From Coast Guard to DEA: A Journey Through Danger and Determination with Carson Ulrich
Release Date: 06/27/2025
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info_outlineIn this episode of "Neil on Business," host Neil Darling interviews Carson Ulrich, a former Coast Guard Reserve officer and decorated DEA special agent. Carson shares gripping stories from his law enforcement and military career, including high-risk operations in Bolivia and Afghanistan, and his transition into screenwriting and technical advising in Hollywood. The conversation explores the importance of psychological preparedness, leadership, and resilience in both law enforcement and business. Carson also offers practical advice on personal safety, especially during civil unrest, and reflects on the evolving challenges faced by officers today.
Carson’s Unique Background & Valor Awards (00:01:09) Discussion of Carson’s rare achievements as a Coast Guard reserve officer and DEA special agent.
Combat Experience & Mindset (00:02:09) Carson shares experiences in combat, psychological preparation, and the “parallel lines” concept.
Teaching Use of Force & Sheepdog Mentality (00:03:05) Carson explains his approach to training agents on use of force and the importance of mindset.
Reality TV vs. Documentary Work (00:04:51) Clarification of Carson’s involvement in documentary series, not reality TV.
Carson’s Early Life & Education (00:05:52) Carson describes his upbringing as an Air Force brat, moving frequently, and his education path.
Military Service & College (00:07:37) Carson discusses joining the Navy Reserve, his intelligence role, and finishing college.
Applying to DEA & Career Decision (00:09:15) Carson recounts applying to the DEA, advice from a Marine sniper, and the “Forever War” concept.
Operation Snow Cap Overview (00:11:04) Explanation of DEA’s Snow Cap program, selection, training, and its tactical nature.
Snow Cap Training & Language School (00:12:10) Details on language training at Defense Language Institute and team composition.
Frank White & Snow Cap Leadership (00:14:40) Stories about Frank White, a legendary figure in Snow Cap, and team dynamics.
Snow Cap Missions & First Deployment (00:18:17) Carson’s first operational deployment in Bolivia, mission planning, and facing the Cali Cartel.
Jungle Operation & Shootout (00:21:21) Detailed account of a jungle mission, infiltration, and a firefight with cartel members.
Aftermath & Recognition (00:33:36) Post-mission events, media coverage, and receiving the Medal of Valor.
Snow Cap to Fast Transition (00:36:07) Transition from Snow Cap to the dedicated FAST unit, differences in mission and structure.
FAST Team Structure & Selection (00:38:07) Description of FAST team size, selection process, and integration with Special Forces.
Mission Planning & End Game Concept (00:40:07) Evolution of mission planning, air interdiction, and operational challenges in South America.
Afghanistan Deployment & Counter-Narcotics (00:43:09) Carson’s first tour in Afghanistan, the link between narcotics and insurgency.
Joint Operations with Special Forces (00:44:37) Collaboration with Special Forces, key missions, and building military partnerships.
Integration with SOCOM & Leadership Roles (00:50:09) FAST’s growing reputation, Carson’s liaison role, and administrative leadership.
Comparing FAST to Other Tactical Units (00:52:07) Comparison of FAST to FBI HRT, unique missions, and operational anecdotes.
DEA Valor Awards & Administrators (00:53:07) Recognition for valor, notable DEA administrators, and organizational changes.
Disbanding of FAST & Tactical Capabilities (00:55:39) Discussion on the end of FAST, loss of tactical capability, and implications for DEA.
DEA’s Role Against Cartels & DoD Limitations (00:56:43) DEA’s enforcement role, DoD constraints, and operational flexibility.
Effectiveness of the War on Drugs (01:00:05) Reflections on the impact and limitations of drug enforcement efforts.
Retirement & Hollywood Career (01:02:17) Carson’s transition to screenwriting, stunt work, and technical advising in Hollywood.
Missing Dial Documentary (01:04:57) Carson’s role in the National Geographic documentary investigating a missing hiker in Costa Rica.
Parallel Lines & Mindset Training (01:12:18) Discussion on mental preparedness, mindset for survival, and training law enforcement.
Firearms Training & Mindset (01:13:19) Importance of mindset over skill, differences between gunfighters and competitive shooters.
Concealed Carry & Law Enforcement Attitudes (01:17:57) Challenges of daily carry, law enforcement perspectives, and reasons for or against carrying off-duty.
Training Services & Law Enforcement Culture (01:21:30) Carson’s current training offerings, law enforcement culture, and support for officers.
Protests, Public Safety, and Political Context (01:23:12) Advice on protest safety, political motivations, and societal implications.
QUOTES
"I always looked at it like, do I feel my efforts are futile? Maybe. I guess in the big picture, yeah, but you definitely don't want to be the one—the guy that I catch."
"I would say the greatest skill in surviving a violent confrontation, including a gunfight, would be a psychological or a mental one. Preparation of the brain is as, or even more, important than all the physical aspects, the manipulation of the weapon, being able to use it."
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