This guy: "I haven't made a review of it because I don't have much experience with it. I only had it for 1 tour." Your other favorite youtuber: "I used this to film some videos so you could say I'm pretty experienced."
I've wanted to do a mk12 say mod 2 build if it would of been. My image of that would be a5 buffer system with a high quality mlock free float handguard and probably same barrel as the older mods along with a good mpvo and a solid geissele or larue trigger. I'll build one someday for sure.
0:00 - Introduction 0:37 - What do 18B train on in terms of guns 2:44 - Can SF soldiers use their own firearms 3:53 - What is Jeff's favorite piece of issued gear 5:18 - What was Jeff's favorite footwear 6:06 - Footwear currently used by most of the SF guys 7:18 - What was Jeff's favorite piece of unconventional kit 9:09 - Jeff's take on Mk12 use in SF 10:08 - Mentioned Sgt. Keith Fiscus (KIA) 10:45 - Mk12 Origin 11:38 - Mk12 last use with the SF team 13:33 - Mk12 fell out of favor 15:17 - Quick question on M110 / SR-25 16:01 - M110 vs SCAR-H 16:35 - What did Jeff do at Swick 17:05 - SFARTAETC (Hostage rescue & primary CQB school) 17:25 - Promotion to E-8 and reassignment 18:11 - US policy on trainign foreign SF team 18:35 - Jeff's 1.6 secs appearance on Discovery Channel show 20:22 - Preferred vehicle back in SF days 21:45 - Comments on peacetime Army 23:11 - Knives and Special Forces 24:21 - Jeff showing some of his boxing moves 24:38 - SOCP program and the knife tactics 26:22 - Glock field knife & sheath 27:24 - Jeff's close call stories 30:24 - What'd he done if he didn't join the SF 32:06 - Closing
I couldn't agree more on footwear. I was a 62E / 21E "heavy construction equipment operator." I found that the "SOG" Jungle boots worked well, once you resoled them with a different tread pattern. I think aside from build quality, the tread pattern can make or break your feet, depending on the type of terrain your boots are going to see. Now I wear composite toe boots for my current job, and I replace them annually. I've found that you can spend a fortune and have a high-end boot that you can re-sole every few years, or just buy a cheaper, lighter boot, and replace it annually.
I was on the tasker to do lead sampling for the army's m855a1 "lead free" bullet as the staff at sfaraetic was still getting exposure and you really undersold how much these guys are shooting. One week of sampling I saw these guys squeeze off more rounds than I ever have shot personally in my life. Turns out the primer was giving that lead exposure btw as the army hasn't gotten a reliable primer without it for their newest ammo
I tried out for SF in early 2002 when there was the bad snow storm. I didn't last long due to a back injury, but what I hated most was that psyche questionnaire. I completed it, but saw a lot of guys quit in the middle crying. But the chow was phenomenal!
@@reallyhappenings5597 To maintain the integrity of the program, it would be disingenuous to give out that type of information or anything advantageous I saw that would definitely increase one's chances. The most I could say about Selection is "use your head."
I think Jeff is speaking in terms of doctrinal infantry company weapons system capabilities, because my infantry company had a massive amount of ordnance. We had 12 M2 50 cals, 8 240's on trucks, 6 240's on dismounts, 6 mk48's, 18 m249's, 4 mk19's, 6 mk14 ebrs, 18 LAW rockets, 12 AT4's, 2 Javelins, 2 TOW missile systems, 18 MRAPS, and an untold number of M4's. Every single infantryman had TA31 ACOGS on their M4 and either Elcan M145's on our 249's or M68 CCO's. This was in 2009-2010 Kandahar.
Great video Jeff. I agree with your sentiments about Merrills. They used to be great but the last pair I bought came apart in civilian use after 3 months. I also agree with your statement about the importance of training in body armor...absolutely crucial. Keep up the great work!
I've been buying the same two models of Merrell's for years (with slight, mostly cosmetic changes over time) and the quality has absolutely become terrible. I'm lucky if I don't have to bust out the shoo-goo/seal-all for re-glueing the toe box within 2-3 months of use now, especially on the leather moab mids 🤦♂️ yet I have multiple pairs of the exact same leather moab mids with worn out soles and no separation, the leather and even the laces are also now much lower quality 😒 I have Solomons, Keen, Asolo, North Face, Columbia and multiple other popular hiker brands, but the Merrells are of the very very few brands without a gigantic toe box that actually fit my long narrow feet like Cinderella's slipper 🤣 I still buy them, although now begrudgingly instead of excitedly 🤦♂️ Columbia has some models similar to the Merrels, they are more durable, but often bulkier and occasionally have QC issues/similar cheap construction failures, although not with EVERY pair like the Merrells... One day I'll find the perfect replacement lol
@@berryreading4809 Their QC seems to have dropped when they moved to Malaysia, then a new country since then. It might be Indonesia now. I checked the tags when I saw the newer ones, because they looked different. Shape, stitching, fit, and feel were all noticeably different.
@@LRRPFco52 Atleast with my go-to leather moab mids (last pair bought recently) they are still marked made in Vietnam, and have been for years, but the quality has consistently dropped... I actually have a pair of older 6 year old maybe? low cut Moab FST's made in China! But those actually did okay? It kinda sucks that older cheap Chinesium Merrells held up better than new production Vietnam made "premium" 100% leather Merrells (now more like pleather lol) The toes also separated on another Vietnam made pair of Moab FST 2 mids I picked up a few years ago, although they held up better than the same usual leather Moabs I bought around the same time... By the way after just looking I really need to throw away some of my old boots 🫣 🤣
Always happy when you upload a video you're a very down to earth matter of fact kinda guy with a very humble nature not something you find on UA-cam in this community at least.
There are more humble dudes in SOF's than there are braggadocios individuals, at least in my limited experience dealing with them. I even met some OGA dudes that you would have never guessed were at the level they were by talking to them.
