Underground Strategy

In this episode of Helion Talks, host Tony Garcia speaks with historian and former civil servant Phil McCarty about his new book Point of Failure: British Brigadiers in France and Norway, 1940. Drawing on decades of government service and years of academic research, McCarty examines the careers, decisions, and battlefield experiences of the brigadiers who led the British Army through one of its most challenging early-war crises.The conversation explores how McCarty identified and analyzed every brigadier who served in the 1940 campaigns, revealing a complex picture of middle-management command at a moment of strategic collapse. He discusses why “failure” is an unavoidable part of the story, how interwar career structures shaped wartime performance, and why First World War service was far less of a predictor of success than commonly assumed.McCarty also shares insights on the evolution of brigade-level command, the lessons drawn (and ignored) from the 1940 defeats, and the officers whose leadership in chaos left lasting impressions. From forgotten figures like Archibald Bowman to later luminaries such as Montague Stopford, the episode illuminates the human dimension behind operational history.Finally, McCarty offers a look at his forthcoming projects—including a regimental history, a study of the Western Desert on film, and a monograph on the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War.Helion Talks releases new episodes once a month, featuring authors and historians from around the world.Links:Point of Failure: British Brigadiers in France and Norway, 1940Phil on LinkedInHelion & Co: https://www.helion.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helionbooks/X: https://x.com/HelionbooksProduced and hosted for Helion & Co by UGS — https://undergroundstrategy.comMusic: ‘Legionnaire’ by Scott Buckley — released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

In this episode of Helion Talks, host Tony Garcia speaks with historian and author Alexander S. Burns about his book Infantry in Battle, 1733–1783. Burns challenges the long-standing myth that 18th-century infantry were rigid automatons following rote drill. Instead, his work reveals a far more dynamic reality — one where soldiers and officers constantly negotiated tactics, adapted to terrain, and shaped the outcome of battles from the ground up.The discussion spans from the battlefields of northern Italy to the American War of Independence, tracing how ordinary soldiers fought, took initiative, and learned within the chaos of war. Burns also shares insights from rare soldier letters uncovered in archives across Europe, illustrating how men thought, moved, and survived under fire. Finally, he previews his upcoming projects, including new studies on George Washington’s army and the Duke of Cumberland’s campaigns.Helion Talks releases new episodes once a month, featuring authors and historians from around the world.Links:Infantry in Battle 1733–1783Blog: KabinettskriegeX: https://x.com/kkriegeblogBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kabinettskriege.bsky.socialHelion & Co: https://www.helion.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helionbooks/X: https://x.com/HelionbooksProduced and hosted for Helion & Co by UGS — https://undergroundstrategy.comMusic: ‘Legionnaire’ by Scott Buckley — released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

In this episode of Helion Talks, host Tony Garcia speaks with writer and historian Gabriel Neville, author of The Last Men Standing: The 8th Virginia Regiment in the American Revolution. Gabriel shares the remarkable story of one of Virginia’s most distinctive regiments — a force shaped by frontier experience, cultural diversity, and the harsh realities of early American warfare.Drawing on two decades of research, Neville discusses how he pieced together a narrative many believed impossible to write, uncovering forgotten diaries, service records, and pension accounts to tell the full story of the 8th Virginia. From brutal frontier battles and disease-ravaged campaigns to the human cost of revolution, the conversation brings to light a side of the war rarely seen — one defined not by founding fathers, but by the ordinary soldiers who endured it.Helion Talks releases new episodes once a month, featuring authors and historians from around the world.Links:The Last Men Standing: The 8th Virginia Regiment in the American RevolutionGabriel Neville — 8thVirginia.comHelion & Co: https://www.helion.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helionbooks/X: https://x.com/HelionbooksProduced and hosted for Helion & Co by UGS — https://undergroundstrategy.comMusic: ‘Legionnaire’ by Scott Buckley — released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

