Being ex leg infantry, and knowing the destruction my body has suffered from it, I cannot even imagine serving decades in a SF unit. How you guys dealt with the pain not just in the field, but trying to put on your boots in the morning through the pain of arthritis, and countless RSI injuries....massive, massive kudos to you.
@@TacticalRifleman I would absolutely love to get Karls, SGM lambs and JSM's opinion of the FA on the M16 rifle and all it's variants, and it's actual combat utility. That would be an outstanding topic for a video.
I just can’t get enough of John Stryker Meyer walking us through his experiences in MACV-SOG. He truly is a national treasure. We love you! Thank you so much for your service to this great country.
Worked with a group of those fellas at the end of their careers in the 1980s . I often wonder which of them are left with us. Yates, Jankovich, Sanchez, ....flattered to get to know them, can't remember all the names. Many too riddled with wounds and shrapnel they were G men civilians, going to local VA hospital quarterly to bleed off the shit left in them. Honored to have served with them. Even at their ages those tough bastards made this young E5 run his ass off.
Great informative video Karl! Lt. Bargewell was our first platoon leader, and SFC Thompson was our Platoon Sergeant in 1974 (2/75 B-Co 3/3). They, as well as our squad and team leaders were RVN LRRP/Ranger soldiers. And of course mentors especially to us as young privates! Additional notes: The S.F. Blue Light Task Force troops taught us alot!! Removing and adding pockets to the BDU shirts and sleeves were learned from our veteran leaders. The LCE kit shown is very similar to what we wore, to include the STABO rig modifications. Knives were carried either on belt or upside down on shoulder strap. We predominantly carried 12 30-round mags, but used 20-round mags for tracers only. As a squad leader we were issued CAR-15 XM177E2 with 11.5 inch barrels. May I suggest that you interview Chief Warrant Officer Gary O'Neal, he is a living legend in the Ranger community!!
Yea another segment please it’s crazy Johns memory and super detail of his gear FROM 1968 holy cow. Very impressive and I love ricks gear collection that’s so great military history “there” 👍👍
In ‘68 and ‘69, I was nine and 10 years old and I remember sitting in front of the TV, in the evenings, watching the nightly news and all the reporting from Vietnam. This was incredibly interesting and thank you so much guys for taking the time to show it and explain it.
Tilt is not only a badass warrior, he's a genuinely good guy. And I realize I say this in every comment I make about him but if you look closely, you'll still totally see that 19 year old smartass E4 John Stryker Meyer was back then, a laugh and a sneaky sideways grin across all those years. Excellent channel - subscribed!
We are fortunate to have people like John Meyer, Dick Thompson, and John Plaster as living resources who can offer a living history of SOG and what it was like to be a part of that organization. Otherwise we would never know what they really did, what they really experienced, and what it meant to be a SOG team member.
YES Carl, pls bring them back for multiple videos! I’ll take all the info these or any of you guys will give us. My dad was Tech Sarge USAF, he was a Flight Instrument Technician, flew missions in C-10s, Korea War Vet, stationed in Okinawa, Germany, Alaska, Texas, MacDill AFB, and all over the states… LOVED to hear his stories when we could get him to tell any (cause you know vets who have seen war time or any combat, DONT like to tell things to their families!)
I have read the books (based on the segments here) and seeing the equipment on video was awesome. But man, I am in awe of these guys! I never was one to follow actors or musicians, because they only portray characters, but these guys are the real, authentic deal, just so incredibly inspiring, makes me proud!
Agreed. Still think it's wild that they tried out the rocket-pistol. They must have tested weapons that most people wouldnt learn about for another thirty years
Yes have them back as often as possible. I was Army, enlisted in 1983. Many of my senior NCO's were Vietnam Vets. One was a Tunnel Rat. My first duty station 1SGT was NIles Harris (subject of "8th of November" by Big & Rich) Loved conversations with those guys. They taught me so much about being a Soldier, a man and value of life.
Outstanding. I can't remember the last time 50 minutes went by so fast. Love listening to professionals talk. Thank you for sharing your time and your knowledge.
