Podcasts about special operations group

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.Today is the 5th of May and here are the headlines.Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Monday, following a briefing by Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh on India's military preparedness after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. The meeting focused on potential retaliatory measures against Pakistan. Additionally, the UN Security Council will hold a closed-door meeting regarding the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, with Pakistan calling for an emergency session. India has already taken actions, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and downgrading diplomatic ties.Pakistani troops engaged in unprovoked firing across eight forward sectors along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, violating ceasefire agreements. This marks the 11th consecutive night of such violations, following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. The unprovoked firing has been widespread, with violations now affecting multiple sectors along the LoC, a shift from past occurrences, which typically focused on southern Pir Panjal. India retaliated to protect its borders and maintain peace in the region amidst rising tensions with Pakistan.Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir discovered a militant hideout in the border district of Poonch on Monday. During a search operation in the Surankote forest area, the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police's Special Operations Group recovered five improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and two wireless sets. The search followed intelligence reports. The IEDs, weighing between 0.5 kg and 5 kg, were destroyed in a controlled explosion at the site. The operation underscores ongoing efforts to neutralize militant threats in the region, especially amid rising tensions with Pakistan.Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the Pahalgam terror attack during a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. He expressed deep condolences for the victims and reiterated Russia's full support for India's fight against terrorism. Putin emphasized that the perpetrators and their supporters must be brought to justice. The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Additionally, Modi extended greetings to Putin on Russia's 80th Victory Day anniversary, highlighting the longstanding diplomatic ties between the two nations.That's all for today. This was the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