In this episode of Helion Talks, host Tony Garcia speaks with aerospace engineer, pilot, and author Bill Norton about his groundbreaking new series Air-to-Air Missiles: Development and Combat Across 80 Years. Drawing on decades of experience in flight testing and aeronautical engineering, Bill explores the evolution of guided air combat weapons—from their World War II prototypes to the latest fifth and sixth generation systems shaping modern aerial warfare.The discussion breaks down how air-to-air missiles work, why they sometimes miss, and how human factors, technology, and combat conditions interact in the chaos of real engagements. Bill also reflects on current challenges, from counter-drone warfare to escalating defense costs, and previews the six-volume series that comprehensively covers eight decades of innovation, testing, and combat experience.Helion Talks releases new episodes once a month, featuring authors and historians from around the world.Links:Air-to-Air Missiles Vol. 1: Technology, Development and OperationAir-to-Air Missiles Vol. 2: First Generation and Early Experiences 1944–1967Bill Norton on LinkedInHelion & Co: https://www.helion.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helionbooks/X: https://x.com/HelionbooksProduced and hosted for Helion & Co by UGS — https://undergroundstrategy.comMusic: ‘Legionnaire’ by Scott Buckley — released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

In this episode of Helion Talks, host Tony Garcia speaks with historian Glenn Price, author of Soldiers and Civilians, Transport and Provisions: Early Modern Military Logistics and Supply Systems during the British Civil Wars 1638–1653. Glenn discusses the often-overlooked world of logistics and supply during the British Civil Wars, exploring how armies were fed, equipped, and kept moving amid the chaos of seventeenth-century warfare.The conversation sheds light on the human and operational realities behind campaigns — from food shortages and transport systems to regional supply variations and the civilian toll of sustaining armies in the field. Glenn also explains why the Royalists’ logistical struggles may have been overstated and how supply lines, local productivity, and coastal transport shaped the outcome of these conflicts.Helion Talks releases new episodes once a month, featuring authors and historians from around the world.Links:Soldiers and Civilians, Transport and Provisions: Early Modern Military Logistics and Supply Systems during the British Civil Wars 1638–1653Glenn Price on XHelion & Co: https://www.helion.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helionbooks/X: https://x.com/HelionbooksProduced and hosted for Helion & Co by UGS — https://undergroundstrategy.comMusic: ‘Legionnaire’ by Scott Buckley — released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

In this episode of Helion Talks, host Tony Garcia speaks with historian Karen Horn, author of Bold in Battle: South African Stories from the Second World War. Karen shares how her work brings to life the overlooked experiences of South African volunteers who served across Africa and Europe — men and women whose stories have long remained in the margins of military history.Drawing on personal diaries, letters, and firsthand accounts, Karen discusses the human side of war — from the courage of ordinary soldiers and POWs to the quiet sacrifices of families back home. She also reflects on South Africa’s complex culture of remembrance, the challenges of commemoration, and the importance of preserving these voices for future generations.Helion Talks releases new episodes once a month, featuring authors and historians from around the world.Links: Bold in Battle: South African Stories from the Second World War Karen Horn on Instagram Helion & Co: https://www.helion.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helionbooks/ X: https://x.com/HelionbooksProduced and hosted for Helion & Co by UGS — https://undergroundstrategy.comMusic: ‘Legionnaire’ by Scott Buckley — released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

In this episode of Helion Talks, host Tony Garcia speaks with historian and author Michael Fredholm von Essen about his new two-volume series Whiskey on the Rocks — an in-depth exploration of a tense Cold War standoff between the Soviet Union and Sweden.Michael recounts the extraordinary events of October 1981, when a Soviet Whiskey-class submarine ran aground near a major Swedish naval base, sparking a ten-day diplomatic and military crisis. He explains how misunderstandings, high-stakes decisions, and Cold War paranoia shaped the incident — and how newly declassified documents reveal what really happened beneath the surface.The conversation also looks ahead to his sequel volume, which follows the continuing confrontation and near-miss moments that could have drawn both sides into open conflict. Helion Talks releases new episodes once a month, featuring discussions with leading military historians and authors.Links: Whiskey on the Rocks Vol. 1 – A Soviet Submarine Stranded in Swedish Waters (1981) Whiskey on the Rocks Vol. 2 – The Swedish–Soviet Confrontation (1981) Helion & Co: https://www.helion.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helionbooks/ X: https://x.com/HelionbooksProduced and hosted for Helion & Co by UGS — https://undergroundstrategy.comMusic: ‘Legionnaire’ by Scott Buckley — released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

