BORTAC Spec Ops Marine Erin 'Jammer' Switzer - Part Two | Mike Ritland Podcast Episode 146

BORTAC: Border Patrol Tactical Unit. An elite arm of the United States Border Patrol, BORTAC works in conjunction with other law enforcement departments to stop criminals, catch smugglers, and protect the U.S. from dangers at home and away. Just take it from Erin 'Jammer' Switzer - he's been a part of BORTAC for years. And the border isn't the only place he's smashing heads - he's also appeared in Call of Duty and Amazon's 'The Terminal List' too.
But what exactly does BORTAC do? How do they operate? And what are the boundaries of their jurisdiction, if they have any at all? Fortunately, Jammer's got the answers.
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:42 - BORTAC Loadouts & Tactical Gear
09:46 - Outsmarting the Smugglers
14:30 - Responding to Uvalde
17:51 - BORSTAR: Border Patrol Search, Trauma, & Rescue
22:50 - Avenging Brian Terry
38:04 - Human Atrocities
41:17 - People Processing
46:56 - Politics in a Border Crisis
56:20 - Notable Encounters
01:01:45 - Recruiting At Any Age
01:07:48 - Going Hollywood
01:16:16 - What's Next?
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Support Erin Switzer -
Instagram: / jammer_actual
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[@arttrumbo9496]

Everyone complaining about how this guest doesnt share a lot of details should remember that these BORTAC guys are in daily competition with the cartel. The cartel is extremely crafty in adapting TTPs do cross the border undetected. Ive spoken to some BORTAC guys and these cartel dudes are doing some crazy and creative things. Any information this guest puts out about how BORTAC operates is free intel to the cartel which they can use to adapt TTPs to counter our own TTPs.

[@teamperry757]

Best part was the "yeah i dont really know" and the "not right off the top of my head" one. Haha. Love your stuff Mike, i think its time to start water boarding reluctant guests lol

[@RuachNation82]

Erin has definitely been trained how to be vague without being rude. There’s clearly so much that he just “can’t” speak to. Great interview! Keep em’ coming!

[@ejd7881]

he ain't talking he's scared. there's no fucking protocol just say it.

[@BetoChavez509]

I would like to hear him talk once hes out of agency and really be able to talk without getting into trouble

[@chetwold2512]

Hey Mike you need to have someone who is willing to talk about what is going on down on the border. I'm that guy I have been an agent for 14 years. I might lose my job over it but the American public have a right to know.

[@robtheaveragewhiteamerican4403]

He deflected everything.

[@MikeRitland]

Shoot me a message at [e-mail]

[@bluewave2024]

Thank you for having a pair of balls!

[@kaviyarasan5638]

​@@robtheaveragewhiteamerican4403qq

[@kaviyarasan5638]

​@@robtheaveragewhiteamerican4403ka aqua a5t😊😊

[@bluewave2024]

Second round of this guy getting asked questions and not answering any of them LOL

[@70stunes71]

Thanks brothers. So many great points being made here.👍

[@clunde7088]

Great as always. Thank you Mike, as well as your team. We Iowans are appreciative and proud of your work.🤘

[@birdmusic1206]

He didn't answer many questions but I get the impression he is pretty aware of what he deals with out there. He might have a lot of other parties trying to figure out what BORTAC does all the time, to the point they might watch this interview. It's a little different when the guest isn't looking back on an experience but rather discussing a constantly evolving situation they are still facing.

[@johnmacri7440]

Looking forward to this one. Thanks Mike

[@michaelthurber2660]

Thanks Mike. Look forward to 1on1 interviews. Great job!!!!

[@andrewglass25]

Was really looking forward to this but so many yeah I don’t knows

[@amyfalise]

Great interview but please next time have more questions for the dog! 😂

[@internet_internet]

“Who wants to be in law enforcement nowadays?” I’m 28. I’ve applied 3 times in my once fairly rural, now suburban central Texas hometown. I’m a 7-8th generation Texan. (We lost count) They don’t want me because I don’t have enough college credits to satisfy their hiring process, and my unfortunately unimpressive Navy DD214 isn’t good enough to make up for that lack of college credits. The “paper dragon” that exists in our systems disqualifies a lot of very willing and capable young men like myself from doing good for our communities and our society. My hometown doesn’t want me, yet I’ve lived here longer than the mayor. I knew the creeks that used to flow here before the development and the construction filled them in with dirt and concrete to turn them into drainage runoff areas.