Can You Segway?Book 3 in 18 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels.So exactly who was going to be sympathetic to their plight, who we cared about?Beyond my fevered dream of making a difference there was a pinch of reality. See, the Cabindans and the people of Zaire were both ethnic Bakongo and the Bakongo of Zaire had also once had their own, independent (until 1914) kingdom which was now part of Angola. The Bakongo were major factions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) -(formerly for a short time known as the nation of Zaire, from here on out to be referred to as the DRC and in the running for the most fucked up place on the planet Earth, more on that later)- and Congo (the nation) yet a minority in Angola. Having an independent nation united along ethnic and linguistic lines made sense and could expect support from their confederates across international boundaries.The Liberation Air ForceThe Earth & Sky operated under one constant dilemma ~ when would Temujin make his return? Since they didn't know and it was their job to be prepared for the eventuality if it happened tomorrow, or a century down the line, they 'stockpiled', and 'stockpiled' and 'stockpiled'.That was why they maintained large horse herds and preserved the ancient arts of Asian bowyers, armoring and weapons-craft. That was why they created secret armories, and sulfur and saltpeter sites when musketry and cannons became the new ways of warfare. They secured sources of phosphates and petroleum when they became the new thing, and so on.All of this boiled over to me being shown yet again I worked with clever, creative and under-handed people. The Khanate came up with a plan for a 'Union' Air Force {Union? More on that later} within 24 hours, and it barely touched any of their existing resources. How did they accomplish this miracle? They had stockpiled and maintained earlier generation aircraft because they didn't know when Temujin would make his re-appearance.They'd also trained pilots and ground crews for those aircraft. As you might imagine, those people grew old just as their equipment did. In time, they went into the Earth & Sky's Inactive Reserves ~ the rank & file over the age of 45. You never were 'too old' to serve in some capacity though most combat-support related work ended at 67.When Temujin made his return and the E&S transformed into the Khanate, those people went to work bringing their lovingly cared for, aging equipment up to combat-alert readiness. If the frontline units were decimated, they would have to serve, despite the grim odds of their survival. It was the terrible acceptance the Chinese would simply possess so much more war-making material than they did.Well, the Khanate kicked the PRC's ass in a titanic ass-whooping no one (else) had seen coming, or would soon forget. Factory production and replacement of worn machines was in stride to have the Khanate's Air Force ready for the next round of warfare when the Cease-fire ended and the Reunification War resumed.Always a lower priority, the Khanate military leadership was considering deactivating dozens of these reserve unit when suddenly the (Mongolian) Ikh khaany khairt akh dáé (me) had this hare-brained scheme about helping rebels in Africa, West Africa, along the Gulf of Guinea coast/Atlantic Ocean, far, far away, and it couldn't look like the Khanate was directly involved.They barely knew where Angola was. They had to look up Cabinda to figure out precisely where that was. They brought in some of their 'reservist' air staff to this briefing and one of them, a woman (roughly a third of the E&S 'fighting'/non-frontline forces were female), knew what was going on. Why?She had studied the combat records and performance of the types of aircraft she'd have to utilize... back in the 1980's and 90's and Angola had been a war zone rife with Soviet (aka Khanate) material back then. Since she was both on the ball, bright and knew the score, the War Council put her in overall command. She knew what was expected of her and off she went, new staff in hand. She was 64 years old, yet as ready and willing to serve as any 20 year old believer in the Cause.Subtlety, scarcity and audacity were the watchwords of the day. The Khanate couldn't afford any of their front-line aircraft for this 'expedition'. They really couldn't afford any of their second-rate stuff either. Fortunately, they had some updated third-rate war-fighting gear still capable of putting up an impressive show in combat ~ providing they weren't going up against a top tier opponents.For the 'volunteers' of the Union Air Force, this could very likely to be a one-way trip. They all needed crash courses (not a word any air force loves, I know) in Portuguese though hastily provided iPhones with 'apps' to act as translators were deemed to be an adequate stop-gap measure. Besides, they were advised to avoid getting captured at all cost. The E&S couldn't afford the exposure. Given the opportunity ~ this assignment really was going above and beyond ~ not one of these forty-six to sixty-seven year olds backed out.No, they rolled out fifty of their antiquated aircraft, designs dating back to the 1950's through the mid-70's, and prepared them for the over 10,000 km journey to where they were 'needed most'. 118 pilots would go (72 active plus 46 replacements) along with 400 ground crew and an equally aged air defense battalion (so their air bases didn't get blown up). Security would be provided by 'outsiders' ~ allies already on the ground and whatever rebels could be scrounged up. After the initial insertion, the Indian Air Force would fly in supplies at night into the Cabinda City and Soyo Airports.The composition,14 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 jet fighters ~ though she entered service in 1959, these planes' electronics were late 20th century and she was a renowned dogfighter. 12 were the Mig-21-97 modernized variant and the other two were Mig-21 UM two-seater trainer variants which could double as reconnaissance fighters if needed.14 Sukhoi Su-22 jet fighter-bombers ~ the original design, called the Su-17, came out in 1970, the first 12 were variants with the 22M4 upgrade were an early-80's package. The other 2 were Su-22U two-seat trainers which, like their Mig-21 comrades, doubled as reconnaissance fighters. The Su-22M4's would be doing the majority of the ground attack missions for the Cabindans, though they could defend themselves in aerial combat if necessary.6 Sukhoi Su-24M2 supersonic attack aircraft ~ the first model rolled off the production lines in the Soviet Union back in 1974. By far the heaviest planes in the Cabindan Air Force, the Su-24M2's would act as their 'bomber force' as well as anti-ship deterrence.8 Mil Mi-24 VM combat helicopters ~ introduced in 1972 was still a lethal combat machine today. Unlike the NATO helicopter force, the Mi-24's did double duty as both attack helicopter and assault transports at the same time.4 Mil Mi-8 utility helicopters, first produced in 1967. Three would act as troop/cargo transports (Mi-8 TP) while the fourth was configured as a mobile hospital (the MI-17 1VA).4 Antonov An-26 turboprop aircraft, two to be used as tactical transports to bring in supplies by day and two specializing in electronic intelligence aka listening to what the enemy was up to. Though it entered production in 1969, many still remained flying today.2 Antonov An-71M AEW&C twin-jet engine aircraft. These were an old, abandoned Soviet design the Earth & Sky had continued working on primarily because the current (1970's) Russian Airborne Early Warning and Control bird had been both huge and rather ineffective ~ it couldn't easily identify low-flying planes in the ground clutter so it was mainly only good at sea. Since the E&S planned to mostly fight over the land,They kept working on the An-71 which was basically 1977's popular An-72 with some pertinent design modifications (placing the engines below the wings instead of above them as on the -72 being a big one). To solve their radar problem, they stole some from the Swedish tech firm Ericsson, which hadn't been foreseen to be a problem before now.See, the Russians in the post-Soviet era created a decent AEW&C craft the E&S gladly stole and copied the shit out of for their front line units and it was working quite nicely ~ the Beriev A-50, and wow, were the boys in the Kremlin pissed off about that these days. Whoops, or was that woot?Now, the Khanate was shipping two An-71's down to Cabinda and somewhere along the line someone just might get a 'feel' for the style of radar and jamming the Cabindans were using aka the Swedish stuff in those An-71's. The Erieye radar system could pick out individual planes at 280 miles. The over-all system could track 60 targets and plot out 10 intercepts simultaneously. NATO, they were not, but in sub-Saharan Africa, there were none better.Anyway, so why was any of this important?Why the old folks with their ancient machines? As revealed, since the Earth & Sky had no idea when Temüjin would return, they were constantly squirreling away equipment. World War 2 gave them unequaled access to Soviet military technology and training.Afterwards, under Josef Stalin's direction, thousands of Russian and German engineers and scientists were exiled to Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan who were then snatched up (reportedly died in the gulags/trying to escape) and the E&S began building mirror factories modeled on the 'then current' Soviet production lines.So, by the early 1950's, the E&S was building, flying and maintaining Soviet-style Antonov, Beriev, Ilyushin, Myasishchev, Mikoyan-Gurevich, Sukhoi, Tupolev and Yakovlev airplanes. First in small numbers because their pool of pilots and specialists was so small.The E&S remedied this by creating both their own 'private' flight academies and technical schools. They protected their activities with the judicious use of bribes (they were remarkably successful with their economic endeavors on both side of the Iron Curtain) and murders (including the use of the Ghost Tigers).By 1960, the proto-Khanate had an air force. Through the next two decades they refined and altered their doctrine ~ moving away from the Soviet doctrine to a more pure combined-arms approach (the Soviets divided their air power into four separate arms ~ ADD (Long Range Aviation), FA (Front Aviation), MTA (Military Transport Aviation) and the V-PVO (Soviet Air Defenses ~ which controlled air interceptors).).It wasn't until the collapse of the Soviet Union and the independence of the various former SSR's that the E&S program really began to hit its stride. Still, while Russia faltered, China's PLAAF (Peoples' Liberation Army Air Force) began to take off. Since the Chinese could produce so much more, the E&S felt it had to keep those older planes and crews up to combat readiness. The younger field crews and pilots flew the newer models as they rolled off the secret production lines.Then the Unification War appeared suddenly, the E&S-turned Khanate Air Force skunked their PLAAF rivals due to two factors, a surprise attack on a strategic level and the fatal poisoning of their pilots and ground crews before they even got into the fight. For those Chinese craft not destroyed on the ground, the effects of Anthrax eroded their fighting edge. Comparable technology gave the Khanate their critical victory and Air Supremacy over the most important battlefields.What did this meant for those out-of-date air crews and pilots who had been training to a razor's edge for a month now? Their assignment had been to face down the Russians if they invaded. They would take their planes up into the fight even though this most likely would mean their deaths, but they had to try.When Operation Fun House put Russia in a position where she wasn't likely to jump on the Khanate, this mission's importance faded. The Russian Air Force was far more stretched than the Khanate's between her agitations in the Baltic and her commitments in the Manchurian, Ukrainian, Chechen and Georgian theaters.With more new planes rolling off the production lines, these reservist units began dropping down the fuel priority list, which meant lowering their flight times thus readiness. Only my hare-brained scheme had short-circuited their timely retirement. Had I realized I was getting people's grandparents killed, I would have probably made the same call anyway. We needed them.The KanateThe Khanate's #1 air superiority dogfighter was the Mig-35F. The #2 was the Mig-29. No one was openly discussing the Khanate's super-stealthy "Su-50", if that was what it was, because its existence 'might' suggest the Khanate also stole technology from the Indian defense industry, along with their laundry list of thefts from South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, the PRC, Russia and half of NATO.Her top multi-role fighters were the Su-47, Su-35S and Su-30SM. The Su-30 'Flanker-C/MK2/MKI were their 2nd team with plenty of 3rd team Su-27M's still flying combat missions as well.Strike fighters? There weren't enough Su-34's to go around yet, so the Su-25MS remained the Khanate's dedicated Close Air Assault model.Medium transport aircraft? The An-32RE and An-38. They had small, large and gargantuan transports as well.Bombers? The rather ancient jet-powered Tu-160M2's and Tu-22M2's as well as the even older yet still worthwhile turboprops ~ from 1956's ~ the Tu-95M S16.Helicopters? While they still flew updated variants of the Mil Mi-8/17 as military transports, the more optimized Kamov Ka-52 and Mil Mi-28 had replaced them in the assault role.Bizarrely, the Khanate had overrun several Chinese production lines of the aircraft frames and components ~ enough to complete fairly modern PLAAF (Peoples Liberation Army Air Force) FC-1 and J-10 (both are small multi-role fighter remarkably similar to the US F-16 with the FC-1 being the more advanced model, using shared Chinese-Pakistani technology and was designed for export,).They did have nearly two dozen to send, but they didn't have the pilots and ground crews trained to work with them, plus the FC-1 cost roughly $32 million which wasn't fundage any legitimate Cabindan rebels could get their hands on, much less $768 million (and that would just be for the planes, not the weeks' worth of fuel, parts and munitions necessary for what was forthcoming).Meanwhile, except for the An-26, which you could get for under $700,000 and the An-71, which were only rendered valuable via 'black market tech', none of the turboprop and jet aircraft the Khanate was sending were what any sane military would normally want. The helicopters were expensive ~ the 'new' models Mi-24's cost $32 million while the Mi-17's set you back $17 million. The one's heading to Cabinda didn't look 'new'.The Opposition:In contrast, the Angolan Air Force appeared far larger and more modern. Appearances can be deceptive, and they were. Sure, the models of Russian and Soviet-made aircraft they had in their inventory had the higher numbers ~ the Su-25, -27 and -30 ~ plus they had Mig-21bis's, Mig-23's and Su-22's, but things like training and up-keep didn't appear to be priorities for the Angolans.When you took into account the rampant corruption infecting all levels of Angolan government, the conscript nature of their military, the weakness of their technical educational system, the complexity of any modern combat aircraft and the reality that poor sods forced into being Air Force ground crewmen hardly made the most inspired technicians, or most diligent care-takers of their 'valuable' stockpiles (which their officers all too often sold on the black market anyway), things didn't just look bleak for the Angolan Air Force, they were a tsunami of cumulative factors heading them for an epic disaster.It wasn't only their enemies who derided their Air Force's lack of readiness. Their allies constantly scolded them about it too. Instead of trying to fix their current inventory, the Angolans kept shopping around for new stuff. Since 'new'-new aircraft was beyond what they wanted to spend (aka put too much of a dent in the money they were siphoning off to their private off-shore accounts), they bought 'used' gear from former Soviet states ~ Belarus, Russia and Ukraine ~ who sold them stuff they had left abandoned in revetments (open to the elements to slowly rot) on the cheap.To add to the insanity, the Angolans failed to keep up their maintenance agreements so their newly fixed high-tech machines often either couldn't fly, or flew without critical systems, like radar, avionics and even radios. Maybe that wasn't for the worst because after spending millions on these occasionally-mobile paperweights, the Angolans bought the least technologically advanced missile, gun and rocket systems they could get to put on these flying misfortunes.On the spread sheets, Angola had 18 Su-30K's, 18 Su-27, 12 Su-25's, 14 Su-22's, 22 Mig-23's, 23 Mig-21bis's and 6 Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano (a turboprop aircraft tailor-made for counter-insurgency operations), 105 helicopters with some combative ability and 21 planes with some airlift capacity. That equated to 81 either air superiority, or multi-role jet fighters versus the 12 Union Air Force (actually the Bakongo Uni o de Cabinda e Zaire, For as Armadas de Liberta  o, For a Area ~ Liberation Armed Forces, Air Force (BUCZ-FAL-FA) Mig-21-97's.It would seem lopsided except for the thousands of hours of flight experience the 'Unionists' enjoyed over their Angolan rivals. You also needed to take into account the long training and fanatic dedication of their ground crews to their pilots and their craft. Then you needed to take into account every Unionist aircraft, while an older airframe design, had updated (usually to the year 2000) technology lovingly cared for, as if the survival of their People demanded it.A second and even more critical factor was the element of surprise. At least the PRC and the PLAAF had contingencies for attacks from their neighbors in the forefront of their strategic planning. The Angolans? The only country with ANY air force in the vicinity was the Republic of South Africa (RSA) and they had ceased being a threat with the end of Apartheid and the rise of majority Black rule in that country nearly two decades earlier.In the pre-dawn hours of 'Union Independence Day', the FAL-FA was going to smash every Angolan Air base and air defense facility within 375 miles of Cabinda (the city). Every three hours after that, they would be hitting another target within their designated 'Exclusion Zone'. Yes, this 'Exclusion Zone' included a 'tiny' bit of DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) territory. The DRC didn't have an air force to challenge them though, so,Inside this 'Exclusion Zone', anything moving by sea, river, road, rail, or air without Unionist governmental approval was subject to attack, which would require neutral parties to acknowledge some semblance of a free and independent B U C Z. Worse for Angola, this 'Zone' included Angola's capital and its largest port, Luanda, plus four more of their ten largest urban centers. This could be an economic, military and humanitarian catastrophe if mishandled.The Angolan Army did not have significant anti-aircraft assets. Why would they? Remember, no one around them had much of an air force to worry about. The FAL-FA in turn could hit military convoys with TV-guided munitions 'beyond line of sight', rendering what they did have useless. It got worse for the Army after dark. The FAL-FA could and would fly at night whereas the average Angolan formation had Zip-Zero-Nadda night fighting capacity.Then geography added its own mountain of woes. As far as Cabinda was concerned, there was no direct land line to their border from Angola. Their coastal road only went as far as the port of Soyo where the Congo River hit the South Atlantic Ocean. Across that massive gap was the DRC where the road was not picked back up. Far up the coast was the DRC town of Muanda (with an airport) and though they did have a road which went north, it did not continue to the Cabindan border.Nope. To get at Cabinda from the south meant a long, torturous travel through northeastern Angola, into the heart of the DRC then entailed hooking west to some point 'close' to the Cabindan frontier before finally hoofing it overland through partially cleared farmland and jungle. Mind you, the DRC didn't have a native air force capable of protecting the Angolans in their territory so,In fact the only 'road' to Cabinda came from the Republic of Congo (Congo) to the north and even that was a twisted route along some really bad, swampy terrain. This had been the pathway of conquest the Angolans took 39 years earlier. The difference being the tiny bands of pro-independence Cabindan guerillas back then couldn't hold a candle to the Amazons fighting to free Cabinda this time around in numbers, zeal, training and up-to-date equipment.Next option ~ to come by sea. They would face a few, stiff problems, such as the FAL-FA having ship-killer missiles, the Angolan Navy not being able to defend them and the Unionists having no compunction to not strike Pointe-Noire in the 'not so neutral' Republic of the Congo if they somehow began unloading Angolan troops. It seemed the Republic of the Congo didn't have much of an Air Force either.Before you think the FAL-FA was biting off more than they could chew, Cabinda, the province, was shaped somewhat like the US State of Delaware, was half the size of Connecticut (Cabinda was 2,810 sq. mi. to Conn.'s 5,543 sq. mi.) and only the western 20% was relatively open countryside where the Angolan Army's only advantage ~ they possessed armed fighting vehicles while the 'Unionists' did not (at this stage of planning) ~ could hopefully come into play.Centered at their capital, Cabinda (City), jets could reach any point along their border within eight minutes. Helicopters could make it in fifteen. To be safe, some of the FAL-FA would base at the town of Belize which was in the northern upcountry and much tougher to get at with the added advantage the Angolans wouldn't be expecting the FAL-FA to be using the abandoned airfield there, at least initially.Where they afraid attacking Angolan troops in the DRC would invite war with the DRC? Sure, but letting the Angolans reach the border unscathed was worse. Besides, the DRC was in such a mess it needed 23,000 UN Peacekeepers within her borders just to keep the country from falling apart. Barring outside, read European, intervention, did "Democratically-elected since 2001" President (for Life) Joseph Kabila want the FAL-FA to start dropping bombs on his capital, Kinshasa, which was well within reach of all their aircraft?Congo (the country), to the north, wasn't being propped up by the UN, or anything else except ill intentions. In reality, it hardly had much of a military at all. Its officer corps was chosen for political reliability, not merit, or capability. Their technology was old Cold War stuff with little effort to update anything and, if you suspected corruption might be a problem across all spectrums of life, you would 'probably' be right about that too.If you suspected the current President had been in charge for a while, you would be correct again (1979-1992 then 2001- and the 'whoops' was when he accidently let his country experiment with democracy which led to two civil wars). If you suspected he was a life-long Communist (along with the Presidents of the DRC and Angola), you'd be right about that as well. Somehow their shared Marxist-Leninist-Communist ideology hadn't quite translated over to alleviating the grinding poverty in any of those countries despite their vast mineral wealth,At this point in the region's history, little Cabinda had everything to gain by striving for independence and the vast majority of 'warriors' who could possibly be sent against her had terribly little to gain fighting and dying trying to stop them from achieving her goal. After all, their lives weren't going to get any better and with the Amazons ability ~ nay willingness ~ to commit battlefield atrocities, those leaders were going to find it hard going to keep sending their men off to die.And then, it got even worse.See, what I had pointed out was there were two oil refineries in Angola, and neither was in Cabinda. Cabinda would need a refinery to start making good on their oil wealth ~ aka economically bribe off the Western economies already shaken over the Khanate's first round of aggressions.But wait! There was an oil refinery just across the Congo River from Cabinda ~ which meant it was attached to mainland Angola. That had to be a passel of impossible news, right?Nope. As I said earlier, it seemed the people of northern