Tier1 Podcast | Dutch Moyer | Delta Force Operator, Ranger Regiment

Host: Brent Tucker
Guest: Dutch Moyer (31-year Army Veteran, former Delta Force Operator, ex-Ranger Regiment)
Date: February 2, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode features Brent Tucker sitting down with Dutch Moyer, a legendary 31-year veteran of the US Army whose unconventional path spanned being a tank crewman to Ranger Regiment, then ultimately Delta Force (The Unit). They delve into Dutch’s unique career trajectory, elite leadership, organizational culture, the realities of special operations combat (notably the Iraq surge), and the lifelong impacts—including physical injuries, psychological changes, and moral reflections—of life at the tip of the spear. It’s a raw and evocative conversation packed with insider anecdotes, honest moments, and thoughtful lessons for operators and civilians alike.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dutch’s Unconventional Military Start

[05:32–06:12]

Moyer’s beginnings: Born in 1964, joined the Army in December 1981, inspired by building tank models and the legends of WWII (Patton, Rommel).
Quote - “I always wanted to be a tank commander... I studied blitzkrieg warfare from the Germans... voracious in that respect.” (Dutch, 07:05)
Grew up idolizing the ‘maneuver of armed combat’ and armored warfare.

2. Tanker Life: Reality vs. Expectation

[08:08–12:02]

Tank warfare: Glorious in concept, terrifying and hazardous in practice. Maintenance is endless; leadership often uninspiring.
Quote - “There was a massive amount of maintenance that goes along with this thing. Something’s wrong with it all the time.” (Dutch, 18:33)
Disappointment in armor unit leadership—mostly there to "get paid."
Frustrations with upper echelon laziness motivated his later drive for excellence—and better leadership.

3. From Tanks to Tryouts: Seeking Challenge

[20:39–27:47]

Transitioned to National Guard, then sought more challenging roles: contemplated Special Forces, landed a Ranger contract.
Quote - “They crush the spirit of young men who don’t know exactly what they want. If the leadership was terrible, that was one of the reasons I got out.” (Dutch, 24:54)

4. The Drive to Go Further—A Culture of Elite Motivation

[21:44–23:29]

Discussion on the psychological divide between those content to plateau and those forever seeking the next level—Ranger, SF, Delta.
Quote – “Everywhere we went…at some point, we said, ‘What’s next? I wonder what’s more?’” (Brent, 21:44)

5. The Realities of Selection and Overcoming Failure

[53:05–57:08]

Dutch’s three attempts to pass Ranger School: Failed swimming test (cold water; not a strong swimmer); embraced failure; trained obsessively to prevail.
Quote – “Once I failed it, I went back and I got a rubber duck and ... swam it over and over and over again until I got it right.” (Dutch, 55:38)
Both Dutch and Brent reflect on failing selections for "the unit" their first time, emphasizing that overcoming failure defines a true operator.

6. Life in the Ranger Regiment (’90s)

[44:13–56:46]

Assignments, traditions (St. Patty’s Day parade, ‘SF candy’ of special dress), and the pride and tribulations of being a Ranger.
Quote – “It’s a spectacle…hard not to just beam with pride. ...I come here to see the Rangers.” (Dutch, 46:03, 47:49)

7. Path to Delta Force (“The Unit”)

[66:16–68:25]

Decision motivated by seeing peers test themselves, natural progression, hunger to operate at the highest level.
Discusses command support (or the lack thereof) for operators moving up and the ‘abandonment’ perception from subordinate units.
Quote – “There’s a mystique. ...Men that want to test their mettle. And I wanted to test my mettle.” (Dutch, 66:24)

8. Delta Selection—Ultimate Test

[69:14–73:37]

Dutch: “Hardest physical thing I’ve ever done…Professional. I learned a crap ton. You learn a lot about yourself.”
Brent describes the surreal, mythic feeling of being selected: “Once you’re in SOF...it’s this mythical place almost...It almost doesn't feel real to be a part of it.”
Emotional moment: both reflect on what it means to finally "make it" after defeat.
Memorable Moment – “It was—I'm getting emotional right now—certainly the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Very satisfying.” (Dutch, 73:37)

9. Culture of Excellence & Lasting Impact

[77:08–79:52]

Delta culture: Operator is the ‘rock star’; everything built to support the main effort.
Quote – “That place revolves around the operator...the building is only there to support them.” (Brent, 77:23)
Support personnel: Respected, but ultimate recognition for ‘the tip of the spear.’
Quote – “You can’t take and hold ground with a cook, okay? ...It’s the grunt. …But the thing doesn’t work without support.” (Dutch, 78:55, 79:19)

10. The Iraq Surge & Operational Tempo—Making History

[89:40–90:25+]

