web02.fireside.fm Thu, 07 May 2026 13:49:24 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) OCONUS: The Contractor's Life - Episodes Tagged with “Veterans” https://oconus.fireside.fm/tags/veterans Thu, 07 May 2026 06:00:00 -0700 A no-axe to grind, no agenda look into the life of private security contractors working OCONUS. Listen as those who have been there talk about their real-life experiences in hostile, austere, and war-torn areas as a private security contractor. Listen as we discuss what we did, how we did it, where we did it, what we saw, heard, and smelled. Tune in as we discuss our experiences as private security contractors working OCONUS from the perspectives of private security contractors. en-us episodic The true life experiences of PMCs/PSCs Scott Dressor A no-axe to grind, no agenda look into the life of private security contractors working OCONUS. Listen as those who have been there talk about their real-life experiences in hostile, austere, and war-torn areas as a private security contractor. Listen as we discuss what we did, how we did it, where we did it, what we saw, heard, and smelled. Tune in as we discuss our experiences as private security contractors working OCONUS from the perspectives of private security contractors. no OCONUS, PSC, PMC, Security, Military, Law Enforcement, Veteran, Podcast Scott Dressor s.dressor@live.com OCONUS: The Contractor's Life Season-6 Episode-10 https://oconus.fireside.fm/otcls6e10 eb406b00-fac5-4866-8e5a-e022a8bb4217 Thu, 07 May 2026 06:00:00 -0700 Scott Dressor full 6 Scott Dressor A discussion on the life of a private security contractor overseas, away from his or her country, in a foreign land, often contrary and hostile to his or her way of life. 21:23 no <p>In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I talk, primarily, again, about positivity, mind-set, and what it takes to get to where you want to be. Your chances are highly likely that you can -- if you are willing and prepared to do what needs to be done to get to where you want to go. Yes, Psycho Cybernetics. You can -- if you really want to. </p> PSC, PMC, Mercenaries, Contractors, Soldiers of Fortune, LEO, Military, Veterans In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I talk, primarily, again, about positivity, mind-set, and what it takes to get to where you want to be. Your chances are highly likely that you can -- if you are willing and prepared to do what needs to be done to get to where you want to go. Yes, Psycho Cybernetics. You can -- if you really want to.

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]]> In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I talk, primarily, again, about positivity, mind-set, and what it takes to get to where you want to be. Your chances are highly likely that you can -- if you are willing and prepared to do what needs to be done to get to where you want to go. Yes, Psycho Cybernetics. You can -- if you really want to.

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]]> OCONUS: The Contractor's Life Season-6 Episode-9 https://oconus.fireside.fm/otcls6e9 fa118252-a1a0-4626-a045-34d87670bed5 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0700 Scott Dressor full 6 Scott Dressor A discussion on the life of a private security contractor overseas, away from his or her country, in a foreign land, often contrary and hostile to his or her way of life. 22:20 no <p>In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I talk, primarily, about positivity. By that, I mean, if you really want to do something, chances are highly likely that you can -- if you are willing and prepared to do what needs to be done to get to where you want to go. When I was first introduced to this notion, we called it Psycho Cybernetics. These days, you will see, read and hear it by other names. Bottom-line: If you really want it, you can. You just need to hear and witness how it's done. </p> PSC, PMC, Mercenaries, Contractors, Soldiers of Fortune, LEO, Military, Veterans In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I talk, primarily, about positivity. By that, I mean, if you really want to do something, chances are highly likely that you can -- if you are willing and prepared to do what needs to be done to get to where you want to go. When I was first introduced to this notion, we called it Psycho Cybernetics. These days, you will see, read and hear it by other names. Bottom-line: If you really want it, you can. You just need to hear and witness how it's done.

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]]> In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I talk, primarily, about positivity. By that, I mean, if you really want to do something, chances are highly likely that you can -- if you are willing and prepared to do what needs to be done to get to where you want to go. When I was first introduced to this notion, we called it Psycho Cybernetics. These days, you will see, read and hear it by other names. Bottom-line: If you really want it, you can. You just need to hear and witness how it's done.