Angola were the same racial group as the Cabindans AND majority Catholic while the ruling clique wasn't part of their ethnic confederacy plus the farther south and east into Angola you went, the less Catholic it became.But it got better. This province was historically its own little independent kingdom (called the Kingdom of Kongo) to boot! It had been abolished by Portugal back in 1914.The 'good' news didn't end there. Now, it wasn't as if the leadership of Angola was spreading the wealth around to the People much anyway, but these northerners had been particularly left out of this Marxist version of 'Trickle Down' economics.How bad was this? This northwestern province ~ called Zaire ~ didn't have any railroads, or paved roads, linking it to the rest of the freaking country. The 'coastal road' entered the province, but about a third of the way up ran into this river, which they'd failed to bridge (you had to use a single track bridge farther to the northeast, if you can believe it). It wasn't even a big river. It was still an obstacle though.How did the Angolan government and military planned to get around? Why by air and sea, of course. Well, actually by air. Angola didn't have much of a merchant marine, or Navy, to make sealift a serious consideration. Within hours of the 'Union Declaration of Independence' anything flying anywhere north of the Luanda, the capital of Angola, would essentially be asking to be blown out of the sky.Along the border between Zaire province and the rest of Angola were precisely two chokepoints. By 'chokepoints', I meant places where a squad (10 trained, modernly-equipped troopers) could either see everything for miles & miles over pretty much empty space along a river valley and the only bridge separating Zaire province from the south, or overlook a ravine which the only road had to pass through because of otherwise bad-ass, broken terrain.Two.Zaire Province had roughly the same population as Cabinda ~ 600,000. Unlike Cabinda, which consisted of Cabinda City plus a few tiny towns and rugged jungles, Zaire had two cities ~ Soyo, with her seventy thousand souls plus the refinery at the mouth of the Congo River, and M'banza-Kongo, the historical capital of the Kingdom of Kongo, spiritual center of the Bakongo People (who included the Cabindans) and set up in the highlands strategically very reminiscent of Điện Biàn Phủ.Of Zaire's provincial towns, the only other strategic one was N'Zeto with her crappy Atlantic port facility and 2,230 meter grass airport. The town was the northern terminus of the National Road 100 ~ the Coastal Road. It terminated because of the Mebridege River. There wasn't a bridge at N'Zeto though there was a small one several miles upstream. N'Zeto was also where the road from provinces east of Zaire ended up, so you had to have N'Zeto ~ and that tiny bridge ~ to move troops overland anywhere else in Zaire Province.So you would think it would be easy for the Angolan Army to defend then, except of how the Amazons planned to operate. They would infiltrate the area first then 'rise up in rebellion'. Their problem was the scope of the operation had magnified in risk of exposure, duration and forces necessary for success.The serious issue before Saint Marie and the Host in Africa were the first two. They could actually move Amazons from Brazil and North America to bolster their numbers for the upcoming offensive. Even in the short-short term, equipment wouldn't be a serious problem. What the Amazons dreaded was being left in a protracted slugfest with the Angolan Army which the Condottieri could jump in on. The Amazons exceedingly preferred to strike first then vanish.There was reason to believe a tiny number could have stayed behind in Cabinda to help the locals prepare their military until they could defend themselves. They would need more than a hundred Amazons if Cabinda wanted to incorporate Zaire. The answer was to call back their newfound buddy, the Great Khan. While he didn't have much else he could spare (the Khanate was ramping up for their invasion of the Middle East after all, the Kurds needed the help), he had other allies he could call on.India couldn't help initially since they were supposed to supply the 'Peace-keepers' once a cease-fire had been arranged. That left Temujin with his solid ally, Vietnam, and his far shakier allies, the Republic of China and Japan.First off ~ Japan could not help, which meant they couldn't supply troops who might very well end up dead, or far worse, captured.. What they did have was a surplus of older equipment the ROC troops were familiar with, so while the ROC was gearing up for their own invasion of mainland China in February, they were willing to help the Chinese kill Angolans, off the books, of course.The ROC was sending fifteen hundred troops the Khanate's way to help in this West African adventure with the understanding they'd be coming home by year's end. With Vietnam adding over eight hundred of her own Special Forces, the Amazons had the tiny 'allied' army they could leave shielding Cabinda/Zaire once the first round of blood-letting was over.To be 'fair', the Republic of China and Vietnam asked for 'volunteers'. It wasn't like either country was going to declare war on Angola directly. Nearly a thousand members of Vietnam's elite 126th Regiment of the 5th Brigade (Đặc cáng bộ) took early retirement then misplaced their equipment as they went to update their visas and inoculations before heading out for the DRC (some would be slipping over the DRC/Cabindan border).On Taiwan, it was the men and women of the 602nd Air Cavalry Brigade, 871st Special Operations Group and 101st Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion who felt the sudden desire to 'seek enlightenment elsewhere, preferably on another continent'.They too were off to the Democratic Republic of Congo, man that country was a mess and their border security wasn't worth writing home about, that's for damn sure, via multiple Southeast Asian nations. Besides, they were being issued fraudulently visas which showed them to be from the People's Republic of China, not the ROC/Taiwan. If they were captured, they were to pretend to "be working for a Communist Revolution inside Angola and thus to be setting all of Africa on fire!" aka be Mainland Chinese.There, in the DRC, these Chinese stumbled across, some Japanese. These folks hadn't retired. No. They were on an extended assignment for the UN's mission in, the DRC. OH! And look! They'd brought tons of surplus, outdated Japanese Self Defense Forces' equipment with them, and there just so happened to be some Taiwanese who had experience in using such equipment (both used US-style gear).And here was Colonel Yoshihiro Isami of the Chūō Sokuō Shūdan (Japan's Central Readiness Force) wondering why he and his hastily assembled team had just unloaded,18 Fuji/Bell AH-1S Cobra Attack helicopters,6 Kawasaki OH-6D Loach Scout helicopters,12 Fuji-Bell 204-B-2 Hiyodori Utility helicopters,6 Kawasaki/Boeing CH-47JA Chinook Transport helicopters and4 Mitsubishi M U-2L-1 Photo Reconnaissance Aircraft.Yep! 46 more aircraft for the FAL-FA!Oh, and if this wasn't 'bad enough', the Chinese hadn't come alone. They'd brought some old aircraft from their homes to aid in the upcoming struggle. Once more, these things were relics of the Cold War yet both capable fighting machines and, given the sorry state of the opposition, definitely quite deadly. A dozen F-5E Tiger 2000 configured primarily for air superiority plus two RF-5E Tigergazer for reconnaissance, pilots plus ground crews, of course.Thus, on the eve of battle, the FAL-FA had become a true threat. Sure, all of its planes (and half of its pilots) were pretty old, but they were combat-tested and in numbers and experience no other Sub-Saharan African nation could match.The Liberation Ground Forces:But wait, there was still the niggling little problem of what all those fellas were going to fight with once they were on the ground. Assault/Battle rifles, carbines, rifles, pistols, PDW, SMGs as bullets, grenades and RPG's were all terrifyingly easy to obtain. The coast of West Africa was hardly the Port of London as far as customs security went. They were going to need some bigger toys and their host nations were going to need all their native hardware for their upcoming battles at home.And it wasn't like you could advertise for used IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicles), APCs (armored personnel carriers) and tanks on e-Bay, Amazon.com, or Twitter. If something modern US, or NATO, was captured rolling around the beautiful Angolan countryside, shooting up hostile Angolans, all kinds of head would roll in all kinds of countries, unless the country,A) had an Executive Branch and Judiciary who wouldn't ask (or be answering) too many uncomfortable questions,B) wasn't all that vulnerable to international pressure,C) really needed the money and,D) didn't give a fuck their toys would soon be seen on BBC/CNN/Al Jazeera blowing the ever-living crap out of a ton of Africans aka doing what they were advertised to do and doing it very well in the hands of capable professionals.And politics was kind enough to hand the freedom-loving people of Cabinda & Zaire a winner, and it wasn't even from strangers, or at least people all that strange to their part of the Globe. If you would have no idea who to look for, you wouldn't be alone.That was the magic of the choice. See, the last three decades had seen the entire Globe take a colossal dump on them as a Nation and a People. They were highly unpopular for all sorts of things, such as Crimes Against Humanity and 'no', we were not talking about the Khanate.We would be talking about Република Србија / Republika Srbija aka Serbia aka the former Yugoslavia who had watched all their satellite minions (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo and Macedonia) slip away. Despite being reduced to a tiny fraction of their former selves thus fighting two incredibly brutal and bloody World Wars for nothing, Serbia insisted on maintaining a robust armaments industry.Mind you, they didn't make the very best stuff on the planet. That didn't stop them from trying though. Of equal importance was their geographic location and the above mentioned desire for some hard currency without asking too many questions. The geography was simple, you could move even heavy gear unnoticed from central Serbia to the Montenegrin port of Bar by rail and load them up on freighters and off to the Congo you went.The Serbians produced an APC called the BVP M-80A's which weren't blowing anyone's minds away when they started rolling off the production lines back in 1982, plus some over-eager types on the Serbian Army's payroll sweetened the deal by offering 'the rebels' some BVP M-80 KC's and a KB as well.Then they slathered on the sugary-sweet Maple syrup by upgrading a few of the M-80A's to BVP M-98A's. Why would they be so generous? The KC's and KB were the Command & Control variants, so that made sense (C = company & B = battalion commander). The -98A had never been tested in the field before and they were kind of curious how the new turrets (which was the major difference) would behave. 'Our' procurement agents didn't quibble. We needed the gear.Besides, these Slavic entrepreneurs gave them an inside track on some 'disarmed/mothballed' Czech (introduced in 1963) armored mobile ambulances and Polish BWP-1 (first rolled out in 1966) APC's which were either in, or could be quickly configured into, the support variants those ground-fighters would need. The 'disarmed' part was 'fixable', thanks to both the Serbians and Finland. The 'missing' basic weaponry was something the Serbians could replace with virtually identical equipment.It just kept getting better. Unknown to me at the time, the Finnish firm, Patria Hágglunds, had sold twenty-two of their 'most excellent' AMOS turrets ~ they are a twin 120 mm mortar system ~ then the deal fell through. Whoops! Should have guarded that warehouse better. Those bitches were on a cargo plane bound for Albania inside of six hours.The ammunition for them was rather unique. Thankfully, it was uniquely sold by the Swiss, who had no trouble selling it to Serbia, thank you very much! Twenty-two BWP-1's became mobile artillery for the Unionist freedom fighters, though I understood the ship ride with the Serbian and Chinese technicians was loads of fun as they struggled to figured out how to attach those state-of-the-art death-dealing turrets to those ancient contraptions.To compensate, the Serbians added (aka as long as our money was good) two Nora B-52 155 mm 52-calibre mobile artillery pieces and one battery of Orkan CER MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) for long-range artillery, two batteries of their Oganj 2000 ER MRLS for medium range carnage and six batteries of their M-94 MRLS for 'close support' as well. More field-testing new gear for the "freedom fighters" We also managed to 'purchase' ten M-84AS Main Battle tanks plus an M-84A1 armor recovery vehicle. It should have been twelve tanks, but two had 'loading issues'.Not to be deterred, our busy little procurement-beavers discovered four tanks no one was using, in neighboring Croatia. Why wasn't anyone immediately keen on their placement? They were two sets of prototypes, Croatia's improvements on the M-84; the M-95 Degman which was a 'failed redesign' and the M-84D, which was a vast up-grade for the M-84 line which had been sidelined by the 2008 Global economic collapse, after which the project stagnated.It seemed they were all in working order because late one night 'my people' exited a Croatian Army base with them, never to be seen again, until two weeks later when an intrepid news crew caught the distinctive form of the M-95 sending some sweet 125 mm loving the Angolan Army's way. Whoops yet again! At least they hit what they were aiming at and destroyed what they hit, right?By then, millions of other people would be going 'what the fuck?' right along with them as Cabinda's camouflage- and mask-wearing rebel army was laying the smack-down on the Angolans. That was okay; over a million 'free Cabindan Unionists' were in the same boat. Over a thousand Asians with their mostly-female militant translators were right there to prop up their 'Unionist Allies', but then they were the ones with the tanks, armored vehicles, planes and guns, so they were less worried than most.To pilot these tanks, APC, IFV and man this artillery, they had to go back to the Khanate. Sure enough, they had some old tankers used to crewing the T-72 from which the M-84's and -95 Degman were derived. They'd also need drivers for those BVP M-80A's and Polish BWP-1's and OT-64 SKOT's... who were, again, derived from old Soviet tech (just much better). The Serbian artillery was similar enough to Soviet stuff, but with enough new tech to make it 'more fun' for the reservists to 'figure out' how to use.More volunteers for the Liberation Armed Forces! More Apple sales, great apps and voice modulation software so that the vehicle commanders would be heard communicating in Portuguese if someone was eavesdropping. As a final offering the Turkish Navy spontaneously developed some plans to test their long range capabilities by going to, the South Atlantic.On the final leg they would have six frigates and two submarines, enough to give any navy in the region, which wasn't Brazil, something to think about. This was a show of force, not an actual threat though. If anyone called their bluff, the Khanate-Turkish forces would have to pull back. These were not assets my Brother, the Great Khan, could afford to gamble and lose.If someone didn't call that bluff, he was also sending two smaller, older corvettes and three even smaller, but newer, fast attack boats, a "gift" to the Unionists ASAP. The frigates would then race home, they had 'other' issues to deal with while the submarines would hang around for a bit. The naval gift was necessitated by the reality the Unionists would have to press their claim to their off-shore riches and that required a naval force Angola couldn't hope to counter.As things were developing, it was reckoned since a build-up of such momentous land and air power couldn't be disguised, it had to happen in a matter of days ~ four was decided to be the minimum amount of time. More than that and the government of the Democratic Republic might start asking far too many questions our hefty bribes and dubious paperwork couldn't cover. Less than that would leave the task forces launching operations with too little a chance of success.Our biggest advantage was audacity. The buildup would happen 100 km up the Congo River from Soyo, the primary target of the Southern Invasion, in the DRC's second largest port city, Boma. Though across the river was Angolan territory, there was nothing there. The city of roughly 160,000 would provide adequate cover for the initial stage of the invasion.There they grouped their vehicles & Khanate drivers with Amazon and Vietnamese combat teams. The Japanese were doing the same for their 'Chinese' counterparts for their helicopter-borne forces. Getting all their equipment in working order in the short time left was critical as was creating some level of unit dynamic. Things were chaotic. No one was happy. They were all going in anyway.What had gone wrong?While most children her age were texting their schoolmates, or tackling their homework, Aya Ruger ~ the alias of Nasusara Assiyaiá hamai ~ was getting briefings of her global, secret empire worth hundreds of billions and those of her equally nefarious compatriots. She received a very abbreviated version of what the Regents received, delivered by a member of Shawnee Arinniti's staff.When Aya hopped off her chair unexpectedly, everyone tensed. Her bodyguards' hands went to their sidearms and Lorraine (her sister by blood), also in the room on this occasion, stood and prepared to tackle her 'former' sibling to the ground if the situation escalated into an assassination attempt. No such attack was generated, so the security ratcheted down and the attendant returned her focus to her Queen. Aya paced four steps, turned and retraced her way then repeated the action three more times."How many people live in the combined areas?" she asked."The combined areas? Of Cabinda and Zaire?""Yes.""I," the woman referenced her material, "roughly 1.1 million.""What is the yearly value of the offshore oil and natural gas production?""Forty-nine billion, eighty hundred and sixty-seven million by our best estimates at this time,""How many live in Soyo City proper?""Roughly 70,000.""We take Soyo," she spoke in a small yet deliberate voice. "We take and hold Soyo as an independent city-state within the Cabindan-Zaire Union. From the maps it appears Soyo is a series of islands. It has a port and airport. It has an open border to an ocean with weaker neighbors all around.""What of the, Zairians?""Bakongo. As a people they are called the Bakongo," Aya looked up at the briefer. "We relocate those who need to work in Soyo into a new city, built at our expense, beyond the southernmost water barrier. The rest we pay to relocate elsewhere in Zaire, or Cabinda."By the looks of those around her, Aya realized she needed to further explain her decisions."This is more than some concrete home base for our People," she began patiently. "In the same way it gives our enemies a clearly delineated target to attack us, it is a statement to our allies we won't cut and run if things go truly bad.""In the same way it will provide us with diplomatic recognition beyond what tenuous handouts we are getting from Cáel Wakko Ishara's efforts through JIKIT. Also, it is a reminder we are not like the other Secret Societies in one fundamental way, we are not a business concern, or a religion. We are a People and people deserve some sort of homeland. We have gone for so long without.""But Soyo?" the aide protested. "We have no ties to it, and it backs up to, nothing.""Northern Turkey and southern Slovakia mean nothing to us now as well," Aya debated. "No place on Earth is any more precious than another. As for backing up to nothing, no. You are incorrect. It backs into a promise from our allies in the Earth & Sky that if we need support, they know where to park their planes and ships."Aya was surrounded with unhappy, disbelieving looks."The Great Khan is my mamētu meáeda," she reminded them, "and I have every reason to believe he completely grasps the concept's benefits and obligations."The looks confirmed 'but he's a man' to the tiny Queen."Aya, are you sure about this?" Lorraine was the first to break decorum."Absolutely. Do you know what he sent me when he was informed of my, ascension to the Queendom?""No," Lorraine admitted."We must go horse-riding sometime soon, Daughter of Cáel, Queen of the Amazons."More uncertain and unconvinced looks."He didn't congratulate me, or send any gifts. He could have and you would think he would have, but he didn't. He knew the hearts of me & my Atta and we weren't in the celebratory mood. No. The Great Khan sent one sentence which offered solace and quiet, atop a horse on a windswept bit of steppe."Nothing.Sigh. "I know this sounds Cáel-ish," Aya admitted, "but I strongly believe this is what we should do. We are giving the Cabindans and Bakongo in Zaire independence and the promise of a much better life than what they now face. We will be putting thousands of our sisters' lives on the line to accomplish this feat and well over two hundred million dollars.""What about governance of the city ~ Soyo?" the aide forged ahead."Amazon law," Aya didn't hesitate. "We will make allowances for the security forces of visiting dignitaries and specific allied personnel, but otherwise it will be one massive Amazon urban freehold.""I cannot imagine the Golden Mare, or the Regents, will be pleased," the attendant bowed her head."It is a matter of interconnectivity," Aya walked up and touched the woman's cheek with the back of her small hand. "We could liberate then abandon Cabinda with the hope a small band could help them keep their independence. Except we need the refinery at Soyo so the people of Cabinda can truly support that liberty.""So, we must keep Soyo and to keep Soyo, we must keep Zaire province. There is no other lesser border which makes strategic sense ~ a river, highlands, a massive river, an ocean ~ those are sustainable frontiers. You can't simply keep Soyo and not expect the enemy to strike and destroy that refinery, thus we must take Zaire province.""But the Bakongo of Zaire cannot defend themselves and will not be able to do so for at least a year, if not longer. That means we must do so, and for doing so, they will give us Soyo and we will be honest stewards of their oil wealth. We cannot expect any other power to defend this new Union and if we don't have a land stake we will be portrayed as mercenaries and expelled by hostile international forces.""So, for this project to have any chance of success, we must stay, fight and have an acknowledged presence, and if you can think of an alternative, please let me know," she exhaled."What if the Cabindans and Bakongo resist?""It is 'us', or the Angolans and they know how horrible the Angolans can be. Didn't you say the average person their lives on just $2 a day?""Yes.""We can do better than that," Aya insisted."How?" the aide persisted. "I mean, 'how in a way which will be quickly evident and meaningful?'""Oh," Aya's tiny brow furrowed. Her nose twitched as she rummaged through the vast storehouse of her brain."Get me in touch with William A. Miller, Director of the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service. He should be able to help me navigate the pathways toward getting aid and advisors into those two provinces ASAP.""I'll let Katrina know," the attendant made the notation on her pad."No. Contact him directly," Aya intervened. "We established a, rapport when we met. I think he might responded positively to a chance to mentor me in foreign relations.""Really?" Lorraine's brows arched."Yes," Aya chirped."Are you sure, Nasusara?" the attendant stared. She used 'Nasusara' whenever she thought Aya had a 'horrible' idea instead of a merely a 'bad' one."Yes. He owes me. Last time we met I didn't shoot him.""Didn't?" the woman twitched."Yes. I drew down on him with my captured Chinese QSW-06. I didn't want to kill him, but I felt I was about to have to kill Deputy National Security Advisor Blinken and he was the only other person in the room both armed and capable of stopping me.""Why is he still alive?""Cáel Ishara saw through my distraction and then took my gun from me, asked for it actually," she shyly confessed."Would you have shot him?" the aide inquired."What do you think?" Aya smiled.And Then:So, given t