In this inaugural episode of Helion Talks, host Tony Garcia sits down with Helion & Company founder and CEO Duncan Rogers to explore the origins of one of the world’s leading military history publishers. Duncan shares how his lifelong passion for military history evolved into the founding of Helion in 1996, and how that passion continues to drive the company today.They discuss the evolution of Helion’s hallmark series — from Century of the Soldier to At War — and how these collections have built a global readership across eras and regions. Duncan also talks about Helion’s commitment to giving voice to overlooked stories, from South Africa to Sweden, and fostering international collaboration through partnerships like the new Underground Strategy series.Helion Talks will release new episodes once a month, featuring conversations with authors and historians from around the world.Links:Helion & Co: https://www.helion.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helionbooks/X: https://x.com/HelionbooksProduced and hosted for Helion & Co by UGS — https://undergroundstrategy.comMusic: ‘Legionnaire’ by Scott Buckley — released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

A small state, big pressures—Botswana built its army late and cautiously.In this season finale, we sit down with Bafumiki Mocheregwa, a historian and academic at the University of Southern Mississippi who studies the Botswana Defense Force (BDF) and Southern African military history.The conversation explores how Botswana built its armed forces late—only in 1977—after relying for years on the Police Mobile Unit. We cover how the BDF grew under financial and political constraints, its complicated role during the Rhodesian Bush War and apartheid, and its later peacekeeping deployments to Somalia, Mozambique, and Lesotho.This isn’t a neat story. It’s a patchwork of half-forgotten history, regional pressures, and unanswered questions about how a small, cautious state tried to manage the chaos around it.Recommended ReadingThe BDF in the Struggle for an African Environment - https://amzn.to/3IAvkorMore from Underground StrategyJoin the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.comDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

In this episode, we’re joined by John Gordon Sennett, a U.S. Marine veteran, writer, and co-author of Accidental Ukrainians, a personal chronicle of war, survival, and adaptation from inside Ukraine.John and his wife Natasha Sennett moved to Kiev just before the invasion began. What started as a family decision quickly turned into a frontline life. From volunteering in the early days of war to chronicling daily reality, they’ve written two powerful books that bridge cultures, challenge narratives, and offer something rarely seen—honest, unfiltered civilian-military experience from inside a war zone.We talk about writing as survival, advocating for POWs, the culture clash between glory-seekers and those who stayed, and how narrative itself can become a tool for recovery.John also shares an exclusive preview of their third book and a bold new mental health project with Ukrainian universities aimed at helping veterans and civilians process trauma through storytelling.This is not just another perspective. It’s a voice from the inside—and it matters.Accidental Ukrainians – Books by John & Natasha SennettPart One – https://amzn.to/3H9GrUbPart Two – https://amzn.to/3ZyJH1JConnect with John & Natasha SennettMedium – https://jgsennett-78059.medium.com/Substack – https://johngordonsennettsr.substack.com/LinkedIn – https://ua.linkedin.com/in/john-g-sennett-srProject & Updates – https://accidentalukrainians.com/More from Underground StrategyJoin the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.comDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

In this episode, we’re joined again by Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Jean-Pierre Scherman of the South African National Defence Force—a returning guest with deep operational experience and a sharp eye for military history. This time, we turn to Operation Boleas: the 1998 intervention in Lesotho that tested the SANDF just four years after its formation.We get into the real story behind the headlines—why the mission was launched, how it rapidly escalated, and what it exposed about South Africa’s new defense force. From unexpected combat to political constraints and mission creep, Boleas became a crash course in regional military operations.More than two decades later, the mission remains misunderstood. We unpack why it faded from public view—and what its legacy reveals about South Africa’s approach to hard power.Jean-Pierre Scherman’s linksInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/schermanjeanpierre/X – https://x.com/schermanjp74LinkedIn – https://za.linkedin.com/in/jean-pierre-schermanMore from Underground StrategyJoin the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.comDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

This week on the Underground Strategy Podcast, Max Lauker continues the conversation with Andy Balaam, former Selous Scout and veteran of some of the Bush War’s most daring missions.In Part 2, Balaam walks us through the attack on Nyadzonya itself — from the buildup on the parade ground to the destruction of the camp, the clearing of huts, and the tense withdrawal across the border. He also reflects on the aftermath, the claims of controversy, and how he saw the operation at the time.Stay tuned for future episodes with Balaam, where we’ll continue exploring his experiences in the Scouts and beyond.Warning: this episode contains graphic combat detail.Andy's Workpseudobalaam.comInstagram – instagram.com/pseudobalaam More from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 - https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission - https://undergroundstrategy.com