@@KeyboardWarrior101st I just like his here's my experience this is what I know and works for me kinda teaching style really helps me make my own choices and learn.
Solomons never lasted me more then 3 months. When I was in Colombia in 2001 I got my first pair and met owner of the company. Years later they sold company and started subbing out the work and that's why soles today are different then they were in early 2000s when 1 pair lasted multiple deployments.
I never know what to say when people say this, and I don’t mean to put you on the spot, but sincerely, thank you for your service. And thanks for continuing to educate here on this platform.
Building on another commenter’s suggestion of what would be your modern MK12… if you were in charge of procurement for SOCOM and could choose whatever you want, within reason (logistics apply), what would you choose? Handgun Rifles… something for CQB and general purpose? Sniper Gear… all categories. You can also have secondary standard options.
Hey Jeff, just a correction. They no longer issue the Yardbourgh Knife when you graduate the Q-course. Graduates now have to buy them if they want to have one.
I always felt that low-tops helps build your lower calf and ankle strength more than wearing traditional 'army' and 'tactical' boots, and actually gives you more stability.
Lengthy studies have confirmed that, however, the ankle protection from mids is valid due to dings, bumps, and impacts in and around pretty much any environment.
Nice to see your British Parachute Wings 🙂 I enjoyed getting several opportunities to complete mine, plus beating 50% of the teams when went up to Rhode Island for a fest 😊
Thank you for your service Jeff. I've appreciated all the knowledge you've given us here as well as the training I received from you directly. Appreciate you brother!
Excellent video. Concise, well presented, and filled with practical information and your experiences using the equipment. Easily one of the best tactical channels on UA-cam.
@@ModernTacticalShooting I remember seeing one of your early videos on Defense Review, back when you had a couple thousand subscribers. It stood out from a lot of the other stuff on You Tube. Been watching since then and they just keep getting better. Happy to see the channel is growing, and thanks for making them.
Few sites offer practical insight from those that have several of the proverbial t-shirts. This is one. Having served as a firearms instructor for over 20 years and with extensive OPs experience I learn something new from all of your videos.
Bringing back a lot of memories. Sully on the mortar square! I remember Steve H from back in the day at the 5th SFG sniper locker. I put Rolf thru pre-scuba in the late 90's. I was never a fan of the MK12 due to the caliber, but I loved the MK 262 ammo in my M4. Our MK 12 rifles came with a 3-9X loopy called a TS 30. I was fortunate in that Todd H got me a 1.5-8X Horus blackbird that I used in a Larue SPR mount that I really liked on my M4. I had good luck with the SR using white lithium grease for lube. The 110 was kind of a let-down compared to the black SR's- the triggers had issues and there were other design issues that we adddressed at the unit level. I was all about the GMV with the add-on armor kit and every weapon we could mount on the thing. I knew we were screwed if we ran over a bomb, but I really liked the firepower, esp. in places like FB cobra where the enemy liked to mass on us and engage with ridicuous amounts of small arms fire. The MRAP, RG, and so on came into play after I left team life. I bought a Randall after I graduated and used it in the field exactly 1 time. I mostly carried a small fix blade SOG knife on my kit and I used a cold steel SRK with my sniper kit, along with a multi tool. They both worked equally well for opening MRE's and dip cans, cutting 550 cord, etc. I did use a Gerber folding saw and some garden shears a time or 2 to clear vegetation for loop holes and hide sight construction, etc. I would say the riskiest thing I ever did (apart from every time we drove ANYWHERE expecting the ground to explode at any second) was the SR/overwatch ops we did in small 3 man SO teams right on the pak border. Thanks for the video!
@@ModernTacticalShooting I was fortunate enough to come back to work there when I did my SWC tour and worked with Sully until he passed. That man was a legend.
You're volume keeps going up and down. Us guys watching on our phones can't increase our volumes, we can always lower the sound. Great videos! Nobody else is giving us this insight!
That is what happened to keen shoes. Used to be amazing. Comfortable and last forever. Now I can’t get 3 months out of 175 pair of shoes. And I’m just a metal roofer
Thanks for another great video, Jeff. You're easily one of my favorite firearms/tactical channels. Your knowledge, professionalism, and humility is unmatched. Very interesting about the quality decline in the Merrells. I'm curious, what would be your current recommendation for lightweight combat footwear?
Thank you so much for putting martial arts into perspective (about 25 minutes into the video). I can’t imagine why someone would try a fancy BJJ move (think berimbolo) while wearing full kit in a gunfight with an unknown number of armed opponents. It’s nauseating to hear people say that sports-specific grappling moves would work in a gunfight.
Just wanted to say I like your channel. Like listening to you. You have many good pointers you bring up. I am a veteran too. My father was a command sergeant major and he was with the 2nd 75 ranger regiment. He was also at NSA. My father had 35 years military service. Like listening to you very informative.
I'd love to hear you talk about the necessity or lack thereof the pistol, how common was it for SF to leave it behind or hard lessons learned because of that.
Quick correction in the Air Force the combat controllers are CCTs (Combat Controller Teams) Always awesome when you post new videos! Really like hearing SF stores!
I was fortunate enough to train with Matt Larsen, the father of MACP, at his Combatives academy in Lorton VA 2017 to 2019. Can confirm the space maker knife etc always leading back to the firearm. As far as Merrells go, I have been wearing them since Jan 2019, when I started K9 school. I do all my K9 work in them to this day (only on my second pair for work), and still wear my original pair for off duty use. I tried Salomons for a month in 2021, but they run way to narrow for my feet.
Matt was the father of MACP The father of SOCP was Greg Thompson from team Rock and a Green Beret Carl Haskins. I took part in the first pilot SOCP course circa 2008ish.
@ModernTacticalShooting The closest I came to getting hurt was 2 seperate incidents. One while rolling with Tim Kennedy in 2017, one rolling with Damian Stelly in 2018. 😅 I did all of this as a civilian. I'm an 0311 veteran of the USMC.
