24th STS Operator | Chad McCoy (throwback episode)

In this three-part throwback episode of The Team House, hosts Jack Murphy and Dave Park sit down with Chad McCoy, a former pararescue jumper and member of the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, to explore his transformative journey through Air Force Special Operations. Chad recounts his early inspiration from military films, his grueling selection process—including the infamous vomiting run—and his rapid ascent through elite training like scuba, freefall, and 18 Delta courses. He shares vivid accounts of high-stakes missions, including a U2 crash rescue in Korea and a perilous C-130 recovery in Baghdad, underscoring the psychological weight of combat and the quiet humanity that defines true leadership. His reflections on the Captain Phillips rescue mission reveal the stark contrast between cinematic portrayal and the real, tense, two-day escort with a volatile crew, emphasizing discipline, composure, and the moral responsibility of operators. As his career evolved, Chad transitioned from direct action to clandestine operations, embracing the need for intellectual agility, dual-capable skills, and emotional intelligence in modern warfare. He candidly discusses the military’s loss of institutional memory and the 'great resignation' of experienced operators, warning that future conflicts will demand more than physical toughness—especially in the context of great power competition. After leaving service, Chad’s journey through purposelessness and failed humanitarian efforts culminated in founding Firestorm Labs, a defense tech startup, illustrating the importance of veterans building intentional, purpose-driven communities post-service. In the final segment, Chad turns his focus to veteran well-being, criticizing the VA for being outdated and ineffective, while advocating for proactive community-building and emerging mental health treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy and psychedelic-assisted therapies (MDMA, psilocybin, ayahuasca). He stresses the importance of vetting support networks and taking direct action in seeking help, offering a hopeful yet realistic roadmap for post-military life.