[@BeachCityRyda]

Fuc them apply elsewhere

[@Izak213]

Maybe broader your horizons. Get some college under your belt (at least an AAS) and apply more.

[@xmldigitz1]

When part 1 ended I was so bummed it was a short episode I felt like it could of been longer glad there’s part 2

[@no8637]

Thank you🎉

[@bluephoenix383]

Quick recap Dude did some recon stuff with a glock 40 something with some kind of carry ammo night vision yep can't get into the rest of it the end!!

[@davidcassens5022]

Hahah. I don't think I learned anything new about BORTAC on this episode that I haven't already read about 😅. Lot of "uhhh yeah I don't really know." 😅

[@tacticalbacon7386]

@@davidcassens5022 I dunno, learning that they do freefall kind blew my mind. But otherwise, I'd say you're right lol.

[@daffyshakilfur3563]

Call me picky but I like it when he has guest who answer his questions.

[@zacharymccoy2595]

Why do interviews if you aren’t gonna talk about anything, great job on the questions Mike!

[@Izak213]

He's currently employed by the Border Patrol. BORTAC does a lot of pretty sensitive stuff.

[@ronswanson263]

@@Izak213no they actually dont

[@peterhunhoff5202]

You would know right, clown@@ronswanson263

[@RucksTitusMavros]

The guest can certainly speak to more than he did during the episode. It’s not a black ops organization. They are not for the most part a secret squirrel organization. I really enjoy most episodes. I’m calling nonsense on this one. You are in civilian law enforcement geez

[@Izak213]

He's currently employed by the Border Patrol. BORTAC does a lot of pretty sensitive stuff.

[@Anthony-pw9yr]

You know cartel guys watch this too? He doesn’t want to give too many details away (TTPs & Operating procedures) that can be used against the team. It does t have to be black ops . Eat your Cheetos.

[@nathanammon4021]

The cartels don’t have a death wish like terrorists but are probably more capable than a lot of the Taliban since our Special Forces trained a lot of cartel elements that exist to today. The plan was to fight cartels in their country but they flipped and became some of the most dangerous cartels in Mexico. I’d think Bortac is a response to that since cartel on cartel violence can become more sophisticated than gang on gang violence here. Bortac creates a much higher level of readiness even if it isn’t used cartels will have a harder to crossing the rubicon with these guys. The terrain in parts of the border along with water ways is also treacherous so for efficiency some element of weeding out weaker people is needed. Apparently their selection process is legit and have elements that have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The guy who shot that Ulvade punk was a Bortac guy. He had no hesitation when the Ulvalde cops stood by. He looked visibly very traumatized by the situation and who wouldn’t be.

[@renegadearms]

The part about the local law enforcement getting one box of ammo a month is crazy, I go to the range minimal monthly try to go bi weekly at least and I shoot hundreds of rounds not a box, that’s sad.

[@ObamaFromKenya]

@renegadearms by the same token, DEVGRU uses more ammunition in training than the entire USMC does in a year.

[@WinStoNs_Mith]

Great shit!I hope that no one from our wonderful government sees this and decides that they can relieve said awesome government of another retirement.

[@renegadearms]

It was a good podcast and no offense to Mike or the guest but I feel like I know less about BORTAC 😂, they surely act like it’s super secret squirrel 🐿️ stuff.

[@mavdadog]

I really enjoyed this interview. Having spent a lot of time in Tucson, these guys are definitely spooky dudes and have a very important job. I am sure when he is out there will be more he can say and there is no point in jeopardizing retirement now

[@danielconquer909]

He said it himself, they guard the border to make it safer for illegals to cross

[@claytonsharrard1900]

Afs7194 then don’t do a interview… if your worried about your retirement sounds like you shouldn’t be there or that person should be asking more questions inside the agency he works for.

