Ops Brief 044: Daily Drop - 12 May 2025 (DEI's Out, Drones Get Cruise Missiles, & We’re Still Roasting Cannon AFB)
Send us a textBuckle up. In this flaming hot Ones Ready drop, Peaches unloads on the latest Air Force news like it’s target practice. From the Pentagon’s DEI purge to putting cruise missiles on MQ-9s (because why not?), we’re diving deep into the bureaucratic chaos of the DoD’s week. We question why the hell an OA-1K would carry a cruise missile, throw shade at “aspirational” tech projects, and get uncomfortably honest about childcare, base closures, and how many damn generals are collecting paychecks. Also, our only search and rescue dog retires, and it gets emotional. Pour one out for Callie.Meanwhile, only four slots remain for the Operator Training Summit—12 hours in the pool, mask clearing, buddy breathing, underwater misery and mentorship with the Ones Ready crew. Don’t miss your shot to suffer with a purpose in San Diego this June.🔥 Key Takeaways:DEI content is out, and merit-based military academy admissions are (finally) inThe DoD’s “Golden Dome” wants to hog more spectrum—and maybe accuracyTricare got people out here wondering if they even have healthcareCruise missiles on Reapers? Okay. On OA-1Ks? LOL.Eglen cuts childcare hours, shift workers take the hitACC’s new “Readiness Metrics” are... probably not operational yetCallie the SAR dog retires after jumping out of more planes than some lieutenantsCannon AFB slander remains undefeated.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Operator Training Summit slots open 02:00 – F-47 Cybersecurity: Lock it up before China does 03:00 – Golden Dome spectrum grab 04:30 – Tricare fail: Set your autopay or pay full freight 05:15 – Special Ops doctrine: AI, Indo-Pacific, small teams 06:30 – DEI purge and merit admissions policy 08:00 – Readiness Metrics: RIM is a thing now? 09:00 – MQ-9s with cruise missiles… and OA-1Ks for no reason 11:30 – Air Force One delivery might not take forever? 12:00 – Eglen childcare cuts = big problem for mil families 13:00 – Retirement of Callie the SAR dog (Respect.) 14:30 – Space Force says space is... war now? 15:30 – China’s space threat & orbital mess 16:00 – India/Pakistan ceasefire kerfuffle 16:3Support the showJoin this channel to get access to perks: HEREBuzzsprout Subscription page: HERECollabs:Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code: 1Ready ATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code): ATACLeteCardoMax - Promo Code: ONESREADYDanger Close Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYDFND Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYHoist - Promo Code: ONESREADYKill Cliff - Pro...
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Ep 470: From AF Security Forces to FBI - Endex Archery's Jay Joins Us!
Send us a textIn this epic Ones Ready episode, we sit down with Jay from Endex Archery, whose resume reads like a military fever dream: SERE drop, Security Forces, Combat Arms, OSI Agent, tier-one special mission unit… and then casually slides into the FBI. This man literally said “nah” to survival school and then sprinted straight into a career that landed him fighting terror, investigating spies, and now helping vets heal through archery.Jay opens up about losing six teammates to a VBIED in Afghanistan, how that tragedy turned into his life’s mission, and why a bow and arrow saved his soul. We talk survivor’s guilt, FBI hostage rescue, sneaky pull-up bars, and why he’s built an organization to help other veterans shoot their way back into mental clarity. Also: hilarious stories about SERE instructors, Air Force recruiter lies, and the absolute dumpster fire that is military admin.If you’ve ever thought you couldn’t pivot, couldn’t overcome, or couldn’t create something powerful out of pain—this episode is your proof otherwise.👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, leave a review, comment, hit up the merch store, join the membership, and check out indexarchery.org to support Jay’s mission. And yes—get yourself to the Operator Training Summit.🔥 Key Takeaways:🏹 Jay founded Endex Archery after losing 6 teammates in Afghanistan—and finding healing through a bow.👮♂️ From Security Forces to Combat Arms to OSI to FBI: an insane career path fueled by “just say yes.”🏔️ Serving at a tier-one special mission unit made him realize imposter syndrome is real… even among legends.🏃♂️ “SERE dropout” doesn’t mean failure—it means pivoting to what fits you.🧠 Archery = a physical, mental, and spiritual tool for veterans battling trauma.💥 “Don’t romanticize war. Don’t expect combat to make you whole.”🎯 Index Archery’s mission is to give vets healing, community, and purpose—through precision, patience, and presence.🦬 Be the buffalo: face the storm head-on.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro + Why This Story is Nuts 02:00 – From SERE Contract to Security Forces: Recruiter Lies, Day One Reality 06:00 – Combat Arms: Guns, RSupport the showJoin this channel to get access to perks: HEREBuzzsprout Subscription page: HERECollabs:Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code: 1Ready ATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code): ATACLeteCardoMax - Promo Code: ONESREADYDanger Close Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYDFND Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYHoist - Promo Code: ONESREADYKill Cliff - Pro...