This week on the Underground Strategy Podcast, Max Lauker is joined once again by Andy Balaam, former Selous Scout and veteran of some of the Bush War’s most daring missions.After walking us through Operation Long John, Balaam now turns to Operation Eland. In August 1976, fewer than a hundred Scouts crossed into Mozambique in a flying column, targeting a ZANLA base at Nyadzonya.Stay tuned for Part 2, where Balaam walks through the battle itself and the aftermath.Andy's Workpseudobalaam.comInstagram – instagram.com/pseudobalaamMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 - https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission - https://undergroundstrategy.com

In this episode, we’re joined once again by military scholar and practitioner Amos Fox for a fast-paced listener Q&A tackling some of the most pressing questions in contemporary warfare.From the blurred lines between war and peace to the myth of maneuver and the limits of tech, this one hits hard. We talk endurance, positional warfare and why most armies still get strategy wrong. Fox brings sharp analysis and field-smart insight to a global discussion that’s still struggling to catch up with battlefield reality.Expect clarity, hard truths, and zero buzzwords.Amos Fox´s WorkConflict Realism – https://amzn.to/4jc1mmQRevolution in Military Affairs (podcast) – https://shows.acast.com/revolution-in-military-affairsX – https://x.com/AmosFox6LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/amoscfoxWant to read like Amos Fox?The Foundations of the Science of War by JFC Fuller (page 65 if you want to pass his class) – https://amzn.to/3F5QitHUrban Warfare in the Twenty-First Century by Anthony King – https://amzn.to/4kssNK2More from Underground StrategyJoin the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.comDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Tarak Barkawi—an international relations scholar, military historian, and sharp critic of the way we often misunderstand war.We talk about everything from colonial troops and battlefield ritual to the power of memoirs and the global legacy of regimental tradition. From the jungles of Burma to the camps of Korea, Barkawi explores what really drives soldiers to fight—and why the stories we tell about war often miss the point.We also get into his groundbreaking book Soldiers of Empire, the myth of the “martial race,” and the deeper, often uncomfortable truths behind military discipline, nationalism, and the afterlives of imperial armies.Tarak Barkawi’s WorkSoldiers of Empire – https://amzn.to/3Hh7MDOOrientalism and War – https://amzn.to/4kqGYQ3Globalization and War – https://amzn.to/3YR281qMore from Underground StrategyJoin the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.comDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

In this episode, we turn our focus to one of the most iconic campaigns of the Second World War—the battle for North Africa. From the strategic significance of the Suez Canal and Middle Eastern oil to the rise and fall of Rommel’s legend, the North African campaign shaped the course of the global conflict in unexpected ways.We’re joined by Lt. Col. Dr. Jean-Pierre Scherman of the South African National Defence Force—a combat officer, scholar, and friend of the podcast—to walk us through what made the desert war so pivotal. We explore the mobile chaos of the early clashes, the critical role of supply lines, and the unsung story of South Africa’s volunteer soldiers who served far from home.We also dive into the bitter legacy of the surrender at Tobruk, the mythmaking around commanders like Rommel and Montgomery, and what it all looked like from the ground level.Expect serious analysis, hard questions, and some reflections on today’s conflicts too.Jean-Pierre Scherman’s contactsInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/schermanjeanpierre/X – https://x.com/schermanjp74LinkedIn – https://za.linkedin.com/in/jean-pierre-schermanMore from Underground StrategyJoin the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.comDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

In Part 2 of our conversation with Serhii Velychanskyi, we shift from combat to recovery—exploring how war leaves marks that can’t be seen from the outside, and how humor can help heal them.After serving on the front lines in Irpin and Kharkiv, Serhii transitioned into Ukraine’s Center for Morale and Psychological Support, where he began using improvisational theater as a recovery tool. He walks us through his program “Improv 450,” designed to help wounded and traumatized soldiers decompress, reconnect, and rebuild.But this is more than a therapy story. Serhii reflects on identity, language, Russian disinformation, and the existential nature of this war.We also hear about his upcoming leadership work, his book Path to Effectiveness (Ukrainian only), and what it means to fight and heal at the same time.Serhii’s WorkImprov 4.5.0 – https://improv450.com.ua/enInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/sergey_velichanskiyLinkedIn – https://ua.linkedin.com/in/velichanskyPath to Effectiveness (Ukrainian only) – https://www.skyhorse.ua/product/shlyahy-efektyvnosti/Also MentionedManagement in Times of War by Kostiantyn Koshelenko – https://amzn.to/43gNmlWMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com

