Ep 120 | Col. Derek Oaks – A-10 Warthog and JTACs

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Patriot to the Core

Thad Forester

130 episodes

1 day ago

Patriot to the Core highlights selfless Americans. I interview those from all branches of the military - combat controllers, PJs, Green Berets, SEALs, Rangers, Infantrymen, Pilots, etc - authors, and the US government. In addition, I speak with your every day mom who goes about doing good--from starting a non-profit to fighting for freedom in our communities and schools. I get to talk with Gold Star Parents, Siblings and Spouses, and Medal of Honor recipients.

This provides an opportunity to learn about everyday Americans who go above and beyond to protect us and to help others. As a Gold Star brother, many of my guests have a military connection, but I still have a wide variety of people who answer the call to serve in various ways.

We talk fighting terrorism, self protection, exercise, mental toughness, charity, parenting, fugitives and occasionally pop culture and politics.

Please follow and subscribe so we can have many seasons to come. Send suggestions and questions to me at thad@patriottothecore.com. Hope you enjoy!

All content for Patriot to the Core is the property of Thad Forester and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Ep 120 | Col. Derek Oaks – A-10 Warthog and JTACs

Patriot to the Core

1 hour 4 minutes 14 seconds

5 months ago

Ep 120 | Col. Derek Oaks – A-10 Warthog and JTACs

In this episode, we unpack the legendary role of the A-10 Warthog in the battlespace, the irreplaceable bond between pilots and JTACs, and the critical missions led by Air Force Combat Controllers. Col. Oaks shares insights from his time in the cockpit, what ordnance the A-10 can carry, when a show of force is necessary, and the lasting legacy of my brother SrA Mark Forester, a Combat Controller who gave his life in Afghanistan while Derek’s squadron was deployed.

Strap in—this one is loud, low, and lethal (maybe exaggerating a little bit).

Topics Covered:

* The mission and legacy of the A-10 Warthog

* Why Close Air Support (CAS) is about more than just firepower

* The intense coordination between A-10 pilots and JTACs (Joint Terminal Attack Controllers)

* 70 rounds of 30mm per second

* The vital role of Combat Controllers in both air and ground ops

* Lessons in leadership, humility, and courage under fire

Learn more about Derek Oaks here:

Derek Oaks – Decisive Leadership

Derek’s book he co-authored with this dad, Gen. Robert Oaks – “Rising Above”

Copyright 2025 Thad Foresterhttp://www.patriottothecore.comemail questions to thad@patriottothecore.com