This episode explores the power of mental toughness, high-performance leadership, and resilience with Adam Smith, a retired Special Forces Commando and former Special Operations Group officer. Hosted by Zoë Routh, the conversation delves into what it takes to maintain focus under pressure, lead in extreme conditions, and push beyond personal limits. The discussion covers a range of topics, including the influence of military and police training on decision-making, strategies for performing under high stress, and the mindset shifts necessary to overcome adversity—whether in combat, business, or personal challenges. SHOWNOTES are here. Join the Power Games advance notice here. MagicMind Nootropic: They have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one-time purchases with code TFLPOD20 at checkout. You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/TFLPOD Key Quotes “The way you respond under pressure is a direct reflection of the preparation you've put in.” — Zoë Routh “Leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about building the capacity to handle uncertainty and make decisions under stress.” — Zoë Routh “Leadership in high-pressure environments isn't about individual heroics—it's about trust, discipline, and teamwork.” — Adam Smith “Resilience isn't about avoiding hardship—it's about how you train yourself to respond when it inevitably comes.” — Adam Smith Questions Asked What does it take to stay calm and effective in high-pressure situations? What are the key factors that make high-performance teams work under stress? What leadership lessons did you learn from your time in Special Forces and the Special Operations Group? How do you develop mental resilience to push through physical and psychological barriers? How do you build and maintain trust in high-pressure teams? Take Action Develop a resilience framework by implementing structured training for stress management. Strengthen team trust through clear communication and shared challenges. Adopt self-reflection practices to improve decision-making under pressure. Invest in mental wealth initiatives that foster creativity, focus, and performance. Tip of the Week Review the collaboration self-checklist - available for subscribers only. Join the community here. You'll get 40 book summaries and recommendations on Leading Strategy and Performance, along with a special secret audio from my award-winning book, People Stuff. Key Moments 00:00 Introduction and Weekly Question 00:17 Deep Seek: The AI Revolution 01:12 AI Magic and Energy 01:49 Business Takeaways from AI 02:28 Updates on Power Games Book 03:45 Magic Mind: Boosting Mental Clarity 05:48 Exploring Mental Wealth in the Workplace 09:17 Interview with Adam Smith: Resilience and Mindset 23:28 Finding Purpose and Mindset for Ultra Marathons 24:03 Starting the Journey: From Zero to 100 Kilometers 26:49 Training and Preparation for the Big Run 29:04 Lessons from Military Experiences 34:43 Building Trust and Team Dynamics 39:08 The Hardest Challenge: Self-Reflection 41:11 Fast Three: Future Tech, Leadership Tips, and Current Reads 44:31 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Resources 47:43 Read to Lead: A City on Mars 50:48 Conclusion and Reflections

