Mark McCandlish grew up with an interest in aircraft and other modes of transportation, from an early age. He joined the Air Force and later made use of the G.I. Bill to attend Art Center College of Design. He later worked for a short time in the Hollywood special effects business as a matte artist, and then was hired by the General Dynamics Corporation in Pomona, California as a technical illustrator and technical publications editor. During this time, Mark also was given the opportunity to participate in a number of media orientation rides in frontline U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard fighters, such as the F-15 Eagle and the F-16 Fighting Falcon. In 1986, Mr. McCandlish became aware that the U.S. military was in possession of some extraordinary technologies, and began to pursue his own private research into where it came from and how it works. The research led to many strange events and encounters.