About the Book:
The elite aren’t “different.” If you have the work ethic, you can do the same great things. Stop looking at these doctors, lawyers, CEOs, Navy SEALs, etc., as the only markers of success. We define our own success.
In Tip of the Spear, author and former Navy SEAL and CIA operative Rodney Magallan paints a vivid and meaningful analogy using this deadly weapon. According to Rodney, the tip of the spear comprises the elite members of a group. It’s the SEALs; the company executives; the star athletes, famous artists, and other industry leaders. Only a select few make it to the tip of the spear, but as described in this memoir slash leadership guide, anyone is capable of becoming the best of the best. It all comes down to hard work, sacrifice, and choice—making the decision to work your way to the tip and then stay there.
Throughout this riveting and inspirational read, you’ll learn what it takes to reach elite status—and you might be surprised by the answer. Furthermore, you’ll be empowered to examine your own “normal” life and recognize the value you add, regardless of the position you hold. Encompassing Rodney’s core philosophies that have gotten him to where he is today, Tip of the Spear addresses everything from what holds people back from reaching their fullest potential to the importance of each part—the shaft, the collar, the spearhead, even the hand wielding the weapon—to the utility and effectiveness of the spear.
Ultimately, readers should set aside the book recognizing that “the tip of the spear” isn’t just a place or position—it’s a mindset that anyone can and should adopt to make the most significant difference they can.
About the Author:
Rodney Magallan, a respected subject matter expert in protective operations and personal security operations, has vast experience in semi-permissive and non-permissive environments. Over the past thirty-five years, he has served as a Navy SEAL, with the US Marshals Service, with the CIA, and as an executive protection manager in the corporate and private sector.
After completing boot camp and “A” school, he volunteered for Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training and graduated with class 143 in July of 1987. His first SEAL command was SEAL Team 4, and he deployed three times before detaching in December 1991. He then attended an Army special forces medical sergeants course and graduated in 1993. CDR Magallan was subsequently selected to serve with SEAL Team 6 with whom he deployed six times. In 1997, he received orders to Special Boat Unit 20 as the senior medical department representative. He was quickly identified to help lead the development and implementation of the maritime craft air delivery system as well as train the sailors who would be operating this new capability. In 2000, he pursued federal law enforcement and affiliated with the naval reserves.
CDR Magallan spent five years in civilian federal service as a deputy US marshal for the Southern District of Texas, a protective agent for the Global Response Staff with the CIA, and the lead instructor responsible for training other protective agents. After, Rodney spent four years as a civilian executive protection specialist. He also gained corporate experience with Walmart and private experience with Watermark.
In 2002, CDR Magallan received his commission as a naval special warfare officer. He was mobilized in 2007 to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa as the task unit commander. In 2009, he redesignated as a full-time support officer and was assigned to Naval Special Warfare Support Activity Team One. He deployed in 2010 with SEAL Team 3 to Joint Special Operation Task Force – Philippines as a cross-functional team officer in charge. In the subsequent years, CDR Magallan maintained his stellar record of service with SEAL Team 17 and SEAL Team 18 among others, acting as operations officer, commanding officer, or executive officer at different commands. In September of 2021, CDR Magallan retired from US naval service at the rank of commander with the status of honorable service.
CDR Magallan has been awarded the Exceptional Performance Award by the CIA, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (one gold star), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four gold stars), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (one gold star), the Armed Forces Service Medal, three flag letters of commendation, and various other unit and personal awards.
Rodney Magallan is a level-two instructor certified under CIA University, a Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers firearms instructor (qualified as a weapons expert), and an apprentice instructor in Thai boxing and Kali under Sifu Pat Tray Trident Martial Arts. He resides in Georgetown, Texas, with his loving wife, Veronica; his daughter, Raigan; his son, Evan; and their chihuahua, Jilli Boo.