Send us a textOn today's Zero Limits Podcast Shane Donaldson Victoria Police Special Operations Group - Youth Coordinator at Victoria Police LegacyShane is a former member of the Victoria Police joining in 2010. He spent time on the road as a general duties officer before moving into the elite Special Operations Group (SOG), a unit dedicated to Counter Terrorism and high risk incidents. He was also significantly injured in a rappelling accident which saw him battle physical and mental injuries for over a year before getting BACK into the SOG. He now works for Police Legacy as well as public speaking engagements to share his experience and the perspectives gained. Website - www.zerolimitspodcast.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/zero.limits.podcast/?hl=enHost - Matty Morris www.instagram.com/matty.m.morrisSponsorsGatorz Australia - www.gatorzaustralia.com15% Discount Code - ZERO15(former/current military & first responders 20% discount to order please email orders@gatorzaustralia.com.auGetSome Jocko Fuel - www.getsome.com.au10 % Discount Code - ZEROLIMITS

It’s one of the most secretive police units in Australia but, in this episode, two serving Special Operations Group operators speak about what it’s like to work in a tactical police unit tasked with responding to terrorism incidents, hostage situations and arresting Victoria’s most dangerous criminals. For more information about Victoria Police, go to police.vic.gov.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Originally Published March 14, 2023. Dr. Paul French spent time in the British Army, law enforcement and the world of counter-intelligence; he joins Dr. Lycka to share his insight on security, as well as the importance of humility and self-respect in navigating life's challenges. Tune in for a deeper understanding of security measures, from overt to covert, and the mindset required to excel in demanding environments.    About: Dr. Paul French is the Managing Director of a private intelligence company. He joined the British Army as an Infantry Junior Leader in 1976, spent a decade in the City of London Police, was attached to the Special Operations Group as a protection officer for Lord Diplock at a time when he had a threat against him from the Provisional IRA, and latterly as a Detective with New Scotland Yard's International and Organized Crime Branch and the Metropolitan and City of London Police Company Fraud Department. Law enforcement led to a career in the counter-intelligence world. Working assignments in areas such as the Balkans, North Africa, Central America, and parts of the former Soviet Bloc, such as Kazakhstan until retiring in 2007. He has been a bi-vocational member of Anglican Clergy in the continuing Anglican movement for over twenty years, was consecrated as a Bishop in 2007 and most recently as an Archbishop in 2017.  He holds a Doctor of Ministry from the Independent Catholic Seminary and a MBA in Leadership and Sustainability from the University of Cumbria. He is also a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Professional and is Six Sigma Champion Certified.   Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mr-french/  Website: https://www.corporaterm.com    Thanks for listening to the show! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation, please email me at allen@drallenlycka.com or visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka. We would love to have you join us there, and welcome your messages. We check our Messenger often.   This show is built on “The Secrets to Living A Fantastic Life.” Get your copy by visiting: https://secretsbook.now.site/home   We are building a community of like-minded people in the personal development/self-help/professional development industries, and are always looking for wonderful guests for our show. If you have any recommendations, please email us!   Dr. Allen Lycka's Social Media Links Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_allen_lycka/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/drallenlycka LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenlycka YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/c/drallenlycka   Subscribe to the show. We would be honored to have you subscribe to the show - you can subscribe on the podcast app on your mobile device

Cameron Duncan was part of a hand-picked team of Victorian Detectives assigned to assist the Special Operations Group in arresting criminals, Archie Butterly & Peter Gibb, who, with the aid of Gibb's secret lover, prison guard Heather Parker, escaped from the Melbourne Remand Centre in March 1993. Butterly despised Cameron & only days before their escape, had made a credible death threat to Cameron & his family, so upon his escape Cameron's family were immediately evacuated to a safe house. Cameron's decorated career came at a cost in many respects. Cameron's story is compelling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cameron Duncan was part of a hand-picked team of Victorian Detectives assigned to assist the Special Operations Group in arresting criminals, Archie Butterly & Peter Gibb, who, with the aid of Gibb's secret lover, prison guard Heather Parker, escaped from the Melbourne Remand Centre in March 1993. Butterly despised Cameron & only days before their escape, had made a credible death threat to Cameron & his family, so upon his escape Cameron's family were immediately evacuated to a safe house. Cameron's decorated career came at a cost in many respects. Cameron's story is compelling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

https://www.antiherosjourney.com Rocco was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. After several years of college baseball, he enlisted in the US Army and went on to serve 3 combat deployments with 2nd Battalion of the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. After 4 years of active duty service to this country, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves and continued his service until retirement. In 2009 he became a Federal Agent with the Department of Homeland Security Border Patrol and was a Medic with the Special Operations Group. He is currently an entrepreneur, actor, writer, author and producer. He recently published his debut work, Borderline, which is available wherever books are sold and deserves a massively wide readership. Buy the damn book now. I mean it. Now. More information on all of the awesome opportunities discussed in the podcast, including Light The Fuse, Beteran, and Borderline can be found at https://www.vincentroccovargas.com/ https://www.navigatesni.com/free-consultation

This week Brian goes solo as Harrison is unavailable ( / had enough of his dad), he is joined by close friend Dan Trimble. Dan is a former member of the Special Operations Group and a Victoria Police Superintendent. Being involved in the Police force for over 35 years, Dan has an array of incredible stories and insights to share, from SOG training, chasing some of Australia's most wanted criminals, bomb squad incidents, gathering intelligence, bank robberies and much more. We thank Dan for his time. This episode is brought to you by: Grimleys: https://grimleys.com.au   Hosts: Brian & Harrison Taylor Guest: Dan Trimble Producer: Scott Walton of Producey   Get in contact with us or see more: Email - harrison@ncmanagement.com.au Instagram - @lifeofbrianpodcast Youtube - @clubbysports Tiktok - @lifeofbrianpodcast

Sly says he's never seen a group of police officers as angry as former and current Special Operation Group members over an memoir by a former member.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a policeman, Tony “Kid” Currie lived on the edge. In the SOG he shot and killed one suspect and in a second incident left one with life-altering injuries. Some thought he was a loose cannon and were happy when he resigned. Tony and his wife Michelle take us through the shootings and his career in a heartwarming and poignant discussion on living on the cutting edge of law enforcement, life after policing and giving back. For years now, they have invested their money, time and passion to present seminars, conferences and small gatherings for cops and their partners designed to turn victims into survivors.Additional recordings from Terry Carlyon and ABC.Crisis support is available from Lifeline on 13 11 14. Click on the links to subscribe https://subscribe.theage.com.au or https://subscribe.smh.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CTL Script/ Top Stories of May 23 Tuesday Publish Date: May 21st, Monday   Henssler :15 From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast    Today is Tuesday, May 23rd, and happy 31st birthday to Aaron Donald ***Donald highlight***     I'm Brian Giffin and here are the top stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia Cherokee Schools superintendent recommends budget that includes teacher raises Legislators provide updates at Cherokee Chamber breakfast And Raffensperger unveils election security plan Plus Leah McGrath Joins our own Bruce Jenkins to talk about high grocery prices Plus, Leah McGrath, corporate dietician for Ingles Markets sits down with our Bruce Jenkins to talk about cutting back on sugar   We'll have all this and more coming up on the Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast      Commercial:  CU of GA   Story 1. Raises   Cherokee County School District Superintendent Brian Hightower has recommended a budget for the next fiscal year that includes additional teacher raises on top of those provided by the state government. If approved, teachers will receive a total pay raise of $4,500 per year. The proposed budget maintains the current property tax rate but anticipates a more than 15% increase in overall local tax revenue. The budget allocates 16.45 mills for CCSD's maintenance and operation and 1.5 mills for bonds. The school board is set to vote on the proposed budget on June 15. The budget also includes a $2,500 raise for all certified staff and a 3% pay raise for classified staff, along with retention/signing bonuses for full-time and part-time employees.     STORY 2: chamber   Representatives of Cherokee County's state legislative delegation, including State Sen. John Albers and State Reps. Charlice Byrd, John Carson, Rick Jasperse, and Jordan Ridley, met with residents to provide an overview of the past legislative session and discuss upcoming plans. During the meeting, Sen. Albers highlighted the state tax refunds and property tax rebates that will be issued to residents. He also emphasized Georgia's low unemployment rate, population growth, and business-friendly environment. Rep. Byrd discussed her bills, the "Medical Freedom Act" and the "Second Amendment Preservation Act," which aimed to prevent vaccine and gun control mandates respectively. She praised the passing of SB 1, which prohibits proof of COVID vaccination for government services.   Story 3: Raffensberger   Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has announced measures to ensure ballot security in upcoming elections. The state will conduct "health checks" in all 159 counties to verify that election management systems and equipment have not been tampered with. The Secretary of State's office will collaborate with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to assess the security of election equipment storage. Pilot projects will also be conducted to test new software, although its statewide implementation is scheduled after the 2024 elections. Raffensperger, known for defending the integrity of Georgia's elections, emphasized the responsible and deliberate approach to address concerns while prioritizing the needs of voters and election workers.….back in a moment   Break:  ESOG 30  - Drake   STORY 4: Smoke shops   The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners has made amendments to the county's zoning ordinance regulations for tobacco stores and vape shops. The changes include requirements such as maintaining a distance of at least one mile from schools and daycare centers, and 600 feet from recreational areas. Additionally, the amendments limit the proximity of similar stores to 1,000 feet from each other. A special use permit will now be required to open a tobacco store or vape shop. These changes are effective immediately, lifting the moratorium on such establishments. The commissioners have also discussed potential amendments to regulations on liquor stores, including distance requirements and signage guidelines. A decision on these amendments has been tabled until June 6. The aim is to establish licensing regulations and comply with state laws.   Story 5: officer   The Woodstock Midday Optimist Club celebrated Respect for Law Week by honoring a local police officer, Joshua Buckner, with the Officer of the Year Award. Woodstock Mayor Michael Caldwell proclaimed the week as a time to show respect for the law and those who enforce it. The club presented Buckner with a donation to the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation in his name, a framed copy of the proclamation to be displayed at the Woodstock Police Department, and a certificate of recognition. Buckner, a member of the Special Operations Group, has contributed significantly to the department by removing impaired drivers from the roads and mentoring new officers in DUI-related classes.….be right back     Story 6: fallen Citizens and representatives of local law enforcement agencies in Cherokee County gathered at the Park at City Center in Woodstock to remember officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Holly Springs Police Chief Tommy Keheley shared his personal experiences of officers who died and emphasized the importance of continuing their work and upholding their values. Woodstock Mayor Michael Caldwell read a proclamation honoring Police Week and Law Enforcement Memorial Day. The names of officers from Georgia who were killed in 2022 were also recognized, including Officer Joe Burson, who lost his life in a traffic stop incident. The ceremony marked the first gathering since 2019 due to the pandemic…..back in a moment   Dayco – Ingles 4   Story 7: Burton   And now, Leah McGrath of Ingles markets sits down with our own Bruce Jenkins to talk about cutting back on sugar   ****Leah-sugar****   We'll be back with some final thoughts after this   Henssler 60   Thanks again for spending time with us listening to today's Cherkoee Tribune Ledger podcast. Get more on these stories and other great content at tribune ledger news.com. Giving you important information about your community and telling great stories are who we are. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. www.hensslerkennesaw.com www.ingles-markets.com www.cuofga.com www.esogrepair.com www.drakerealty.com www.daycosystems.com www.tribuneledgernews.com     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At RAF Mildenhall, the 352nd Special Operations Group has activated as the 352nd Special Operations Wing.

