Mike is a police SWAT team member, K9 handler, and tactical medic. Jim is an Air Force pilot with a background in close air support and combat search and rescue. Our goal is to elevate the conversation about all things tactical for public safety, military, and concerned citizens. Join us to hear lessons learned about decision making, critical thinking, problem solving, leadership, and teamwork.
Who even are you? And why I don't carry as often as I once did.
You do honorable, important, and dangerous work in your profession, but that work also feeds into your social needs, and you've internalized and reinforced the attributes that make you good at your job to a degree that sets you up for problems down the road.
Mike addresses the importance of examining your identity and why you need to expand your roles in life beyond your career, because you might not always be as special as you think you are.
Like what we're doing? Head over to Patreon and give us a buck for each new episode. Find us on social media @TacTangents and give a follow!
Intro music credit Bensound.com
2 Apr 2026
The best way to clear a house—CQB for Operators and Noobs
From hostage rescue to burglary alarm calls, dynamic entries to slow and deliberate clearing, CQB and entry tactics have shifted over time—but the risks haven't gone away. It doesn't matter if you're a high-speed tactical operator or a patrol cop on the front lines, clearing structures with guns has some fundamental challenges, and there's no perfect way to do it.
This episode explores the tradeoffs behind how we clear structures, why context matters, and what actually improves survivability when everything is working against you.
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
15 Mar 2026
The Algorithm Isn't the Boss-But It's With Us in the Briefing Room
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping how information is gathered, analyzed, and acted upon in both policing and military operations, and even the private sector. In this episode, we examine the practical implications of AI tools—especially large language models (LLMs)—and how they are already influencing intelligence analysis, operational planning, and day-to-day decision-making across our professions.
Mike and Jim explore the promise and limitations of human–machine teaming, the risks associated with data security and data poisoning, and how adversaries can exploit AI systems to manipulate information environments, accelerate decision cycles, and disrupt traditional OODA loops. As tacticians, we also have to consider the threats with AI teaming; deepfakes, synthetic media, and automated influence campaigns can distort perception and undermine trust during critical incidents or conflicts.
We focus on practical leadership considerations: when to trust automated tools, how to validate AI-generated information, and how organizations can integrate these technologies without surrendering judgment, sovereignty, or operational advantage. The ultimate goal is to help practitioners understand how AI changes the competitive landscape—and how professionals can adapt without becoming dependent on systems they don't fully control.
Links:
Great article from Red Beard Tactical on how to use AI to write better OPORDS: https://www.patreon.com/posts/tactics-ai-opord-150850002
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
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
56,053
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
94 ratings
Spotify
4.9 / 5
55 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 73 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
77
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
96
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