John "Shrek" McPhee isn't your average military veteran. With decades of elite combat experience and a commanding presence both on and off the field, McPhee has carved out a distinct identity in the tactical training world. Known widely as "The Sheriff of Baghdad" — a moniker earned during his time mentoring forces overseas — McPhee is a former member of the U.S. Army’s Delta Force and the founder of SOB Tactical, a training platform reshaping how civilians and professionals alike learn tactical efficiency.
He has recently gained renewed attention on social media, podcast circuits, and tactical expos due to his unfiltered advice, unique training philosophy, and viral videos that bridge humor and hard truth. In a time where veterans often fade into anonymity, McPhee stands firm, not just as a warrior, but as a teacher and thought leader in modern tactical culture.
Why John McPhee Is Trending: Social Media, Podcasts & Public Influence
John McPhee has become somewhat of a cult figure in the tactical and preparedness communities. His candid and often humorous social media content — especially his Instagram and YouTube clips — routinely go viral. Whether he’s debunking gun myths, calling out subpar training, or dropping truth bombs about war, his authenticity resonates.
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He’s been a guest speaker at major tactical expos and veteran events, and in 2024, several of his training videos and podcast interviews gained traction on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), further expanding his reach.
There’s no controversy in the traditional sense, but McPhee’s blunt delivery and unorthodox methods have occasionally sparked debate within traditional military circles. Still, his reputation remains overwhelmingly positive among students and fans.
John McPhee's Early Life, Family Background & Personal Identity
John "Shrek" McPhee, widely known for his Delta Force background and as the founder of SOB Tactical, has become a notable figure in the tactical training industry, with his biography frequently searched in relation to elite military coaching, video diagnostics, shooting techniques, and tactical gear endorsements.
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John McPhee was born in 1971 in New Jersey, United States. Raised in a working-class American family, McPhee’s early years were shaped by discipline, duty, and an unwavering respect for service. While his exact birthdate remains private — a common theme for veterans of his caliber — it’s known that his childhood was steeped in patriotism and physical resilience.
Though not much is publicly known about his parents' names, sources indicate his father was involved in the blue-collar industry while his mother supported the household. McPhee often speaks of how the strong work ethic instilled in him during those formative years later carried over into his military path.
McPhee identifies as American, follows the Christian faith, and is of Caucasian ethnicity. His rugged 6-foot-plus frame and muscular build — weighing around 210 lbs (95 kg) — reflect a lifetime of active service and physical dedication.
After graduating from high school, he immediately pursued military service. Education, for McPhee, wasn’t confined to classrooms. His “schooling” came through Special Forces Selection, airborne operations, Ranger School, and years of global deployment.
John McPhee’s Military Career, Delta Force Service & SOB Tactical Journey
McPhee’s military career began when he enlisted in the U.S. Army as an infantryman. Quickly distinguishing himself in both ability and mindset, he joined the 75th Ranger Regiment before eventually becoming a member of the U.S. Army’s elite 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, better known as Delta Force.
Over a career spanning 20+ years, McPhee completed over a dozen deployments to conflict zones including Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He participated in hundreds of direct-action missions, and his operational experience spans counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and high-value target capture.
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He retired from the Army in the early 2010s but refused to step away from his warrior ethos. In 2011, McPhee founded SOB Tactical (Sheriff of Baghdad Tactical), where he blends his operational knowledge with advanced training techniques. He is known for his “video diagnostics” training method, where he analyzes students’ shooting mechanics frame-by-frame — a method that’s been praised for its effectiveness across law enforcement and civilian sectors.
Today, he’s not only a sought-after tactical instructor but also a thought leader on personal defense, mindset, and leadership, frequently appearing on podcasts like Cleared Hot, The Team House, and Mike Ritland’s Team Dog.
Off the Battlefield: John McPhee’s Wife, & Private Persona
Despite his public persona, McPhee is deeply private about his family life. However, he has publicly confirmed that he is married, and often speaks with respect and admiration about his wife, though her name is intentionally withheld from the public eye — a decision made out of safety and privacy.
He is also a father and has mentioned raising children while juggling the challenges of military deployment and post-service business life. McPhee has shared on podcasts how returning home after combat required a new kind of strength — one centered on patience, healing, and adaptation.
His family resides in the U.S., where they maintain a low profile, away from the limelight that surrounds his professional endeavors.
John “Shrek” McPhee Net Worth, Lifestyle & Business Ventures (2025)
As of 2025, John “Shrek” McPhee’s estimated net worth is between $1 million to $2 million. His income stems from a variety of legitimate sources:
Beyond his decorated military past, John “Shrek” McPhee has carved out a respectable and entrepreneurial path that sustains his post-service life. A large portion of his income stems from SOB Tactical, his flagship training company that offers a mix of in-person and online tactical courses tailored for civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel. These aren’t your average gun classes — they’re high-caliber, experience-driven programs built on decades of elite combat knowledge.
Complementing this, McPhee provides video diagnostics coaching, a unique offering where he breaks down a shooter’s technique frame-by-frame to correct flaws with surgical precision — a method that’s earned him significant respect in the firearms training community. His brand doesn’t stop at instruction; it extends to merchandise sales, including tactical apparel and gear that resonate with his loyal base of followers who trust both his name and the gear he endorses.
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Additionally, McPhee is a sought-after voice in the tactical space, often appearing in podcasts, securing sponsorship deals, and occasionally stepping on stage for public speaking engagements that blend storytelling, leadership, and warrior ethos. Each of these income streams is not just a business venture — it’s a continuation of a mission-driven life.
He lives a comfortable lifestyle but emphasizes simplicity and discipline. McPhee is not about flash — his focus remains on utility, preparation, and passing on knowledge to the next generation of defenders.
TL;DR Summary
Who: John "Shrek" McPhee – Ex-Delta Force, founder of SOB Tactical
Famous For: 20+ years in elite military service, tactical training pioneer
Born: 1971, New Jersey, USA
Marital Status: Married, father, family man
Height/Weight: 6’1”, approx. 210 lbs
Career Highlights: Member of Delta Force, global deployments, video diagnostics innovation
Net Worth (2025): $1–$2 million
Trending: Viral videos, podcast appearances, tactical community thought leader
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is SOB Tactical?
A: Founded by John McPhee, SOB Tactical is a training platform offering advanced shooting and tactical instruction to civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel.
Q: Was John McPhee really in Delta Force?
A: Yes. He served in the U.S. Army’s 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta for several years and participated in numerous high-risk missions.
Q: Why is he called 'Shrek'?
A: The nickname “Shrek” was given to him during his time in the military, referencing his imposing size and presence.
Q: Is John McPhee married?
A: Yes, he is married and has children, though he keeps his personal life private for security reasons.
Q: What’s unique about his training methods?
A: His “video diagnostics” technique provides real-time, frame-by-frame analysis of shooting mechanics — a game-changer in firearms instruction.
Q: Is there a Wikipedia page for John "Shrek" McPhee?
A: As of now, John “Shrek” McPhee does not have an official Wikipedia page, but his biography is widely covered across military forums, podcasts, and tactical training platforms. Many readers searching for John McPhee's Wikipedia content often turn to trusted sites and interviews where his career in the Delta Force and the creation of SOB Tactical are documented in depth.