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The Sheriff Of Baghdad - John McPhee's Story

Command Staff - Hamilton County Sheriff's Office

Jul 04, 2025
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Command Staff - Hamilton County Sheriff's Office

There is a name that often comes up when people talk about special operations and training, someone known for their time in the military and for teaching others. This person is John McPhee, also recognized by a couple of interesting names. He has a way of sharing what he knows, helping people understand things that might seem a bit tough at first glance. His background is really something, stretching back to a career serving his country in a very particular way.

You might have heard him called "Shrek" by those who worked with him, or maybe even "the sheriff of baghdad." These names, you know, they tell a little bit about his journey and the kind of work he did. He spent a good many years as part of the U.S. Army's special operations community, doing things around the world that few people ever get to see or hear about. It is that kind of service, really, that makes his story one that people want to hear more about.

What makes someone get a name like "the sheriff of baghdad"? Well, it usually points to a significant role, a time when a person made a real difference in a difficult place. For John McPhee, this particular name speaks to his actions and what he brought to certain situations during a time of global conflict. He has since taken all that experience and put it into teaching, creating ways for civilians, police, and military groups to learn from what he has picked up over the years. This article will look at his background, his work, and how he continues to share his unique outlook.

Table of Contents

Who is John McPhee, the Sheriff of Baghdad?

John McPhee is a person who spent a good part of his working life in the U.S. Army, serving as a sergeant major in special operations. He is someone who, you know, dedicated a lot of time to this kind of service, over two decades of it. After all that time, he decided to retire in 2011. People who knew him during his service often called him "Shrek," which is a pretty memorable nickname, isn't it? He also got another well-known name, "the sheriff of baghdad," which speaks to some of the things he did and places he was during his time in uniform.

His background includes being an Army Ranger and also an operator with the Special Missions Unit, which is a very select group. This kind of experience means he spent time learning and doing things that are, you know, quite specialized and demanding. He has also been involved in teaching, holding a position as the dean of violent sciences at Gunfighter University. That title, in a way, gives you a sense of the subjects he knows a lot about and is prepared to teach others. He is someone who has been there, done that, and now shows others the ropes, so to speak.

John McPhee's work after his military career involves a company he started, called SOB Tactical. This business focuses on giving specialized lessons in shooting and other particular activities. These lessons are for a wide range of people, including regular folks, those who work in law enforcement, and military groups from different parts of the world. So, he took what he learned and made it available to others, which is, actually, a pretty good way to keep contributing after years of service. He wants to pass on what he knows, which is a very generous thing to do.

Here are some personal details about John McPhee, often called the sheriff of baghdad:

Full NameJohn McPhee
Call SignShrek
NicknameThe Sheriff of Baghdad
Military BranchU.S. Army
Rank at RetirementSergeant Major
Military Service DurationOver 20 years
Retirement Year2011
Current RolesFounder of SOB Tactical, Dean of Violent Sciences at Gunfighter University

The Early Days of the Sheriff of Baghdad

Before becoming widely known as "the sheriff of baghdad," John McPhee started his journey in the U.S. Army. He was, actually, an Army Ranger, which is a group known for its tough training and demanding tasks. This early part of his service set the stage for what would come later. He also served as a sergeant major in a very elite unit, often referred to as Delta Force. This kind of background, you know, means he was involved in some of the most challenging operations the military carries out. He spent a lot of time in these roles, gaining a lot of experience.

His military service, which lasted for more than two decades, included time as a special missions operator. This meant he went on missions in many different places around the world. These experiences, very truly, helped shape him and gave him a deep understanding of various situations. He was not just someone who followed orders; he was someone who learned how to handle things in tough spots. The things he saw and did during these years are what, in some respects, led to him being recognized for his abilities in combat and his skills in training others.

It is his long career, marked by distinguished service in U.S. Army special operations, that laid the groundwork for his reputation. He retired in 2011, bringing an end to that chapter of his life. But, as we will see, his time in the military was just the start of his continuing contribution. The skills and knowledge he picked up, you know, were too valuable to keep to himself. He would later find ways to share them with a wider group of people, which is, actually, quite admirable.