A point about despising blousing boots and hands in pockets, us Marine grunts envied SOCOM and raiders in particular, not for the cool gear and training, but the fact that you could have a beard and put your hands in your pockets. The few times we interacted with SOF guys in afghanistan we were like "man theyre so cool, they dont have to shave". There was a SEAL on leatherneck who literally looked like Jesus with long hair and a beard and we thought he was the coolest guy who ever lived simply for his hair and beard, our command guys stared at him with pure hatred (or envy). We also thought the raiders were cool just because they had clapped out 1911s, they looked like the old MEUSOC guns, probably were. this was before the colt m45. Looking cool is half the battle.
Look at those BDUs! Patagonias are great but the Opscore is 100x better than the standard issue helmet. And the Solomons are super popular but I havent gotten around to buying a pair. I try not to buy my own gear but that's a good perspective on purchasing proffesional gear as a proffesional Soldier. I've seen GSB guys spend thousands on personal kit just to look cool at the range.
Great presentation. I appreciated your comments about uniforms. I bought a pair of Salomon trail low tops. Had them since 2018 and they’ve taken a beating but are still wearable though I wouldn’t go out on trails with them anymore as the tread has worn down enough that traction has suffered. I wasn’t SF, just a reserve 11B back in the 80s, but the OD hot weather “jungle fatigues” were my favorite uniform. They had ample room in the crotch so I never had a blow-out. They weren’t as durable as modern tactical apparel, but they were very comfortable. Anyway, thanks for this video and thanks for your service! Incidentally I read an article last night about SF taking on Russian and indigenous forces in a Syrian battle recently. Was interesting that despite being way outnumbered, SF coordinated the force multipliers very effectively. Very impressive. Of course SF has been demonstrating that skill since it’s inception.
Good informative video Jeff. I sure wish that I had seen it a few weeks ago before I got my Merrills. Also as soon as I saw the first photo of a soldier with his face cammo'ed up, I know that the peacetime army was back. Next up, starched field uniforms.
I want to hear about your experiences with embedded Air Force Special Tactics. Then again, would it be more beneficial discussing embeds in general (reporters, foreign forces, other specialists/enablers, etc)? What worked well? What didn’t work so well or even got in the way?
About 10 years ago I had a pair of Solomon trail, running shoes and there’s some of the best shoes I’ve ever had. Sounds like I should invest in another pair.
Wow, I am impressed with how much info you put in you vid. I have one question. Allegedly the Army purchased Steyr Pandur 6x6 armored vehicles for the special forces. Why wouldnt the Army just provide Strykers? Funny you mentioned boots. I like hiking and cant find boots that would fit or were comfortable and was told by former SF guy to get Danner Combat Hikers. They were supposedly made for Army SF I think in the early years of Afghanistan. They were discontinued. I sure like them. Kudos to you for mentioning Pete Fiscus.
Used to sell PataGucci at the outfitters- great stuff but mighty pricey- Merrill’s once were a brand you could rely on. Not so much anymore. Salomon mountaineering gear seems to still be sturdy. Have not thought of those names in a decade. Cheers!
Many years ago, I was looking into the unit that my father served with, in the Army. In 1957 it was the 77th SFG, and I believe it was called Sneaky Petes. I would have been able to buy patches to put in a family album, along with my grandfather's service record from WW2, but lately I haven't been able to see any mention of them, or purchase a patch. Any feedback would be helpful. They are now called 7th SFG.
Jeff, you have put together a great channel. I really look forward to your videos. Your previous articles with Def Review are also very informative. Thanks for your efforts.
Had the Solomon quest 4d’s almost 9yrs and just now startin to delaminate a little but shoe glue fixed that..have the ultra mids…xa pro low tops…and my good ones are black forces which are like new at 2yrs old…I hunt and hike steep stuff in eastern Ky and nothing gets traction like Solomons…
I had two pairs of Merrell Sawtooth boots. Never I had I seen boots degrade so fast. Absolute crap! I pretty much wear the older Solomon quest 4d. This has been the best boot for my foot. When researching boots after learning my lesson with the Merrell's. I started looking at what SEALs were wearing and most of them preferred the Solomon's. They may be the best all around boot out there!
@@westernoutpost4154 that’s exactly how i arrived at them…plus I’m just a hiking boot nerd. Btw darn tough socks make yer quests feel even better just too warm here in summer
Great video as always. I had a couple of buddies in the selection group filmed in 2 Weeks in Hell. I remember them telling me when it aired and watching for them in all the clips. Also, I loved the MATV as well. Leaps and bounds better than a HMMV.
Great video! Totally agree about Merrell's - used to live in a pair of MOAB years ago - replaced with the same model and they lasted less than two months!
Awesome content as always Jeff and thank you for the service. There have been some other “larger” UA-camrs mentioning you lately with great respect. Any plans for collaborations or guest appearances on other channels?
I appreciate how modest and humble you are with your answers Jeff. If I had to have one question for you, it would have to be: did you enjoy jumping out of airplanes, and how frequently did you do it?
I despise jumping out of airplanes and retired with master rating. Now I know people say Halo is completely different but I never had the urge to do any free fall. I was a static line jumper.
@@ModernTacticalShooting Thank you for the response Jeff! That's honestly very interesting to read, since I know airborne is generally a requirement for SF, at least from what I've gathered. I've never jumped out of a plane myself, but I see static line being my preferred method..
@@wildcard556 Airborne qualification has always been a prerequisite for SF, from 1952-present. It comes from the days of the Jedburg teams jumping into occupied Europe to link up with resistance groups. You can't show up to the Q-Course without having been Airborne qualified, since you do jumps in BNCOC, Phase I, Phase II, and Robin Sage.
@@LRRPFco52 Thank you for the clarification. I was almost certain that it was still a requirement but I know things have changed a lot, wasn’t sure if the SF got hit with some of these changes as well..