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AFSPECWAR Q&A Live Stream - Late Night Love with Aaron
Send us a textJust a quick hitter answering all your AFSPECWAR questionsIn this conversation, Aaron discusses various topics related to the Air Force, including the current state of the Air Force amidst budget cuts, the enduring demand for special operations forces, and the importance of military brotherhood. He reflects on a recent retirement event, shares thoughts on U.S. foreign policy obligations, and expresses gratitude for the community's support. The conversation also touches on future training initiatives, the special warfare pipeline, and interactions with the OSI, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community engagement. In this conversation, Aaron discusses various aspects of military life, including the importance of engaging with local communities during deployments, the differences between enlisted personnel and officers, and the evolving nature of drone warfare. He shares insights on physical preparation, experiences with unidentified aerial phenomena, and the advancements in military technology. Additionally, he addresses changes in training pipelines and the considerations for age when enlisting in the military.TakeawaysThe Air Force is always evolving and adapting to changes.Special operations jobs will always be in demand due to their critical roles.Military brotherhood is a cherished aspect of service that many miss after retirement.The U.S. is not obligated to intervene in every foreign conflict.Community engagement and gratitude are vital for morale and support.Future training initiatives are being planned to better prepare candidates.Understanding the special warfare pipeline is crucial for aspiring candidates.Collaboration with OSI enhances mission effectiveness and safety.Everyone has a role to play in the military, regardless of their specific job.Open communication with the community is essential for growth and improvement. Engaging with local communities is crucial during deployments.There are significant differences between enlisted personnel and officers.The Air Force leads in drone warfare tactics and strategies.Physical preparation is essential for military readiness.Unidentified aerial phenomena can be perplexing and concerniSupport the showJoin this channel to get access to perks: HEREBuzzsprout Subscription page: HERECollabs:Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code: 1Ready ATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code): ATACLeteCardoMax - Promo Code: ONESREADYDanger Close Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYDFND Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYHoist - Promo Code: ONESREADYKill Cliff - Pro...
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1:03:27
Ep 469: What Does Special Reconnaissance Do?
Send us a textYou’ve asked. We’ve avoided. But today? We answer. In this no-holds-barred, caffeine-fueled episode, Aaron and Trent finally break down what Special Reconnaissance (SR) actually does—why it exists, why it’s not just “Air Force Marine Recon,” and why anyone trying to say “but SEALs can do that” needs to go touch grass.Trent—who literally helped write the playbook for SR—lays out why the Air Force had to level up from SOWT, why SR isn’t a clone of other recon units, and how SR brings a capability-based solution to Air Force-specific problems in the next-gen fight. Oh, and if you think it’s just “guys sneaking around in ghillie suits,” strap in. We’re talking intel, electronic warfare, environmental sensing, sniper school, free fall, and (hopefully) dive recovery missions… all while bridging the gap between air assets and ground teams.Also: Why the Air Force finally realized being “just an enabler” wasn’t cutting it anymore, how SOCOM called their bluff, and why SR isn’t meant to just “loan guys out” to other services. This is your crash course on why SR isn’t weather anymore—and why it’s a critical wedge in the special warfare team.👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, comment, leave a review, check out the membership, and grab some merch at OnesReady.com. And if you’re thinking about SR or AFSPECWAR, get your butt to the Operator Training Summit in June.🔥 Key Takeaways:🛩️ SR fills an Air Force-specific recon gap—fixing problems only AF teams can solve.🔥 It’s about capabilities, not just bodies: think EW, intel, environmental sensing.🎯 SR trains in sniper school, freefall, dive (hopefully), and advanced recon courses.🤔 “Why does the AF need recon?” Easy: you want AF teams solving AF problems.📡 SR acts as the tactical arm of Air Force intel & electronic warfare.🚀 It’s not about loaning guys out—it’s about enabling airpower in the next-gen fight.💥 Put an SR guy on a hill with a JTAC and you’ve got overwatch, situational awareness, and kinetic capability all wrapped up.🧠 SR adds synergy to the special warfare team: 1+1 = 3.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Quick Hitter: “What’s SR?” 01:00 Support the showJoin this channel to get access to perks: HEREBuzzsprout Subscription page: HERECollabs:Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code: 1Ready ATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code): ATACLeteCardoMax - Promo Code: ONESREADYDanger Close Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYDFND Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYHoist - Promo Code: ONESREADYKill Cliff - Pro...