In Part 1 of our conversation with Serhii Velychanskyi, we follow his journey from civilian to frontline soldier in Ukraine’s 130th Territorial Defense Battalion—where he took part in the defense of Kyiv and the liberation of Irpin and Kharkiv.Serhii walks us through those early days of the full-scale Russian invasion: the uncertainty, the shelling, and the harsh lessons learned on the ground. But this isn’t just a war story—it’s also about adaptation. Serhii shares how his past life as an improv performer unexpectedly shaped his resilience under fire, and how that mindset helped him—and others—navigate the chaos of combat.Part 2 continues the story as Serhii transitions into psychological support work, helping soldiers heal through humor, storytelling, and group recovery.Serhii’s WorkImprov 4.5.0 – https://improv450.com.ua/enInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/sergey_velichanskiyLinkedIn – https://ua.linkedin.com/in/velichanskyPath to Effectiveness (Ukrainian only) – https://www.skyhorse.ua/product/shlyahy-efektyvnosti/Also MentionedManagement in Times of War by Kostiantyn Koshelenko – https://amzn.to/43gNmlWMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com

The third part of our Fortress Britain series takes us north, where Gordon Barclay joins us for a deep dive into Scotland’s defense plans during the Second World War—and how they’ve been misunderstood ever since.We talk about stop lines, airfield vulnerabilities, pillbox design, and the sheer logistical push it took to prepare the country for invasion. Gordon breaks down how anti-tank ditches, coastal artillery, and naval fortresses fit into a larger strategy—one that included Polish and Norwegian forces defending the Scottish coast. We also look at how these defenses evolved, what still survives today, and how some of it is only just being re-discovered.Toward the end, we discuss how Gordon’s research was misrepresented during Scotland’s independence debate, and why wartime history—when twisted—can still fuel modern mythmaking.Gordon’s workIf Hitler Comes: Preparing for Invasion – Scotland 1940 by Gordon Barclay – https://amzn.to/4kvhT6BOther books mentionedFortress Britain: 1940 by Andrew Chatterton – https://amzn.to/3Sd5iJ4Britain’s Secret Defences by Andrew Chatterton – https://amzn.to/4jYuT4xMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com

In this episode, we explore the Zimbabwean liberation struggle—a war that redefined Southern Africa and left lasting political and military scars across the region.Takawira Chatambudza joins us to unpack the origins of the nationalist movements, the split between ZANU and ZAPU, and how their armed wings—ZANLA and ZIPRA—fought on different fronts with different doctrines. We talk about guerrilla tactics, ideological influence from China and the Soviet Union, and how newly independent frontline states like Mozambique and Angola changed the course of the war.Taka also offers a grounded, firsthand view of Rhodesian counterinsurgency tactics, including the controversial role of the Selous Scouts and their deep infiltration operations, and we revisit pivotal moments like the Lancaster House Agreement, ZIPRA’s cross-border raids, and the collapse of internal unity efforts like ZIPA.This episode brings together politics, warfare, and memory from a perspective rarely heard in Western military history circles.Takawira’s workMultidisciplinary Perspectives on Zimbabwe’s Liberation Struggle (Edited) – https://amzn.to/3H3f3XTWant more?For Better Or Worse? Women And ZANLA In Zimbabwe's Liberation Struggle – https://amzn.to/43gKeXeThe Army and Politics in Zimbabwe – https://amzn.to/43kG1StMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com

