John McPhee Delta Wikipedia, Biography
John “Shrek” McPhee is a retired U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major, renowned for his exceptional service with the prestigious Delta Force, the Army’s top-tier counter-terrorism and special reconnaissance unit. Over a career that spanned more than 20 years, McPhee became well-known for his combat expertise in numerous high-risk operations, particularly during the Global War on Terror.
He was given the moniker “The Sheriff of Baghdad” due to his critical involvement in stabilizing Iraq, where his leadership in engaging with local populations and helping to rebuild governance proved essential. His tactical acumen played a significant role in overseeing complex military assignments and counter-insurgency missions.
Following his retirement in 2011, McPhee founded SOB Tactical, a company that provides advanced tactical training to military personnel, law enforcement officers, and civilians. He continues to impart his knowledge through training programs that prioritize efficiency, speed, and precision.
John McPhee Age
John McPhee was born on July 12, 1970, making him 54 years old as of 2024.
John McPhee Height
John McPhee stands 6 feet 1 inch tall (approximately 183 cm).
John McPhee Hometown
John McPhee is from Fayetteville, North Carolina.
John McPhee Early Life
John McPhee had a tough yet motivating early life that laid the foundation for his military career. Growing up in Chicago, McPhee initially worked as a mechanic during his teenage years. His first introduction to the military came when, at the age of 20, he applied to join the U.S. Air Force but was not accepted. Instead of being discouraged, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Ranger, beginning his remarkable journey in the armed forces.
While in the Army, McPhee faced early difficulties, especially during basic training and the Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP). He encountered hazing due to his Chicago accent, but his determination and perseverance enabled him to overcome these early obstacles.
John McPhee Career
John “Shrek” McPhee’s career is a distinguished tale of resilience, skill, and commitment in the upper echelons of the U.S. military. As a former member of Delta Force, McPhee became synonymous with excellence in special operations. His military path started when he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Ranger, later advancing to become a Green Beret. It was during this phase that McPhee honed his expertise and found his true calling in special operations. After successfully completing the rigorous selection process for Delta Force, he was assigned to some of the most perilous missions, specializing in counterinsurgency operations and advanced tactics.
Delta Force and Special Operations
McPhee’s service with Delta Force is the cornerstone of his military legacy. Serving for over a decade, he participated in covert operations worldwide. His first major deployment occurred in El Salvador, where he refined his skills in combat scenarios that required tactical precision.
One of McPhee’s most significant contributions to Delta Force occurred during the Battle of Tora Bora in Afghanistan. As part of the initial response to the 9/11 attacks, McPhee found himself in one of the most perilous regions of the War on Terror. This battle was a pivotal part of the U.S. campaign to capture Osama Bin Laden and eliminate the al-Qaeda network. McPhee’s extensive combat experience made him a vital asset to his team.
Missions in Afghanistan and Iraq
After Tora Bora, McPhee’s role expanded. He was deployed to both Afghanistan and Iraq, participating in numerous high-risk operations. In Afghanistan, the primary focus was on intelligence collection and direct-action missions aimed at dismantling terrorist networks. McPhee’s expertise in counterintelligence and surveillance made him a crucial figure in these operations.
As a seasoned combat veteran, McPhee’s ability to adapt to both conventional and unconventional warfare scenarios set him apart from others. His experiences in these two major conflict zones helped shape his understanding of asymmetric warfare and counterterrorism strategies, which would later influence his work in the private sector.
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Post-Retirement Ventures
After retiring from active service in 2011, McPhee transitioned into the private sector, applying his extensive experience in special operations to create SOB Tactical, a company offering military-grade training to civilians and law enforcement. The company’s services include advanced marksmanship, close-quarters combat (CQC), and tactical operations.
In addition to SOB Tactical, McPhee also launched an extreme adventure company in partnership with other retired special forces operators. His aim here is to provide civilians with challenging and rewarding experiences in extreme environments. McPhee’s expertise extends beyond military tactics, as he has also assisted with weapons testing for the Department of Defense, refining the tools used by modern warriors.
Media Appearances and Writing
McPhee’s vast military experience and personal insights have made him a well-known figure in military media. He was featured in the 2014 book Modern American Snipers by Chris Martin, which profiles some of the most skilled snipers in recent U.S. military history. McPhee’s role in the Battle of Tora Bora was also highlighted in Dalton Fury’s 2008 memoir Kill Bin Laden, which detailed the efforts to capture Osama Bin Laden.