Karl, this series is just tremendous. I've read book after book on our forces through the generations and conflicts and despite that, I learn so much from each of these videos. The men and information here are priceless. Thanks for what you do 👍
What an amazing time, Jocko is great for the depth but your segments are great to see these legends just acting naturally and sharing their experience! Thanks Karl!
Just a quick thanks I was born in 63 when I was growing up you guys were my heros. When I got older and went in y'all set the standard. A lot of what I know now came from yal and probably the reason I'm still here now to see my little girl get married is cause of y'all. You were my heros, my mentors, and my guardian angels. THANKS!
My father raised me as a paraplegic from 1964 Vietnam duty. Happy raised by mom & dad. Who stuck through it all together. Yea I was saved & adopted. A lot VA hospitals in my life time
Karl, this video was awesome and quite an honor to have all 3 of you share all this. I have read all of John's books. Thank you. Great content indeed and please keep it coming.
I've gotten back into the Vietnam era lately, looking into the multitude of specialized units. Brown water navy, Pink teams, Gun trucks, light aircraft like Mohawks, Dragonflies and Broncos, but mostly LURRP/Ranger stuff. Guess it's time to get my SOG on.
Ask Mr Meyers if he had any knowledge of how the Recondo school was run in the Nam. Much of the earlier knowledge from B-52 and other patrolling info was passed on from there. Several ex MACVSOG members worked with USAIMA and on the A team's after the war to train young operators in lessons learned. I knew a few of them personally.
AMAZING, Gentlemen !!! Thank you !!! It was an HONOR and a Pleasure to have been allowed to march in the bootprints that you Gentlemen laid down for us to follow. Thank you ! Keep up the great work !!! I humbly nob my head to you guys
Great video!..3 SF legends in the same room, wish I was a fly on the wall for all the ped and post video discussions. Thank you all for your service to this great country.
My Father is gone now but he fought in Vietnam along side this fellows. Anyone who knows an American 🇺🇸 special operations Vietnam Veteran understands that those Men were some of the best Soldiers that America 🇺🇸 had to offer. Straight up savages! Willing to do missions that would not even be considered today on a moment’s notice. Rest In Peace Randy Miller.
There are some tests on youtube showing that a loaded 30rd mag can give roughly IIIA protection stand alone, and III rifle protection when backed by IIIA armor. Back in the era when no one had armor, that could've been a huge advantage for anyone wearing a chest rig.
I’ve always liked web gear going all the way to playing with my 1960s GI Joes. Collected it for overs 50 years. My spare room smells like a old Army Surplus store from back in the day. Really dig that harness rig and the way you used canteen covers for mag pouches. I always liked the in- country made gear. Great Video
My dad was in Vietnam in December 1965 to 1966, he had 5 purple hearts and was Ranger qualified. He started the Ranger Platoon here at OSU in the ROTC program and they still have it. Great to see how the gear and setups were.
I love this content. It is so fun to watch the evolution and conversations with the real guys. As well as really passionate subject matter experts! Thank you so much for making this video
Wow, just wow. This was absolutely amazing. Thank you for sharing this with the world! We need to document all of these stories now while they're still around!
These guys were perfect to have on together. So much knowledge to share and so many stories to be heard. I'd love to see them on one of the Tactical Tuesdays together!!
The biggest legends alive. The only person I respect more is my grandpa which is a Vietnam vet. He served 21-22 years in the army in the 545 division until it was disbanded. While he was in Vietnam he ended up doing normal operations with a broken ankle for 6 months like how.
I spoke to Ken Bowra Sunday about the knife. He chose to wear his hilt up because it was too easy to snag the clasp and lose the knife in dense foliage.
This is one of the best UA-cam vids I've ever seen, I've been waiting for something like this. Make as many of these as possible and record this history while these guys are still able to tell it themselves. I love Mr Meyer's podcasts but having the props and kit to discuss really adds a cool element. Thanks from the UK.
My second Infantry permanent party platoon sergeant was a former 5th SFG SF guy (the first one was a drunk that got busted and chapetered, lmao). Learned a hell of a lot from him.
Wow I love it. Thank you guys, all three of you are just amazing. I love these little insights. I love the history of it all. I think you guys should make a book on this. Pictures of kit and uses. I cannot thank you enough. Please more segments on this.
