I’d like to start out by thanking those of you that read and commented on my “Life of a combat controller” articles. Without your support, I could never have been hired on as a writer with SOFREP. The welcoming from the SOFREP community has been great, and I hope you will continue to reach out and comment on my stuff. I’ll try my best to get back with you ASAP.

About me: After college at the University of Texas (I was there when we were good at football, before you start on all that…) I picked up a copy of Lone Survivor, and, as cheesy as it sounds, read it through cover-to-cover and decided right then and there to join SOF. I was gonna be a SEAL. Then I did a little research and thought I liked the mission of the Army SF. But then I did a little more research and found out about CCT. For me, it had to be CCT. And honestly, I think some SEALs and some SF guys would readily (okay, begrudgingly?) admit they wished they did that third round of research with me. I mean, I was in the Air Force. I had all the freshest gear. And a bed.

After 2.5 years of training, I was sent to Okinawa, Japan. For those of you that have never been there, let me start by saying that it is absolutely beautiful. It’s one of the top dive spots on the planet, with practically unlimited visibility. The island is surrounded by the clear blue waters that are home to coral reefs, sea turtles, yellowfin tuna, etc. It’s paradise. But, when you’re SOF, you’re gone. A lot. We had a beautiful spot right on the seawall that I saw on Facetime more than I actually lived in.

SE Asia has become a pretty active area for U.S. SOF these days, and we were always on the move. I traveled to the Philippines, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Singapore, and other places. I’ve even been to the hallowed sands of Iwo Jima. I’ve been fortunate to work with every branch of the military, some for extended periods of time. I’ve been on a combat deployment to Afghanistan, and I’ve been involved in Pacific theater contingency operations.

After getting out I moved to Texas where I live with my wife and two kids. I hope to be able to answer your questions on AFSOC (including preparation and recruitment), CCTs, transitioning out of the military, and life in general. I’m interested in current events, especially politics, counter-terrorism, and anytime I hear about close air support being used in a place we “aren’t in.”

You can always hit me up in the comments section of my articles, or email me at zach@cms.sofrep.com.

Thanks!

-Zach

Image courtesy: Af.mil, me, and a Thai dude.