"Casting Shadows: SOF Soldiers Finding Peace in Fly Fishing"
In the world of Special Operations Forces (SOF), where shadows are their domain and dopamine is their ally, it can be difficult adjusting to lulls in action or bouts of restlessness. The high stress and the persistent pursuit of terrorist during the Global War on Terror (GWOT) is coming to a trickle: the hardened warriors are transitioning out of the military and the baby faces are eager to enter the fight that once was. Not all SOF missions are direct action missions with high levels of stress and dopamine, but all SOF missions are in fact critical for implementing the United States (US) National Security Strategy (NSS). Serving in a small force specifically designed for Irregular Warfare (IW) creates a sense of purpose, belonging and an addiction to chasing the urgency to fulfill our narcissistic traits of feeling.. well.. special. Whether SOF soldiers are transitioning out of the military, going on leave, or adjusting to new operational environment, one thing is for certain: coping with boredom or down time is challenging.
We want to feel the urgency.
We want to plan.
We want to embark on the unknown.
Some soldiers cope by willingly volunteering for deployments, even if they entail mundane tasks and involve planning in a secure basement. Others eagerly submit packets for additional selections, and some simply transition out of the military, seeking a new chapter in their lives. The glory days of military service, and indeed our entire military careers, are just chapters in the book of our lives.
Yet, amidst the silent internal struggle seeking purpose, belonging and adventure many SOF soldiers have discovered an unexpected sanctuary: the tranquil waters of fly fishing. In this blog post, we delve into the profound journey of how these elite warriors find solace, healing, fatherhood and a sense of peace in the art of fly fishing.
One thing i’ve learned over the years through my own struggles with down time is fly fishing is a mechanism for coping, adventure and means to practice perishables skills.
Preparing a fly rod on the Davidson River in the Pisgah National Forest, NC
The Silent Professional: For SOF soldiers, silence, deception, early mornings, late nights and not talking about operational locations or details are tools of their trade. If you pay close attention and listen to the lessons of the river, you will find those same tools must be applied to hook that rainbow trout. Native trout are smart creatures and easily spooked. Often times you may find yourself quietly approaching the river bank and casting in a way that won’t spook the trout. Trout are generally unpredictable fish, but one thing we know is they like to feed in the early mornings and evenings which means an early start. It's in these early mornings and late evenings that we find a different kind of refuge through the quiet solitude of a riverbank or the whisper of a breeze through the trees. Fly fishing offers a welcoming escape from the intensity of our work, providing a space to decompress, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves away from the chaos of the world.
In military jargon, deception tactics aim to influence crucial decision-makers to make a decision beneficial to friendly commanders. Put plainly, we follow the "see, think, and do" principle. We determine what aspect of the environment we want the enemy to perceive, which will prompt a specific reaction. Interestingly, deception finds its place even in the art of fly fishing! We select a hand-tied fly that closely mimics the insects trout are feeding on during a specific day or season. Admittedly, comprehending the wide array of flies can feel daunting, but I find it helpful to draw parallels to military camouflage techniques. When choosing a fly, we can observe the insects near us, matching their size, shape, and silhouette. I vividly recall casting a dry fly in California's Eastern Sierra and witnessing a hungry trout leaping out of the water to devour it because it thought it was a real insect.
A guided fly fishing trip with Troutfitter Fly Shop in Mammoth Lakes, California
Mastery and Recon Just as they hone their skills on the battlefield, SOF soldiers approach fly fishing with a dedication to mastery. From learning the intricacies of casting to studying the habits of elusive fish, there's a sense of purpose in the pursuit of perfection. Attention to detail and precision are important tasks in mastering the simple knots required for the fly fishermen. A backcast without getting tangled in bushes, trees or god forbid a battle buddy takes a lot of practice and attention to detail. One thing I enjoy about fly fishing is recon. Yes, recon. I start macro with a simple google search of the state i’m going to and I look for anything I can find through blogs, websites, and social media. I've found that one of the most reliable tactics is paying a visit to a local fly fishing shop in the area you're targeting. The insights from the locals can be invaluable. I was pleasantly surprised by the willingness of these shops to assist. It brought back memories of deployments to the Middle East in a sense. You'd be amazed at how forthcoming locals can be if approached with a smile, some small gifts, and treated as equals in conversation. Naturally, you always maintain a plan to handle any challenges, but resorting to force is truly a last resort, as they say, "inshallah." Like all thorough recon you should understand the backcountry roads, fishing permits, catch and release rules, harvesting limits, hospital locations, active predators and weather. My first fly fishing guide told me that trout do not live in ugly places so thankfully this type of recon can even be done with a kiddo.
