Underground Strategy

Episode 4: Weaponry Deep Dive with Vapenkunskap (Weapons Knowledge)

In this episode, we go full nerd with Vapenkunskap (Weapons Knowledge), diving deep into the details of weaponry. From the legendary Kalashnikov to cutting-edge developments, this conversation takes us across the globe as we explore the world of firearms and tactics.

Check out Vapenkunskap’s brilliant insights on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vapenkunskap/

We also touch on some key topics, including:

• The Kalashnikov: Learn more here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/AK-47
• Sweden’s AK 5 D: Featured on the cover of Max’s book Number 788: My Experiences in Swedish Special Operations: https://www.helion.co.uk/military-history-books/number-788-my-experiences-in-swedish-special-operations-preparing-for-nato-and-the-war-on-terror.php
• The development of the AK 5: Read more about Sweden’s standard assault rifle here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatkarbin_5
• Green ammunition: A fascinating discussion on environmentally friendly ammo: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_bullet
• Green soldiering in South Africa: Tony reflects on the country’s green approach to soldiering: http://www.enviropaedia.com/topic/default.php?topic_id=128

And last but not least, don’t be like Max and Tony—read the manual before all else fails. As recommended by Vapenkunskap, check out the Swedish Mauser manual here: http://pdf.textfiles.com/manuals/FIREARMS/swede_m38-m41b-m96.pdf

For more on Underground Strategy, visit: https://undergroundstrategy.com

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In this edition of Underground Strategy, Max Lauker and Tony Garcia welcome historian Karen Horn, who brings her extensive research on prisoners of war (POWs) to the podcast. Karen shares insights from her books, In Enemy Hands and Prisoners of Jan Smuts, exploring the lives and experiences of POWs from WWII. Through her detailed research and personal interviews, Karen uncovers stories that reveal both the resilience and humanity of those who endured captivity.

During this engaging conversation, Karen discusses her unique approach to historical writing, focusing on the stories of individuals to convey the larger experience of POWs. She shares some memorable anecdotes from her interviews, reflecting on the humor, resilience, and challenges that POWs expressed during her research. From Italian POWs in South Africa to South Africans captured by the Germans, Karen’s work offers a rich look at the human element of wartime.

As POWs remain a constant through centuries of conflict, Karen’s stories resonate in today’s context, reminding us of the enduring complexities of war. We look forward to having her back.

Karen's books are available in South Africa in all good book stores, and abroad at:

Prisoners of Jan Smuts: https://amzn.eu/d/2zaQO9M

In Enemy Hands: In Enemy Hands: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1868426513

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Episode 9: Military Logistics – The Backbone of Warfare

In this episode of Underground Strategy, Max Lauker and Tony Garcia take a deep dive into one of the most critical, yet often overlooked, aspects of military success: logistics. As the saying goes, "Amateurs talk tactics, but professionals talk logistics." Throughout history, the ability to keep armies supplied has been the difference between victory and defeat.

Max and Tony explore the importance of logistics in warfare, drawing on historical examples from Napoleon's disastrous Russian campaign to the logistical challenges that crippled the German forces in North Africa during World War II. They discuss how even the most brilliant strategies can falter without a well-organized supply chain, and how logistics continues to play a pivotal role in modern military operations.

Join Max and Tony, in the rear with the gear, as they highlight the unsung hero of military success and give listeners a fresh perspective on the true importance of logistics in warfare.

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Episode 10: War and Peace with Peter de Clercq

In this episode of Underground Strategy, we had the honor of hosting Peter de Clercq, a Dutch diplomat who has spent over 35 years working at the highest levels of the United Nations, including as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). His extensive experience includes working in conflict-affected countries such as Somalia, Sudan, and Haiti, where he has dedicated his career to improving conditions for the most vulnerable populations.

Although Peter is formally retired from his UN roles, he remains deeply involved in promoting inclusion, rights, and opportunities for those impacted by war. In this episode, Peter shares his insights into leadership, peacebuilding, and the challenges the UN faces in war-torn regions.

We discuss how diplomacy plays a crucial role in creating the conditions for peace during violent conflict and rebuilding societies afterward. It was a great conversation, and we’re looking forward to welcoming Peter back for a follow-up episode.

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Welcome to Episode 3 of our limited series on Number 788, hosted and produced by South African media figure Desmond Latham. Known for his History of South Africa podcast, Desmond brings his deep experience and sharp perspective to this series, guiding listeners through the pivotal events that shaped Max Lauker’s journey into Swedish special operations.

In this episode, Desmond and Max dive into the transition from intense training to high-stakes operations, revealing some of the unorthodox, unsanctioned missions that came Max’s way. Max recounts his time in the UK for close-protection training, where he found himself unexpectedly assigned as security detail for a Russian oligarch—complete with food-tasting duties to safeguard against potential poisoning. It’s a unique look at the blend of humor and tension that marked the early years of his career.

Moving on to Latin America, Max describes his initial assignments in Panama, where he was tasked with preparing for future operations and forging local and international connections. Desmond’s insightful questions help unravel the complexities of conducting off-the-books missions abroad, from extractions in Venezuela to joint operations with Colombian forces. These experiences gave Max a foundation in adaptable, real-world tactics, shaping the way he approached later sanctioned missions.

The episode wraps up with a discussion of the political dynamics behind Sweden’s special operations. Desmond and Max discuss the significance of Sweden’s proactive role during the Balkans deployment, a pivotal assignment that strengthened Sweden’s credibility within NATO-aligned intelligence circles and set the stage for a strategic shift in their operations.

In the next episode, Max will delve deeper into his boots-on-the-ground experiences in the Balkans, leading into deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Links:

Desmond Latham’s Blog: https://desmondlatham.blog/

History of South Africa Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2uDa0tQjGe3GpFKDGjMMAm?si=2d2812af232742da

Number 788 on Amazon: https://a.co/d/is4FcIx

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