Thank you for the thoughtful video. I’m new to your work here and I appreciate the solid attention to a diversity of related topics in a short time, and how well you organize and articulate information. I’m never surprised to find that someone out of SF is an adept educator, and I get the sense that’s the way it’s supposed to be. My super-tactical question is: Can you share anything about the skateboards? :) (I apologize in advance if that’s already been covered. I’ll gladly go and check out any previous video if someone can direct me to it)
@mrdrprof99 the cry pants specifically when we got home. Most of the of the other get we kept as we were shifting to multicsm/scorpion away from the grey universal b/s
I like the idea you brought up about IEDs and I think the answer to that is about the design of the vehicle and geometry. Something that I always think about is a military dirt bike that is silent, has about a 12 inch footprint, can pack 200lbs and put you 60 mikes into a problem child and back out again on a trail. Electric bicycles my friend with good batteries and American Whole Heartedness!
@@ModernTacticalShooting you are right on the older styles but new chemistry they can get shot out with no conflagration. The bigger issue is when you loose propulsion, those things are heavy to move around back up with no pow pow
After shooting and training a bit with the MK12 mod 1. This thing is cool, but heavy! I couldn't imagine running this thing in a gun fight. With the Ops Inc can, it weighs a ton. Much better options for the weight. Thanks Jeff, another great video, very informative and entertaining 👍
I do have a mod H, it's seems a lot more handy with a collapsible stock (CTR) and 16" barrel. I'll have to weigh them and see what the actual weight difference is.
As I've said in the past, this is one of the best channel. I appreciate the content, thank you. Can you please tell about if there was ever a happy occasion you had with the Iraqis and Afghanistan people? Danke Schoen!!!!
I was in the army discharged in 1978. I was in training to become a combat engineer, they told us we could wear the special forces pin while in a direct support role with special forces. I know they changed this. I think because SF operators did not want us who did not earn the pin to wear it. I was woundering if you know when it was changed, Thank you, and thank you for you service. 32:37
did the same thing with gear. back in the 80s, bought, scrounged, et al. everything I was issued was classic USMC 782 worn out crap. got receipts and had it entered on page 11 SRB. troops should be issued a rifle or pistol when graduating boot camp/TBS and carried through service. retire, keep the gun.
Jeff. Thank you so much my friend. I especially want to hear more of the rifles you carried and used. What changes and why. I appreciated the coverage in Defense Review. Anything you care to add?
I had my firearms taken in 2009 by an unlawful coercion sting by the Vancouver Police. The next year the US military cancelled your AR15 platform research. By 2015 they had acknowledged some of their issues with AR15 with .308 Afghanistan rifles... But I respectfully understand the industry let us down more than the servicemen.
Jeff I absolutely agree with you on Merrill’s, I started seeing them being sold at cheaper shoe stores and that’s when the quality went to crap. Have you tried the Altama Maritime Assault Boots? Kind of a tactical Chuck Taylor. Very comfortable
@Modern Tactical Shooting Thank you. I am retiring from the fire department I worked at as a Battalion Chief in 21 days. Your videos will be awesome to catch up on when I am finally done. Thank you. Be safe.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #1 НАЧАЛО ПУТЕШЕСТВИЯ [Новый сезон] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/380Q7gLWGvk/mqdefault.jpg)
This guy: "I haven't made a review of it because I don't have much experience with it. I only had it for 1 tour."
Your other favorite youtuber: "I used this to film some videos so you could say I'm pretty experienced."
Instead of doing a video on the mk12, it would be awesome to see a video of what your revamped mk12 would be.
Smart.
Why not do both?
@@sigspearthumb3249 discussed at 12:20 in the video.
I've wanted to do a mk12 say mod 2 build if it would of been. My image of that would be a5 buffer system with a high quality mlock free float handguard and probably same barrel as the older mods along with a good mpvo and a solid geissele or larue trigger. I'll build one someday for sure.
@@ParanoidWarpig1 I went with 6.5 Grendel, Centurion build with Craddock 13.9" barrel JMAC device (it's Title I), used Monty's trigger.
Urbanish DMR.
I have poured so much shoeglue into my merrels over the last few years. They just don't want to stay in one piece.
I knew I'd find you here eventually.
0:00 - Introduction
0:37 - What do 18B train on in terms of guns
2:44 - Can SF soldiers use their own firearms
3:53 - What is Jeff's favorite piece of issued gear
5:18 - What was Jeff's favorite footwear
6:06 - Footwear currently used by most of the SF guys
7:18 - What was Jeff's favorite piece of unconventional kit
9:09 - Jeff's take on Mk12 use in SF
10:08 - Mentioned Sgt. Keith Fiscus (KIA)
10:45 - Mk12 Origin
11:38 - Mk12 last use with the SF team
13:33 - Mk12 fell out of favor
15:17 - Quick question on M110 / SR-25
16:01 - M110 vs SCAR-H
16:35 - What did Jeff do at Swick
17:05 - SFARTAETC (Hostage rescue & primary CQB school)
17:25 - Promotion to E-8 and reassignment
18:11 - US policy on trainign foreign SF team
18:35 - Jeff's 1.6 secs appearance on Discovery Channel show
20:22 - Preferred vehicle back in SF days
21:45 - Comments on peacetime Army
23:11 - Knives and Special Forces
24:21 - Jeff showing some of his boxing moves
24:38 - SOCP program and the knife tactics
26:22 - Glock field knife & sheath
27:24 - Jeff's close call stories
30:24 - What'd he done if he didn't join the SF
32:06 - Closing
Well done!
@@ModernTacticalShooting yep 👍
@@ModernTacticalShooting thanks for the like sir
Nicely done.
Thanks for helping out the community.
Doing the lord's work.
I couldn't agree more on footwear. I was a 62E / 21E "heavy construction equipment operator." I found that the "SOG" Jungle boots worked well, once you resoled them with a different tread pattern. I think aside from build quality, the tread pattern can make or break your feet, depending on the type of terrain your boots are going to see.
