Delta Force Operator John McPhee on Afghan War Stories, Keys to Leadership, and America as a Friend | Ep. 1080

Mon May 26 2025

Megyn Kelly is joined by retired U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major John McPhee, founder of SOB Tactical, to discuss how he got into the Army, the people who misjudged him along the way, why he loved basic training, his rise to the Army Rangers and Delta Force, his experience in Afghanistan killing hundreds of terrorists, what really happened with bin Laden, whether he could have been killed or captured just months into the conflict, the political implications of war, why Hegseth and Trump are right to fix the military, the keys to leadership, why Jiu Jitsu is a core element of keeping him sane and in survival mode, his tough childhood, living in a brothel, his relationship with his parents, and more. More from McPhee- https://sobtactical.com/ Riverbend Ranch: Visit https://riverbendranch.com/ | Use promo code MEGYN for $20 off your first order. Everglades Foundation: Learn more about President Trump’s Everglades support project at https://www.EvergladesFoundation.org M...

Transcript

Oregon Lottery Representative (0:00)

In the summer, all of Oregon is our playground thanks to our incredible park system. That's why it's so cool that Oregon Lottery gameplay like video lottery or cash pop helps support tons of parks projects statewide like accessible trails at Silver Falls State park or upgrades to your favorite dog park in Newburgh. It's just one way a little lottery play for many Oregonians can add up to a lot of good the Oregon Lottery Together we do good things. Lottery games are based on chance and should be played for entertainment only. Must be 18 or older to play.

Lowe's Advertiser (0:33)

Memorial Day Door Buster deals are here at Lowe's right now. Rewards members save $80 on the Master Forge 4 burner gas grill. Now just 149 plus rewards members save $900 on the Lowes exclusive Hisense French Door refrigerator. Now only 9.99. Lowes we help you save valid through 526. Selection varies by location while supplies last. See lowe's.com for more details. Programs subject to terms and conditions. Details@lowes.com terms section subject to change.

Megyn Kelly (1:03)

Welcome to the Megyn Kelly show live on Sirius XM Channel 111 every weekday at noon East. Hey everyone, I'm Megyn Kelly. Welcome to the Megyn Kelly Show. On this Memorial Day, we honor all of the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep the United States of America free and prosperous. As we do every Memorial Day, we are bringing you the story of a remarkable veteran. And what a story this vet has. Joining me today is retired US Army Special Operations Sergeant Major John McPhee, aka the Sheriff of Baghdad. John served our country for over 20 years, specializing in various special mission units and combat experience across multiple theaters, including Afghanistan and Iraq, where he hunted both Osama Bin Laden and and Saddam Hussein. I would like to introduce you to a new brand of Angus beef. You can order it directly from Riverbend Ranch, which is located just a few miles from West Yellowstone, Montana. Riverbend Ranch raises their cattle a lot differently than most ranches. For example, they never use artificial growth hormones or antibiotics. They track the health of every animal from the day it is born and can guarantee that it has been healthy every day of its life. And they handle their animals humanely and with respect. But most important is the quality of the beef. You'll find it as tender and flavorful as the finest restaurants. And that's because they have spent the last 35 years selecting cattle for tenderness and flavor, aging their beef to perfection for 21 days. The result is some of the most tender and flavorful beef you have ever tasted. You cannot buy beef like this in a grocery store. And since it is shipped directly from the ranch to your home, you can. You get a much better price than going through the middlemen. Order directly from Riverbendranch.com use promo code Megan to get 20 bucks off your first order. That's Riverbendranch.com code Megan. And be prepared. Once you taste it, you're going to be coming back for more again. That's Riverbendranch.com, code Megan. John, great to have you.

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show – Episode 1080 Summary

Title: Delta Force Operator John McPhee on Afghan War Stories, Keys to Leadership, and America as a Friend
Host: Megyn Kelly
Guest: Retired US Army Special Operations Sergeant Major John McPhee
Release Date: May 26, 2025

1. Introduction

In this poignant Memorial Day episode, Megyn Kelly honors the brave men and women who have sacrificed for the United States. She welcomes her guest, retired US Army Special Operations Sergeant Major John McPhee, also known as the "Sheriff of Baghdad." With over two decades of military service, McPhee shares his diverse combat experiences, leadership insights, and reflections on America's role in global conflicts.

2. Early Life and Childhood

John McPhee opens up about his tumultuous upbringing on the South Side of Chicago. As the only white kid in his class during the 1970s and 80s, he faced constant bullying and violence.

