Former Delta Force Sgt Maj. John “Shrek” McPhee on His Experiences in Special Forces

Formed in 1977, “Delta Force” is the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D) in the US Army. Its primary focus is on counter-terrorism and the capture of high-value units (e.g. high-ranking ISIS members).

The current official name for the SOF team is the Army Compartmented Elements—or, “ACE”.

In this awesome video, John “Shrek” McPhee (the “Sheriff of Baghdad”) talks about how he first became a US Army Ranger, then a member of the Delta Force.

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About his initial training—boot camp and Airborne School were easy. But “RIP—Ranger Indoctrination Program was an eye opener. It was no joke. It was brutal—brutal every day was the Ranger standard. I [saw] stuff I’d never seen before [when it came to training].”

Best advice he got for his training?

“There’s nothing that comes up each day you can’t do.”

Check out the video from Sgt Major Shrek and listen to his real world experience.

John “Shrek” McPhee’s career in U.S. Army Special Operations is the embodiment of elite warrior evolution — from a young enlisted Ranger to one of the most seasoned Delta Force operators and Sergeant Majors in modern military history. Over more than 20 years of service, McPhee deployed across multiple theaters of conflict, including Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq, sharpening his skills in unconventional warfare, reconnaissance, and precision marksmanship.

During Selection training he talks about moving a barrel 12 miles and thinking to himself “who does this sort of stuff”? Or the time his group was given a jeep that was missing a wheel. This type of training emphasizes teamwork and getting the job done. Listen as he talks about training and his observations.

During that time he earned the nickname “The Sheriff of Baghdad,” a testament to his leadership and presence in high-pressure combat environments where split-second decisions determined mission success and survival. McPhee’s battlefield experience was not limited to basic infantry roles; as a Delta Force Tier 1 operator he specialized in solo operations and complex direct action missions, developing a reputation for calm precision under fire and the ability to execute with disciplined efficiency even when isolated deep behind enemy lines.

Since his retirement in 2011, McPhee has channeled his decades of hard-won knowledge into training, mentorship, and tactical education through his company SOB Tactical and related platforms. His instructional focus spans advanced shooting fundamentals, close-quarters combat techniques, weapons systems mastery, and real-world application of battlefield principles — all built on the foundation that efficiency is speed and accuracy applied with perfect technique.

McPhee’s courses and online content attract a wide audience, including military professionals, law enforcement personnel, and civilian athletes who seek elite-level instruction grounded in real combat experience. Beyond the range, he maintains a strong presence through podcasts, YouTube channels, and public speaking, further solidifying his influence as a leader who teaches performance under pressure and the mindset needed to succeed in the most demanding situations.

Are you interested in joining the US Army and working you way up through the Special Forces pipeline?

QUESTION: Coach, where can I get info about joining the Army and becoming a Ranger?

ANSWER: Get in contact with a local recruiter. You can also get info about joining the Army on the Army’s website here. For more info about becoming a Ranger, go here.

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