Underground Strategy

In this edition of Underground Strategy, Max and Tony bring a festive yet poignant twist to the podcast as they explore the traditions, letters, and unique experiences of military personnel during Christmas. From historical moments like the 1914 Christmas Truce to personal reflections from their own deployments, this episode delves into the resilience and camaraderie that emerge in the most challenging circumstances.Max shares stories of cozy family Christmases alongside recollections of Swedish coffee and festive trimmings on deployments. Tony recounts a warm South African Christmas with deminers, while reflecting on the mix of celebration and loss often faced by those in active duty. They also touch on the famous 1941 Christmas address by Winston Churchill and letters from soldiers in Vietnam, the Gulf War, and even World War II.This episode pays tribute to service members who find ways to honor the season, no matter where they are stationed, while reminding us of the sacrifices made by those serving during the holidays.Wishing all listeners a Merry Christmas, whether you're celebrating at home or far away.Discover Max’s book co-authored by Tony, Number 788: https://a.co/d/2sUkfQSFollow us for updates and more content: https://undergroundstrategy.comMax Lauker on Instagram: https://instagram.com/maxlaukerUnderground Strategy on Instagram: https://instagram.com/undergroundstrategy

In this episode, recorded just days before Christmas, Max Lauker and Tony Garcia bring a relaxed yet reflective tone to the Underground Strategy podcast. From holiday traditions to the deep connections between military service, ceremonial duties, and global conflict, this conversation covers a lot of ground.The episode begins with Max and Tony sharing Christmas traditions—from Swedish celebrations on the 24th to Scottish winter mornings with blazers and cookies for Santa. But the discussion soon transitions into a thoughtful exploration of ceremonial guard duties, their significance, and the cultural differences in how military traditions are honored.Drawing from personal experiences, Max recalls guarding Stockholm’s Royal Castle during a snowy Christmas and reflects on how ceremonial roles contribute to both public engagement and unit cohesion. The conversation expands to military traditions worldwide, from Swiss Guards to riot drills and even the grandiose parades of more autocratic states.Max and Tony also explore how societies view and respect their armed forces, particularly during times of war and peace. Max shares his nuanced perspective on the balance between honoring military service and ensuring the ultimate objective remains peace—a timely reminder as the holidays approach.Discover Max’s book, Number 788 - https://a.co/d/2sUkfQSFollow us for updates and more contentMax Lauker on Instagram: https://instagram.com/maxlaukerUnderground Strategy on Instagram: https://instagram.com/undergroundstrategy

This week on the Underground Strategy Podcast, Max and Tony sit down with Andrew Balaam, a former Selous Scout and veteran of the Rhodesian Bush War.From Andrew’s early life in Southern Rhodesia to his experiences in the legendary Selous Scouts, this episode goes straight into the realities of pseudo-operations, inter-unit rivalries, and life on the frontlines of a conflict that shaped Southern Africa’s history. Andy shares unique insights into the tactical and personal challenges of operating behind enemy lines, as well as his thoughts on leadership, resilience, and the nuances of warfare.Some highlights from the episode:-Life as a Selous Scout: What made this unit unique, and how pseudo-operations reshaped the battlefield.-Operation Detachment: The first vehicle-based cross-border raid into Mozambique and its impact on Rhodesian strategy.-Leadership and Solo Operations: The challenges of operating independently in hostile environments, including Andrew’s unforgettable 57-day mission.-Historical Reflections: Andrew's candid thoughts on the political and personal aftermath of the Rhodesian conflict and his transition to life post-military.Andrew also discusses his books, including Bush War Operator and his latest work Skuzapo, which brings to life the stories and perspectives of both black and white Selous Scouts.Check out Andrew’s books:Bush War Operator: Memoirs of the Rhodesian Light Infantry, Selous Scouts and beyondSkuzapo: The Untold StoryVisit undergroundstrategy.com for additional resources, reviews, and articles or follow us on Instagram.Max Lauker: https://instagram.com/maxlaukerUnderground Strategy: https://instagram.com/undergroundstrategy

