High School Student to the Top Secret USAF Red Eagles Soviet MIG Squadron Part 1 (444)

About this episode

Rob Zettel shares his journey from a high school student to a pilot in the top-secret USAF Red Eagles squadron.

Rob “Z-Man” Zettel is the author of American MiG Pilot - Inside the Top Secret USAF “Red Eagles. In part one of a two-part episode, he reveals how he made it into this top-secret US operation that wouldn't feel out of place in 'Top Gun'. From a high school student with no aviation background, Rob discovered he had a natural aptitude for flying via the USAF Reserve Officer Training Corps. He then joined the USAF, progressing to an Aggressor Squadron where his unit replicated enemy tactics, techniques, and procedures. Rob shares anecdotes of training, close calls in the air, and the intense journey through pilot training. He provides a vivid account of training engagements that puts you right in the cockpit. ⁠Buy the book here and support the podcast⁠ Episode extras here ⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/episode444 Go to https://surfshark.com/coldwardeal or use code COLDWARDEAL at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Help me preserve Cold War history via a simple monthly donation, You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and receive a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank-you, and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold…

People in this episode

Host: Ian Sanders

Guest: Rob Zettel

Topics covered

• aviation
• military history
• Cold War
• pilot training
• USAF operations

Keywords

• Red Eagles
• USAF
• pilot training
• Cold War
• aviation history
• Rob Zettel
• fighter jets

Sponsors

Surfshark

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: USAF, USAF Reserve Officer Training Corps, Cold War Conversations

Books & works: American MiG Pilot - Inside the Top Secret USAF “Red Eagles

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