What Made Him the Sheriff of Baghdad?

The name "the sheriff of baghdad" did not just appear out of nowhere; it came from his real-world actions and experiences. During a period called the Global War on Terror, John McPhee played a very important part in Baghdad. He was involved in helping to make the region more stable and also in rebuilding how things were run locally. This kind of work, you know, goes beyond just fighting; it involves helping a place get back on its feet. His efforts in these areas were what, in a way, earned him this particular nickname. It suggests a role of keeping order and helping things improve in a challenging environment.

His time in Baghdad was marked by his combat experience and his ability to train others effectively. He was in multiple places where fighting happened, and he showed a knack for teaching people what they needed to know to handle themselves. This combination of being skilled in combat and being a good teacher is what, perhaps, made him stand out. People saw him as someone who could bring a sense of order and guidance to difficult situations, which is, truly, what a "sheriff" does in a community. He was a person who could get things done and help others do the same.

The nickname "the sheriff of baghdad" also points to his leadership approach. He was not just a fighter; he was someone who could lead people and help them understand what they were doing. This included sharing what he knew about tactics, both for actual fighting and for everyday life situations. His ability to guide troops and help them learn new things in intense situations was, basically, a key part of his reputation. He was someone people could look to for direction and for practical advice, which is, after all, what you want from someone in a leadership position.

The Sheriff of Baghdad's Impact in the Field

John McPhee's impact was felt directly in the field, where his actions helped shape outcomes. As a former operator in a special missions unit and a Ranger, he brought a deep level of practical knowledge to every situation. His work in places like Afghanistan and Iraq involved direct combat experiences. These were not just theoretical situations; they were real-life challenges where his skills were put to the test. He was, literally, on the ground, making a difference with his presence and his abilities. This hands-on experience is what, actually, makes his insights so valuable to others.

During his years as a special forces operator, he spent a lot of time training many elite troops from different parts of the world. This means he was not just doing the work himself, but he was also passing on his methods and ways of thinking to others. He helped these troops get ready for their own difficult tasks, which is, you know, a very important contribution. His training skills were a big part of why he was so respected. He had a way of showing people what they needed to do, and they listened because they knew he had been there himself. He was, in a way, a master of his craft, teaching others how to be masters too.

His role in stabilizing Baghdad and helping to rebuild local ways of running things during the global conflict shows a wider kind of influence. This was about more than just military actions; it was about helping a society find its footing again. He played a very important part in these efforts, which is, truly, a testament to his broader capabilities. It was this work that, in fact, solidified his identity as "the sheriff of baghdad," a name that speaks to his capacity to bring order and positive change in very tough circumstances. He was someone who could see what needed to be done and then help make it happen.

How Does the Sheriff of Baghdad Share His Knowledge?

After his distinguished career in the military, John McPhee, the man known as "the sheriff of baghdad," found new ways to share what he knows. He started SOB Tactical, a company that offers specialized courses. These courses are for a wide range of people: regular citizens, those who work in law enforcement, and military groups from all over. This shows that he believes in making his knowledge available to anyone who can benefit from it. He is, you know, very open about teaching what he has learned, which is a good thing for many people.

He also serves as the dean of violent sciences at Gunfighter University. This position, in a way, puts him at the head of teaching a very specific set of skills and ways of thinking. He helps shape how these subjects are taught and what people learn. It is a place where serious training happens, and he is a key figure in that. So, he is not just giving a few lessons; he is helping to guide a whole program of learning. This role, basically, allows him to have a bigger impact on how people are trained in these areas.

Beyond formal courses, John McPhee also shares his experiences and thoughts through other channels. He has a YouTube channel, for example, where he talks directly to people. He discusses things like guns and different tactics, both for situations in the field and for everyday life. He also talks about books, movies, and television shows that relate to these topics. This kind of sharing, you know, makes his knowledge accessible to a much wider audience. It is a way for him to connect with people and give them a peek into his world, which is, truly, quite interesting for many.