Now I wear composite toe boots for my current job, and I replace them annually. I've found that you can spend a fortune and have a high-end boot that you can re-sole every few years, or just buy a cheaper, lighter boot, and replace it annually.
I was on the tasker to do lead sampling for the army's m855a1 "lead free" bullet as the staff at sfaraetic was still getting exposure and you really undersold how much these guys are shooting. One week of sampling I saw these guys squeeze off more rounds than I ever have shot personally in my life. Turns out the primer was giving that lead exposure btw as the army hasn't gotten a reliable primer without it for their newest ammo
Yes at SFARTAETC most know lead is from primers..that M855A1 must have really chewed up some walls
I tried out for SF in early 2002 when there was the bad snow storm. I didn't last long due to a back injury, but what I hated most was that psyche questionnaire. I completed it, but saw a lot of guys quit in the middle crying. But the chow was phenomenal!
Can you describe the questionairre? Why did it affect guys so much?
@@reallyhappenings5597 To maintain the integrity of the program, it would be disingenuous to give out that type of information or anything advantageous I saw that would definitely increase one's chances. The most I could say about Selection is "use your head."
@@Murderface666 Integrity of the program... I'm just curious about a questionanaire that made guys cry. This was 21 years ago, hardly current tactics.
Another great video. RIP Sgt. Fiscus. Respect.
I think Jeff is speaking in terms of doctrinal infantry company weapons system capabilities, because my infantry company had a massive amount of ordnance. We had 12 M2 50 cals, 8 240's on trucks, 6 240's on dismounts, 6 mk48's, 18 m249's, 4 mk19's, 6 mk14 ebrs, 18 LAW rockets, 12 AT4's, 2 Javelins, 2 TOW missile systems, 18 MRAPS, and an untold number of M4's. Every single infantryman had TA31 ACOGS on their M4 and either Elcan M145's on our 249's or M68 CCO's. This was in 2009-2010 Kandahar.
Great video Jeff. I agree with your sentiments about Merrills. They used to be great but the last pair I bought came apart in civilian use after 3 months. I also agree with your statement about the importance of training in body armor...absolutely crucial. Keep up the great work!
Thanks
I've been buying the same two models of Merrell's for years (with slight, mostly cosmetic changes over time) and the quality has absolutely become terrible. I'm lucky if I don't have to bust out the shoo-goo/seal-all for re-glueing the toe box within 2-3 months of use now, especially on the leather moab mids 🤦♂️ yet I have multiple pairs of the exact same leather moab mids with worn out soles and no separation, the leather and even the laces are also now much lower quality 😒 I have Solomons, Keen, Asolo, North Face, Columbia and multiple other popular hiker brands, but the Merrells are of the very very few brands without a gigantic toe box that actually fit my long narrow feet like Cinderella's slipper 🤣 I still buy them, although now begrudgingly instead of excitedly 🤦♂️ Columbia has some models similar to the Merrels, they are more durable, but often bulkier and occasionally have QC issues/similar cheap construction failures, although not with EVERY pair like the Merrells... One day I'll find the perfect replacement lol
@@berryreading4809 Their QC seems to have dropped when they moved to Malaysia, then a new country since then. It might be Indonesia now. I checked the tags when I saw the newer ones, because they looked different. Shape, stitching, fit, and feel were all noticeably different.
@@LRRPFco52 Atleast with my go-to leather moab mids (last pair bought recently) they are still marked made in Vietnam, and have been for years, but the quality has consistently dropped... I actually have a pair of older 6 year old maybe? low cut Moab FST's made in China! But those actually did okay? It kinda sucks that older cheap Chinesium Merrells held up better than new production Vietnam made "premium" 100% leather Merrells (now more like pleather lol) The toes also separated on another Vietnam made pair of Moab FST 2 mids I picked up a few years ago, although they held up better than the same usual leather Moabs I bought around the same time... By the way after just looking I really need to throw away some of my old boots 🫣 🤣
@@berryreading4809 My thoughts exactly. Chinesium Merrells > newer Merrels. Hopefully Vietnam figures it out.
Always happy when you upload a video you're a very down to earth matter of fact kinda guy with a very humble nature not something you find on UA-cam in this community at least.
Thank You
There are more humble dudes in SOF's than there are braggadocios individuals, at least in my limited experience dealing with them. I even met some OGA dudes that you would have never guessed were at the level they were by talking to them.
@@KeyboardWarrior101st I just like his here's my experience this is what I know and works for me kinda teaching style really helps me make my own choices and learn.
Interesting point about the Mk12 being used as a replacement for the standard M4. I just assumed those were all operated in a DMR role.
Solomons never lasted me more then 3 months. When I was in Colombia in 2001 I got my first pair and met owner of the company. Years later they sold company and started subbing out the work and that's why soles today are different then they were in early 2000s when 1 pair lasted multiple deployments.
I never know what to say when people say this, and I don’t mean to put you on the spot, but sincerely, thank you for your service. And thanks for continuing to educate here on this platform.
Appreciate your no nonsense tutorials and stories!
Jeff still holds the unofficial SOCOM chai-boy/man-love challenge. Well done Jeff!
Hands in pockets and blousing boots the struggle is real
Building on another commenter’s suggestion of what would be your modern MK12… if you were in charge of procurement for SOCOM and could choose whatever you want, within reason (logistics apply), what would you choose?
Handgun
Rifles… something for CQB and general purpose?
Sniper
Gear… all categories.
You can also have secondary standard options.
Hey Jeff, just a correction. They no longer issue the Yardbourgh Knife when you graduate the Q-course. Graduates now have to buy them if they want to have one.
Thanks!
I always felt that low-tops helps build your lower calf and ankle strength more than wearing traditional 'army' and 'tactical' boots, and actually gives you more stability.
Lengthy studies have confirmed that, however, the ankle protection from mids is valid due to dings, bumps, and impacts in and around pretty much any environment.