Tilt, CSM Lamb, Karl... thank you SO much for this video. PLEASE do as many as you can with these legends. Maybe see if Tilt could pursuade Lynne Black to come with him?
It’s crazy how much on the job learning there is. To just get hoisted out of the jungle in a Swiss seat seems insane. Seems like the rigging gear would have been thought up sooner but there really is a learning curve out there. Amazing. Great stuff!
What a fun video. It was good hear Ben Baker mentioned. 41:08 He is a bit of an unsung hero of the SOG story. He designed the original SOG knife. He based it off a Marbles hunting knife he carried. As mentioned, creating rations for the indigenous troops was a big deal. Most of the guys in the teams weren't American, they were your little people (Yards, Hmong, etc.). Although he went through Airborne school, Ben Baker was a civilian working for the CIA. Ben Baker. I bet he would have been fun to have some drinks with.
Omg thank you karl.. how much they made Future Special Operations more advanced due to that research and development I have enjoyed this video so much thank you so much I've always loved macv-sog they are some of the unsung heroes of the war you had to Phoenix Program which was my 4Runners
Tilt and Rick are a dream team. They need further installments of this series together.
Parts 2-15 when? 🤣
i agree. the banter is great
He wouldn't make it😂😂😂
John Stryker Meyer kitted up in 2022. Get that man back in the fight! lol legend
Not gonna lie some old Vietnamese dude has horrible nightmares of this man
@@GarrettBradfordTXthis is a fact 😂
John and the MACV SOG guys are legends. What they went through on missions are crazy.
I can't think of a single word that can describe it! Even the word crazy isn't crazy enough! 🤯
@@berryreading4809 courageously tenacious integrity.🇺🇸
Where do I learn about these missions?
99% casualty rate. Making it the most dangerous SF in the world.
Jocko podcast episode 180@@framesandframes561
Being ex leg infantry, and knowing the destruction my body has suffered from it, I cannot even imagine serving decades in a SF unit. How you guys dealt with the pain not just in the field, but trying to put on your boots in the morning through the pain of arthritis, and countless RSI injuries....massive, massive kudos to you.
We're waiting for more SOG chronicles, sir. Your books are so good I read them all once a year.
Glad you like them!
@@TacticalRifleman I would absolutely love to get Karls, SGM lambs and JSM's opinion of the FA on the M16 rifle and all it's variants, and it's actual combat utility.
That would be an outstanding topic for a video.
So much badassery im surprised the camera lens didnt shatter
I just can’t get enough of John Stryker Meyer walking us through his experiences in MACV-SOG. He truly is a national treasure. We love you! Thank you so much for your service to this great country.
That was perfect to see exactly what SOG used what our old school green berets and SOF were using. Thank you TR team and family
Worked with a group of those fellas at the end of their careers in the 1980s . I often wonder which of them are left with us. Yates, Jankovich, Sanchez, ....flattered to get to know them, can't remember all the names. Many too riddled with wounds and shrapnel they were G men civilians, going to local VA hospital quarterly to bleed off the shit left in them. Honored to have served with them. Even at their ages those tough bastards made this young E5 run his ass off.
Great informative video Karl!
Lt. Bargewell was our first platoon leader, and SFC Thompson was our Platoon Sergeant in 1974 (2/75 B-Co 3/3).
They, as well as our squad and team leaders were RVN LRRP/Ranger soldiers. And of course mentors especially to us as young privates!
Additional notes:
The S.F. Blue Light Task Force troops taught us alot!!
Removing and adding pockets to the BDU shirts and sleeves were learned from our veteran leaders.
The LCE kit shown is very similar to what we wore, to include the STABO rig modifications.
Knives were carried either on belt or upside down on shoulder strap.
We predominantly carried 12 30-round mags, but used 20-round mags for tracers only.
As a squad leader we were issued CAR-15 XM177E2 with 11.5 inch barrels.
May I suggest that you interview Chief Warrant Officer Gary O'Neal, he is a living legend in the Ranger community!!
Were literally watching a show on the ground zero of tactical gear. This is amazing! Very awesome of you Karl to make this happen.