McPhee has also appeared on TriggerTime TV, a show that airs on the Pursuit Channel, sharing his expertise on special operations and weaponry. His appearance on the reality series Kicking & Screaming in 2017 further cemented his status as a public figure.
Advocacy and Public Speaking
John McPhee is also an advocate for veteran issues and firearm safety. As a certified NRA instructor and range safety officer, he dedicates much of his time to educating civilians and veterans about responsible firearm ownership and tactical proficiency. His passion for teaching is matched by his advocacy for veterans, as he regularly speaks out about the challenges former service members face when reintegrating into civilian life.
Personal Philosophy and Legacy
At the core of McPhee’s career and post-service ventures is a simple yet powerful philosophy: “There’s nothing any day that you couldn’t do.” This mindset not only fueled his success in the military but has also shaped his approach to life after service. McPhee’s willingness to embrace new challenges, whether through his training business, media appearances, or personal adventures, exemplifies his commitment to continuous growth and improvement.
John McPhee Honors and Recognitions
John McPhee has received numerous accolades for his outstanding service and expertise in Special Operations. While his career as a Special Forces operator, instructor, and consultant earned him several honors, here are some of the key achievements and recognitions tied to his legacy:
- Bronze Star Medal – Awarded for acts of valor, meritorious service, or achievement during combat operations.
- Defense Meritorious Service Medal – Given for exceptionally meritorious service in a highly responsible role, often for contributions to defense operations at a strategic level.
- Army Commendation Medal – A prestigious recognition for distinguished service or achievements while serving in the U.S. Army.
- Combat Infantryman Badge – Awarded to infantry soldiers who have actively participated in ground combat.
- Special Forces Tab – Recognizes individuals who have successfully completed the U.S. Army’s Special Forces training and have been assigned to a Special Forces unit.
- Master Instructor Badge – Awarded to individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise and serve as instructors in elite military units, particularly within Special Forces.
- Delta Force and Special Operations Recognition – McPhee received unofficial recognition for his leadership and contributions to Delta Force, including praise for his role in operations like the Battle of Tora Bora in Afghanistan and various counterterrorism efforts.
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal – Awarded to those who served in the Global War on Terrorism, particularly in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other combat zones.
- Expert Sniper and Marksmanship Recognition – McPhee has been recognized for his skills as a sniper, holding certifications in various advanced marksmanship programs.
John McPhee Wife and Children
Although specific personal details about John McPhee’s wife and children are not publicly available, he has mentioned in interviews that he is married. He occasionally references his family life when discussing the balance between his demanding military career and personal life. However, further information about his spouse or children remains private.
John McPhee Net Worth
John McPhee’s net worth has not been publicly disclosed at this time.
FAQs
- Who is John McPhee, and what is his military background? John McPhee, also known as “Shrek,” is a retired U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major. He served for over 20 years in various special mission units, including Delta Force, where he gained significant experience in counter-insurgency operations, special reconnaissance, and sniper missions.
- What is John McPhee’s role in Delta Force? McPhee was a member of Delta Force (1st SFOD-D), one of the most elite special operations units in the U.S. military. He specialized in sniper operations, marksmanship, reconnaissance, and aerial gunnery.
- What notable operations did John McPhee participate in? McPhee was involved in key missions such as the Battle of Tora Bora in Afghanistan, where U.S. forces attempted to capture or eliminate Osama Bin Laden. He also served in Iraq during the early stages of the Iraq War.
- What is “Shrek” known for? The nickname “Shrek” was given to McPhee due to his larger-than-life presence and commanding demeanor in combat situations. He became widely known as the “Sheriff of Baghdad” for his leadership role in Iraq.
- When did John McPhee retire from the U.S. Army? McPhee retired from the U.S. Army in 2011 after more than 20 years of distinguished service in special operations.
- What is SOB Tactical? After retiring, McPhee founded SOB Tactical, a company dedicated to providing advanced tactical training, specialized firearms courses, and consulting services for civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel.
- What expertise does John McPhee offer in civilian training? McPhee offers training in special operations techniques, advanced marksmanship, combat marksmanship, sniper operations, and personal security. His approach focuses on efficient practice, blending speed, accuracy, and technique.
- Has John McPhee appeared in any media or television shows? Yes, McPhee appeared in the reality survival series Kicking & Screaming in 2017, showcasing his survival skills in a competitive environment. He has also appeared in various military-related documentaries and TV shows.
- What books or publications feature John McPhee? McPhee has been mentioned in several publications, including Dalton Fury’s Kill Bin Laden, which covers the Battle of Tora Bora. He has also been featured in media discussing military snipers and special operations.
