Episodios

  • 186: Hazing vs. Hardening: Building Strong Teams Without Breaking People

    186: Hazing vs. Hardening: Building Strong Teams Without Breaking People
    Jun 1 2025

    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
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    1 h y 1 m
  • 185: Kids These Days - Leading Across Generations

    185: Kids These Days - Leading Across Generations
    May 15 2025

    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
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    54 m
  • 184: “Fire As A Weapon, Chapter 12” -Sun Tzu, Probably.

    184: “Fire As A Weapon, Chapter 12” -Sun Tzu, Probably.
    May 1 2025

    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
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    1 h y 8 m
  • 183: HONOR: Your Own Rules

    183: HONOR: Your Own Rules
    Apr 15 2025

    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
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    1 h y 10 m
  • 182: Catching Up After a Busy Week

    182: Catching Up After a Busy Week
    Apr 1 2025


    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
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    1 h y 18 m
  • 181: Times Jim Has Called 911

    181: Times Jim Has Called 911
    Mar 15 2025

    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
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    1 h y 18 m
  • 180: Balance: Pace Yourself, it's a Marathon, not a Sprint

    180: Balance: Pace Yourself, it's a Marathon, not a Sprint
    Mar 1 2025

    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
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    55 m
  • 179: The Boogeyman of Coeur d'Alene – The Crimes of Joseph Duncan

    179: The Boogeyman of Coeur d'Alene – The Crimes of Joseph Duncan
    Feb 15 2025

    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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    1 h y 16 m
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