Underground Strategy

In this episode, Max and Tony dive into the myths and realities of hand-to-hand combat. From Hollywood's dramatizations to the harsh realities of the battlefield, they explore how militaries approach close-quarters combat and its role in modern training and operations.The discussion touches on the evolution of techniques like Krav Maga, the importance of mental and physical toughness, and how these skills translate to other scenarios like close protection. Max reflects on his own training and real-life experiences, offering candid insights into what really works in the heat of the moment.Tony shares historical examples, from the brutal trench warfare of WWI to modern contexts like Ukraine, and they debate whether hand-to-hand combat remains relevant in today’s world of long-range weaponry and drones.Whether you’re a martial arts enthusiast, a student of military history, or just curious about the realities behind the movies, this episode offers a thought-provoking take on the art and utility of close combat.Join the mission: https://undergroundstrategy.comDiscover Number 788: https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re kicking off 2025 with the second part of our discussion with Seán Scullion, active-duty officer, historian, and author of Churchill’s Spaniards.This episode dives deeper into the incredible story of Spanish Republicans who joined the British Army during WWII, continuing their fight against fascism across Europe, North Africa, and beyond.Séan shares powerful accounts of these men’s bravery and resilience, as well as the challenges they faced as soldiers and survivors. We also touch on the cultural and political complexities surrounding their contributions, both during and after the war.Start the new year by uncovering more about this overlooked chapter of history.Thank you for joining us as we begin another exciting year of Underground Strategy.Churchill’s Spaniards is available now, published by Helion & Co. Get your copy on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3ZSDRaVFollow Séan on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sean.scullion/Séan´s Reading list:-Churchill and Spain: The Survival of the Franco Regime, 1940-1945 - https://amzn.to/4iTD1mY-Octubre 1934 - https://amzn.to/41OFJnJDiscover Number 788 - https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Follow us for updates and more content:Underground Strategy - https://undergroundstrategy.comMax Lauker on Instagram - https://instagram.com/maxlaukerUnderground Strategy on Instagram - https://instagram.com/undergroundstrategy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final Underground Strategy episode of the year, Max Lauker and Tony Garcia are joined by Séan Scullion—active-duty officer, historian, and author of Churchill’s Spaniards.Séan shares the remarkable story of Spanish Republicans who, after fighting in the Spanish Civil War, joined the British Army during WWII. These men, fighting for freedom and survival, served in the Pioneer Corps, SAS, and other units across Europe, North Africa, and beyond.We explore their resilience, bravery, and the challenges they faced as soldiers and survivors. Séan also talks about the eight-year journey that went into writing this book and his connections with the families of these forgotten heroes.This is part one of a two-part series that highlights an extraordinary but overlooked chapter of WWII history.Churchill’s Spaniards is available now, published by Helion & Co. Get your copy on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3ZSDRaVSéan´s Reading list:-Churchill and Spain: The Survival of the Franco Regime, 1940-1945 - https://amzn.to/4iTD1mY-Octubre 1934 - https://amzn.to/41OFJnJThank you for an incredible year! Stay safe, stay frosty, and we’ll see you in 2025!Discover Number 788 - https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Follow us for updates and more contentUnderground Strategy Website - https://undergroundstrategy.comMax Lauker on Instagram - https://instagram.com/maxlaukerUnderground Strategy on Instagram - https://instagram.com/undergroundstrategy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Follow us for updates and more content: https://undergroundstrategy.comMax Lauker on Instagram: https://instagram.com/maxlaukerUnderground Strategy on Instagram: https://instagram.com/undergroundstrategy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.