Yea another segment please it’s crazy Johns memory and super detail of his gear FROM 1968 holy cow. Very impressive and I love ricks gear collection that’s so great military history “there” 👍👍
“There”you go donut boy!! Bound to get it right every now and then!!! 👏🏻👏🏻
These guys rock for sure. Amazing
Finally, been waiting for CSM Lamb to continue his gear time travel series!
Hell yes, I'm in.
In ‘68 and ‘69, I was nine and 10 years old and I remember sitting in front of the TV, in the evenings, watching the nightly news and all the reporting from Vietnam.
This was incredibly interesting and thank you so much guys for taking the time to show it and explain it.
Thank you both for your service.
Much appreciated
Never has the term "hard earned knowledge" been more appropriate.
Saving this one like a fine cigar. Will watch when I can sit back and enjoy.
Tilt is not only a badass warrior, he's a genuinely good guy. And I realize I say this in every comment I make about him but if you look closely, you'll still totally see that 19 year old smartass E4 John Stryker Meyer was back then, a laugh and a sneaky sideways grin across all those years. Excellent channel - subscribed!
Thanks for watching, TR
We are fortunate to have people like John Meyer, Dick Thompson, and John Plaster as living resources who can offer a living history of SOG and what it was like to be a part of that organization. Otherwise we would never know what they really did, what they really experienced, and what it meant to be a SOG team member.
YES Carl, pls bring them back for multiple videos! I’ll take all the info these or any of you guys will give us. My dad was Tech Sarge USAF, he was a Flight Instrument Technician, flew missions in C-10s, Korea War Vet, stationed in Okinawa, Germany, Alaska, Texas, MacDill AFB, and all over the states… LOVED to hear his stories when we could get him to tell any (cause you know vets who have seen war time or any combat, DONT like to tell things to their families!)
I have read the books (based on the segments here) and seeing the equipment on video was awesome. But man, I am in awe of these guys! I never was one to follow actors or musicians, because they only portray characters, but these guys are the real, authentic deal, just so incredibly inspiring, makes me proud!
Awesome we still have these guys around to share their stories.
I've read all three of Meyer's books, and a video like this is perfect to further illustrate what their gear looked like.
Agreed. Still think it's wild that they tried out the rocket-pistol. They must have tested weapons that most people wouldnt learn about for another thirty years
Yes have them back as often as possible. I was Army, enlisted in 1983. Many of my senior NCO's were Vietnam Vets. One was a Tunnel Rat. My first duty station 1SGT was NIles Harris (subject of "8th of November" by Big & Rich) Loved conversations with those guys. They taught me so much about being a Soldier, a man and value of life.
Outstanding. I can't remember the last time 50 minutes went by so fast. Love listening to professionals talk. Thank you for sharing your time and your knowledge.
Very good video. I could listen to these gentlemen/soldiers' stories all day. Thank you all.
Definitely want another segment. I have read John's books and enjoy listening to him talk about his experiences.
This is the best kind of teaching, the dedication all three of you guys have is inspiring.
Karl, this series is just tremendous. I've read book after book on our forces through the generations and conflicts and despite that, I learn so much from each of these videos. The men and information here are priceless. Thanks for what you do 👍
JSM and his MACVSOG brothers are my heroes! I’m reading SOG Chronicles Vol 1 right now.
When will we hear from Lynn Black?!
What an amazing time, Jocko is great for the depth but your segments are great to see these legends just acting naturally and sharing their experience! Thanks Karl!
That is so cool. Absolute legends. So much respect. Thank God for men like these.
Just a quick thanks I was born in 63 when I was growing up you guys were my heros. When I got older and went in y'all set the standard. A lot of what I know now came from yal and probably the reason I'm still here now to see my little girl get married is cause of y'all. You were my heros, my mentors, and my guardian angels. THANKS!
Bring these guys back soon. I could listen to them all day!
My father raised me as a paraplegic from 1964 Vietnam duty. Happy raised by mom & dad. Who stuck through it all together. Yea I was saved & adopted. A lot VA hospitals in my life time
John is one of my hero's.He is so humble and as brave as they come.His books are great and I hope he writes some more.
I tracked down a Seiko 7005-8030 that was issued to MACV-SOG and absolutely love it.
Wow. The knowledge that you shared. Thank you for what you have done for our Country.
