Years ago we had a chance to sit down for an interview with Richard “Demo Dick” Marcinko when he was in town for an event in New York City. For the first time in more than three years, this content is now free for your viewing pleasure.

During this exclusive interview, Dick Marcinko, the founder of SEAL Team 6, talks about the significant transition period following the Vietnam War, when combat-experienced Navy SEALs transitioned into a standing dedicated counterterrorism force. Operation Eagle Claw, the failed rescue attempt of American diplomats in Iran, was the final straw that pushed the military toward developing a dedicated counterterrorism force.

Following the humiliating operation, Dick Marcinko said that the unclassified Holloway Report highlighted the need for the dedicated counterterrorism force, thus SEAL Team 6 was created along with Delta Force and dedicated Rangers. Dick Marcinko was at the Pentagon during Operation Eagle Claw and was assigned the duty of developing this specialized fighting force.

Be on the lookout for more great content like this, courtesy of the Spec Ops Channel.