Tier1 Podcast Live – SGM Travis Horning, 5th SFG

Host: Brent Tucker
Date: March 13, 2026

Episode Overview

In this live episode of the Tier1 Podcast, Brent Tucker sits down with recently retired Sergeant Major Travis Horning of the 5th Special Forces Group. The conversation weaves through elite special operations topics, updates on the ongoing Iran conflict, contemporary security issues (including border threats and drone warfare), cultural and generational critiques, media bias, and the realities of military/LEO service. The team also responds to super chats, discusses flag burning, and shares personal reflections and camaraderie.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing SGM Travis Horning & the “Jedburghs”

Timestamps: 00:51 – 04:11

• Brent introduces Travis: decorated with every major SOF tab—Airborne, Sapper, Ranger, SF; experienced all three major US wars of the era (Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria).
• Travis describes his unique position: “Yeah, why not get them all?” (02:03)
• Both recount their time together in Syria with the resurrected Jedburgh teams—three-man highly trained units dating to WWII, reformed by SF in 2014.
• Quote:

  "You guys impressed us a lot with the amount of knowledge that three men can bring to the battlefield." —Brent (02:53)

2. The Ongoing Iran War – “We’re Crushing Them”

Timestamps: 04:11 – 05:42

• Brent’s update: "Surprise, surprise. We're still kicking their ass. It's not even close.” (04:11)
• Speculation about ground troops: both Brent and Travis agree there’s no need for US boots in Iran currently, not even SOF for nuclear facility security.
• The air campaign dominates; ground intervention seen as unnecessary unless regime change is not forthcoming.

3. Potential Threats from Iran: Navy, Drones & Cartel Connections

Timestamps: 05:42 – 14:57

• Iran’s navy posited as a “speed bump," not a real threat.
• Brent and the team discuss a recent FBI warning: possible Iranian-backed drone attacks targeting California, potentially via Mexican cartels.
• Challenges highlighted: range, logistics, and cartel reluctance (“They don't want any attention.” —Travis, 20:02)
• Key Insight:
  • The cartels' motivations are financial, not ideological—unlikely to risk US military wrath for Iran's sake.

4. Border Security as National Security

Timestamps: 16:12 – 18:46

• Brent’s strong assertions that a lax southern border is “treasonous,” blaming political apathy for vulnerabilities.
• Points out that real national unity on border issues is lacking compared to prior eras.
• Quote:

  "If you're intentionally doing something to weaken your country or to make your country more susceptible to attack, that's treason. It's treasonous." —Brent (18:33)

5. Media Bias, Political Hypocrisy & Public Reactions to Conflict

Timestamps: 24:25 – 37:18

• Satirical “where to bomb in America” clip (24:25) highlighting both humor and the complexity of retaliation calculus.
• Brent criticizes inconsistent media and political stances—e.g., coverage of flag burning, extremism, the selective outrage over draft discussions, and the New York City political scene.
• Discussion of recent incidents: ISIS symbolism, controversial Palestinian supporters in US politics, and violence at NYC rallies.

6. Heroism in Law Enforcement: Deputy Chief Aaron Edwards

Timestamps: 44:49 – 48:52

• Viral moment: NYPD Deputy Chief Aaron Edwards leaps a barricade to confront a bomb-wielding attacker at a protest—praised as model courage.
• Edwards’ humility in follow-up interview:

  "I want that picture to be a reminder to New Yorkers that, you know, your cops ... we're going to be relentless in pursuing justice." —Edwards (46:47)

• Brent: “That poster should be on the wall of every young man in America. Not some guy dunking a basketball.”

7. Super Chat Q&A: Unconventional Warfare, Generational Legacy & Man Skills

Timestamps: 50:34 – 80:06

• Deep dive on the Special Forces ODA role in regime change and resistance—Travis:

  "We are designed to have the ability to organize a resistance force ... but, it's risky." (51:06)

• Reflections on the “greatest generation” and the paradox of their parenting legacy.
• Fun stories about dreams of opening a “Man Bar”—a space to teach practical skills such as welding, shooting, and manners (“everyone stands when a lady enters”).
• Both hosts and Travis discuss high school backgrounds and the decline of mechanical/manly skills among modern young men.

