Operator to Author: Jack MacTavish on the Story Behind Royal Diamonds

About this episode

Jack MacTavish discusses his military career and the inspiration behind his debut novel, Royal Diamonds.

Jack MacTavish is a retired United States Army Colonel and author of action-adventure and espionage fiction. Over a military career spanning more than 36 years in both the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, he served in airborne, special operations, and joint assignments, including roles supporting U.S. Army Special Operations Command and U.S. Special Operations Command. His operational experience took him across multiple global regions, including Afghanistan, Korea, Haiti, Central and South America, and the Middle East. In addition to his military service, MacTavish has supported missions within the U.S. Intelligence Community as a contractor. MacTavish is the author of Royal Diamonds (2026), his debut novel, which blends action-adventure, espionage, and historical intrigue. His writing is informed by firsthand experience, emphasizing realism, operational authenticity, and the complexities of modern conflict and global power dynamics. He currently resides in North Carolina, where he continues to write and remains an advocate for veteran causes, including support for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Guest: Jack MacTavish

Topics covered

• military experience
• espionage fiction
• veteran advocacy
• action-adventure
• historical intrigue

Keywords

• Jack MacTavish
• Royal Diamonds
• military
• espionage
• action-adventure
• veteran causes
• U.S. Army

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, U.S. Special Operations Command

Books & works: Royal Diamonds

Places: North Carolina

More episodes of SOFREP Radio

• From Ranger to JSOC Physician: The Extraordinary Journey of Dr. Mike Simpson · June 12, 2026 · 1h 9m
• Hunter and Hunted: An FBI Agent Sits Down with the Bank Robber He Caught · June 2, 2026 · 1h 25m
• 5 Air Medals & 800 Combat Hours: Nate Amidon Tells All · May 18, 2026 · 1h 2m
• The SEAL Code That Cost Him 30 Years: Dustin "Dusty" Turner Tells All · May 8, 2026 · 56 min
• Investigating Globemaster Down: Soviet Espionage and a Failed Nuclear Plot · April 30, 2026 · 58 min
• Warrior to Shaman: Mathew Butler’s Journey Beyond the Battlefield · April 20, 2026 · 1h 6m