Yet, it's not just about skill—it's about mindfulness. In the focused rhythm of casting and the patient wait for a strike, SOF soldiers find a momentary reprieve from the noise of their minds, allowing them to be fully present in the moment. Just like missions down range things do not always go as planned, but as the saying goes a bad day on the river is better than a good day in the office.
A Healing Connection: For many SOF soldiers, the journey of healing is as arduous as any mission. The scars, both seen and unseen, run deep. Yet, in the gentle flow of a stream, there lies a balm for the soul. Fly fishing offers a therapeutic outlet, allowing soldiers to release the burdens they carry and find a sense of peace amidst nature's beauty. It's not a cure-all, but it's a step on the path toward healing—a reminder that there is still beauty and joy to be found in the world. I personally use fly fishing to practice patience and cope with down time. During the last 14 years of my career I was always chasing the next school, deployment or new selection. I can’t turn it off nor do I think I ever will, but fly fishing gives me something to chase during my down time. It’s hard to be mad when you’re standing in a river with a fly rod in hand, a Glock 19 in a chest rig and the shade of trees casting shadows for anglers to escape the heat.
An active duty soldier and his family spend a week on the river. (Classified images include melt downs, tantrums and arguing with a 3 year old)
Casting Shadows: Casting shadows carries a deeper significance for me than merely finding shade under trees or executing special operations. It's about the lasting impact I'll leave on my sons. It delves into the intricate dynamics of raising young men, exploring how my actions, values, and choices can profoundly shape both of my sons' development and worldview.
Reflecting on a moment when I found myself frustrated and cursing at the trees my fly line had tangled in while rambling about their interference, I ponder what lesson my toddler gleaned from that scene. It taught him to react and communicate poorly, failing to take personal responsibility for my lack of situational awareness and subpar casting skills.
Now, with his gentle eyes absorbing our moments by the river, I recognize the importance of setting a positive example. Instead of frustration, I find laughter in similar situations, using them as teaching moments. I explain to him that paying attention to our surroundings and practicing casting in the backyard can reduce the chances of such tangles. Through these interactions, I aim to instill in my sons a sense of accountability, resilience, and the value of learning from mistakes.
Father's all cast shadows—both positive and negative—over their sons' lives, shaping their identities, ambitions, and relationships. Spending time outdoors heightens the importance of mindful parenting, communication, and emotional connection in nurturing healthy father-son bonds and fostering personal growth. Fly fishing with kids offers a compelling exploration of the enduring impact fathers have on their sons, emphasizing the power of fitness, preparedness, love, guidance, and mentorship in shaping future generations.
In conclusion, the intersection of special operations, fatherhood, and fly fishing unveils profound insights into the essence of leadership, mentorship, and personal growth. Through the lens of special operations, we learn the importance of preparation, tactical patience, fitness, and craftsmanship—skills invaluable in navigating the unpredictable currents of fly fishing. Just as a skilled angler patiently guides a novice through the intricacies of fly fishing, fathers mold their children's character and perspective, casting shadows that shape their sons' futures. The lessons learned on the riverbank—patience, self-awareness, and the humility to learn from mistakes—echo the principles of effective leadership and the timeless wisdom of soldiering and fatherhood. As we cast our lines into the waters, let us remember the profound impact we have on those who follow in our wake.
In fly fishing, "mending the line" refers to a technique used to manipulate the position of the fly line on the water's surface after it has been cast. This manipulation is necessary to ensure a natural drift of the fly and to avoid drag, which occurs when the current pulls the fly line faster than the fly, causing it to appear unnatural to the fish. If you’re a veteran and you’re struggling or you know of a struggling veteran i’d urge you to mend the line. Don’t let yourself get drug down the river with your burdens and struggles. Go on a guided fly fishing trip with your local fly shop and see what it does for you.
Disrupt the norm.