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]]> OCONUS: The Contractor's Life Season-6 Episode-8 https://oconus.fireside.fm/otcls6e8 0bb97bcc-de77-48d3-a48b-b5e1ba791fe8 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0700 Scott Dressor full 6 Scott Dressor A discussion on the life of a private security contractor overseas, away from his or her country, in a foreign land, often contrary and hostile to his or her way of life. 19:27 no <p>In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I talk, primarily, about truth, honesty, trust and professionalism. Regardless of what you think or believe, we are not all the same, in terms of what we think and believe. When you work with people from across the spectrum of this world of ours, you must learn to interact with them -- all of them. No, you do not have to like them but, you do have to figure out how to interact with them. </p> PSC, PMC, Mercenaries, Contractors, Soldiers of Fortune, LEO, Military, Veterans In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I talk, primarily, about truth, honesty, trust and professionalism. Regardless of what you think or believe, we are not all the same, in terms of what we think and believe. When you work with people from across the spectrum of this world of ours, you must learn to interact with them -- all of them. No, you do not have to like them but, you do have to figure out how to interact with them.

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]]> In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I talk, primarily, about truth, honesty, trust and professionalism. Regardless of what you think or believe, we are not all the same, in terms of what we think and believe. When you work with people from across the spectrum of this world of ours, you must learn to interact with them -- all of them. No, you do not have to like them but, you do have to figure out how to interact with them.

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]]> OCONUS: The Contractor's Life Season-6 Episode-7 https://oconus.fireside.fm/otcls6e7 055ee53f-c903-40f9-8164-3d726c4c3348 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0700 Scott Dressor full 6 Scott Dressor A discussion on the life of a private security contractor overseas, away from his or her country, in a foreign land, often contrary and hostile to his or her way of life. 23:25 no <p>In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I talk, primarily, about questions that sometimes to often times come up about, how do I reconcile what I did and what I went through as a contractor in the MENA region. That's a great question, and not always an easy one to answer. </p> PSC, PMC, Mercenaries, Contractors, Soldiers of Fortune, LEO, Military, Veterans In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I talk, primarily, about questions that sometimes to often times come up about, how do I reconcile what I did and what I went through as a contractor in the MENA region. That's a great question, and not always an easy one to answer.

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]]> In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I talk, primarily, about questions that sometimes to often times come up about, how do I reconcile what I did and what I went through as a contractor in the MENA region. That's a great question, and not always an easy one to answer.

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]]> OCONUS: The Contractor's Life Season-6 Episode-6 https://oconus.fireside.fm/otcls6e6 21f9bcff-6d38-4c23-a785-0316aed13f7e Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0700 Scott Dressor full 6 Scott Dressor A discussion on the life of a private security contractor overseas, away from his or her country, in a foreign land, often contrary and hostile to his or her way of life. 24:24 no <p>In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I take a slight turn to try and put into some context how and why America has been, is, and always should be the leader when it comes to freedom, liberty, and individual rights. </p> PSC, PMC, Mercenaries, Contractors, Soldiers of Fortune, LEO, Military, Veterans In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I take a slight turn to try and put into some context how and why America has been, is, and always should be the leader when it comes to freedom, liberty, and individual rights.

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]]> In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I take a slight turn to try and put into some context how and why America has been, is, and always should be the leader when it comes to freedom, liberty, and individual rights.

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]]> OCONUS: The Contractor's Life Season-6 Episode-5 https://oconus.fireside.fm/otcls6e5 f0868fee-df3c-449b-b371-b4f1aca5a12d Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0700 Scott Dressor full 6 Scott Dressor A discussion on the life of a private security contractor overseas, away from his or her country, in a foreign land, often contrary and hostile to his or her way of life. 19:06 no <p>In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I talk about, mostly, questions that frequently come up about how to become prepared, and how to be ready. I've talked about this before. It comes up a lot. In future episodes, I will go into more detail. For now, all you really have to do is to engage in a system of vetting, from multiple sources, that the person or persons you are considering receiving instruction and training from are actually real-world qualified. </p> PSC, PMC, Mercenaries, Contractors, Soldiers of Fortune, LEO, Military, Veterans In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I talk about, mostly, questions that frequently come up about how to become prepared, and how to be ready. I've talked about this before. It comes up a lot. In future episodes, I will go into more detail. For now, all you really have to do is to engage in a system of vetting, from multiple sources, that the person or persons you are considering receiving instruction and training from are actually real-world qualified.