Get ready, because we have the 'Swiss army knife of humans, Gary Wilson back for some more entertaining conversation! He was our first guest on the show, and I vividly remember the excitement I felt in June 2020 as I sat down with him to record the first of many episodes. We joked back then that he would return for episode 500 (while mocking our own sarcasm), but lo and behold, we are now on episode 549, and Gary is once again gracing us with his presence. For those who need a quick reminder, Gary is a former member of Victoria Police's Special Operations Group, bomb squad, and a bodyguard for various celebrities, including Claudia Schiffer, Linda Evangelista, and the royal family. He is also known by many names, such as '007,' 'Flipper,' 'Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up,' and 'Simon the likable.' Not only is he a formidable human with an impressive set of skills and stories, but he also has an infectious personality that can light up a room and make people laugh within seconds (although he occasionally gets me in trouble in workshops like a mischievous school kid). In this episode, we'll hear more tales from Gary about how he navigates his colorful life, manages himself and his mind, and keeps himself going. Additionally, I've asked him the question that's been on everybody's lips: "Hey Flipper, how on earth did you manage to snag yourself a Victoria's Secret model to marry?" It's another fantastic story that I can't wait to share with you! TIFFANEE COOK Linktree:  https://linktr.ee/rollwiththepunches/ Website: www.rollwiththepunches.com.au LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/tiffaneecook/ Facebook:  www.facebook.com/rollwiththepunchespodcast/ Instagram:  www.instagram.com/rollwiththepunches_podcast/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/tiffaneeandcoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vincent “Rocco” Vargas is a special operations combat veteran, former Homeland Security Federal Agent, actor, writer, and producer. During his 12 years of service, Vincent went on three combat deployments with the 2nd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. After leaving active duty, he joined the Army Reserves as Sergeant First Class. In 2009, he became a Federal Agent with the Department of Homeland Security, where he worked extensively on the United States-Mexico border, serving as a medic with the Special Operations Group. After his time in the military, Vincent experienced severe bouts of PTSD. In an effort to help other veterans, Vincent founded Beteran, an apparel company where 50% of all proceeds go toward helping veterans seek treatment for trauma and transition back to civilian life. As an actor, Vincent is known for his role as “Gilly” on Mayans MC, as well as in films including Range 15, Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace, and Dark of Light. Today, Vincent is the Head of Marketing at the security services firm The North Group. His new book, Borderline: Defending the Home Front, will be released in November. You can learn more about Vincent at vincentroccovargas.com and beteran.com You can follow Vincent and Beteran on Instagram @vincent.rocco.vargas and @beteran.hq Navy Federal Credit Union: Today's episode is presented by Navy Federal Credit Union. Learn more about them at navyfederal.org Protekt: Get 25% off at protekt.com/dangerclose Black Rifle Coffee Company: Today's episode is also brought to you by Black Rifle. Purchase at http://www.blackriflecoffee.com/dangerclose and use code: dangerclose20 at checkout for 20% off your purchase and your first coffee club order! SIG: This episode is sponsored by SIG Sauer. You can learn more about SIG here. Aimpoint: Visit https://aimpoint.us/promotions/2022/jackcarr/ and use code JACKCARR and receive a free signed hardcover of The Devil's Hand, the latest in the Terminal List Series. Featured Gear: SIG SAUER P365 Montana Knife Company Black Rifle coffee Exclusive Coffee Club Subscription Park City Gun Club Code of the West

Join us as we recount the high-stakes manhunt for Eric Frein, who fled into the Pocono mountains after killing a Pennsylvania State Police Corporal and critically wounding a Trooper - all in an attempt to ignite a revolution. For 48 days, law enforcement agencies including the U.S. Marshals' Special Operations Group scoured the mountainous terrain in search of Frein. Tune in to hear the inside story of the relentless pursuit and capture of this killer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vincent Vargas Vincent “Rocco” Vargas was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. After several years of college baseball, Vincent enlisted in the US Army and went on to serve 3 combat deployments with 2nd Battalion of the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. After 4 years of active duty service to his country, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves and continues his service until retirement. In 2009 he became a Federal Agent with the Department of Homeland Security, and was a Medic with the Special Operations Group. Vincent is currently an entrepreneur, actor, writer, author and producer. Previous film credits include: Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace (2020-Actor and Co-Executive Producer), Not a War Story (2017-Self and Executive Producer,) and Dads in Parks (2016-Self and Writer). Currently, Vincent plays ‘Gilly' on the #1 cable television series “Mayans MC” for FX. A graduate of the Veterans Writers Guild Screenwriting program and has since been invited to write on Season 5 of Mayans MC. When time allows, he also is a motivational speaker that focuses on Veteran advocacy, Leadership, Military transition and motivating youth audiences. Vincent is married with 8 kids.

Frank Burton has an interesting story. From a promising collegiate athlete with sites set on professional baseball to a career in the FBI to serving as a team chaplain at the University of Delaware. His journey will be an encouragement that no matter what may come our way, God is still very much in control and desires that we Power Up for Him to impact others for the Kingdom.    Guest Bio:   Apostle Burton is a retired Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where he completed 22 ½ years of dedicated service. In the FBI he served as the Media Coordinator for the Philadelphia Division. He was a decorated Negotiator, Civil Rights Coordinator & expert, member of the Bureau's National Recruitment Team, and Team Leader of the FBI's elite Special Operations Group. Frank currently has 31 years of Law Enforcement experience. Apostle Burton is the Pastor of Perfect Will Ministries, in New Castle, DE, where he and his wife Tasey are Pastors and Founders. He is a proud member of the Delaware State University Athletic Hall of Fame. He was inducted for his Baseball and Football accomplishments… Class of 2000. He will complete his graduate studies in December of 2022, receiving his Master of Science Degree in Administration of Justice, with a concentration on Criminal Behavior from Wilmington University in Delaware. Apostle is currently the Chaplain for the University of Delaware Football Team in Newark, DE, providing spiritual support and guidance to the UD Student/Athletes & Coaches. Apostle Burton is also an Author of “From FBI Agent to an Apostle… Saga of a Spiritual Sniper.”     Links/Books/Resources mentioned in the show: The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF: https://file.ac/UvlI0UtgjKE/ Join Power Up Family here on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerupsports/ Sports Ministry Certificate Program through Our Daily Bread University @ odbu.org/sports   MB01H5HZTKIVQPZ

Vincent "Rocco" Vargas was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. Vincent enlisted in the US Army and went on to serve 3 combat deployments with 2nd Battalion of the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. In 2009 he became a Federal Agent with the Department of Homeland Security, and was a Medic with the Special Operations Group. Left his federal career behind to pursue film and television. Vincent is an American Veteran, Entrepreneur, Actor, Motivational Speaker, Singer, Writer and Producer. Currently playing Gilly, one of the main characters in the most recent seasons of Mayans M.C Follow Vince Rocco Vargas https://www.instagram.com/vincent.rocco.vargas Follow Nick Koumalatsos on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickkoumalatsos/ Follow Nick's YouTube: Youtube https://www.youtube.com/c/nickkoumalatsos82 Follow The Harbor Site on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwaysforwardpodcast/ SPONSORS AND DISCOUNTS Johnny Slicks https://johnnyslicks.com/ Core Medical Group (Hormone Replacement Therapy) https://coremedicalgrp.com/nick/ Bare Performance Nutrition https://shop.bpnsupps.com/koumalatsos Gatorz Eyewear: https://www.gatorz.com/ Raider Project discount use CODE- WITHYOU] for discount https://www.raiderproject.org/ Agoge Personal Coaching https://agogetraining.com The Agoge Training Plans https://www.theagoge.com Agoge Challenge: https://www.agogechallenge.fit/join-now My Book Excommunicated Warrior: https://www.nickkoumalatsos.com/excommunicated-warrior/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nick-koumalatsos/support

Episode 48 is where Bruce Sanchez will explain why recovery isn t enough, what we really need is transformation. 20 years ago, being stuck in a cycle of addiction and finding himself in a safe place to heal from those addictions, Bruce recognized his first transformation in life. It would be some years later before he experienced his first panic attack while working as a guard in a prison, the last place on earth you want to be having a panic attack. While he didn t see the signs of stress, because his body was in great health, his mind did.After tests and going through the motions to try and get better, he began to understand better how the subconcious works either for or against your emotional state. Maintaining routine, healthy exercises for the body and mind, honoring your own limitations, and other great practices are what helped Bruce get through to the other side not just recovered from a particular burnout, but transformed daily in his subconscious to prevent from every going back there again. Bruce is an International Psych-K Facilitator, High-Performance Coach, NLP Mindfulness Master practitioner former Correctional Officer, and a member of the S.O.G. (Special Operations Group) prison in Melbourne, and former International Krav Maga Instructor Black Belt III DAN.You can connect more with Bruce Sanchez here :https://www.facebook.com/coachbrucesanchez/ Our Recovery Moment in this show is focused on a guided meditation to create an ocean mind. If you enjoyed this show make sure to subscribe and leave a review.Ready to start your own journey to Burnout Recovery? Check out my available programs and resources here: https://liftwellnessconsulting.com/link-in-bio/

Flashback Episode of The Father Time Podcast with Jamie KalerThis podcast makes me soooo happy. This dude is the real f'ing deal. I love it when good things happen to amazing people. I met Rocco at the GI Film Festival with Mat Best, Jarred Taylor and the rest of his Article 15/Youtube Star posse. They were showcasing their 1.2 million dollar crowd funded movie, "Range 15" to rave reviews. He's a real American Hero who served 3 combat deployments as a Ranger, then served as a Federal Agent, then became a youtube star, and now is about to become a TV star with a big pilot he's shooting this month. Oh, and he has 6 KIDS! Here's his official bio: Vincent “Rocco” Vargas was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. After several years of college baseball, Vincent enlisted in the US Army and went on to serve 3 combat deployments with 2nd Battalion of the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. After 4 years of active duty service to his country, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves and continue his service. In 2009 he became a Federal Agent with the Department of Homeland Security, and was a BORSTAR Agent with the Special Operations Group attached to BORTAC. Currently one of the owners of the Article 15 "Empire", Leadslingers Whiskey, Warfighter Tobacco and more. He is married and a father of 6 children and lives in Texas.You can find more about Vincent "Rocco" Vargas at:https://vincentroccovargas.com/You can catch The Parent's Lounge Live every Tuesday Night at 10pm Est/7pm PST at:https://www.facebook.com/theparentslounge#theparentslounge #vinnievargas #roccovaras #article15 #blackriflecoffee #thedrinkinbrospodcast #jamiekaler #fathertimepodcast #fatherhood #parenting #mayansbc #funnydads #fatherof6

We are currently working on setting up a secure payment system through an American Special Forces veteran ran organization to get donations directly to Mikko's unit. They will be buying medical supplies, fuel, and other necessities. Joining me for this week's podcast is Mikko. Mikko is an active-duty Ukrainian Special Forces Soldier who has been fighting the Russians since the 2022 invasion began. Mikko saw combat in 2016 as a breacher in Eastern Ukraine, working for a Law Enforcement unit in the Special Operations Group. He transferred into a specialized role sending him overseas, where he was in charge of a K-9 section. When the Russians invaded Ukraine, he was in Istanbul on his way home. It was a surreal experience as everyone was heading west out of Kyiv, and he was racing east before the Russians could encircle Kyiv. Mikko was in Bucha, a city in Ukraine when the Russians were executing civilians and witnessed the horrific aftermath. We discussed the cultural nuances between Ukrainians and Russians, President Zelenskiy, the Azov Battalion, etc. Tune in! Main Takeaways Apprehending criminals in the lawless eastern regions of Ukraine President Zelensky Serving in A Special Recconassiance Unit Witnessing Russians Execute Civilians The Azov Battalion Russia Underestimating Ukraine Mariupol Connect With John Hendricks www.globalrecon.net Instagram Music provided by Caspian: www.caspian.band --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/globalrecon/support