The second part of our Fortress Britain series takes us to the windswept beaches of northeast Scotland, where archeology meets military history.Tony and Alessandro link up with Bruce Mann—a senior Historic Environment Officer and real-world battlefield archaeologist—to walk through pillboxes, anti-tank blocks, and the overlooked coastal defenses that still dot the landscape today. We talk about how terrain shaped defense planning, how local contractors helped construct pillboxes under pressure, and why Black Dog Beach isn’t just a poetic name.We also explore how defensive structures were camouflaged, improvised, and in some cases, repurposed entirely—and how the layering of stop lines and river crossings built a real strategy behind the concrete. From hidden gun loops to pillboxes disguised as cottages, this is the physical side of Britain’s invasion defense as few have seen it.Bruce’s contactHistoric Environment Team – [email protected] mentionedFortress Britain: 1940 by Andrew Chatterton – https://amzn.to/3Sd5iJ4Britain’s Secret Defences by Andrew Chatterton – https://amzn.to/4jYuT4xIf Hitler Comes: Preparing for Invasion: Scotland 1940 by Gordon Barclay - https://amzn.to/4kvhT6BMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com

In the first of our Fortress Britain episodes, we step back from the secret guerrilla units and look at the bigger picture—how ready was the UK, really, to stop a German invasion in 1940?Andrew Chatterton returns to break down Britain’s physical defenses—from the rapid construction of stop lines and pillboxes to the strategic thinking behind them. We talk about how much of the country was actually covered, why mobility was so limited, and how even a random brick hut on the coast fits into a much larger defense plan. It wasn’t just Home Guard with pitchforks—there was real doctrine, structure, and urgency.We also look at the overlooked air and naval elements: radar, decoy airfields, and the sheer power of the Royal Navy—along with the PR, panic, and practical improvisation that shaped the public's view of the war.Andrew’s workFortress Britain: 1940 – https://amzn.to/3Sd5iJ4Britain’s Secret Defences – https://amzn.to/4jYuT4xInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/historicalandrewX – https://x.com/Chats1More from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com

In this episode, we’re joined by Roman Kuzyuk, First Deputy CEO of Viysktorgservice and co-author of Management in Times of War. Roman brings a unique mix of experience to the table—from corporate governance and martial arts to frontline logistics within Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense.We explore the transformation of Ukraine’s defense sector, the challenges of legacy systems, and the ongoing fight to establish integrity and effectiveness within state institutions. Roman speaks openly about veterans' futures, the limits of reform, and the deeper personal mission that drives him through war and bureaucracy alike.We also dive into his fiction writing, why he chose a detective novel to explain real-world corporate dysfunction, and how martial arts shaped his view on leadership, balance, and power.This isn’t theory—it’s real-world warfighting, organizational struggle, and national survival, told by someone living it every day.Books by Roman KuzyukManagement in Times of War (English) – https://amzn.to/44SdXbxLedarskap i krigstider (Swedish edition) – https://www.bokus.com/bok/9789177415527/ledarskap-i-krigstider-erfarenheter-fran-krigets-ukraina/Connect with Roman KuzyukLinkedIn – https://ua.linkedin.com/in/roman-kuzyukFacebook – https://www.facebook.com/roman.kuzyuk.2025/More from Underground StrategyJoin the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.comDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

We’ve covered the Radleys, Rooseboom, and the Felix network—but in this final episode, the focus flips.What did the South African and British services actually know about these Nazi spy efforts? And more importantly—how did they respond?Evert Kleynhans takes us inside the counterintelligence war: the Royal Navy’s Y service, MI5, and the South African Postmaster General all played a role in intercepting transmissions, triangulating hidden radios, and watching the Ossewabrandwag from the inside. They were reading the messages. They had the direction-finding gear. And they still couldn’t shut it down.We get into why—factionalism, political hesitation, and sabotage from within. And we follow the trail beyond the war, all the way to the abandoned treason cases, buried archives, and the intelligence files that were meant to be erased.The spy rings may have fizzled, but the fallout never really ended.Evert’s workHitler’s South African Spies by Evert Kleynhans – https://amzn.to/43u79jpMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com

In the second half of our series, we turn to the aftermath—Franco’s victory, the cost of silence, and the contested memory that still divides Spain.Séan Scullion returns to chart Franco’s rise from the margins to dictator. We look at how he consolidated power, erased opposition through systematic terror, and survived long enough to become a Cold War ally. From forced exiles and mass graves to American base deals and a Vatican-blessed crusade, this episode unpacks how Franco shaped Spain’s future—and why it remains unresolved today.We also talk about Séan’s book Españoles contra el nazismo, which is the Spanish translation of his earlier release Churchill’s Spaniards, and how the expanded edition reflects new discoveries and family stories that emerged after publication.Séan’s workEspañoles contra el nazismo (Spanish edition of Churchill’s Spaniards, out June 4) – https://amzn.to/3ROJXFIChurchill’s Spaniards – https://amzn.to/4j2bsqAInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/sean.scullion/X – https://x.com/sean_f_scullionMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com

