This Week Explained

PMCs, Combat Decisions & Global Conflict

May 14, 2026·59 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Find your Spy Superpower:  https://yt.everydayspy.com/4aXS3qiExplore Spy School: https://everydayspy.com/ Listen to the podcast: https://youtube.com/@EverydaySpyPodcastLearn from a CIA Spy: https://youtube.com/@Andrew-Bustamante----This week, we sit down with Trevor Fortner to explore his transition from elite military service to private military contracting with Blackwater in Baghdad. We unpack the psychology of combat decision-making, redefine modern patriotism, and analyze the current geopolitical landscape—from China's ambitions in Taiwan to the strategic complexities of the Middle East. Are our military objectives clear enough for the modern theater of war? Episode HighlightsLife Outside the Uniform: Trevor discusses his shift from Navy EOD to private military contracting and the operational differences on the ground in Baghdad. Redefining Patriotism: A look at why true patriotism is about providing value to your local community, not just wearing a flag or a uniform. The Psychology of Combat: Why hesitation in high-pressure environments can sometimes be a deliberate tactical tool to delay irreversible decisions. Global Flashpoints: Analyzing the 24/7 fog of war, public perception of global conflicts, China's open stance on recovering Taiwan, and the ongoing strategic hurdles with Iran. Technology vs. Humanity: The double-edged sword of modern battlefield technology and the vital importance of putting our phones down to maintain real human connection.Enjoyed this deep dive into geopolitics and tactical psychology? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with your network! Want to test your own operational psychology? Head over to EverydaySpy.com to take the spy quiz and learn more about yourself.

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