The Sheriff of Baghdad's Training Philosophy

The training philosophy of "the sheriff of baghdad" seems to center on practical, real-world experience. He offers video diagnostics training, which means he uses video to help people understand their actions and improve. This is a very hands-on way of teaching, helping people see exactly what they are doing and how they can do it better. It is about breaking things down, like when he talks about breaking down close-quarters battle, or CQB, one step at a time. This approach, you know, makes learning easier and more effective for those who are trying to pick up these skills.

His company, SOB Tactical, and its online presence, SOB TV, are places where this philosophy comes to life. SOB TV is a place for military personnel, law enforcement officers, and civilians to get expert insight. They can learn about leadership, review gear, understand mindset, get firearms training, and learn about home defense and military history. This broad range of topics shows that his training goes beyond just shooting; it covers the whole picture of what it takes to be effective and safe. He is, after all, trying to give people a complete understanding, which is very helpful.

John McPhee also talks about mindset and war stories, which are, actually, very important parts of his teaching. He shares his own journey, including his early life and his combat experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq. He discusses his leadership approach, which gives people a look into how he thinks and makes decisions under pressure. This kind of personal sharing, you know, helps people connect with the material on a deeper level. It is not just about techniques; it is about the thinking behind them and the experiences that shaped them. He wants people to understand the 'why' behind the 'what,' which is, basically, a very good way to teach.

What Can You Find from the Sheriff of Baghdad?

If you are looking for resources from John McPhee, "the sheriff of baghdad," you will find quite a few things available. His company, SOB Tactical, is a supplier of specialized training and also tactical gear. This means you can get lessons from him and also find equipment that meets certain standards. The idea is to provide everything people might need to learn and to be prepared. So, it is a place where you can get both the knowledge and the tools, which is, truly, very convenient for many.

SOB TV, the online part of his operation, is a leading place for military, law enforcement, and civilians. It is where you can find expert insights on many topics. These include how to be a good leader, reviews of different kinds of gear, how to develop the right mindset, ways to train with firearms, ideas for home defense, and even military history. This wide selection of topics shows that he covers a lot of ground, giving people a comprehensive view of these subjects. It is, basically, a hub for information from someone who has been there and done it.

You can also find his presence on platforms like YouTube. His channel, which is, you know, called "the sheriff of baghdad's youtube channel," is a place where he shares videos. He talks about his real-world experiences as a sergeant major and discusses things like guns and tactics. He also brings on guests to talk about war stories, mindset, and current events related to these topics. This kind of content, actually, gives people a chance to hear directly from him and his colleagues, which is, very, very valuable for those interested in these subjects. He is, in a way, bringing his classroom to the wider public.

The Sheriff of Baghdad's Online Presence

John McPhee, also known as "the sheriff of baghdad," has made sure his knowledge is easy to find online. His YouTube channel is a key part of this. On it, he shares his experiences from his 20 years as a special missions operator in the U.S. Army. He talks about missions he carried out in different parts of the world. This channel, you know, is a direct way for people to hear his voice and learn from his stories. He wants to give people an honest look at what he did and what he learned, which is, really, quite engaging for those who watch.

SOB TV is another important part of his online efforts. It is described as the top online spot for people looking for expert insight. This platform offers videos and information that break down complex topics into simpler steps. For example, they talk about close-quarters battle in a way that makes it easier to understand. They also show what makes each SOB product good, and they even offer free shipping on their items. This approach, basically, makes it simple for people to get both information and the things they might need, which is, you know, very helpful for customers.

Through these online platforms, John McPhee and his guests talk about a variety of subjects. They discuss guns, tactics for both the field and everyday life, and even recent books, movies, and television shows that relate to these areas. This shows that his interests and his teaching go beyond just the technical side of things. He connects his experiences to wider cultural topics, which is, actually, pretty unique. He wants to give people a full picture, and his online presence helps him do that in a very accessible way. He is, in a way, building a community around these important discussions.

Command Staff - Hamilton County Sheriff's Office
Command Staff - Hamilton County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Sheriff Michael Adam Levison, Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Sheriff Michael Adam Levison, Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Sheriff Darnell Calhoun, Riverside County Sheriff's Department
Deputy Sheriff Darnell Calhoun, Riverside County Sheriff's Department

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