Dutch’s time during the Surge: Out West (Al Asad), “the best of times and the worst of times.” Near-daily missions, rapid deployment, high risk, little time for rest.
Realized the unit’s strategic impact: “The smallest unit in the military did strategic and national effects in a war that wasn't perceived as going well at the time.” (Brent, 89:42)
Toll of relentless ops: camaraderie, exhaustion, near-misses (“sun coming up on the Helo after a mission—man, you could just relax for a minute”). (98:02–98:33)

11. The Cost: Physical, Psychological, & Domestic Challenges

[82:13–88:06]

Discussing the toll that high standards and stress take on marriages, personal lives, and the psyche.
Quote – “Once you get brought up to a certain standard...that standard does bleed over into other things…It’s hard to expect, if not demand, out of other people, including yourself, perfection or at least striving for excellence…” (Brent, 83:14)
Dutch admits: “I wasn’t excellent at doing the regular normie life thing I should have tried to be...” (Dutch, 83:56)

12. End of Military Career: Injury & Illness

[105:17–109:51]

Dutch medically retired after four back surgeries and surviving a ruptured gastrointestinal stromal tumor (2009); given five years to live—but is still here.
Quote – “You’ve done enough now.” (Retirement letter from unit CSM) (109:51)

13. Life After Service: Giving Back & The Sawmill

[113:36–119:22+]

Dutch serves as an instructor and partner at The Sawmill Training Complex (SC): modern tactical academy supporting military, law enforcement, and the public.
Courses: Evolutionary Gunfighter, Couples Therapy (firearms for couples), Bullets & Bourbon fundraisers for veteran charities.
Emphasizes innovation and service: “Now it’s Sawmill Training Complex—not just tactical…We’re off to a really good start in ’26.”

14. Funny/Tragic Stories & The Swim Test Nemesis

[120:13–123:19]

Recurring humor: Dutch’s mortal enemy is the swim test—haunted him at every level but overcame it through grit and help from teammates.
Quote – “I’m much better swimmer now than I ever was before…If I have to survive, I will swim. I’m not a Navy SEAL, obviously. Because I haven’t written a book.” (Dutch, 123:40; 124:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

On the mythos of selection:
“Once you’re in the military, and within SOF...it’s this mythical place...It almost doesn't feel real to be a part of it.” (Brent, 70:43)
On overcoming failure:
“The first part of selection is going. You can’t win if you don’t play.” (Brent, 23:12)
On leadership:
“Bad leadership impacts people more than good leadership does.” (Brent, 27:04)
On mission tempo:
“We could do what we wanted with almost impunity—until we didn’t have impunity...But back to what you say, we did an amazing amount of work.” (Dutch, 90:44)
On loss, pride, and legacy:
“So few men in this world will ever see what we earned, and also what we were lucky enough to see.” (Brent, 75:11)
On transition and loss:
“Getting off the train is the hardest part. ...I missed the camaraderie. If I’m able to go back there on occasion and say, ‘Hey,’ I do.” (Dutch, 112:05)
On faith and redemption:
“Selection is an ongoing process. …My faith journey with Christ is much more powerful now than it ever used to be.” (Dutch, 88:53)

Highlights by Timestamps

Dutch’s Army Start and Tank Dreams: 05:32–07:44
Maintenance & Leadership Frustrations: 18:33–20:39
Culture of Challenge and Excellence: 21:44–23:29
Ranger School – Failing Swim Test & Grit: 53:05–57:08
Delta Selection – Emotional & Defining: 69:14–73:37
Iraq Surge & Operational Impact: 89:40–90:44
Transition, Injury & Medical Retirement: 105:17–109:51
Giving Back—The Sawmill Complex: 113:36–119:22
Funny Story—The Swim Test Nemesis: 120:13–123:19

Language & Tone

The conversation is authentic and bantering—deeply respectful but peppered with soldierly humor, occasional self-deprecation, and emotional honesty. Brent and Dutch both speak in a candid, forthright military style: proud of their service but unafraid to discuss failure, weakness, regret, and continuing battles post-retirement.

Final Thoughts

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the realities behind America’s special operations giants. Dutch’s story is a masterclass on leadership, resilience, humility, and the costs—both noble and tragic—of life spent shouldering the heaviest burdens for one’s nation. There’s inspiration, grit, and a surprising amount of heart.

Links

Sawmill Training Complex Calendar (as referenced in-episode; see episode description)
FRCC Cigars

Producer: Drew Tucker
Marketing Director: Vanessa Bergquist

[End of Summary]

Tier1 Podcast | Dutch Moyer | Delta Force Operator, Ranger Regiment

Host: Brent Tucker
Guest: Dutch Moyer (31-year Army Veteran, former Delta Force Operator, ex-Ranger Regiment)
Date: February 2, 2026

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dutch’s Unconventional Military Start

[05:32–06:12]

Moyer’s beginnings: Born in 1964, joined the Army in December 1981, inspired by building tank models and the legends of WWII (Patton, Rommel).
Quote - “I always wanted to be a tank commander... I studied blitzkrieg warfare from the Germans... voracious in that respect.” (Dutch, 07:05)
Grew up idolizing the ‘maneuver of armed combat’ and armored warfare.

