You don't fight in a vacuum—and neither do police officers, soldiers, or federal agents. In this episode, Jim analyzes the newly released 2025 National Security Strategy ( https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-National-Security-Strategy.pdf ) and translates its broad language into practical meaning for people working at the tactical and operational levels. He explains how the NSS communicates priorities across government, how it influences downstream defense and security planning, and how it signals intent to allies, competitors, and adversaries alike.

Check out this episode to gain a clearer understanding of how strategic documents shape budgeting, force posture, and mission design over time. We also explore why the NSS matters differently at different ranks and roles, and how leaders can use it to frame decisions, explain priorities to subordinates, and anticipate where institutions are likely to invest (or divest) next.

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

Everyone in a fight has their side of the story. That story is a crafted message that can keep someone in the fight, convince them to stop fighting, and convince bystanders you are the good guy worth helping or the bad guy worth piling onto.

Police in America are struggling with an increasingly hostile public narrative that degrades morale, budgets, recruiting, and public cooperation when you need it most. In irregular warfare, the narrative may have more impact than the guided missiles.

The conversation focuses on practical storytelling skills leaders need to operate effectively in contested environments. Check out this episode to learn how tactical actions reverberate at the operational and strategic levels, why "neutrality" is often a false posture, and how to communicate facts through compelling, ethical narratives that build credibility rather than erode it. This episode is essential listening for professionals who operate in public-facing roles where perception directly impacts mission success.

The History of the Marine Corps: https://www.marines.com/about-the-marine-corps/who-are-the-marines/history.html

The History of Special Forces: https://arsof-history.org/history.html#check-sf

Storytelling Tactics https://pipdecks.com/products/storyteller-tactics

Malcom Gladwell's TED Talk about his book The Tipping Point: https://youtu.be/RmXrwKydM9k

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcom Gladwell - https://amzn.to/48X1gg1

Brian Willis TED talk most dangerous weapon in LE https://youtu.be/qwC-RHsC6gw

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

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