Nice to see your British Parachute Wings 🙂 I enjoyed getting several opportunities to complete mine, plus beating 50% of the teams when went up to Rhode Island for a fest 😊
I got to Leapfest '94. We didn't jump because of a low ceiling, but did crash a wedding, and the lobster boil was fantastic. Go Team MEATPLOW!
Thank you for your service Jeff. I've appreciated all the knowledge you've given us here as well as the training I received from you directly. Appreciate you brother!
Excellent video. Concise, well presented, and filled with practical information and your experiences using the equipment. Easily one of the best tactical channels on UA-cam.
Thank you
@@ModernTacticalShooting I remember seeing one of your early videos on Defense Review, back when you had a couple thousand subscribers. It stood out from a lot of the other stuff on You Tube. Been watching since then and they just keep getting better. Happy to see the channel is growing, and thanks for making them.
Few sites offer practical insight from those that have several of the proverbial t-shirts. This is one. Having served as a firearms instructor for over 20 years and with extensive OPs experience I learn something new from all of your videos.
Bringing back a lot of memories. Sully on the mortar square! I remember Steve H from back in the day at the 5th SFG sniper locker. I put Rolf thru pre-scuba in the late 90's. I was never a fan of the MK12 due to the caliber, but I loved the MK 262 ammo in my M4. Our MK 12 rifles came with a 3-9X loopy called a TS 30. I was fortunate in that Todd H got me a 1.5-8X Horus blackbird that I used in a Larue SPR mount that I really liked on my M4. I had good luck with the SR using white lithium grease for lube. The 110 was kind of a let-down compared to the black SR's- the triggers had issues and there were other design issues that we adddressed at the unit level. I was all about the GMV with the add-on armor kit and every weapon we could mount on the thing. I knew we were screwed if we ran over a bomb, but I really liked the firepower, esp. in places like FB cobra where the enemy liked to mass on us and engage with ridicuous amounts of small arms fire. The MRAP, RG, and so on came into play after I left team life. I bought a Randall after I graduated and used it in the field exactly 1 time. I mostly carried a small fix blade SOG knife on my kit and I used a cold steel SRK with my sniper kit, along with a multi tool. They both worked equally well for opening MRE's and dip cans, cutting 550 cord, etc. I did use a Gerber folding saw and some garden shears a time or 2 to clear vegetation for loop holes and hide sight construction, etc. I would say the riskiest thing I ever did (apart from every time we drove ANYWHERE expecting the ground to explode at any second) was the SR/overwatch ops we did in small 3 man SO teams right on the pak border. Thanks for the video!
Sully! He was my instructor and Travis was a guest walker when I went thru Robin Sage
@@ModernTacticalShooting I was fortunate enough to come back to work there when I did my SWC tour and worked with Sully until he passed. That man was a legend.
I would love to hear more about the SOC-P. Sounds very useful for just about anyone.
You're volume keeps going up and down. Us guys watching on our phones can't increase our volumes, we can always lower the sound. Great videos! Nobody else is giving us this insight!
Another gem. Could listen to you for hours on end. Keep it all coming!
That is what happened to keen shoes. Used to be amazing. Comfortable and last forever. Now I can’t get 3 months out of 175 pair of shoes. And I’m just a metal roofer
The Bragg weapons facility is an awesome place - went there whenever I had the chance 🇺🇸
Thanks for another great video, Jeff. You're easily one of my favorite firearms/tactical channels. Your knowledge, professionalism, and humility is unmatched. Very interesting about the quality decline in the Merrells. I'm curious, what would be your current recommendation for lightweight combat footwear?
idea for a video is to explain what 18x candidates do and their opportunities in the special forces community.
Thanks Keith for his sacrifice!
Thank you so much for putting martial arts into perspective (about 25 minutes into the video). I can’t imagine why someone would try a fancy BJJ move (think berimbolo) while wearing full kit in a gunfight with an unknown number of armed opponents. It’s nauseating to hear people say that sports-specific grappling moves would work in a gunfight.
Just wanted to say I like your channel. Like listening to you. You have many good pointers you bring up. I am a veteran too. My father was a command sergeant major and he was with the 2nd 75 ranger regiment. He was also at NSA. My father had 35 years military service. Like listening to you very informative.
I'd love to hear you talk about the necessity or lack thereof the pistol, how common was it for SF to leave it behind or hard lessons learned because of that.
99% always carried a pistol
Quick correction in the Air Force the combat controllers are CCTs (Combat Controller Teams)
Always awesome when you post new videos! Really like hearing SF stores!
I was fortunate enough to train with Matt Larsen, the father of MACP, at his Combatives academy in Lorton VA 2017 to 2019. Can confirm the space maker knife etc always leading back to the firearm.
As far as Merrells go, I have been wearing them since Jan 2019, when I started K9 school. I do all my K9 work in them to this day (only on my second pair for work), and still wear my original pair for off duty use. I tried Salomons for a month in 2021, but they run way to narrow for my feet.
Matt was the father of MACP
The father of SOCP was Greg Thompson from team Rock and a Green Beret Carl Haskins. I took part in the first pilot SOCP course circa 2008ish.
@@ModernTacticalShootingThanks for the clarification. I will edit my comment. 👍
@@scout3058 I have done MACP level I and II. I got hurt in level 3 and could not finish.
@ModernTacticalShooting The closest I came to getting hurt was 2 seperate incidents. One while rolling with Tim Kennedy in 2017, one rolling with Damian Stelly in 2018. 😅
I did all of this as a civilian. I'm an 0311 veteran of the USMC.
@P110 K9 Solutions If you have rolled with Tim you are tougher than me.
A point about despising blousing boots and hands in pockets, us Marine grunts envied SOCOM and raiders in particular, not for the cool gear and training, but the fact that you could have a beard and put your hands in your pockets. The few times we interacted with SOF guys in afghanistan we were like "man theyre so cool, they dont have to shave". There was a SEAL on leatherneck who literally looked like Jesus with long hair and a beard and we thought he was the coolest guy who ever lived simply for his hair and beard, our command guys stared at him with pure hatred (or envy). We also thought the raiders were cool just because they had clapped out 1911s, they looked like the old MEUSOC guns, probably were. this was before the colt m45. Looking cool is half the battle.
