Air Force JTAC Reveals Why Special Operators Can’t Fight Without Air Support | Ep 306
Summary
Mike Drop interviews Conan Higgins, a former Air Force JTAC and Washington State Trooper who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Philippines. Higgins discusses his unconventional path from the Air Force Academy to enlisting, his combat experiences coordinating airstrikes, and his simultaneous career in law enforcement. He also reflects on masculinity, mentorship, and the realities of modern warfare.
Topics discussed
Intro: Motorcycle safety and alcohol awareness
Guest intro: Air Force Special Operations JTAC
Childhood in Maine and decision to join the Air Force
Rural upbringing, hunting, and lessons on masculinity
Powerlifting background and early military career struggles
First duty station, radio training, and Helix mattress ad
JTAC role definition and transition to Guard unit
9/11 impact, dual role as trooper, and deployment to Afghanistan
Combat experiences, friendly fire incidents, and medevac realities
Memorable operations and reliance on Apache helicopters
French language skills and planning the Iraq invasion jump
Night jump into Iraq and initial contact with Peshmerga
Operations in northern Iraq and connection to Eric Doss
Friendly fire analysis and transition to law enforcement
SWAT work, credit card fraud rings, and burglary cases
Investigating a child abduction case and use of force
Robbery section, Red Wings incident, and situational awareness
Post-military consulting and business management in Afghanistan
Intelligence programs, F-35 capabilities, and TACP cuts
AI in warfare, Ukraine lessons, and future combat tech
Afghanistan withdrawal and analysis of Iran conflict
International business law and crisis mitigation stories
Mavericks Blueprint, health, and closing remarks
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