Tactical Tangents

Mike is a police SWAT team member, K9 handler, and tactical medic. Jim is an Air Force pilot with a background in close air support and combat search and rescue. Our goal is to elevate the conversation about all things tactical for public safety, military, and concerned citizens. Join us to hear lessons learned about decision making, critical thinking, problem solving, leadership, and teamwork.

So You Wanna Be an Air Force Pilot (…or Not?) 09/01/2025

Careers in Law Enforcement - Worth It? 08/15/2025

Stay in Your Lane? Maybe Not. 08/01/2025

Feeding the Machine: Range Nutrition for Tactical Athletes 07/15/2025

Teaching the Enemy: Lessons from The Dragons and the Snakes 07/01/2025

It's Chess AND Checkers--Tactics and Strategy Unite! 06/15/2025

Hazing vs. Hardening: Building Strong Teams Without Breaking People 06/01/2025

Kids These Days - Leading Across Generations 05/15/2025

“Fire As A Weapon, Chapter 12” -Sun Tzu, Probably. 05/01/2025

HONOR: Your Own Rules 04/15/2025

Catching Up After a Busy Week 04/01/2025

Times Jim Has Called 911 03/15/2025

180: Balance: Pace Yourself, it's a Marathon, not a Sprint 03/01/2025

179: The Boogeyman of Coeur d'Alene – The Crimes of Joseph Duncan 02/15/2025

179: The Boogeyman of Coeur d'Alene – The Crimes of Joseph Duncan We delve into the horrifying crimes of a convicted serial predator whose reign of terror culminated in the brutal murders of the Groene family in 2005. We’ll explore Duncan’s dark past and the stalking and execution-style killings that led to the abduction of Shasta and Dylan Groene. We talk about managing our consumption of evil things in the world, the impact that has on our parenting, and we unravel how media efforts helped bring one of the most dangerous offenders in U.S. history to justice. Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents. You can join the conversation in our . Find all of our episodes, articles, some reading list ideas, and more on our website Like what we’re doing? Head over to and give us a buck for each new episode. You can also make a one-time contribution at . Intro music credit Bensound.com Title: "Understanding the Use of Force: Rules, Reasonableness, and Critical Thinking" Summary: In this thought-provoking episode, Mike and Jim dive deep into the complexities of use-of-force decision-making, particularly as it applies to law enforcement. They explore the rules, policies, and legal frameworks governing police actions, including key court cases like Graham v. Connor and Tennessee v. Garner. With a focus on understanding the concept of “reasonableness,” they unpack how these principles apply not just to officers, but also to civilians and military personnel navigating related situations. Through this discussion, Mike and Jim examine the challenges of balancing split-second decisions with the need for critical thinking, training, and adherence to policy. They touch on how models like the Critical Decision-Making Model (CDM) and Integrated Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) are shaping modern law enforcement training, while also addressing the limits of these frameworks. This episode encourages professionals and everyday listeners alike to critically evaluate their understanding of use-of-force dynamics. From self-defense considerations to understanding the role of government and the judiciary in defining boundaries, Mike and Jim aim to elevate the conversation while emphasizing the importance of informed discussion and reflection. /episode/index/show/tacticaltangents/id/35292655