[@claytonsharrard1900]

Lol the interview sucked. I’m surprised Mike stayed that collective during the interview. You can’t even say how a guy is processed out of the country. 🤦‍♂️

[@renegadearms]

@@mavdadog yeah I figured the same because im telling you as someone who held a clearance, one of us “commoners” they’ll take your clearance if they can, but if you’re Hillary Clinton or those types you can do anything and keep your clearance. Trey Gowdy even told Hillary that to her face and there’s a video on KZbin about it he said a private in the Army would get his money taken and kicked out out of service for doing way less than she did.

[@vinniemac6076]

There was a retired senior border agent on theo vons podcast was a great listen

[@NotYourPops]

Everyone getting mad about him not spilling BORTAC secrets and tactics is really something.

[@jamesgunnyreed3792]

Stationed in Yuma from 2004 to 2007. I spent a ton of time out on ranges, BLM land and training areas in the desert along the border in AZ and Ca. To the west from Yuma to Nogales Az south of Tucson around Barry Goldwater Range. And from Yuma to San Diego to the west and up north to 29 Palms, Ca and Phoenix. Some time up around Indio and Blythe. Black Mtn, Glamis, Ocotillo, Calexico, Brawley, Nyland and Camp Billy Machen, Choc Mtn Ariel Gunnery Range. You see some crazy stuff in the desert. We used to go out and clear out illegals from the ranges before live fire (ground and air) for Desert Talon and WTI exercises. Run Convoys from MCAS Yuma south along the border around the Gila Mtns to Wellton. Talked to a lot of Border Patrol Agents in those times. One time we had to call BP. We ran across a group north of Glamis along the railroad tracks that was out of water and in bad shape. About 15 folks including little kids and 1 pregnant woman. They tried to hide from us but were easy to see. We gave them some water and they waited for BP to arrive and were happy as hell to get in the AC truck. They were happy to get caught . Another time in the Middle of nowhere deep down a wash not even a rd waaay out in the desert miles from a rd, south of Quartzite and east of Yuma Proving Ground, a BP truck hit its lights and pulled us over out of no where. LOL. (we used rental 4x4 pickups) little bitty Female BP Agent by herself walked up (With Weapon drawn) and asked WTH we were doing. Once she saw 4 Marines and we explained that we were out there for route recon for WTI Ops, she holstered and explained hat we had set off motion sensors. Apparently that was a route used by illegals and smugglers. We were told to be careful and have fun. I respect the work BP does big time.

[@joshuacotton8114]

awesome as always. I like hearing border patrol stories a lot. I hunt, fish, and work in s. TX alot and you run into it a lot. FYI they have some badass bay boats with 50 on it. I just wish some of the guest wouldn't just kinda pass over some of their missions, training, what they run etc.. Like its no big deal and no one wants to hear about. There are very few of us that got the chance to do what ya'll did and we love to hear all those details. I can tell you try to get them to talk but cant push to hard. He was a cool guest though and Keep up those great commercials. Seriously. Gotta get me one your hats!

[@joshpomponio2993]

Got a lot of support for them guys 👊

[@trophy_husband]

Who complains about commercial advertisements on a free show? At least you told them professionally and quite politely to go choke themselves.

[@jstorey6226]

I’d like to see some CBP SRT guys, there is an air and marine unit

[@MidwayShooter]

Nice Truck, not a fan of the covers. I believe the auto start turns off when the door opens to prevent theft?

[@scottybjj9689]

This guy is Mike Baker. If you know, you know

[@republicanknowledge1156]

How many times a year are BORTAC tryouts? And it’s a 2 year probation period before even applying, correct?

[@Izak213]

I believe it's twice a year and yeah it's a two year period

[@republicanknowledge1156]

@@Izak213 thanks! Do you know if there is a way to tryout while on probation and, if you pass, finish out your probation period afterwards - before joining SOG?

[@Izak213]

@@republicanknowledge1156 depends on your sector. You may be able to try out at your 1.5 year mark but often it’s after your two year probationary period. SOG is something else. SOG is the national team. SOG is full time and has more experienced BORTAC and BORSTAR guys. A few USBP sectors have BORTAC/BORSTAR detachments. Detachments are part time. It’s common for people to bounce between detachments and SOG. Watch the USBP WIN podcast where they interview the commander of SOG.