2. Tanker Life: Reality vs. Expectation

[08:08–12:02]

Tank warfare: Glorious in concept, terrifying and hazardous in practice. Maintenance is endless; leadership often uninspiring.
Quote - “There was a massive amount of maintenance that goes along with this thing. Something’s wrong with it all the time.” (Dutch, 18:33)
Disappointment in armor unit leadership—mostly there to "get paid."
Frustrations with upper echelon laziness motivated his later drive for excellence—and better leadership.

3. From Tanks to Tryouts: Seeking Challenge

[20:39–27:47]

Transitioned to National Guard, then sought more challenging roles: contemplated Special Forces, landed a Ranger contract.
Quote - “They crush the spirit of young men who don’t know exactly what they want. If the leadership was terrible, that was one of the reasons I got out.” (Dutch, 24:54)

4. The Drive to Go Further—A Culture of Elite Motivation

[21:44–23:29]

Discussion on the psychological divide between those content to plateau and those forever seeking the next level—Ranger, SF, Delta.
Quote – “Everywhere we went…at some point, we said, ‘What’s next? I wonder what’s more?’” (Brent, 21:44)

5. The Realities of Selection and Overcoming Failure

[53:05–57:08]

Dutch’s three attempts to pass Ranger School: Failed swimming test (cold water; not a strong swimmer); embraced failure; trained obsessively to prevail.
Quote – “Once I failed it, I went back and I got a rubber duck and ... swam it over and over and over again until I got it right.” (Dutch, 55:38)
Both Dutch and Brent reflect on failing selections for "the unit" their first time, emphasizing that overcoming failure defines a true operator.

6. Life in the Ranger Regiment (’90s)

[44:13–56:46]

Assignments, traditions (St. Patty’s Day parade, ‘SF candy’ of special dress), and the pride and tribulations of being a Ranger.
Quote – “It’s a spectacle…hard not to just beam with pride. ...I come here to see the Rangers.” (Dutch, 46:03, 47:49)

7. Path to Delta Force (“The Unit”)

[66:16–68:25]

Decision motivated by seeing peers test themselves, natural progression, hunger to operate at the highest level.
Discusses command support (or the lack thereof) for operators moving up and the ‘abandonment’ perception from subordinate units.
Quote – “There’s a mystique. ...Men that want to test their mettle. And I wanted to test my mettle.” (Dutch, 66:24)

8. Delta Selection—Ultimate Test

[69:14–73:37]

Dutch: “Hardest physical thing I’ve ever done…Professional. I learned a crap ton. You learn a lot about yourself.”
Brent describes the surreal, mythic feeling of being selected: “Once you’re in SOF...it’s this mythical place almost...It almost doesn't feel real to be a part of it.”
Emotional moment: both reflect on what it means to finally "make it" after defeat.
Memorable Moment – “It was—I'm getting emotional right now—certainly the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Very satisfying.” (Dutch, 73:37)

9. Culture of Excellence & Lasting Impact

[77:08–79:52]

Delta culture: Operator is the ‘rock star’; everything built to support the main effort.
Quote – “That place revolves around the operator...the building is only there to support them.” (Brent, 77:23)
Support personnel: Respected, but ultimate recognition for ‘the tip of the spear.’
Quote – “You can’t take and hold ground with a cook, okay? ...It’s the grunt. …But the thing doesn’t work without support.” (Dutch, 78:55, 79:19)

10. The Iraq Surge & Operational Tempo—Making History

[89:40–90:25+]

Dutch’s time during the Surge: Out West (Al Asad), “the best of times and the worst of times.” Near-daily missions, rapid deployment, high risk, little time for rest.
Realized the unit’s strategic impact: “The smallest unit in the military did strategic and national effects in a war that wasn't perceived as going well at the time.” (Brent, 89:42)
Toll of relentless ops: camaraderie, exhaustion, near-misses (“sun coming up on the Helo after a mission—man, you could just relax for a minute”). (98:02–98:33)

11. The Cost: Physical, Psychological, & Domestic Challenges

[82:13–88:06]

Discussing the toll that high standards and stress take on marriages, personal lives, and the psyche.
Quote – “Once you get brought up to a certain standard...that standard does bleed over into other things…It’s hard to expect, if not demand, out of other people, including yourself, perfection or at least striving for excellence…” (Brent, 83:14)
Dutch admits: “I wasn’t excellent at doing the regular normie life thing I should have tried to be...” (Dutch, 83:56)

12. End of Military Career: Injury & Illness

[105:17–109:51]

Dutch medically retired after four back surgeries and surviving a ruptured gastrointestinal stromal tumor (2009); given five years to live—but is still here.
Quote – “You’ve done enough now.” (Retirement letter from unit CSM) (109:51)

13. Life After Service: Giving Back & The Sawmill

[113:36–119:22+]

Dutch serves as an instructor and partner at The Sawmill Training Complex (SC): modern tactical academy supporting military, law enforcement, and the public.
Courses: Evolutionary Gunfighter, Couples Therapy (firearms for couples), Bullets & Bourbon fundraisers for veteran charities.
Emphasizes innovation and service: “Now it’s Sawmill Training Complex—not just tactical…We’re off to a really good start in ’26.”