Quote:
"Growing up on the South Side of Chicago in the 70s and 80s was like a different world altogether."
(03:29)

McPhee recounts being frequently bullied on the bus, leading his parents to arrange for him to take a cab to school to avoid daily beatings.

Quote:
"I had to earn my way in, and once I did, it was fairly easy for me."
(08:03)

3. Military Career Beginnings

Driven by a desire to escape his challenging home environment, McPhee decided to join the military at nearly 21 years old. Initially aiming for the Air Force due to his mechanical skills, he was redirected to the Army when the Air Force couldn’t utilize his expertise effectively.

Quote:
"When they said I could be admin in the Air Force, I was out of there. I didn’t want to be a secretary."
(15:20)

Encouraged by a friend to pursue the prestigious Airborne Ranger path, McPhee enlisted in the Army, embracing the rigorous training and camaraderie it offered.

4. Deployment and War Experiences

a. Tora Bora Mission

One of McPhee’s most notable missions was at Tora Bora, a stronghold for Osama Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. Leading a small team of ten, McPhee describes the intense 10-day operation aimed at eliminating Bin Laden’s forces.

Quote:
"We killed hundreds of people on the first day. They were everywhere on the side of the mountains."
(30:01)

Despite their efforts, Bin Laden evaded capture, leading McPhee to express skepticism about the official narrative surrounding his death.

Quote:
"If the first 10 days of the war, 10 guys kill Bin Laden, where’s the war on terror at?"
(32:30)

b. Iraq Deployment and Actions against Zarqawi

McPhee also served multiple deployments in Iraq, where he engaged with high-profile targets like Zarqawi. His straightforward approach and tactical expertise contributed significantly to operations against insurgent leaders.

Quote:
"The Zarqawi days were great because that’s when the military finally let us take the gloves off and do things our way."
(60:01)

5. Leadership and Mental Resilience

Throughout the interview, McPhee emphasizes the importance of responsibility, adaptability, and mental toughness developed through his military experiences.

Quote:
"If you want something, you got to put in the work. It’s called responsibility."
(18:54)

He discusses coping mechanisms, such as engaging in Jiu Jitsu and off-roading, to maintain mental clarity and resilience after his service.

Quote:
"Jiu Jitsu is an hour of my day where I don’t have to look at the phone. It's survival mode."
(72:40)

6. Post-Military Life

a. Personal Life and Relationships

McPhee shares candid insights into his personal life, including multiple marriages and the challenges of maintaining relationships amidst frequent deployments.

Quote:
"Being married in the Army is like being in prison. You could call home, but you're not going there anytime soon."
(66:37)

Despite the hardships, he expresses deep pride in his children, with one following in his footsteps by serving in the Army.

b. Current Activities and Interests

Post-retirement, McPhee remains active by teaching shooting skills and training in Jiu Jitsu. He participates in off-roading adventures and continues to uphold the values of discipline and leadership instilled during his military career.

Quote:
"I love teaching people to shoot. It’s like the thing I’m really good at."
(73:36)

7. Reflections and Conclusions

John McPhee concludes the discussion by reflecting on the futility of prolonged conflicts and the strategic missteps that often hinder military objectives.

Quote:
"It wasn’t worth it in a strategic sense, but I had the time of my life and did whatever I could."
(67:40)

He advocates for recognizing and valuing the sacrifices of soldiers without necessarily seeking gratitude, emphasizing a sense of duty and personal fulfillment derived from his service.

Quote:
"I did whatever I could. I don't need any thanks."
(62:56)

McPhee’s narrative offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the life of a special operations soldier, highlighting both the valor and the personal costs associated with military service.

Notable Quotes Summary

"I turned out the way I turned out, and I think anybody in the situations I was in would come out the same way."
(08:03)
"War builds bonds. You can’t get anywhere else."
(63:29)
"If you want something, you got to put in the work. It’s called responsibility."
(18:54)
"War is you kill the bad guy and break him so he can't use that shit against you."
(62:56)

Conclusion

This episode of The Megyn Kelly Show provides an in-depth exploration of Sergeant Major John McPhee’s experiences and perspectives as a special operations veteran. Through candid dialogue, McPhee sheds light on the complexities of warfare, leadership, and the enduring impact of military service on personal and professional life. His reflections serve as a tribute to the resilience and dedication of those who serve, offering listeners a profound understanding of the sacrifices made in the name of national security.