What is a Fighter Pilot Debrief & Why Would I Use it?

In this episode of Commander's Intent, retired Air Force Colonel and fighter pilot Derek Oaks reveals the real reason U.S. fighter pilots stay at the top of their game—and it’s not the jets, the gear, or the swagger. It’s the aggressive, egoless debrief after every mission. Derek walks you through a humbling story from his own instructor upgrade in the A-10, where a single training flight turned into a marathon debrief that pushed his skills, mindset, and humility to the limit. He then breaks down the fighter pilot debrief framework—setting clear objectives, executing to them, reviewing the “tapes,” identifying debrief focus points, and turning mistakes into actionable lessons. Most importantly, Derek shows you how to apply this same process to your business, leadership, and family life: how to “take the rank off,” invite honest feedback, schedule regular debriefs, and keep your actions aligned with your vision and goals. If you’re serious about making better decisions and leading with clarity and courage, this episode gives you a battle-tested system to get there.