Il tuo lavoro mi ispira sempre!
Look at those BDUs! Patagonias are great but the Opscore is 100x better than the standard issue helmet. And the Solomons are super popular but I havent gotten around to buying a pair. I try not to buy my own gear but that's a good perspective on purchasing proffesional gear as a proffesional Soldier. I've seen GSB guys spend thousands on personal kit just to look cool at the range.
The first step to being cool is looking cool, I always say. Hahaha. 😎
Great presentation. I appreciated your comments about uniforms. I bought a pair of Salomon trail low tops. Had them since 2018 and they’ve taken a beating but are still wearable though I wouldn’t go out on trails with them anymore as the tread has worn down enough that traction has suffered. I wasn’t SF, just a reserve 11B back in the 80s, but the OD hot weather “jungle fatigues” were my favorite uniform. They had ample room in the crotch so I never had a blow-out. They weren’t as durable as modern tactical apparel, but they were very comfortable.
Anyway, thanks for this video and thanks for your service! Incidentally I read an article last night about SF taking on Russian and indigenous forces in a Syrian battle recently. Was interesting that despite being way outnumbered, SF coordinated the force multipliers very effectively. Very impressive. Of course SF has been demonstrating that skill since it’s inception.
Greetings from Vicenza!
Thanks for allowing me to be free. Much respect to you Sir.
3-325 AIR, the Blue Falcons!
Thank you
you make some really great vids, such a wealth of knowledge.
Thanks!
Awesome video Jeff. Please never stop making them.
Good informative video Jeff. I sure wish that I had seen it a few weeks ago before I got my Merrills. Also as soon as I saw the first photo of a soldier with his face cammo'ed up, I know that the peacetime army was back. Next up, starched field uniforms.
as salamu alaykum , please make more content ! WE THE PEOPLE - LOVE IT !❤
Thanks!
Awesome. Thanks man
Knife gets you to your pistol. Pistol gets you to your rifle. Rifle to radio. radio to air support.
Exaclty
Great info real world use gear. Thanks for going and welcome home. Thanks for telling us about your friend.
Hello there Jeff. I've joined your channel from now.
I want to hear about your experiences with embedded Air Force Special Tactics. Then again, would it be more beneficial discussing embeds in general (reporters, foreign forces, other specialists/enablers, etc)? What worked well? What didn’t work so well or even got in the way?
About 10 years ago I had a pair of Solomon trail, running shoes and there’s some of the best shoes I’ve ever had. Sounds like I should invest in another pair.
Wow, I am impressed with how much info you put in you vid. I have one question. Allegedly the Army purchased Steyr Pandur 6x6 armored vehicles for the special forces. Why wouldnt the Army just provide Strykers? Funny you mentioned boots. I like hiking and cant find boots that would fit or were comfortable and was told by former SF guy to get Danner Combat Hikers. They were supposedly made for Army SF I think in the early years of Afghanistan. They were discontinued. I sure like them. Kudos to you for mentioning Pete Fiscus.
Weapons Sergeant...........just the name alone. How cool is that!
One of the best jobs on a ODA
Thanks for going and welcome home.@@ModernTacticalShooting
Used to sell PataGucci at the outfitters- great stuff but mighty pricey- Merrill’s once were a brand you could rely on. Not so much anymore. Salomon mountaineering gear seems to still be sturdy. Have not thought of those names in a decade. Cheers!
Many years ago, I was looking into the unit that my father served with, in the Army. In 1957 it was the 77th SFG, and I believe it was called Sneaky Petes. I would have been able to buy patches to put in a family album, along with my grandfather's service record from WW2, but lately I haven't been able to see any mention of them, or purchase a patch. Any feedback would be helpful. They are now called 7th SFG.
Yes my knowledge is limited to 5th and 3rd SFG.
Fantastic video. I also got a chuckle out of your West Side Story knife fighting technique demonstration. 😄
Jeff, you have put together a great channel. I really look forward to your videos. Your previous articles with Def Review are also very informative. Thanks for your efforts.
Glad you like it..thanks
Great video. Thank you for your service.
Had the Solomon quest 4d’s almost 9yrs and just now startin to delaminate a little but shoe glue fixed that..have the ultra mids…xa pro low tops…and my good ones are black forces which are like new at 2yrs old…I hunt and hike steep stuff in eastern Ky and nothing gets traction like Solomons…
I had two pairs of Merrell Sawtooth boots. Never I had I seen boots degrade so fast. Absolute crap! I pretty much wear the older Solomon quest 4d. This has been the best boot for my foot. When researching boots after learning my lesson with the Merrell's. I started looking at what SEALs were wearing and most of them preferred the Solomon's. They may be the best all around boot out there!
@@westernoutpost4154 that’s exactly how i arrived at them…plus I’m just a hiking boot nerd. Btw darn tough socks make yer quests feel even better just too warm here in summer
Great video as always. I had a couple of buddies in the selection group filmed in 2 Weeks in Hell. I remember them telling me when it aired and watching for them in all the clips. Also, I loved the MATV as well. Leaps and bounds better than a HMMV.
Great video! Totally agree about Merrell's - used to live in a pair of MOAB years ago - replaced with the same model and they lasted less than two months!
Awesome content as always Jeff and thank you for the service.
There have been some other “larger” UA-camrs mentioning you lately with great respect.
Any plans for collaborations or guest appearances on other channels?
I have collaborated with 9 Hole review, and I think I'll be doing another one with them sometime.
I appreciate how modest and humble you are with your answers Jeff. If I had to have one question for you, it would have to be: did you enjoy jumping out of airplanes, and how frequently did you do it?