Support OCONUS: The Contractor's Life

]]> In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I talk about, mostly, questions that frequently come up about how to become prepared, and how to be ready. I've talked about this before. It comes up a lot. In future episodes, I will go into more detail. For now, all you really have to do is to engage in a system of vetting, from multiple sources, that the person or persons you are considering receiving instruction and training from are actually real-world qualified.

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]]> OCONUS: The Contractor's Life Season-6 Episode-4 https://oconus.fireside.fm/otcls6e4 52f8a821-832f-49ae-b3d7-131ad8f38c91 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0700 Scott Dressor full 6 Scott Dressor A discussion on the life of a private security contractor overseas, away from his or her country, in a foreign land, often contrary and hostile to his or her way of life. 25:34 no <p>In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I talk about, mostly, questions, not all of them, that sometimes to frequently come up about working overseas as a contractor. Questions that range from, What's it like, to what was your best day and what was your worst day? Those are difficult questions to answer because there were so many of them. You either have it, or you don't. You either can do it, or you can't. For me, it was a calling from above. Which probably explains why I entered that arena and, stayed with it as long as I did. </p> PSC, PMC, Mercenaries, Contractors, Soldiers of Fortune, LEO, Military, Veterans In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I talk about, mostly, questions, not all of them, that sometimes to frequently come up about working overseas as a contractor. Questions that range from, What's it like, to what was your best day and what was your worst day? Those are difficult questions to answer because there were so many of them. You either have it, or you don't. You either can do it, or you can't. For me, it was a calling from above. Which probably explains why I entered that arena and, stayed with it as long as I did.

Support OCONUS: The Contractor's Life

]]> In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I talk about, mostly, questions, not all of them, that sometimes to frequently come up about working overseas as a contractor. Questions that range from, What's it like, to what was your best day and what was your worst day? Those are difficult questions to answer because there were so many of them. You either have it, or you don't. You either can do it, or you can't. For me, it was a calling from above. Which probably explains why I entered that arena and, stayed with it as long as I did.

Support OCONUS: The Contractor's Life

]]> OCONUS: The Contractor's Life Season-6_Episode-3 https://oconus.fireside.fm/otcls6e3 bd27502f-eb61-452a-a7bd-c032d4b9db58 Thu, 19 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0700 Scott Dressor full 6 Scott Dressor A discussion on the life of a private security contractor overseas, away from his or her country, in a foreign land, often contrary and hostile to his or her way of life. 23:57 no <p>In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I talk about PTSD and, the realization/recognition that when you are broken enough, you probably do not realize/recognize that you are broken. And, that when you want to get back to some semblance of a normal life, it takes a realization/recognition that you are broken and that you need to seek out proper medical aid. With enough time, tenacity, focus and the will to change, you can! </p> PSC, PMC, Mercenaries, Contractors, Soldiers of Fortune, LEO, Military, Veterans In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I talk about PTSD and, the realization/recognition that when you are broken enough, you probably do not realize/recognize that you are broken. And, that when you want to get back to some semblance of a normal life, it takes a realization/recognition that you are broken and that you need to seek out proper medical aid. With enough time, tenacity, focus and the will to change, you can!

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]]> In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I talk about PTSD and, the realization/recognition that when you are broken enough, you probably do not realize/recognize that you are broken. And, that when you want to get back to some semblance of a normal life, it takes a realization/recognition that you are broken and that you need to seek out proper medical aid. With enough time, tenacity, focus and the will to change, you can!