14. Funny/Tragic Stories & The Swim Test Nemesis

[120:13–123:19]

Recurring humor: Dutch’s mortal enemy is the swim test—haunted him at every level but overcame it through grit and help from teammates.
Quote – “I’m much better swimmer now than I ever was before…If I have to survive, I will swim. I’m not a Navy SEAL, obviously. Because I haven’t written a book.” (Dutch, 123:40; 124:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

On the mythos of selection:
“Once you’re in the military, and within SOF...it’s this mythical place...It almost doesn't feel real to be a part of it.” (Brent, 70:43)
On overcoming failure:
“The first part of selection is going. You can’t win if you don’t play.” (Brent, 23:12)
On leadership:
“Bad leadership impacts people more than good leadership does.” (Brent, 27:04)
On mission tempo:
“We could do what we wanted with almost impunity—until we didn’t have impunity...But back to what you say, we did an amazing amount of work.” (Dutch, 90:44)
On loss, pride, and legacy:
“So few men in this world will ever see what we earned, and also what we were lucky enough to see.” (Brent, 75:11)
On transition and loss:
“Getting off the train is the hardest part. ...I missed the camaraderie. If I’m able to go back there on occasion and say, ‘Hey,’ I do.” (Dutch, 112:05)
On faith and redemption:
“Selection is an ongoing process. …My faith journey with Christ is much more powerful now than it ever used to be.” (Dutch, 88:53)

Highlights by Timestamps

Dutch’s Army Start and Tank Dreams: 05:32–07:44
Maintenance & Leadership Frustrations: 18:33–20:39
Culture of Challenge and Excellence: 21:44–23:29
Ranger School – Failing Swim Test & Grit: 53:05–57:08
Delta Selection – Emotional & Defining: 69:14–73:37
Iraq Surge & Operational Impact: 89:40–90:44
Transition, Injury & Medical Retirement: 105:17–109:51
Giving Back—The Sawmill Complex: 113:36–119:22
Funny Story—The Swim Test Nemesis: 120:13–123:19

Language & Tone

Final Thoughts

Links

Sawmill Training Complex Calendar (as referenced in-episode; see episode description)
FRCC Cigars

Producer: Drew Tucker
Marketing Director: Vanessa Bergquist

[End of Summary]

Dutch Moyer | Delta Force Operator, Ranger Regiment

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Summary

Tier1 Podcast | Dutch Moyer | Delta Force Operator, Ranger Regiment

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dutch’s Unconventional Military Start

2. Tanker Life: Reality vs. Expectation

3. From Tanks to Tryouts: Seeking Challenge

4. The Drive to Go Further—A Culture of Elite Motivation

5. The Realities of Selection and Overcoming Failure

6. Life in the Ranger Regiment (’90s)

7. Path to Delta Force (“The Unit”)

8. Delta Selection—Ultimate Test

9. Culture of Excellence & Lasting Impact

10. The Iraq Surge & Operational Tempo—Making History

11. The Cost: Physical, Psychological, & Domestic Challenges

12. End of Military Career: Injury & Illness

13. Life After Service: Giving Back & The Sawmill

14. Funny/Tragic Stories & The Swim Test Nemesis

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

Highlights by Timestamps

Language & Tone

Final Thoughts

Summary

Tier1 Podcast | Dutch Moyer | Delta Force Operator, Ranger Regiment

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dutch’s Unconventional Military Start

2. Tanker Life: Reality vs. Expectation

3. From Tanks to Tryouts: Seeking Challenge

4. The Drive to Go Further—A Culture of Elite Motivation

5. The Realities of Selection and Overcoming Failure

6. Life in the Ranger Regiment (’90s)

7. Path to Delta Force (“The Unit”)

8. Delta Selection—Ultimate Test

9. Culture of Excellence & Lasting Impact

10. The Iraq Surge & Operational Tempo—Making History

11. The Cost: Physical, Psychological, & Domestic Challenges

12. End of Military Career: Injury & Illness

13. Life After Service: Giving Back & The Sawmill

14. Funny/Tragic Stories & The Swim Test Nemesis

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

Highlights by Timestamps

Language & Tone

Final Thoughts