Underground Strategy

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

Welcome to Episode 4 of our limited series on Number 788, hosted and produced by South African media figure Desmond Latham. Desmond, known for his History of South Africa podcast, brings his expertise and narrative skill to this series, guiding listeners through the defining missions and experiences of Max Lauker’s career in Swedish special operations.In this episode, Desmond and Max dive into Max's deployment in the Balkans—a transformative chapter in his career. Max reflects on the complex shift from his early cowboy days in Colombia to the high-stakes reality of the Balkans. He recounts the mission dynamics in Kosovo, where he found himself in covert cross-border operations, navigating alliances with Italian and German forces, and conducting intelligence-gathering missions with high-risk stakes.The conversation also explores the moral and tactical complexities of unsanctioned raids, the psychological challenges of long-term surveillance, and the unexpected discovery of Soviet-era weaponry on the Serbian border. Desmond’s probing questions reveal the formative impact of these experiences, shaping Max’s understanding of real-world intelligence work and operational patience.Join us as we uncover the grit, decisions, and high-stakes realities that defined Max's Balkan deployment and set the stage for his subsequent missions.In the next episode, Max will delve further into the evolution of his unit and the impact these early experiences had on his approach to special operations and intelligence.Links:Desmond Latham’s Blog: https://desmondlatham.blog/History of South Africa Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2uDa0tQjGe3GpFKDGjMMAm?si=2d2812af232742daNumber 788 on Amazon: https://a.co/d/is4FcIx

In this edition of Underground Strategy, Max Lauker and Tony Garcia welcome historian Karen Horn, who brings her extensive research on prisoners of war (POWs) to the podcast. Karen shares insights from her books, In Enemy Hands and Prisoners of Jan Smuts, exploring the lives and experiences of POWs from WWII. Through her detailed research and personal interviews, Karen uncovers stories that reveal both the resilience and humanity of those who endured captivity.During this engaging conversation, Karen discusses her unique approach to historical writing, focusing on the stories of individuals to convey the larger experience of POWs. She shares some memorable anecdotes from her interviews, reflecting on the humor, resilience, and challenges that POWs expressed during her research. From Italian POWs in South Africa to South Africans captured by the Germans, Karen’s work offers a rich look at the human element of wartime.As POWs remain a constant through centuries of conflict, Karen’s stories resonate in today’s context, reminding us of the enduring complexities of war. We look forward to having her back.Karen's books are available in South Africa in all good book stores, and abroad at:Prisoners of Jan Smuts: https://amzn.eu/d/2zaQO9MIn Enemy Hands: In Enemy Hands: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1868426513

Welcome to Episode 3 of our limited series on Number 788, hosted and produced by South African media figure Desmond Latham. Known for his History of South Africa podcast, Desmond brings his deep experience and sharp perspective to this series, guiding listeners through the pivotal events that shaped Max Lauker’s journey into Swedish special operations.In this episode, Desmond and Max dive into the transition from intense training to high-stakes operations, revealing some of the unorthodox, unsanctioned missions that came Max’s way. Max recounts his time in the UK for close-protection training, where he found himself unexpectedly assigned as security detail for a Russian oligarch—complete with food-tasting duties to safeguard against potential poisoning. It’s a unique look at the blend of humor and tension that marked the early years of his career.Moving on to Latin America, Max describes his initial assignments in Panama, where he was tasked with preparing for future operations and forging local and international connections. Desmond’s insightful questions help unravel the complexities of conducting off-the-books missions abroad, from extractions in Venezuela to joint operations with Colombian forces. These experiences gave Max a foundation in adaptable, real-world tactics, shaping the way he approached later sanctioned missions.The episode wraps up with a discussion of the political dynamics behind Sweden’s special operations. Desmond and Max discuss the significance of Sweden’s proactive role during the Balkans deployment, a pivotal assignment that strengthened Sweden’s credibility within NATO-aligned intelligence circles and set the stage for a strategic shift in their operations.In the next episode, Max will delve deeper into his boots-on-the-ground experiences in the Balkans, leading into deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq.Links:Desmond Latham’s Blog: https://desmondlatham.blog/History of South Africa Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2uDa0tQjGe3GpFKDGjMMAm?si=2d2812af232742daNumber 788 on Amazon: https://a.co/d/is4FcIx

Max and Tony are back, tackling a classic debate: are we all carrying too much kit? In this episode, they dig into the question of what’s truly essential versus what might just be extra baggage. From old-school rain gear to today’s “must-have” gadgets, they share insights on how to find the right balance without diving into a laundry list of gear. The conversation might make you rethink that overstuffed bag!They also catch us up on the latest from Underground Strategy. Recent War Diaries features have brought fresh voices to the fold, with former diplomat Peter de Clercq sharing insights on global conflict zones and cybersecurity expert Hex diving into the digital battlespace. If you haven’t read these new narratives yet, now’s the time to catch up in the War Diaries section.Beyond that, there’s plenty in the works: Tony is collaborating with retired Brigadier General Sereko on memoirs that cover over 40 years of service, while Max is deep into his next book, including a compelling project with South African veteran Bob Newland on his time with the London recruits.Stay tuned for some exciting podcast episodes as we head into the holidays. And, if you have suggestions for themes or guests, reach out—your input could inspire an upcoming episode!And don’t miss the Sunday SitRep! This quick-read, biweekly newsletter keeps you updated on recent military developments. Subscribe on our website to get the latest delivered straight to your inbox.Until next week, keep it light on the kit and ready for action!Links:War Diaries - https://undergroundstrategy.com/narratives/Combat Diaries - https://undergroundstrategy.com/combat-diaries/Sunday Sitrep - https://undergroundstrategy.com/sunday-sitrep/

Welcome back to the second episode of our limited series on the making of Number 788, hosted and produced by South African media figure Desmond Latham. This in-depth series explores the experiences that led Max Lauker, co-authored with Tony Garcia, to write Number 788: My Experiences in Swedish Special Operations. This episode dives into Max’s journey from early training in the Swedish Armed Forces to unexpected assignments, shedding light on the rigorous world of special operations and the mental challenges it demands.Starting with why he was inspired to finally put his experiences to paper, Max recounts his first exposure to military life and the initial stages of training with Swedish Special Purpose Units. In conversation with Des, he shares insights into the mental resilience and adaptability required to transition from basic training to an advanced special operations unit. Max recalls the reality of special operations training, breaking down misconceptions and explaining how long hours, grit, and relentless training formed the backbone of his career.This episode also delves into unique training experiences abroad with British and French forces, where Max was exposed to live operations in high-risk environments across Europe. Desmond Latham’s thoughtful questions highlight the high stakes and intensity of these early operations, revealing the human element behind the tactical roles Max played.In this candid conversation, Des guides listeners through Max’s reflections on the shift from training to real-world missions, touching on the stoic mentality required to thrive in high-stakes situations and the adjustments made when theory meets reality. The discussion sets the stage for the next episode, where Max will delve into his work hunting down terrorist networks across Europe.Desmond Latham, celebrated for his History of South Africa podcast, brings his keen insights and extensive experience to Underground Strategy. This collaboration offers a unique perspective on the experiences that shaped Number 788, making for an engaging, immersive series.Links:Desmond Latham’s Blog: https://desmondlatham.blog/History of South Africa Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2uDa0tQjGe3GpFKDGjMMAm?si=2d2812af232742daNumber 788 on Amazon: https://a.co/d/is4FcIx