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Ops Brief 043: Daily Drop - 9 May 2025 (Space Thrusters, Trans Discharges & Gen X Cage Fights)
Send us a textIn today’s Daily Drop, Peaches wades through 20+ pages of Pentagon memos so you don’t have to—and the headlines are as wild as you’d expect. From the DoD accelerating AI and electronic warfare for SOF teams (because robot war is here), to the Pentagon trying to fire every transgender troop in 30 days (seriously), it’s another day in America’s defense soap opera.Also: the Space Force is debating whether orbital refueling is even worth it, even though it sounds like the coolest sci-fi thing ever; the B-52 radar upgrade blows past budget (shocker); and the Air Force finally admits the CV-22 Osprey might never hit full capability again (gasp). And yes, the crew debates which generation would actually win in an all-out war cage match—Gen X or the Greatest Generation?👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, comment, leave a review, join the membership, and snag some merch at OnesReady.com. Oh—and get your spot at the Operator Training Summit in June.🔥 Key Takeaways:🏃♂️ Pentagon gives transgender troops 30 days to voluntarily separate after Supreme Court ruling.🧠 DoD’s fast-track software acquisition plan is supposed to fix bureaucratic hell (good luck).🔥 B-52 radar program blows 17% over budget = formal congressional “oops” notification.🚁 AFSOC tries to make the CV-22 Osprey relevant again despite grounding issues.🛰️ Space Force tests ion thrusters for moon surveillance. Space lasers are officially real.💻 Pentagon wants secure messaging for senior leaders but still can’t beat Signal.💥 SOCOM pushes for smaller, faster SOF teams armed with AI, EW, cyber tools.🚀 Rocket Lab selected for military cargo to space. Stokes Space not far behind.🌍 WWII vet reflects on war’s futility while Putin rewrites history to justify Ukraine invasion.🤼 Jared votes Gen X over Greatest Gen in a hypothetical intergenerational battle royale.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro + Operator Training Summit Plug 01:20 – Joint Chiefs: SOF Must Stay Ready 02:30 – Pentagon Moves to Discharge Transgender Troops 04:00 – SOF Leverages AI, EW, Cyber in Future Fight 05:30 – E-6B Looking Glass Mission May Transfer to Air ForceSupport the showJoin this channel to get access to perks: HEREBuzzsprout Subscription page: HERECollabs:Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code: 1Ready ATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code): ATACLeteCardoMax - Promo Code: ONESREADYDanger Close Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYDFND Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYHoist - Promo Code: ONESREADYKill Cliff - Pro...
A team of active duty Combat Control (CCT), Pararescue (PJ), and Special Reconnaissance (SR) leveraging our 69 years of special operations experience to make the next generation of operators smarter, faster and stronger than we ever were. We are the PREMIERE resource for all things Air Force Special Warfare. The Ones Ready Podcast is honest talk about what it is like to go from a know-nothing high school graduate to an elite Special Operator. We will cover important practices for success including physical training, nutrition, recovery, and mindset traits essential to any team. Join us in The Team Room to get all your questions answered!! With battle-tested operators from across USAF SPECWAR and far-reaching web of recruiters, subject matter experts, and friends, there are no questions we can’t answer- and if we can’t, we know exactly where to look. See you in The Team Room!Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the OnesReady team are those of the team and do not reflect the official policy or position of the DoD. Any content provided by our Podcast guests, bloggers, sponsors, or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign the DoD, any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone.
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