High School Student to the Top Secret USAF Red Eagles Soviet MIG Squadron Part 1 (444)

Rob “Z-Man” Zettel is the author of American MiG Pilot - Inside the Top Secret USAF “Red Eagles. In part one of a two-part episode, he reveals how he made it into this top-secret US operation that wouldn't feel out of place in 'Top Gun'. From a high school student with no aviation background, Rob discovered he had a natural aptitude for flying via the USAF Reserve Officer Training Corps. He then joined the USAF, progressing to an Aggressor Squadron where his unit replicated enemy tactics, techniques, and procedures. Rob shares anecdotes of training, close calls in the air, and the intense journey through pilot training. He provides a vivid account of training engagements that puts you right in the cockpit. ⁠Buy the book here and support the podcast⁠ Episode extras here ⁠ Go to or use code COLDWARDEAL at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Help me preserve Cold War history via a simple monthly donation, You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and receive a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank-you, and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we also welcome one-off donations via the same link. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CONTINUE THE COLD WAR CONVERSATION BlueSky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter/X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You can listen to High School Student to the Top Secret USAF Red Eagles Soviet MIG Squadron Part 1 (444) online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

High School Student to the Top Secret USAF Red Eagles Soviet MIG Squadron Part 1 (444) is an episode from Cold War Conversations by Ian Sanders.

This episode is 50:11 long.

This episode was published on Feb 21, 2026.

Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.

Yes. This page shows related episodes from Cold War Conversations when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.