Karl, this video was awesome and quite an honor to have all 3 of you share all this. I have read all of John's books. Thank you. Great content indeed and please keep it coming.
MacV SOG are some hardcore legends, proud to be an American 🇺🇸
I've gotten back into the Vietnam era lately, looking into the multitude of specialized units. Brown water navy, Pink teams, Gun trucks, light aircraft like Mohawks, Dragonflies and Broncos, but mostly LURRP/Ranger stuff. Guess it's time to get my SOG on.
I didn’t want the video to stop.This is amazing
I had a friend that was MACV SOG, Carl C.. He was on my fathers police platoon. He passed away some time ago. Great guy.
Ask Mr Meyers if he had any knowledge of how the Recondo school was run in the Nam. Much of the earlier knowledge from B-52 and other patrolling info was passed on from there. Several ex MACVSOG members worked with USAIMA and on the A team's after the war to train young operators in lessons learned. I knew a few of them personally.
Definitely need more of Rick and John an absolute awesome video watching these two legends learn from each other ♥️♥️♥️
Wow…living legends….thanks Karl
Great Video! Yes, please more videos with John and Rick. What a wealth of knowledge and national treasures you and these great men are!
AMAZING, Gentlemen !!!
Thank you !!!
It was an HONOR and a Pleasure to have been allowed to march in the bootprints that you Gentlemen laid down for us to follow.
Thank you !
Keep up the great work !!!
I humbly nob my head to you guys
Great video my Brothers in Arms, Blessings to you all and your families.
I love jhons energy...man stacked bodies but man's so kind still
WOW!! That was an awesome video. Please have these legends back again. SOON.
Thank you so much to all of you for your service to our country and for sharing this info with us. You're all the best!
Great video!..3 SF legends in the same room, wish I was a fly on the wall for all the ped and post video discussions. Thank you all for your service to this great country.
My Father is gone now but he fought in Vietnam along side this fellows. Anyone who knows an American 🇺🇸 special operations Vietnam Veteran understands that those Men were some of the best Soldiers that America 🇺🇸 had to offer. Straight up savages! Willing to do missions that would not even be considered today on a moment’s notice. Rest In Peace Randy Miller.
There are some tests on youtube showing that a loaded 30rd mag can give roughly IIIA protection stand alone, and III rifle protection when backed by IIIA armor. Back in the era when no one had armor, that could've been a huge advantage for anyone wearing a chest rig.
God bless you, sir. It seems that you found peace and be a peace for the rest of day
Signal mirror == sunlight carries for lightyears. DUH! 😉Great to see my most revered soldier (i.e. anyone in the Nam) to elaborate on the gear. A+
I’ve always liked web gear going all the way to playing with my 1960s GI Joes. Collected it for overs 50 years. My spare room smells like a old Army Surplus store from back in the day. Really dig that harness rig and the way you used canteen covers for mag pouches. I always liked the in- country made gear. Great Video
I agree that we need more installments of this. Just listening to them talk is entertaining
So much experience packed in a short video! Great intel
TY guys, every time I hear my favorite 01, makes me remember the ones that are gone. hard not to cry. they are in our memories and heart.
I have read a number of books about this subject. A favorite video of 2022 for me. Bring him and others from this era to the program.
It’s a privilege to hear from all three of you. I own all three of Mr Myers books. They are awesome and I am a navy guy.
My dad was in Vietnam in December 1965 to 1966, he had 5 purple hearts and was Ranger qualified. He started the Ranger Platoon here at OSU in the ROTC program and they still have it. Great to see how the gear and setups were.
Humbled and honored to tag along.
Thank you
Jake
This paints such a better picture in the books now I know what the gear looks like. Thank you Karl and Rick!
That’s was great Guys, very informative, hope to see one soon on the Weapons you used 👍🏻🇬🇧
All I can say is , wow! I really like these videos about SOG and to have a SOG legend there talking about it is priceless, thanks guys.
I love this content. It is so fun to watch the evolution and conversations with the real guys. As well as really passionate subject matter experts! Thank you so much for making this video
It’s always great to hear from Tilt!! A living historian for SOG!!
John is awesome
Excellent video. What a treat to hear these guys talk about their kits. Class act
This is great. MOAR PLEASE! Respect to you!!!