[@republicanknowledge1156]

@@Izak213 ok, thanks. If I may ask one last question? Do you know what cuts most trainees from BORTAC training? Is it they aren’t physically prepared, instructors cut them or they DOR? Really appreciate it!

[@Izak213]

@@republicanknowledge1156 they aren’t cut out physically, they get hurt in selection or they fail an evaluation. Some DOR because they realize it’s not for them. If I were you I’d watch the USBP podcast where they interview the SOG commander.

[@lanemorrison2954]

Plus P in the glock

[@cameronherrera3532]

I hope this dude comes back when he’s retired. I actually want to hear his personal opinions. 👍🏽

[@jakhaughton1800]

Mike this must be the only interview that has to be the hardest you’ve ever taken. The only interesting part was the dog. Get someone on who’s willing to talk regardless of the consequences.

[@kendallkilgore7799]

No offense but for a badass he didn't know much about the tools of his trade (weapond/ammo)

[@animula6908]

Our society punishes people who do the right thing without permission. Especially men. Now we pay the price.

[@ObamaFromKenya]

@animula6908 no excuse for the Uvalde LE when active school training universally teaches eliminating the shooter first all else second. They’re even taught not to stop and help the wounded, nothing takes precedence over engaging and eliminating the shooter. Did the Uvalde LE have different training protocols from every other LE Dept in America?

[@robertsmith908]

god the ads

[@claytonsharrard1900]

I don’t think he answered one question the whole interview…. That was pretty irritating as a marine we usually walk that line… No offense I guess but man kinda a waist of a interview

[@simonnizerontheroad]

Blabla {Glock} blablabla {new design…} blabla. Just there I know he’s lying lol

[@nathanmgg]

show dog please.

[@markhc4581]

After listening to 40MikeMike's podcast before it was called Mike Drop + many other similar podcasts, all I've got to say is that negative comments are for knuckleheads. Shaving your sack & soaking in the sun is more productive. Killjoys are for _ u _ ts! Party on!

[@dangoodwin5954]

Wow. Talk about a long career in action sports without anything close to playing in the game. "So how would you characterise your desicion to take interviews about your 20 years of practice?" "Do you find sitting on the bench during games difficult?" "Oh i dont know if i would characterize it that way, but im not really sure i could speak to that, i dont really follow the details, and try to focus on practice and keeping my towel over my head during games. "But i did pose for some video game shoots when i wasnt practicing playing with nods and blackhawks to help dehydrated drug mules get into the coutry." "Does anything at all stand out in your career?" - No nothing Do you at least have a product or business to hock here or .......what. Lol

[@Sarge80]

For me Bortac used to have a good rep, but after the Uvalde disaster where they didnt do what they are trained for and just stood in the hallway while kids and teachers bled out i lost alot of my respect for them.

[@ThePoonie]

BORTAC were the hero’s that took out the shooter, it was the Uvadle police that stood out in the hallway and prevented parents from going in there.

[@Sarge80]

@@ThePoonie They where on scene for almost an hour maybe even longer before doing jack.

[@ThePoonie]

Yes, true, Uvadle POLICE were on scene for that length of time, however, it was Border Patrol AGENTS that showed up and intervened.

[@Sarge80]

@@ThePoonie You are right they did, but not as you suggest immediatly, i wish they had, but they didnt.

[@HarryManback0]

Dude, how do you spend years working in a job where you're supposed to be training shooting on a regular basis and not know what kind of ammo you're using in your pistol and rifle? Does someone else load every mag for you? Have you never seen the box it comes in? How do you barely know what type of pistol you're issued? Turned off the podcast as soon as I heard all that.

[@rebeccagriswold282]

I really wanted to hear about his story, experience and the whole job, yet he didn’t deliver much information. AT ALL. Didn’t really learn anything!

[@robtheaveragewhiteamerican4403]

Is it just me. This guy can’t talk about anything. Do the tax payers pay these guys?

[@davidcassens5022]

"uhh yeah I don't really know"

[@bluewave2024]

Yes, he does what he's told to by Big Daddy Border Government!

[@yoursofullofitha7262]

Um... hats off to Mike.. he kept trying to get some good info... the way his questions were avoided.. makes me.that much more curious 🤔

[@AntonioGarmsci-cy5vt]

Spent in Florence and Eloy, AZ.