I despise jumping out of airplanes and retired with master rating. Now I know people say Halo is completely different but I never had the urge to do any free fall. I was a static line jumper.
@@ModernTacticalShooting Thank you for the response Jeff! That's honestly very interesting to read, since I know airborne is generally a requirement for SF, at least from what I've gathered. I've never jumped out of a plane myself, but I see static line being my preferred method..
@@wildcard556 Airborne qualification has always been a prerequisite for SF, from 1952-present. It comes from the days of the Jedburg teams jumping into occupied Europe to link up with resistance groups.
You can't show up to the Q-Course without having been Airborne qualified, since you do jumps in BNCOC, Phase I, Phase II, and Robin Sage.
@@LRRPFco52 Thank you for the clarification. I was almost certain that it was still a requirement but I know things have changed a lot, wasn’t sure if the SF got hit with some of these changes as well..
Best gun channel on YT.
Thank you...Too kind!
Definitely not a "high-speed, low-drag" SF trooper, but my favorite footwear are still Merrell high top hikers, and Farm Blue high tops.
Brought a smile at the photo of "small arms" bullpups but no SA80.... oh dear.
You just got a new subscriber. Thank you
Another excellent channel. Thanks for your service and the knowledge you share
Thank you for the thoughtful video. I’m new to your work here and I appreciate the solid attention to a diversity of related topics in a short time, and how well you organize and articulate information. I’m never surprised to find that someone out of SF is an adept educator, and I get the sense that’s the way it’s supposed to be.
My super-tactical question is: Can you share anything about the skateboards? :)
(I apologize in advance if that’s already been covered. I’ll gladly go and check out any previous video if someone can direct me to it)
Those skateboards in the background are from Raid skateboards.
As cav scouts we had cry pants on deployment...then had to turn them back in when we got home (yes, that stupid)
They make you turn in your shit? So where does all this money go
@mrdrprof99 the cry pants specifically when we got home. Most of the of the other get we kept as we were shifting to multicsm/scorpion away from the grey universal b/s
I like the idea you brought up about IEDs and I think the answer to that is about the design of the vehicle and geometry. Something that I always think about is a military dirt bike that is silent, has about a 12 inch footprint, can pack 200lbs and put you 60 mikes into a problem child and back out again on a trail. Electric bicycles my friend with good batteries and American Whole Heartedness!
I would do nothing electric, those batteries are not going to react well to gunfire.
@@ModernTacticalShooting you are right on the older styles but new chemistry they can get shot out with no conflagration. The bigger issue is when you loose propulsion, those things are heavy to move around back up with no pow pow
After shooting and training a bit with the MK12 mod 1. This thing is cool, but heavy! I couldn't imagine running this thing in a gun fight. With the Ops Inc can, it weighs a ton. Much better options for the weight. Thanks Jeff, another great video, very informative and entertaining 👍
I’m pretty sure you can build a modern interpretation of the mk12 and shave off 1.5lbs no problem. Maybe 2lbs.
I do have a mod H, it's seems a lot more handy with a collapsible stock (CTR) and 16" barrel. I'll have to weigh them and see what the actual weight difference is.
Fantastic, really enjoyed, thanks
Calm. Quiet. Professional.
Fury From The Sky!
As I've said in the past, this is one of the best channel. I appreciate the content, thank you.
Can you please tell about if there was ever a happy occasion you had with the Iraqis and Afghanistan people?
Danke Schoen!!!!
Thanks Jeff!
Thanks for making videos and being a BAMF.
I was in the army discharged in 1978. I was in training to become a combat engineer, they told us we could wear the special forces pin while in a direct support role with special forces. I know they changed this. I think because SF operators did not want us who did not earn the pin to wear it. I was woundering if you know when it was changed, Thank you, and thank you for you service. 32:37
1991 from what heard
Thank you for your service sir. Would love to hear about your firsthand experience with the M9 pistol
Story time with Jeff - EXCELLENT!!
did the same thing with gear. back in the 80s, bought, scrounged, et al. everything I was issued was classic USMC 782 worn out crap. got receipts and had it entered on page 11 SRB. troops should be issued a rifle or pistol when graduating boot camp/TBS and carried through service. retire, keep the gun.
Jeff. Thank you so much my friend. I especially want to hear more of the rifles you carried and used. What changes and why. I appreciated the coverage in Defense Review. Anything you care to add?
Great video. Very informative as always. Please keep it up. Thank You.
I had my firearms taken in 2009 by an unlawful coercion sting by the Vancouver Police. The next year the US military cancelled your AR15 platform research.
By 2015 they had acknowledged some of their issues with AR15 with .308 Afghanistan rifles...
But I respectfully understand the industry let us down more than the servicemen.
Thanks Jeff enjoyed video hope to get out again this year to Train with you. Very informative video.
Thanks
In one of your clips you mention that someone or range took you for a dentist.
Which is actually awsome coz you are like a sleeper car!
Your content is just excellent. Thank you for doing it.
Love the videos as always. This video is a wealth of information and I send these videos to a lot of my friends.
Good stuff as always. Thank you for sharing your stories.
Yes he’s back love these videos!
I’ve noticed your watches. Can you do a video on watches you’ve worn and/or been issued throughout your career?
Thank you.
Done...check out my channel there is a video
Jeff I absolutely agree with you on Merrill’s, I started seeing them being sold at cheaper shoe stores and that’s when the quality went to crap. Have you tried the Altama Maritime Assault Boots? Kind of a tactical Chuck Taylor. Very comfortable
Botach has em on sale this week, too.
Yes Sir ordered 2 pairs from them last week. Always catch good deals on Botach
I really really enjoy your videos. Thank you, and thank you for your service.
Thanks!
@Modern Tactical Shooting Thank you. I am retiring from the fire department I worked at as a Battalion Chief in 21 days. Your videos will be awesome to catch up on when I am finally done. Thank you. Be safe.
I want to see what a modern revamped MK12 would look like on your opinion.