This new Not4Profit in Tucson has a novel way of helping the Youth that needs it and the Homeless here in Tucson. It's a heartwarming story of how two ex-military have combined lives and goals to help others.About Carlos Aragon Carlos grew up in Vacaville California until age 15 when he moved to a small town in Idaho. He graduated from Bonners Ferry High School in 2008 and joined the USAF in 2009. He enjoyed working in the local town, snowboarding, and volunteering with the church. Carlos was a Combat Talon 2 and Combat Shadow C-130 aerospace maintenance Journeyman/Crew Chief in the Air Force allowing him to travel the world and visit 26 different countries during multiple missions. He obtained his Aerospace Maintenance degree and became a strong leader while in the 352 Special Operations Group in England. He became trained in various disciplines preparing him for any traumatic situation and became an instructor, teaching 2,961 individuals. While performing his duties, he suffered a severe injury and was medically and honorably retired in Tucson AZ. He has been the Program Coordinator and BOD at a Veterans Organization and is now the CEO of Reach for The Stars, Inc. About Kira Reid Kira graduated from Magnolia High School in 2002 and became a pre-k teacher as a young mother earning a CDA degree. She then joined the military in 2004 as a Military Intelligence Analyst. Kira was in the USAF for over 11 years and is a Bronze Star, Combat Wounded Warrior Retired Veteran. She has experience in Intelligence Studies, Signals Analysis, Program Management, Customer Service, Accounting, and briefing. She has over 5,000 hours of volunteering around the world and is now the COO/Co-Founder of Reach For The Stars Inc. https://www.rftstars.com/ https://www.facebook.com/rftstarsorg/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kira-reid-094a559a

The Victoria Police Special Operations group has made a change that brings John 'Sly' Silvester "no joy". See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deputy Patrol Agent in Charge of the Swanton Sector, William J. Maddocks visits with Chief Owens and talks about his career, being a part of the Special Operations Group, and highlights from his 20+ years in the patrol.

A 22-year veteran of the FBI, he retired as the Supervisory Special Agent of the Houston Division’s Special Operations Group. During his career he supervised a number of investigative squads, including criminal enterprise and organized crime, a drug trafficking task force, a multi-agency intelligence group, as well as counter-terrorism, counter-intelligence and criminal investigations. He was also the Undercover Program Coordinator and Assistant SWAT Team leader and served as an investigator and case agent on a number of complex cases requiring sophisticated investigative techniques and undercover operations. As a case agent and Supervisory Special Agent, he successfully helped dismantle Colombian and Mexican Drug Cartel operations, as well as Asian and Russian Criminal Enterprises, receiving over twenty commendations for his exemplary efforts. He was a member of the FBI’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and a firearms instructor and an international police instructor at the International Law Enforcement Academy in Bangkok, and at the Middle East Law Enforcement Academy, in Dubai. Get access to bonus segments with our guests: https://www.patreon.com/m/TheTeamHouse Team House merch: https://teespring.com/stores/my-store-10474963 Team House Discord: https://discord.gg/wHFHYM6 SubReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/TheTeamHouse/ Jack Murphy's memoir "Murphy's Law" can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Murphys-Law-Journey-Investigative-Journalist/dp/1501191241 The Team Room Reading Room (Amazon Affiliate links): https://jackmurphywrites.com/the-team-room-reading-room/ Intro music by https://www.youtube.com/user/RemixSample

His Lebanese grandfather dates their family to the days of Noah. His Green Beret father influenced his pathway to the Marines and then to the CIA's Special Operations Group, America's most secretive paramilitary operators. Now God is using his training in clandestine activities for another purpose – recovering missing and exploited children. “My mission is rescuing children who are abducted,” says Bazzel Baz, the founder of the Association for the Recovery of Children (ARC). His team members include former CIA and National Security Agency personnel, and others from the Secret Service and military Special Forces. “This nation spent a certain amount to make us the best in the business, to go places and do things nobody else can do.” “I can go places where the FBI won't go, because their hands are tied by politics.” The post Episode 3 – Bazzel Baz – Former CIA special ops man uses skills to recover lost kids first appeared on God Reports.

As far as tough policing goes, Craig Walsh has done it all. He worked in Homicide, the Armed Robbery Squad and the Special Operations Group, better known as a SWAT team. In doing so he’s been pitched up against some of Victoria’s most violent criminals in a full array of cases from shootings to sieges. But like many of his fellow officers, the job would eventually take a toll on Craig’s mental health.

As far as tough policing goes, Craig Walsh has done it all. He worked in Homicide, the Armed Robbery Squad and the Special Operations Group, better known as a SWAT team. In doing so he's been pitched up against some of Victoria's most violent criminals in a full array of cases from shootings to sieges. But like many of his fellow officers, the job would eventually take a toll on Craig's mental health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Phillip Grant Wilson was a neo-Nazi and a killer. He recruited a gang and according to one police report, ''This group undertook intense physical fitness training for the purpose of establishing a physical and mental advantage over police, especially the Special Operations Group, against whom they fully expected to come up against at some time in the future.'' Detective Sergeant John Morrish of the armed robbery squad was one of the key investigators who worked on Wilson. Morrish was known to have an intense dislike of people who used guns to terrorise members of the public. He wasn't too fond of Nazis either. On August 4, 1987, the Iceman was shot dead in an ambush outside a South Yarra chiropractic clinic. The murder remains unsolved. Silvester has a recorded interview with Wilson, and we hear John Morrish’s recollections, including that he was initially considered a suspect in Wilson’s murder. Thanks for listening. Please take the time to rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. We love to hear your thoughts and it makes it easier for the rest of the podcast world to find us. Become a subscriber: our supporters power our newsrooms and are critical for the sustainability of news coverage. Becoming a subscriber also gets you exclusive behind-the-scenes content and invitations to special events. Click on the links to subscribe https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Member of the Special Operations Group, Anti Terror Unit, Bomb Squad, Bounty Hunter, TV Star, Witness & Personal Protection... these are just a few titles old mate 'Flipper' over here holds. There's not much in the world of the elite, the exciting and the incredibly dangerous that Gary hasn't lived through. He's back again after such a great response to EP1 where we covered a little of his background and experiences. Today we talk about what it's like to be bodyguard for people such as Pope John Paul II, The Queen, Charles and Diana, Claudia Schiffer and many more big names you'll all know and love. Always entertaining, I love a chat with Flipper... we carry on, we laugh and his perspective despite the things he has seen and done is refreshingly lighthearted and humorous. To reach out to Gary you can email me on tiff@tiffaneeandco.com.au --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/roll-withthepunches/message