8. Flag Burning Debate: Speech, Patriotism, and Consequence

Timestamps: 89:33 – 100:49

• Audience poll: Should burning the American flag be legal?
• Panel divided—Brent ultimately supports legality as “the ultimate form of free speech,” allowing people to reveal their true colors.
• Others advocate for its criminalization due to its disrespect and the sacrifice it dishonors.
• Notable quote:

  "If burning the flag was illegal, we wouldn't know how insane some liberals and Muslims are in this country." —Brent (91:12)

9. Congressional Corruption: Suppression of Sexual Misconduct Reports

Timestamps: 120:01 – 136:25

• Brent breaks down recent Congressional vote (357–65) burying a resolution to make sexual misconduct reports public.
• Both parties complicit; “House Ethics Committee” is opaque and self-protective.
• Justifications criticized as “false compassion,” especially the claim that victims would be traumatized by disclosure, despite redactions.

10. Personal Reflections: SERE School, Camaraderie, and Growth

Timestamps: 101:21 – 108:14

• Both share heartfelt stories from SERE school—a test of character, teamwork, and resilience.
• Travis:

  “It also shows you who everybody else is.” (103:07)

• Brent is deeply affected by witnessing genuine sacrifice and selflessness among students.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Cartel Involvement:

  "They don't want any attention ... it's a business." —Travis (20:02)

• On Political Double Standards:

  “If Melania Trump liked a Nazi Instagram post, do you think anyone... would it be fair if they questioned Trump about that?” —Brent (36:55)

• On American Resilience:

  "Our way of life is better. It's just a fact." —Brent (27:19)

• On Man Skills:

  "A man skill, is it not? ... Do you remember what our dream was? A bar slash club just for men... you learn how to weld... how to gap a spark plug." —Brent (77:01)

• On SERE School:

  “They had put one of our students in a cage... and then another student walks in, and another... It was one of the coolest things I'd ever seen, to be honest with you.” —Brent (105:11)

• On Congressional Cover-Ups:

  "Both parties overwhelmingly voted to send it to the House committee, knowing the House committee already said they didn't want to take this. Suppress it." —Brent (124:37)

• On Flag Burning Emotionality:

  “Even though you know it's a game, and you know it's other Americans doing it ... burning the flag, you've crossed the line.” —Brent (102:07)

Selected Timestamps for Key Segments

• Jedburgh/Travis's Background: 00:51–04:11
• Iran War Discussion: 04:11–06:12
• Iranian Drone & Cartel Threats: 14:39–22:10
• NYPD Heroic Action Segment: 44:49–48:52
• Man Bar / Skills Discussion: 77:01–80:33
• Flag Burning Debate: 89:33–100:49
• Congress Sexual Misconduct Rant: 120:01–136:25
• SERE School, Brotherhood: 101:35–105:39

Tone & Style

• Brent’s tone: Blunt, humorous, patriotic, sometimes provocative; prioritizes candor and loyalty to principle over party.
• Travis: Modest, practical, about the mission and camaraderie.
• The team: Conversational, irreverent, occasionally veering into satire; strongly supportive of American ideals, critical of government hypocrisy and social trends they see as weakening American resilience.

Closing Thoughts

• “America first, America only.” —Rich, Magnet, Brent and crew in unison (163:30)
• “Drive fast. Keep it between the ditches.” —Brent (closing, 164:25)

Listen-For Moments

• [44:49] Viral NYPD barricade leap: a masterclass in everyday heroism.
• [101:35] SERE School: gut-check stories about brotherhood and defining character.
• [120:01] Scathing indictment of Congressional self-protection and broken transparency.

For those seeking a deep, no-holds-barred look inside the mindset of America’s most elite warriors, their continued fight for national security, and unfiltered commentary on the dilemmas facing the nation—this episode delivers it all, with humor and insight to match.