Your Next Phase Deserves a Plan
I help aspiring military recruits, service members, and veterans make strategic decisions at each phase of their military journey so they can maximize their outcomes, opportunities, and long-term success—in the military and beyond.
When I joined the Army, I didn’t fully consider how my decisions would affect my future. When I returned to civilian life, I didn’t have a plan for what came next.
Those experiences shaped the purpose behind Phase 2 Tactical: helping you understand your options and prepare before you make decisions that can be difficult to change.
Meet Nathan
I’m Nathan Smith, the founder and owner of Phase 2 Tactical and a U.S. Army combat veteran.
I served five years on active duty as an Armor Crewman on the M1A1 Abrams main battle tank, along with other responsibilities during my service. That included two years in South Korea near the DMZ and a 13-month combat tour in Iraq.
My experience spans joining the military, serving overseas and in combat, and returning to civilian life. But having gone through those experiences doesn’t mean I got every decision right. Some of the lessons that matter most to me came from recognizing what I should have done differently.
What Joining and Leaving the Army Taught Me
When I joined the Army, I rushed through the enlistment process. I relied on a recruiter without doing enough preparation of my own and chose a job specialty without fully considering how it fit my interests and long-term goals.
I wish someone had told me to slow down. To research my options, ask more questions, and think about what I wanted military service to help me achieve before making a commitment.
Years later, when I decided to leave the Army, I found myself approaching another major decision without a plan.
I had $5,000 to my name and a place to stay at my dad’s house while I figured out what came next.
I had somewhere to go, but I hadn’t worked out how I would support myself, what career I wanted to pursue, or how I would adjust to civilian life. Those were things I should have started preparing for before leaving the Army.
That’s what I want you to take from my experience: preparation matters before the commitment. Whether you’re considering military service, making decisions while serving, or preparing for civilian life, take the time to understand your options and how they fit the future you want.
Why Phase 2 Tactical?
Phase 2 Tactical began as a physical product business. I sold a survival kit on Amazon and planned to develop a broader line of survival and tactical gear.
When that direction didn’t work out as I’d hoped, I reconsidered what I could offer. My military experience and the lessons I learned afterward gave me a different way to help people prepare.
The business changed and the name took on a new meaning.
“Phase 2” represents moving into the next phase of your military journey. That might mean preparing to join, pursuing an opportunity while serving, or building your life after the military.
“Tactical” connects strategy to action. Understanding your options is a starting point. Researching the details, preparing your questions, and taking deliberate steps are how you put that understanding to work.
Together, they reflect the purpose of Phase 2 Tactical: helping you prepare for what comes next and take practical steps toward it.
Guidance You Can Put Into Practice
Phase 2 Tactical brings together practical guidance, lessons from my experience, and resources to help you better understand your options and prepare for your next steps.
The focus is on thinking strategically: what you want to achieve, which decisions will affect that outcome, and what you can do now to prepare. That includes asking better questions, recognizing opportunities you might otherwise overlook, and considering the long-term implications of a decision.
Right now, I’m concentrating on resources for aspiring military recruits, including those considering either the enlisted or officer path. I’m also developing a book and course to provide more detailed guidance on preparing for military entry.
The broader mission includes current service members and veterans. You’ll find articles on topics such as preparing for civilian life, understanding benefits, and planning for the future.
Over time, I’ll add more content and products to support strategic decisions during your service and throughout life after the military.
I can’t change how I approached joining the Army or transitioning back to civilian life. But I can share what I learned so you have more to draw on when it’s time to make your own decisions.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Phase 2 Tactical. Wherever you are in your military journey, I hope you find something here that helps you take your next step with a clearer plan.
Nathan SmithU.S. Army Combat VeteranOwner, Phase 2 Tactical
Take Your Next Step
Thinking About Joining the Military?
Before you commit, take time to understand your options. Download The Military Recruit Playbook, a free guide to help you identify gaps in your preparation and get ready for your recruiter meeting.
Planning Your Next Move During or After Military Service?
Explore articles on preparing for civilian life, understanding benefits, and other decisions that can affect your future.