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]]> OCONUS: The Contractor's Life -- Season-6_Episode-2 https://oconus.fireside.fm/otcls6e2 804eb0a3-9955-4bf8-a9a6-4dc0aafff29f Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0700 Scott Dressor full 6 Scott Dressor A discussion on the life of a private security contractor overseas, away from his or her country, in a foreign land, often contrary and hostile to his or her way of life. 25:32 no <p>In this episode, I talk a little bit more of what I talked about in the previous episode. I also touch upon a few other topics as they relate to CONUS/Stateside security. You may, or may not, agree but they are what I learned from my years as a PMC/Contractor OCONUS/Downrange. I have seen, CONUS/Stateside, moments that could have turned out a lot better but did not because the people on the ground did not have the background, did not have the skill-sets, did not have the proper instructional training, and did not have the proper experience. </p> PSC, PMC, Mercenaries, Contractors, Soldiers of Fortune, LEO, Military, Veterans In this episode, I talk a little bit more of what I talked about in the previous episode. I also touch upon a few other topics as they relate to CONUS/Stateside security. You may, or may not, agree but they are what I learned from my years as a PMC/Contractor OCONUS/Downrange. I have seen, CONUS/Stateside, moments that could have turned out a lot better but did not because the people on the ground did not have the background, did not have the skill-sets, did not have the proper instructional training, and did not have the proper experience.

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]]> In this episode, I talk a little bit more of what I talked about in the previous episode. I also touch upon a few other topics as they relate to CONUS/Stateside security. You may, or may not, agree but they are what I learned from my years as a PMC/Contractor OCONUS/Downrange. I have seen, CONUS/Stateside, moments that could have turned out a lot better but did not because the people on the ground did not have the background, did not have the skill-sets, did not have the proper instructional training, and did not have the proper experience.

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]]> OCONUS: The Contractor's Life -- Season-6_Episode-1 https://oconus.fireside.fm/otcls6e1 3d9a58f9-04e9-4527-82f4-538d5d42a6db Thu, 05 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0800 Scott Dressor full 6 Scott Dressor A discussion on the life of a private security contractor overseas, away from his or her country, in a foreign land, often contrary and hostile to his or her way of life. 28:51 no <p>In this episode, I talk, more or less, about the number one myth that most people fall for when considering going OCONUS on a private security contract. This topic of conversation was brought up by a University research professor. He and I have been communicating for some time now.<br> So, I start this season by talking, for the most part, about what is probably the number one myth behind private security contracting OCONUS. </p> PSC, PMC, Mercenaries, Contractors, Soldiers of Fortune, LEO, Military, Veterans In this episode, I talk, more or less, about the number one myth that most people fall for when considering going OCONUS on a private security contract. This topic of conversation was brought up by a University research professor. He and I have been communicating for some time now.
So, I start this season by talking, for the most part, about what is probably the number one myth behind private security contracting OCONUS.

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]]> In this episode, I talk, more or less, about the number one myth that most people fall for when considering going OCONUS on a private security contract. This topic of conversation was brought up by a University research professor. He and I have been communicating for some time now.
So, I start this season by talking, for the most part, about what is probably the number one myth behind private security contracting OCONUS.

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]]> OCONUS: The Contractor's Life Season-5_Episode-23 https://oconus.fireside.fm/otcls5e23 75baf910-d9c3-4242-a7b3-df00f92ae969 Thu, 06 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0800 Scott Dressor full 5 Scott Dressor A discussion on the life of a private security contractor overseas, away from his or her country, in a foreign land, often contrary and hostile to his or her way of life. 24:45 no <p>In this episode, I circle back and re-cap my contracting career. No, I don't go into details as those are in earlier seasons and episode. However, next season, next year, I will begin going back into details that may have been left out -- without, of course, divulging details that might land me in trouble. Many to most people don't understand that clearances and NDAs persist. If you want dirty details, there are some I can re-count, but not a lot. With that said, enjoy your Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and we'll see you again next year for season-6 (around February 2026). </p> PSC, PMC, Mercenaries, Contractors, Soldiers of Fortune, LEO, Military, Veterans In this episode, I circle back and re-cap my contracting career. No, I don't go into details as those are in earlier seasons and episode. However, next season, next year, I will begin going back into details that may have been left out -- without, of course, divulging details that might land me in trouble. Many to most people don't understand that clearances and NDAs persist. If you want dirty details, there are some I can re-count, but not a lot. With that said, enjoy your Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and we'll see you again next year for season-6 (around February 2026).

Support OCONUS: The Contractor's Life

]]> In this episode, I circle back and re-cap my contracting career. No, I don't go into details as those are in earlier seasons and episode. However, next season, next year, I will begin going back into details that may have been left out -- without, of course, divulging details that might land me in trouble. Many to most people don't understand that clearances and NDAs persist. If you want dirty details, there are some I can re-count, but not a lot. With that said, enjoy your Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and we'll see you again next year for season-6 (around February 2026).

Support OCONUS: The Contractor's Life

]]> OCONUS: The Contractor's Life -- Season-5_Episode-22 https://oconus.fireside.fm/otcls5e22 7fe14117-3f35-44dc-ba98-f0a250009ece Thu, 09 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0700 Scott Dressor full 5 Scott Dressor A discussion on the life of a private security contractor overseas, away from his or her country, in a foreign land, often contrary and hostile to his or her way of life. 28:01 no <p>In this episode, I talk about some of the delusional stuff, as it pertains to security, mostly, that seems to be going on, as well as the breath of fresh air as the standards and the pay seem to be returning to a state of normalcy again. Remember, folks: if you're not willing to pay the bill for true professionals, you are very likely going to experience a severe case of buyer's remorse. </p> PSC, PMC, Mercenaries, Contractors, Soldiers of Fortune, LEO, Military, Veterans In this episode, I talk about some of the delusional stuff, as it pertains to security, mostly, that seems to be going on, as well as the breath of fresh air as the standards and the pay seem to be returning to a state of normalcy again. Remember, folks: if you're not willing to pay the bill for true professionals, you are very likely going to experience a severe case of buyer's remorse.

Support OCONUS: The Contractor's Life

]]> In this episode, I talk about some of the delusional stuff, as it pertains to security, mostly, that seems to be going on, as well as the breath of fresh air as the standards and the pay seem to be returning to a state of normalcy again. Remember, folks: if you're not willing to pay the bill for true professionals, you are very likely going to experience a severe case of buyer's remorse.

Support OCONUS: The Contractor's Life

]]> OCONUS: The Contractor's Life -- Season-5_Episode-21 https://oconus.fireside.fm/otcls5e21 0a7ea8a0-e806-418e-a9c0-4e5ffb4b419f Thu, 18 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0700 Scott Dressor full 5 Scott Dressor A discussion on the life of a private security contractor overseas, away from his or her country, in a foreign land, often contrary and hostile to his or her way of life. 30:14 no <p>In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I discuss more on the topic of what it's like being overseas and what it is really like to be a PMC/PSC in a conflict/war zone, and some of what it takes to get there and stay with it. Primarily, mindset and real, actual instruction and training -- lots of it -- from those who have been there and done it. And, then, actual, real-world experience. </p> PSC, PMC, Mercenaries, Contractors, Soldiers of Fortune, LEO, Military, Veterans In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I discuss more on the topic of what it's like being overseas and what it is really like to be a PMC/PSC in a conflict/war zone, and some of what it takes to get there and stay with it. Primarily, mindset and real, actual instruction and training -- lots of it -- from those who have been there and done it. And, then, actual, real-world experience.

Support OCONUS: The Contractor's Life

]]> In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I discuss more on the topic of what it's like being overseas and what it is really like to be a PMC/PSC in a conflict/war zone, and some of what it takes to get there and stay with it. Primarily, mindset and real, actual instruction and training -- lots of it -- from those who have been there and done it. And, then, actual, real-world experience.

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]]> OCONUS: The Contractor's Life -- Season-5_Episode-19 https://oconus.fireside.fm/otcls5e19 27abc04f-5720-42a9-85ee-3fc132213a6d Thu, 04 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0700 Scott Dressor full 5 Scott Dressor A discussion on the life of a private security contractor overseas, away from his or her country, in a foreign land, often contrary and hostile to his or her way of life. 28:57 no <p>In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I delve back into what it is really like to be a PMC/PSC in a conflict/war zone, and some of what it takes to get there and stay with it. I will continue in the next and following episodes for the duration of this season. </p> PSC, PMC, Mercenaries, Contractors, Soldiers of Fortune, LEO, Military, Veterans In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I delve back into what it is really like to be a PMC/PSC in a conflict/war zone, and some of what it takes to get there and stay with it. I will continue in the next and following episodes for the duration of this season.

Support OCONUS: The Contractor's Life

]]> In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I delve back into what it is really like to be a PMC/PSC in a conflict/war zone, and some of what it takes to get there and stay with it. I will continue in the next and following episodes for the duration of this season.

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]]>