Tactical Tuesday Episode 76 with John Stryker Meyer

Published on February 24, 2021
Duration: 194:16

This episode features a deep dive into the experiences of John Stryker Meyer, a Vietnam veteran and MACV-SOG operative. The discussion covers the operational realities of the "Secret War," including the composition and missions of SOG reconnaissance teams, the extreme logistical challenges, and harrowing combat encounters. Meyer shares personal anecdotes about near-death experiences, the importance of indigenous troops, and the psychological toll of prolonged combat operations. The conversation also touches upon the evolution of military technology and tactics, drawing parallels between past and present special operations.

Chapters

  1. 02:47Introduction of John Stryker Meyer
  2. 03:53Sponsors and Tactical Tuesday
  3. 05:38Welcome to Tactical Tuesday Episode 76
  4. 06:16John Stryker Meyer's Background
  5. 07:08Inspiring to be a Green Beret
  6. 08:43Joining MACV-SOG
  7. 10:07The Secret War Explained
  8. 11:01MACV-SOG Mission Briefing
  9. 12:42Welcome to the Secret War
  10. 13:13SOG Recon Teams Disappearing
  11. 14:30MIA Soldiers from the Secret War
  12. 15:08Modern Aviation Technology
  13. 17:32SOG Team Composition and Fobs
  14. 18:54Structure of a SOG Team
  15. 19:30Team Leader and Radio Operator Roles
  16. 19:58Getting Busted Down Rank
  17. 21:38Indigenous Troops in SOG
  18. 22:22Grenade Throwing Capabilities
  19. 23:11Mission Loadouts
  20. 25:21AC-130 Spectre Gunship Experience
  21. 26:25Tactical Situations and Combat Heat
  22. 29:29Sustained Gunfights and Logistics
  23. 30:30Ammunition Loadout for Combat
  24. 31:32Gear Carried by SOG Teams
  25. 32:02Grenade Loadout per Guy
  26. 33:33Pistol vs. M79 Loadout
  27. 33:55Improvised Explosives and Claymore Mines
  28. 35:04Claymores with Five-Second Fuses
  29. 37:10Tactics with Claymore Mines
  30. 39:31Never Fired Claymore in Combat
  31. 40:00Audience Questions Begin
  32. 40:10Shoutout to Glenn
  33. 41:07Message from Hemingway
  34. 41:38Rating SOG Mission Hairiness
  35. 42:07Aleppo LeBlanc's Parachuting Plans
  36. 42:35Question from Chet Common Sense
  37. 43:04The Value of Books
  38. 44:13Question from Jerry J
  39. 45:20Question from Chris Lloyd
  40. 45:38Moment of Near-Death Experience
  41. 46:02Repeatedly Getting Shot Out
  42. 48:48Ambush Setup and POW Snatch Attempt
  43. 50:02Evading NVA Tracker Dogs
  44. 51:30Navigating Streams and Avoiding Detection
  45. 53:33The "Come to Jesus" Moment
  46. 54:14Extraction Under Fire
  47. 55:25Comparing Combat Experiences
  48. 56:02Spectre Gunship Support
  49. 59:51Throwing Rocks as Ammunition
  50. 61:00John Stryker Meyer's Books
  51. 63:07Funeral Detail for a MACV-SOG Operator
  52. 65:35Gratitude for Service
  53. 66:00Audience Questions Continue
  54. 66:31Carrying Mags in Canteen Pouches
  55. 67:24Progression of Military Uniforms
  56. 67:48Rick Glam - Special Forces Legend
  57. 69:26Combating Trench Foot
  58. 71:16Steel Shanks in Jungle Boots
  59. 72:14Honoring MIA Soldiers
  60. 73:19Question about Mission Objectives
  61. 74:02The "Secret War" Accord
  62. 74:42SOG Mission Types
  63. 75:14American POW Camp Missions
  64. 76:04Disguised Infiltration for POW Rescue

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