Interview with SOG Legend John Mullins | Tactical Rifleman

Published on July 21, 2023
Duration: 102:32

This video features an in-depth interview with SOG legend John Mullins, detailing his extensive career in Special Forces, including experiences in Vietnam, counter-terrorism operations, and the development of tactical training methods. Mullins shares personal anecdotes about combat, survival, and the evolution of military tactics, highlighting his role in developing the 'Quick Kill' shooting technique and frangible ammunition. The discussion also touches upon the complexities of psychological warfare and the challenges faced by elite military units.

Quick Summary

SOG legend John Mullins discusses his extensive career, including combat in Vietnam, the development of the 'Quick Kill' shooting technique, and the invention of frangible ammunition for safer training.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Memorial Ceremony
  2. 01:38Introducing John Stryker Myers and John Mullins
  3. 03:02Combat Experience in Central Highlands, 1966
  4. 04:09The Charge Up the Hill
  5. 05:03Using Grenades in Combat
  6. 06:06Close Encounter in a Bunker
  7. 07:20Origins of a Farm Boy's Military Ambition
  8. 08:05Basic Training and Airborne Volunteer
  9. 08:30Early Military Misadventures and First Sergeant Charlie Waters
  10. 10:26Green Beret Recruiter and MOS Choice
  11. 11:36Medic School and Fort Sam Houston
  12. 13:13Deployment to Vietnam (1963) and Camp Lok Nan
  13. 14:00Ambush and Saving a Soldier's Life
  14. 15:37Return to States and Re-enlistment
  15. 16:39OCS, Ranger School, and 5th Special Forces Group
  16. 17:28Deployment to Central Highlands ('Happy Valley')
  17. 18:15Dealing with Snipers in Vietnam
  18. 19:24Trading for a Sniper Rifle
  19. 20:30The 'Claymore' Incident and Village Destruction
  20. 22:15Last Patrol and Ambush
  21. 23:13The Explosion and Injury
  22. 24:50Humorous Recovery and 'Heavy Metal'
  23. 25:22Assignment to Fort Benning and 'Quick Kill'
  24. 26:43The 'Quick Kill' Training Method
  25. 29:26Sula Roo and the Origins of Quick Kill
  26. 31:15John Wayne's Visit to the Range
  27. 32:34Robin Moore and 'The Green Berets'
  28. 34:37Return to Vietnam and Company Command
  29. 35:19Volunteering for Vietnam Again
  30. 35:32Introduction to SOG and the 'Borden' Program
  31. 36:04Recruiting POWs and Psychological Warfare
  32. 39:03Mission in Laos and Helicopter Ambush
  33. 41:36Aftermath of the Helicopter Ambush
  34. 42:43The Phoenix Program Explained
  35. 46:43The Provisional Reconnaissance Unit (PRU)
  36. 52:02PRU Operations and Trail Watchers
  37. 53:49Leaving Vietnam and Language School
  38. 55:05Learning Russian and Assignment to 10th Group
  39. 56:06Skiing and International Exercises
  40. 57:05Deadeye Operation and Planting Caches
  41. 58:04Assisting Refugees and Extracting a Scientist
  42. 59:41German Mountain School and Belgian Commando School
  43. 60:56Ski March and German Guest House
  44. 62:20The Gabareg Case
  45. 64:40Working on Terrorism and Key West Assignment
  46. 65:06Infiltrating Hijacked Ships and the 'Shoot'
  47. 66:17Inventing Suction Devices
  48. 68:10Project Blue Light and Delta Force Predecessor
  49. 69:11SIFF Company and Direct Action Missions
  50. 70:00Developing Urban Combat Doctrine
  51. 71:05Training in Saudi Arabia
  52. 72:01Spanish Language School
  53. 73:30Work in Bogota and Counter-Narcotics
  54. 74:23Protecting Judges in Bogota
  55. 75:40Bogota Bombing Incident
  56. 78:01Airplane Hijacking and FAA Program
  57. 82:15Invention of Frangible Ammunition
  58. 84:51Fan of Frangible Ammo for Home Defense

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'Quick Kill' shooting technique?

The 'Quick Kill' technique, developed by John Mullins, is a method of instinctive shooting that prioritizes speed and rapid target acquisition in close-quarters combat, bypassing traditional sight alignment for faster engagement.

What is frangible ammunition and why is it important?

Frangible ammunition is designed to break apart into small particles upon impact, significantly reducing the risk of ricochets. This makes it ideal for safe training in confined spaces, indoor ranges, or near hard surfaces where traditional bullets could pose a danger.

What was the Phoenix Program during the Vietnam War?

The Phoenix Program was a U.S. effort during the Vietnam War focused on neutralizing the Viet Cong's political infrastructure. It involved intelligence gathering, capture, and elimination of enemy cadres, and is considered one of the most effective, though controversial, programs of the war.

What role did John Mullins play in Special Forces history?

John Mullins is a decorated Special Forces veteran known for his service in SOG during Vietnam, his development of the 'Quick Kill' shooting technique, the invention of frangible ammunition, and his extensive involvement in counter-terrorism and tactical training.

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