In this UGS Special Edition, we continue our military legends series by exploring General Louis Botha’s transformative journey from wartime commander to statesman.In this episode, Max and Tony discuss Botha’s pivotal role in World War I, including his leadership during the Southwest Africa campaign, the challenges of commanding a divided nation, and the moral complexities of fighting alongside the British so soon after the Anglo-Boer War.They also reach into the dynamics of Botha’s partnership with Jan Smuts—how their unique relationship shaped South Africa’s military and political traditions, and how Botha’s leadership left an enduring mark on the nation.Let us know if there are other military legends you’d like us to cover in upcoming episodes!For more on the topic, Tony's book Botha, Smuts and the First World War (available in South African bookstores) provides an in-depth look.The UK edition, Botha, Smuts and the Great War, is available on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/6dO2j7i

In this week’s episode of Underground Strategy, Max and Tony tackle the evolving dynamics of military recruitment and selection processes, providing a unique perspective shaped by their personal experiences and years of observation. As the holiday season approaches, the duo reflects on the spirit of Christmas creeping into their routines—lights, advent traditions, and thoughts of thoughtful gifts (books, anyone?) make their way into the conversation, adding a lighter touch before diving into the week’s topic.As global conflicts intensify and armies worldwide face mounting pressure to scale up recruitment, the conversation delves into how modern militaries are adapting their strategies to balance the demand for manpower with the need to maintain operational excellence.Max reflects on his time in Swedish special operations, sharing insights on the psychological and physical demands of special forces selections, where mental resilience often outweighs brute physical strength. Tony adds his perspective, discussing how military psychological evaluations can sometimes reveal more about a recruit’s potential than their ability to run a perfect 10K or perform dozens of pull-ups. They highlight how soft skills and technical expertise—like cyber warfare capabilities and drone piloting—are increasingly prioritized alongside traditional physical requirements.The discussion naturally ties into the broader context of modern warfare, with Ukraine serving as a poignant example of how military requirements shift as the need for personnel grows urgent. Max and Tony explore the complex dynamics at play, where outdated perceptions of “fighting fit” clash with the reality that adaptability and specialized skills are just as critical on today’s battlefields.Interwoven with personal anecdotes, including Max’s experiences with Ranger school and Tony’s insights from South African military selection, the episode paints a vivid picture of the challenges and rewards of navigating military recruitment in an era defined by rapid technological advancement and global instability.This is a must-listen for anyone curious about the behind-the-scenes realities of building effective and diverse military teams, where the right mindset and technical know-how are as important as physical readiness. Don't miss out on the part where Max talks about the Spanish legionnaire ceremonial uniform... to be honest Tony digs it and we can see why.Links:Number 788 on Amazon - https://a.co/d/is4FcIxBotha, Smuts and the Great War / https://amzn.eu/d/4axoL9a

In this UGS Special Edition, we continue our military legends series with a focus on General Louis Botha, a towering figure in South African military history and often likened to America’s George Washington.In this episode, Max interviews Tony, who shares insights from his co-authored book, Botha, Smuts and the First World War. They explore Botha’s early life, his rise as a commander during the Second Anglo-Boer War, and his strategic genius in defending the Tugela line against British forces. This discussion brings to light Botha’s unique tactical eye, his ability to build loyalty among his troops, and the early guerilla tactics that defined his military approach.Let us know if there are other military legends you’d like us to cover in upcoming episodes!For more on the topic, Tony's book Botha, Smuts and the First World War (available in South African bookstores) provides an in-depth look.The UK edition, Botha, Smuts and the Great War, is available on Amazon. https://amzn.eu/d/6dO2j7i

