Joe Kent is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces officer, former CIA paramilitary officer, and until recently served as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, stepping down from the post in March 2026 following a principled disagreement over U.S. policy in the Iran war.
An Oregon native and graduate of Norwich University in Strategic Defense Analysis, Kent served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, completing 11 combat deployments across the Middle East and other high-threat regions. His military career included service with the 75th Ranger Regiment, Army Special Forces, and U.S. Army Special Operations Command, earning numerous commendations, including six bronze stars. After retiring from the Army in 2018, he served as a paramilitary officer in the CIA's Special Activities Center.
Kent brought decades of frontline counterterrorism experience to the role, shaped in part by personal sacrifice: in 2019, his wife, Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon Kent, was killed in a suicide bombing while serving in Syria.
Follow the markets:
https://polymarket.com/event/us-x-iran-ceasefire-by
https://polymarket.com/event/us-forces-enter-iran-by
Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors:
Live better longer with BUBS Naturals. Get 20% OFF on collagen, MCT creamers, and more with code SHAWN at https://bubsnaturals.com/srs
Ready to upgrade your eyewear? Check them out at https://roka.com and use code SRS for 20% off sitewide.
Joe Kent Links:
X - https://x.com/joekent16jan19
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices