mushy and sensitive, one becomes a bit more hardened to the banter. I think it's a stress coping skill also. Be well. Thank you for sharing, sir. 😎🇺🇸

[@cleg45]

I keep coming back to this episode. Such a good interview. Love John’s candor and storytelling

[@monkdog007]

I did not expect to watch that whole thing. John was great. What a character.

[@1911smokinggun]

My video diagnostics I got from the Sheriff was eye opening. There is nothing like seeing what your doing wrong on film. Then he corrects all of your faults and the results are outstanding. I specifically wanted the carbine class so that I didn't go out and practice "wrong" things with expensive ammo. It is well worth your time and money for your pistol or carbine. I also gave the Sheriff a bottle of Angel's Envy for a Booze n Views... Find a class and go!

[@Ervin2v]

This guy makes SOF/SF selections look like beer runs.

[@RowdyGrunt]

Go to one of his courses, you'll feel like you can too! 😁 Then you get in the car and back to reality 😂

[@MM-eo2oz]

not all men are created equal....this guy belongs to an elite group of humans

[@Rorschach__NoCompromise]

@@MM-eo2oz interesting

[@gangstar8652]

@@MM-eo2oz That much coveted 5%. Human being ¿

[@daviddroescher]

27 mi @ 7min pace is just a "hun I'm going out for a quick jog to clear my head." for me and I was mearly a SF Recruit (18x) with a Blue Cord and CIB. In bacic I was 220lbs (white cord fat boy club leader) 2nd fastest@13:07 2 mi should have pushed that broken ankle w/torn ligaments a little harder and got ny 300 pt score.

[@jaycee6777]

Salute to guys getting it like this .. Was an Honor meeting you guys out there.. Very Proud of y'allz work , even those tuff decisions civilians wouldn't understand.. that balance of good n evil .. y'all are bad azz ! No doubt n a lil wild lol .. love it

[@hoofgripweightlifting6872]

What a freakin great interview. I thoroughly enjoyed watching. Thank you.

[@worldsokayestmedic4568]

Great interview Ryan! His survival tip of NOT giving your own aircraft your own position was a trip! It totally contradicting the way we were taught, but made sense. The interview was super wide ranging and really insightful.

[@Kaptin77]

The "let it go" is genius, I've never looked at it that way, and that could translate to stuff in civilian life too! Good stuff John!

[@WilliamnWendySue]

This is exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you, SGM McPhee, followed the link to your SOB site and laughed even harder at some of the Booze N’ Views 😂🇺🇸

[@ericmalmstrom4840]

Many thanks, @Combat Story. These interviews combine great storytelling with a lot of life lessons. My favorite episodes are John "Shrek" McPhee, Tom Shea, Dale Comstock and Tom Satterly. I appreciate the laid-back approach and that you let each guest tell his story his way. Keep up the great work. Thank you all for your service.

[@kojoe6984]

Hey bro all great guys check out Jamey Caldwell he was in Tora bora wit shrek also a d boy

[@3User]

@@kojoe6984 know any good podcasts that had jamey on?

[@tonykeast9966]

I've never heard anything like that in my life! What a legend. Irreverent awesomeness from a new angle, what a perspective! There was genius in that hour an three quarters for sure.

[@poebutcheddar]

Shrek is such an interesting, likeable and intense dude! I'm proud Americans like this are out there fighting for us! 👍🏻🇺🇲🐅

[@JK-lr9cg]

Love this man's attitude, and life experiences. Well worth a listen. A real tale without any bull shit.

[@michaellacy8510]

These are really awesome interviews. Thanks!

[@mannyv.2769]

"I had been at Ft Benning enough to know that there's a big world out there."😄😂🤣 Hooah!😎🤙🏼

[@carolineobrien1329]

Hahah that’s for sure

[@disposablehero4911]

Downtown Columbus, Georgia.

[@pissonthe0fighteverybody276]

@@disposablehero4911 Lol good ol Sin City

[@dfw1fast143]

What a humble absolute badass. Thank you sir. Guys like this are why we’re free.