In this episode of the Underground Strategy podcast, we’re joined by military historian and professor Evert Kleynhans from Stellenbosch University. Known for his research on South African military history, Evert walks us through the fascinating and often-overlooked story of German espionage networks in South Africa during WWII. He explains the role of the Ossewabrandwag and shares insights into Smuts’ complex balancing act of politics, security, and wartime priorities.Evert also gives us a look at his upcoming work on South African POWs, particularly those who escaped and evaded capture during WWII, providing a unique lens on military resilience and survival. We conclude with Evert's take on South Africa’s most impactful military commanders, whose strategies and decisions have left a lasting mark on both regional and world history.For further reading on Evert Kleynhans and South African military history, check out his publications below:Hitler’s South African Spies - https://amzn.eu/d/4yz0doJNaval War in South African Waters - https://amzn.eu/d/h8IM3GuRecommended reads on South African WWII history:OB: Traitors or Patriots? by George Cloete Visser - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12910111-obRobey Leibbrandt: 'n Lewe van Fanatisme by Albert Blake - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49447236-robey-leibbrandtA Military History of Modern South Africa by Ian van der Waag - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26190816-a-military-history-of-modern-south-africaAnd a look at Evert’s most influential South African commanders:Dan Pienaar - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_PienaarRoland de Vries - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_de_VriesEvered Poole - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evered_Poole

In this fifth and final episode of the Number 788 podcast series, host Des Latham wraps up the journey with Max Lauker, reflecting on the incredible experiences that shaped his life in special operations and intelligence. From the Swedish Arctic Ranger Regiment to covert missions across the globe, Max shares how his career evolved from military operations to a focus on intelligence and beyond.Returning from pivotal deployments in the Balkans, Max recalls his unit’s role in identifying key violations and proving their worth as an experimental special purpose unit. This success became the foundation for further deployments and Sweden’s growing participation in international operations, particularly during its transition toward NATO collaboration.Max also shares insights into the process of writing Number 788: My Experiences in Swedish Special Operations Preparing for NATO and the War on Terror, co-authored with Tony Garcia. With vivid recollections and years of operational experience, the book provides a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of special operations. Max touches on how the collaboration with Tony shaped the book and how their shared passion has now expanded into Underground Strategy, a platform for military narratives, guest articles, and podcasts.To join Max journey in Number 788, visit Amazon and grab your copy today - https://a.co/d/fF8vM9gFor updates on Underground Strategy, visit https://undergroundstrategy.com or connect with Max Lauker on Instagram at https://instagram.com/maxlaukerTo follow Des Latham and explore his work, including his blog and podcasts, visit https://desmondlatham.blogor find his podcast, History of South Africa, wherever you listen to podcasts.Thank you to Des Latham for guiding this fascinating journey through the limited series and bringing these stories to life.

In this week’s episode of Underground Strategy, Max and Tony sit down with Alex, also known as Agent Condorito, to explore the militarization of Mexican cartels and their evolving tactics. Alex, an open-source intelligence enthusiast, has been closely monitoring cartels through digital channels, uncovering insights that often go underreported.Alex discusses the rapid transformation of cartels like the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation Cartels, who have incorporated conventional warfare tactics, specialized units, and heavy weaponry, operating like small armies. The conversation delves into how cartels have leveraged technology—such as drones, anti-drone systems, and social media recruitment—to expand their reach and establish dominance in areas they control.The discussion also highlights the ongoing turf wars, alliances, and internal conflicts within major cartels, as well as the Mexican government’s response and the role of foreign agencies like the DEA. Alex’s stories shed light on the social impact of these cartels, from the widespread violence that affects local communities to the complex web of loyalty and fear that sustains these organizations.Find more insights from Alex on his Instagram page: https://instagram.com/agentcondoritoLinks to Topics Discussed:DEA - https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-05-10/the-deas-crusade-against-the-sinaloa-and-jalisco-cartels-the-most-dangerous-and-deadly-drug-crisis-the-us-has-ever-faced.htmlLos Zetas - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Zetas