Meet Colonel Matthew MagnessHis WHY is TrustInterviewed by WHY Institute Founder Dr. Gary Sanchez (Better Way)Colonel Matthew Magness has served over 27 years in the United States Air Force, and is currently the Vice Commander of the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. The Center’s mission is to independently test and evaluate new capabilities in operationally realistic environments in order to inform warfighters and influence national resource decisions. It is comprised of over 700 military, civilian, and contractor personnel working at various operating test locations across the U.S.Prior to this position, Colonel Magness was the Center’s Director of Operations. Other posts include serving a year in Afghanistan as the 9th Air Expeditionary Task Force Director of Operations, helping lead more than 1,800 special ops airmen and nine squadrons as the Deputy Commander of the 1st Special Operations Group, as well as being the Commander of the 550th Special Operations Squadron where he led and oversaw the flying operations and training of 350 special operations and rescue students annually.Colonel Magness has flown Special Operations C-130s operationally in the United States, Europe and Middle East as well as flying 10 different aircraft throughout his career. He holds Master degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Arts and Science See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The ISDA Secure Transportation and Executive Protection News Podcast for Wednesday, October 24th, 2018  ======================  In Executive Protection News From New York Times Explosive Devices Found in Mail Sent to Hillary Clinton and Obama Two explosive devices were found in mail sent to the offices of former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the Secret Service said Wednesday. The devices were similar to one found on Monday at the home of the billionaire philanthropist George Soros, two law enforcement officials said. In a statement, the Secret Service said it “has intercepted two suspicious packages addressed to Secret Service protectees,” who were identified as Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama. The device addressed to Mrs. Clinton in Westchester County was found late on Tuesday by a Secret Service technician who screens mail for her office, the statement said. The package addressed to Mr. Obama was intercepted by Secret Service personnel in Washington DC early on Wednesday. “The packages were immediately identified during routine mail screening procedures as potential explosive devices and were appropriately handled as such,” the statement said. “The protectees did not receive the packages nor were they at risk of receiving them.” The statement said the agency had “initiated a full scope criminal investigation that will leverage all available federal, state, and local resources to determine the source of the packages and identify those responsible.”   https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/24/nyregion/clinton-obama-explosive-device.html ====================== In Vehicle News From NextGov DHS Funds Tech That Lets Emergency Vehicles Talk to Nearby Cars Police officers, firefighters, and paramedics have no time to waste when responding to emergencies, and the Homeland Security Department wants to keep everyone safe as they speed to the scene. The department awarded a $1.1 million contract to a Chicago-based startup to flesh out cellular technology that automatically notifies drivers when they’re in the vicinity of police cars, firetrucks, and ambulances. The system, developed by HAAS Alert, could ultimately reduce the number of collisions involving emergency response vehicles, saving both lives and dollars. Vehicle collisions are one of the biggest dangers first responders face in the line of duty.   https://www.nextgov.com/emerging-tech/2018/10/dhs-funds-tech-lets-emergency-vehicles-talk-nearby-cars/152243/ ====================== In Business of Executive Protection News From Strategic Marketing Solutions Copy, Paste, and Hope is Not a Marketing Strategy People want to interact and communicate with you and your business on social media. They want to be inspired and know your story. With the amount of stuff being shared on social media networks you have to make a concerted effort to stand out from the minutia. Don’t just copy, paste and hope that someone clicks on what you are selling. Audiences, friends, colleagues, potential customers, and clients are all bombarded by this minutia and these posts are just simply scrolled by because the tweets and posts were uninteresting, boring, ho-hum. The messages didn’t tell them the why. Why should I buy your service/product; why should I take the training. Instead, it is simply blah. This is rampant everywhere on social media. Usually, businesses who copy, paste and hope get frustrated and give up, and are the biggest complainers and naysayers that social media marketing doesn’t work. Changing the Mindset Change the mindset and get out of the copy, paste and hope ditch. Ask yourself these questions before, after, and during your social media marketing efforts. What is my overall social media marketing strategy? What is my strategy for this particular network? Is it likes, leads. sales, customers, etc. What are my social media goals? Is this the right network to post this? Am I reaching the right market? Why should anyone care about this post? Is this post engaging, thoughtful and convey the why? What is the objective of this post? Does my post have a call to action – what do I want people to do? Why is this post important to my market, client, and customers? Does it provide value? Provide Context Our average focused attention span is 8 seconds, down 4 seconds from 14 years ago. To put that in perspective, our attention span is less than a gnat and a goldfish! What is it that holds our attention for those 8 seconds on a tweet, a post or a page? It is context. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary context is defined as the words that are used with a certain word or phrase and that help to explain its meaning. The image, video, or message in that post or tweet affects you in some way – emotionally or cognitively. You can relate or understand the message immediately. It clicks. For example, a Vine video about a dog doing crazy tricks grabs your attention because you love animals or you have a dog and want it to do those tricks or even simply because it is funny. Because of context, you are more apt to click the like button and share the message. Context is the story that adds relevancy to your message. Understand the medium Each social media network is very, very different even though they are starting to look and act the same. Images might work best on Facebook and Pinterest but to be successful you also have to understand the demographics in each medium. For instance, Pinterest users are primarily women who are interested in purchasing or wanting a particular product whereas Facebook is more for social interaction with friends, family, and colleagues. So the images could be completely different. Further Recommendations Focus on the end user that will see the post, not your own ego Give quality, insightful information away for free – and do it often. Stop selling and start telling your story. Be creative. Think beyond copy, paste and hope boredom.  https://larrysnow.me/copy-paste-hope-not-marketing-strategy/ ==================== In Recommended Reading for Protection Professionals Targeted Violence: A Statistical and Tactical Analysis of Assassinations, Contract Killings, and Kidnappings Authored by Glenn P. McGovern and written in 2011, Drawn from case examples of incidents from around the world, Targeted Violence: A Statistical and Tactical Analysis of Assassinations, Contract Killings, and Kidnappings is the most complete resource of information on the attack methodologies, tactics used, and groups responsible for targeted killings and kidnappings. The author, a former SWAT and JTTF team member—whose experience includes providing protection to diplomats, high-ranking military personnel, prosecutors, and organized crime informants—presents a wealth of global statistics on assassinations, contract killings, and kidnappings that have occurred from 1950 to the present. Leaving no stone unturned, the book breaks down the various incidents of targeted violence by region, country, month, day of the week, and time of day. It reports on likely locations for each type of attack, success rates, who is likely to initiate the attacks, and who they are most likely to target. The book’s easy-to-follow format allows readers, experienced or not in personal protective work, to determine the types of attacks known to have occurred in any region. This complete reference includes 35 case studies that examine attacks on motorcades and pedestrians dating back to 1973—highlighting the lessons to be learned from each example. It analyzes the modus operandi of individual assailants and groups in order to determine commonalities between targeted victims and why certain groups tend to target a specific type of individual. The text concludes with a chapter on victimology. Just like anyone, assassins and hit men fall into routines and can become creatures of habit. By studying and understanding the collection of historical information contained in these pages, security, military, and law enforcement professionals responsible for providing protection will be better prepared to identify potential threats and develop the tactics needed to thwart such attacks. About the Author Glenn McGovern, district attorney investigator, Special Deputy U.S. Marshal, police officer, deputy sheriff, law enforcement specialist, began his law enforcement career in 1986 as an eighteen-year-old member of the U.S. Air Force Security Police. It was here that he first began his studies of terrorism, tactical operations, and protective details. Europe, at the time, was on fire as groups such as the Sicilian mafia, November 17, Red Army Faction, Hizbollah, and many others were conducting their terrorist attacks. As a newly minted law enforcement member who was also assigned to a police unit that had a combat mission and was deployable worldwide, the study of the tactics used by these groups was mandatory. It was during this time that he had his first introduction to close personal protection operations, first with Soviet diplomats visiting under the SALT II treaties, then later in  Panama with the commanding general of all U.S. forces in South America. He was also involved in an unusual protective operation in that he was locked in with the protectee, which in this case was over $16 million in cash en route to the U.S. military installations in the Pacific. He later took a job with the Bureau of Investigation of one of the largest district attorney’s offices in California, where he remains to this day. Here he quickly became a member of the Special Operations Group tasked with protective operations for district attorney staff, primarily prosecutors, as well as victims and witnesses. It was as a member of this group that he became more involved in the nuances of protective work as well as the training of a protective team. In particular, providing protection to victims and witnesses involved an issue that most protective teams don’t generally have to deal with. At times, the witness being protected was a member of an organized prison gang. As a member of the gang, even on the “outs” that person was in a position to see the methods of operation, equipment, members of the team, and how they operate. As anyone who has worked organized crime, and gangs in particular, can attest, it doesn’t take much for a gang member to get back in the good graces of his or her gang, and as a result, bringing with him or her the inside knowledge of the protective operations of the DA’s office. While with the district attorney’s office, he was assigned full-time to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force as a Special Deputy U.S. Marshal conducting international terrorism investigations for a period of three years. In this assignment he conducted counterterrorism investigations into a variety of groups, including some that have carried out targeted killings. He also was able to attend training that included the construction and detonation of a 500 lb vehicle car bomb, as well as dealing with suicide bombers, which provided him unique insight into how these operations could be carried out. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the Union Institute in Ohio as ell as a certificate in crime and intelligence analysis from the California State University, Sacramento. He is the author of several articles dealing with intelligence and SWAT-related subjects as well as a bimonthly online publication of urban ambush case studies. He also speaks on the issue of protective operations, specifically the tactics employed in these types of attacks. https://amzn.to/2q8dVrl ==================== Links to all news stories mentioned in this podcast are available at the archive website securitydrivernews.libsyn.com. You can also listen to past podcast episodes and leave comments.   Thanks for listening to the ISDA Secure Transportation and Executive Protection News podcast. ====================== This podcast is brought to you by the International Security Driver Association ISDA is a valuable resource for all practitioners working in the protection profession. We offer benchmark educational, networking, and marketing programs. The ISDA Membership ISDA Members represent all facets and levels of the protective services profession. The membership can be defined as a group of practitioners from different disciplines within the profession and with years of experience coming together to assist ISDA Members. Read more about our members Here is a collection of Books, and Articles authored by ISDA Members. Learn More about the ISDA Advantage and Become a Member Today

Retired agent Mike Leyden served 26 years with the FBI. Leyden, who has a law degree from Villanova University, was assigned to the Jacksonville Division, Pensacola Residency Agency and the Detroit Division, where he worked bank robberies, kidnappings, and fugitive matters. When transferred to the Philadelphia Division, Leyden helped set up and was the supervisor of the Special Operations Group based on a concept initially established in the Detroit Division. He was later appointed as the supervisor of the Newtown Square Resident Agency. To avoid an unwanted transfer to FBIHQ, Leyden stepped down and was placed on the Organized Crime Squad to work cases targeting the Philly mob. In this episode of FBI Retired Case File Review, Leyden is interviewed about an extortion case that resulted in the conviction of Nicodemo Scarfo Sr., Philadelphia City Councilman Leland Beloff, and Beloff's administrative assistant, Robert Rego for attempting to extort $1 million from Willard Rouse, a Philadelphia developer. During the investigation, two "made men," Nicholas Caramandi and Thomas DelGiorno, became government witnesses and their testimony eventually led to indictment and conviction of entire hierarchy of the Scarfo Family. After retirement, Mike Leyden became the Vice President of Corporate Security and Surveillance for Caesars Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. Currently, he still occasionally accepts private investigation assignments.

This podcast makes me soooo happy. This dude is the real f'ing deal. I love it when good things happen to amazing people. I met Rocco at the GI Film Festival with Mat Best, Jarred Taylor and the rest of his Article 15/Youtube Star posse. They were showcasing their 1.2 million dollar crowd funded movie, "Range 15" to rave reviews. He's a real American Hero who served 3 combat deployments as a Ranger, then served as a Federal Agent, then became a youtube star, and now is about to become a TV star with a big pilot he's shooting this month. Oh, and he has 6 KIDS! Here's his official bio: Vincent “Rocco” Vargas was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. After several years of college baseball, Vincent enlisted in the US Army and went on to serve 3 combat deployments with 2nd Battalion of the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. After 4 years of active duty service to his country, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves and continue his service. In 2009 he became a Federal Agent with the Department of Homeland Security, and was a BORSTAR Agent with the Special Operations Group attached to BORTAC. Currently one of the owners of the Article 15 "Empire", Leadslingers Whiskey, Warfighter Tobacco and more. He is married and a father of 6 children and lives in Texas. 

The May interview is part 2 of an interview with RobertNoziska. In this podcast we discuss canine motivation.   Robert J. Noziska,serves as the Special Operations Supervisor (SOS) and K-9 Coordinator for theUnited States Border Patrol, Special Operations Group, headquartered in ElPaso, Texas.  SOS Noziska has been assigned to the special operations unitknown as BORSTAR (Border Search Trauma and Rescue) since its inception in1998.    Additionally, Noziska was the driving force behindthe implementation of the Search and Rescue Canine Program for the BorderPatrol.  Agent Noziska, developed the techniques and training methods thatare currently being used by the Border Patrol SAR and Tracking canine teamstoday. Agent Noziska has been training Canine Teams for the Border Patrol since2001.  SOS Noziska is a certified Instructor for Human Remains Detection,Tracking/Trailing, Search and Rescue, Obedience and NarcoticsDetection.   Noziska was instrumental in the formation of theHorse Patrol Canine teams that are working on the southern border today, andwas the instructor for those teams trained at the Canine Center El Paso in thepast.  Agent Noziska is a Master Trainer/Lead Evaluator/Instructor for:United States Border Patrol, North American Police Work Dog Association,National Association of Search and Rescue, National Search Dog Alliance and theNational Narcotic Detector Dog Association.

SOS Noziska has turned his focusand his unique skill set on training U.S. Government personnel and other Stateand Local agencies.  His success is not only qualified by training invarious canine disciplines, but includes his sound understanding of search strategies,man-tracking and the Global Positioning System.  Due to his unique skillsets he has trained dog teams for foreign government agencies and has acted asa consultant for many agencies within our own government.  Additionally,Noziska has been credited for the training of “Back-tracking Canines” for theBorder Patrol.

The April interview is part 1 of an interview with Robert Noziska. In this podcast we discuss backtracking – what is it? How do you train it? What are some pitfalls? Robert J. Noziska, serves as the Special Operations Supervisor (SOS) and K-9 Coordinator for the United States Border Patrol, Special Operations Group, headquartered in El Paso, Texas.  SOS Noziska has been assigned to the special operations unit known as BORSTAR (Border Search Trauma and Rescue) since its inception in 1998.    Additionally, Noziska was the driving force behind the implementation of the Search and Rescue Canine Program for the Border Patrol.  Agent Noziska, developed the techniques and training methods that are currently being used by the Border Patrol SAR and Tracking canine teams today. Agent Noziska has been training Canine Teams for the Border Patrol since 2001.  SOS Noziska is a certified Instructor for Human Remains Detection, Tracking/Trailing, Search and Rescue, Obedience and Narcotics Detection.   Noziska was instrumental in the formation of the Horse Patrol Canine teams that are working on the southern border today, and was the instructor for those teams trained at the Canine Center El Paso in the past.  Agent Noziska is a Master Trainer/Lead Evaluator/Instructor for: United States Border Patrol, North American Police Work Dog Association, National Association of Search and Rescue, National Search Dog Alliance and the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association.

SOS Noziska has turned his focus and his unique skill set on training U.S. Government personnel and other State and Local agencies.  His success is not only qualified by training in various canine disciplines, but includes his sound understanding of search strategies, man-tracking and the Global Positioning System.  Due to his unique skill sets he has trained dog teams for foreign government agencies and has acted as a consultant for many agencies within our own government.  Additionally, Noziska has been credited for the training of “Back-tracking Canines” for the Border Patrol.

This edition features a story on how the 3-53rd Special Operation Group from Kadena Airbase Japan was re-tasked from Korea in response to relief operations in Japan.