Specialoperations

The United States emerged from World War II with the Bazooka as its primary anti-armor and anti-structure weapon.  Proven as a true war winner, the series, requiring a firer and a loader, started with the M1, upgraded through the  M9 and ended with the M20B1 ‘Super’ during Korea. The Bazooka’s basic design never changed, and […]

The Japanese started reducing their attack runs, preferring short bursts due to the B-17’s incredible defense. They had never faced so much resistance from one plane.

Yes, it was true what they said about it. The faded green B-17 Flying Fortress was shot up and being cannibalized for parts. Hell, it was just a few days from the scrap heap. Yet, Captain Jay Zeamer knew there was no other option but to try and restore it to airworthiness. He and his […]

Spring 1942, was a particularly stressful time for the Allied forces in World War II.  Germany was firmly entrenched in Russia and ready to undertake offensives again, the United States was reeling from the loss of most of its island possessions in the Pacific, and the British were still enduring nightly visits by German bombers, […]

The 9mm Carl Gustav M/45 submachine gun occupies a unique place in United States Special Forces history for, during the Vietnam War, it was often chosen over the then troublesome M-16 series by members looking for a reliable, controllable and reasonably accurate weapon at short ranges.  Once they fired it, the new owners found the […]

Twenty years, that’s how long it took for me to realize I’d done something unique, something different. I was young when I started my SEAL career at SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team Two (SDVT-2). I thought all the Team guys at real SEAL Teams must be right. They must have known something I didn’t. They must […]

(In Part One of the Last Stand At Lang Vei, the story ended just as the NVA began their secondary assault against the camp. This week the story is carried to its conclusion from that point using a narrative interweaved with after action reports written by Lieutenant Colonel Shungel and Captain Willoughby.) The tanks roared […]

Today’s SEAL Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) almost seem like something from a futuristic styled video game. Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, equipped with state-of-the-art navigation, communication and onboard life sustaining systems the SDV appears as modern day science-fiction; but, these ghost like submersibles have been around since World War II and have served are nations secret […]

SEAL training is known as the toughest and most demanding in world. Grueling physical challenges all day everyday test a man’s mental fortitude as he’s pushed to his limits. To become a SEAL there are 4 distinct stages one must travel through. Passing through a draft, completing prep school, making it through BUD/S and finally […]

The history and evolution of the SEAL Teams is a powerful one. I spent over 10 years as a SEAL and never really understood who they were until now. If I knew then what I know now, I never would have left the Teams in 2008. “Officially” the SEAL Teams were formed in January of […]

Every ounce of their being has been forged by war. Not a single tactic, technique or procedure hasn’t been bought and paid for by their own blood. Every laser, parachute, weapon, suppressor, trigger, button and stitch on their uniform has a purpose. They’ve been called ghosts, guerrillas, assassins and heroes. To know them one must […]

“Leben in der Kompanie” Life in the Kampfschwimmer Company After three years of training, the time has come: certification as a Kampfschwimmer. In a simple ceremony the new naval commando receives his insignia, his certification papers, and his unique Kampfschwimmer serial number. He is officially inducted into the Kampfschwimmer community – a community which still […]