Mr. Meyer looks like he could still operate! Much respect.
Wow, just wow. This was absolutely amazing. Thank you for sharing this with the world! We need to document all of these stories now while they're still around!
That was an awesome video. Its crazy that John is still alive after all he has been through, thank god.
These guys were perfect to have on together. So much knowledge to share and so many stories to be heard. I'd love to see them on one of the Tactical Tuesdays together!!
Hopefully we can make that happen. TR
Great video guys…thank you for your service…
The biggest legends alive.
The only person I respect more is my grandpa which is a Vietnam vet.
He served 21-22 years in the army in the 545 division until it was disbanded.
While he was in Vietnam he ended up doing normal operations with a broken ankle for 6 months like how.
Great interview so much knowledge I personally love listening to older vets tell their story
Thanks for watching, TR
I spoke to Ken Bowra Sunday about the knife. He chose to wear his hilt up because it was too easy to snag the clasp and lose the knife in dense foliage.
Yep. Agreed. However, everyone has their own opinion. Thanks for watching, TR
What an outstanding video, sir. Thanks so much for hosting these two excellent speakers on such an interesting subject. Michael 🙂
OUTSTANDING video!!! These guys are legends!!🇺🇸🇺🇸
I'd love for CSM Lamb to make a video such as this one about the evolution of SOF gear in the GWOT.
I’ll ask him
@@TacticalRifleman Thank you.
SGM. you could make an entire series on just these gentlemen's stories. You know maybe you should. great stuff
I dreaded those TA-50 inspections back in the day!
Behave joe behave
@@thedonuteater5474 Good job last livestream👊🏼!
@@joetexas1546 it was tuff Susan does a good job now I know Shhhh don’t tell her I said that
My dad was in Vietnam and I really enjoyed listening to this.
Thanks for watching, TR
This is one of the best UA-cam vids I've ever seen, I've been waiting for something like this. Make as many of these as possible and record this history while these guys are still able to tell it themselves. I love Mr Meyer's podcasts but having the props and kit to discuss really adds a cool element. Thanks from the UK.
Thanks, will do!
The knowledge and stories they have. Amazing guys.
My second Infantry permanent party platoon sergeant was a former 5th SFG SF guy (the first one was a drunk that got busted and chapetered, lmao). Learned a hell of a lot from him.
Wow I love it. Thank you guys, all three of you are just amazing. I love these little insights. I love the history of it all. I think you guys should make a book on this. Pictures of kit and uses. I cannot thank you enough. Please more segments on this.
Tilt, CSM Lamb, Karl... thank you SO much for this video. PLEASE do as many as you can with these legends. Maybe see if Tilt could pursuade Lynne Black to come with him?
It’s crazy how much on the job learning there is. To just get hoisted out of the jungle in a Swiss seat seems insane. Seems like the rigging gear would have been thought up sooner but there really is a learning curve out there. Amazing. Great stuff!
SUPER COOL! MORE OF THIS PLEASE!.. CONGRATULATIONS FROM CHILE!🇨🇱
I will pre-order any book written by Sgt. Lamb. Awesome video!
He does need to write one
What a fun video. It was good hear Ben Baker mentioned. 41:08 He is a bit of an unsung hero of the SOG story. He designed the original SOG knife. He based it off a Marbles hunting knife he carried. As mentioned, creating rations for the indigenous troops was a big deal. Most of the guys in the teams weren't American, they were your little people (Yards, Hmong, etc.). Although he went through Airborne school, Ben Baker was a civilian working for the CIA. Ben Baker. I bet he would have been fun to have some drinks with.
Omg thank you karl.. how much they made Future Special Operations more advanced due to that research and development I have enjoyed this video so much thank you so much I've always loved macv-sog they are some of the unsung heroes of the war you had to Phoenix Program which was my 4Runners
As usual always enjoy listening to any SOG info especially from
John Stryker Meyer! Frigging awesome 🇺🇸👍
great video
thank you Karl for putting this out
Please bring these guys back on Carl. Love the channel. I'm glad John is in Tennessee loving the freedom.
This was amazing. Thank you for putting this together for us to watch. Very interesting.
Glad you enjoyed it!