John “Shrek” McPhee is more than just a nickname from the military—he’s a real-life action hero turned public figure, known for his intense service in the U.S. Army, his role in training elite forces, and now, as a recognizable name in pop culture. Whether you first heard of him as the “Sheriff of Baghdad” or through his recent relationship with reality star Erika Jayne, McPhee’s life story is one of resilience, discipline, and transformation. So, if you’ve ever wondered who exactly this guy is and what he’s done, you’re in the right place.

He’s served over two decades in the military, trained special forces worldwide, and now he’s sharing his knowledge through training programs and on YouTube. His story isn’t just about combat zones and elite units—it’s also about overcoming personal hardship, surviving in high-pressure environments, and adapting to civilian life after years of service. His journey is one of strength, survival, and reinvention, which is probably why people are still searching for “John Shrek McPhee” today.

Whether you’re curious about his military background, his personal life, or his current ventures, this article dives into all things John Shrek McPhee. From his early days as a mechanic to becoming a key figure in U.S. Army Special Operations and later stepping into the spotlight, we’ve got the full rundown.

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Table of Contents

• John Shrek McPhee: A Closer Look at His Life
• Military Career: From Mechanic to Special Ops
• Personal Life: From Childhood Struggles to Celebrity Status
• Training & Entrepreneurship: Building a Legacy Beyond the Battlefield
• Frequently Asked Questions About John Shrek McPhee

John Shrek McPhee: A Closer Look at His Life

Before he was known as “Shrek” or “The Sheriff of Baghdad,” John McPhee was just a kid from Chicago trying to make it through a rough upbringing. His early years were marked by violence and instability, but he found a way out through discipline, hard work, and eventually, the military. His nickname “Shrek” came from his teammates during his time in the Army, a nod to the tough, green-skinned movie character, probably because of his rugged appearance and no-nonsense attitude.

As a teenager, McPhee worked as a mechanic, trying to stay out of trouble and build a future for himself. When he tried to join the Air Force at 20 and didn’t get in, he turned to the Army instead. That decision led him down a path that included becoming a Ranger, a Green Beret, and eventually a Delta Force operator. His nickname “The Sheriff of Baghdad” came from his time in Iraq, where he took on high-stakes missions and became known for his leadership and tactical skill.

Military Career: From Mechanic to Special Ops

McPhee’s journey through the U.S. military was anything but ordinary. He started out in the Army Rangers before moving into the Green Berets and eventually working with Delta Force, one of the most elite special operations units in the world. His service spanned over 20 years, taking him to Bosnia, Iraq, and other conflict zones where he played a key role in special missions and training operations.

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He was known not only for his combat skills but also for his ability to train others. McPhee became a video diagnostics training expert, helping soldiers and special forces improve their shooting techniques by analyzing target hits and spotting common mistakes. His expertise made him a go-to instructor for elite units around the world. He retired from the military in 2011 but stayed involved in training and security work, eventually starting his own companies focused on tactical education.

One of the more recent, and arguably more controversial, moments in his post-military career was when he was kicked out of a Delta Air Lines flight in 2021 for refusing to wear a mask and causing a scene. That moment brought him even more public attention, especially as his relationship with Erika Jayne became more visible.

Personal Life: From Childhood Struggles to Celebrity Status

John McPhee’s life hasn’t just been about combat and training—he’s also lived through personal challenges that shaped who he is today. Growing up in Chicago, he faced violence and hardship that could have easily derailed his future. But instead of giving in to the chaos, he used those experiences to fuel his drive and discipline.

He’s also found love and built a family. His relationship with his wife, and the way they built their life together, is a story of mutual respect and support. But in more recent years, he’s found himself in the public eye not just for his military past, but for his romance with Erika Jayne, a cast member of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” The couple was seen holding hands in Los Angeles, and their relationship made headlines as Erika was going through a divorce from her husband, Tom Girardi.

Training & Entrepreneurship: Building a Legacy Beyond the Battlefield

After retiring from the military, McPhee didn’t slow down—he turned his focus to training others and building a business around tactical education. He founded Sob Tactical and Gunfighter University, where he teaches shooting skills, combat techniques, and real-world survival strategies. His YouTube channel, “The Sheriff of Baghdad,” offers tips and lessons from the range, showing students how to improve accuracy and avoid common mistakes.

He’s also worked as a personal protection specialist, guarding celebrities and high-profile individuals. His bodyguard work has given him another layer of visibility, especially as he’s appeared in media outlets talking about his experiences both in the military and in civilian security. He’s shared insights into what it takes to stay sharp, aware, and ready in high-pressure situations, making him a valuable resource for those looking to learn from someone with real-world experience.

McPhee’s content often blends storytelling with practical advice, giving viewers a mix of entertainment and education. Whether he’s walking through real student targets or discussing personal development and discipline, his videos reflect a lifetime of learning and adapting.

Frequently Asked Questions About John Shrek McPhee

Why is John McPhee called “Shrek”?

John McPhee earned the nickname “Shrek” during his time in the U.S. Army, likely due to his rugged appearance and tough, no-nonsense attitude. The name stuck, becoming a part of his identity both during and after his military service.

What did John Shrek McPhee do in the military?

McPhee served over 21 years in the U.S. Army, including time with the Army Rangers, Green Berets, and Delta Force. He was known as a skilled operator and a top-tier instructor, especially in weapons and combat training. He also worked as a video diagnostics expert, helping soldiers improve their shooting techniques.

Is John Shrek McPhee married to Erika Jayne?

As of now, John Shrek McPhee is not married to Erika Jayne. The two are dating, and their relationship became public in 2021 as Erika was going through a divorce from her husband, Tom Girardi. Their connection has been covered in celebrity media, adding to McPhee’s public presence.

If you want to learn more about elite military training, check out our guide on special forces skills everyone should know.

For more on John McPhee’s tactical training methods, visit his YouTube channel, The Sheriff of Baghdad, where he breaks down real-world shooting techniques and shares lessons from his time in combat.