In this first of a two-part series, we unpack the political collapse and brutal realities behind one of the most significant conflicts of the 20th century—the Spanish Civil War.Séan Scullion joins us to trace the long arc leading to war: empire in decline, broken reforms, class fractures, and military coups recycled from the 19th century. From the fall of the monarchy to the Popular Front’s last stand, we walk through the key players, failed power grabs, and shifting momentum between Republican and Nationalist forces between 1936 and 1939.We also get into Franco’s rapid rise, foreign intervention, and why Madrid never quite fell—even when the war was lost.Part one ends just before the reckoning. In part two, we turn to Franco’s legacy and how Spain still wrestles with its memory.Séan’s workEspañoles contra el nazismo (June 4 release) – https://amzn.to/3ROJXFIChurchill’s Spaniards – https://amzn.to/4j2bsqAInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/sean.scullion/X – https://x.com/sean_f_scullionMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com

Last episode, we met Rooseboom and the Radleys—Germany’s early spy recruits in South Africa, whose operations leaned more chaotic than covert.This time, the spotlight’s on a man with a much better spy name: Felix. Real name—Lothar Sittig. The one the British couldn’t quite pin down. After escaping internment, he linked up with the Trompke network in Mozambique and was smuggled back into South Africa to help build a direct radio line to Berlin.Evert Kleynhans walks us through how the Ossewabrandwag backed the effort, how the transmitter was built using stolen medical gear, and why British intelligence already knew what was coming. We also get into the kind of intelligence they passed along—some of it credible, some of it questionable, and some of it just… potatoes.Part two of a three-part series on Nazi espionage in South Africa.Evert’s workHitler’s South African Spies by Evert Kleynhans – https://amzn.to/43u79jpMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com

We're back with Ben Zweibelson for part two of our deep dive into Reconceptualizing War. This episode goes even further into the deep end: war paradigms, doomsday ideologies, radical structuralism, and the philosophical divide between Ukraine vs Russia and Israel vs Hamas.Ben lays out why some conflicts can't be understood through the same lens. We get into social paradigms, interpretivism, and how even Clausewitz is being bent to fit frames he never intended. From AI to Marxist theory, this is war philosophy at its most dangerous and thought-provoking.We also ask the important stuff: which war theorist would Ben grab a drink with? And what does strategic success actually mean in a world of flawed assumptions?If part one cracked the surface, this one digs through the foundations. It might leave you with more questions than answers—and that’s the point.Ben's WorkReconceptualizing War – https://amzn.to/4jFUZZYTwitter - https://x.com/BZweibelsonMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com

What if the problem isn’t that we misunderstand war—but that the frameworks we use to understand it are broken?In this episode, we sit down with Ben Zweibelson—veteran, theorist, and design troublemaker—for a deep dive into his massive new book Reconceptualizing War. This isn’t about doctrine tweaks or buzzword bingo. Ben takes a sledgehammer to the foundations, arguing that modern military thinking is stuck in rigid, outdated paradigms that can’t explain how war really works.We talk about how childhood art projects shaped his career, why veterans struggle with identity, and what happens when you tell your boss in Kabul that their beloved center of gravity is nonsense. From Clausewitz to Sun Tzu, Marx to Mao, Ben tears into war theory with philosophical tools most strategists are too scared to touch.This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. If you're tired of the same recycled thinking, you’ll want to hear this.Ben’s WorkReconceptualizing War – https://amzn.to/4jFUZZYTwitter - https://x.com/BZweibelsonMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com

In this episode, we focus on Hans Rooseboom and the Radley couple—three key figures in the early days of German espionage efforts in South Africa during the Second World War. From smuggling messages across borders to setting up radio links, their stories are strange, chaotic, and often reckless.Historian Evert Kleynhans returns to break down how Rooseboom ended up running a rogue spy ring out of Johannesburg, how the Radleys got pulled into German intelligence from a radio station job in Berlin, and why none of it went according to plan.Part one of a three-part series on Nazi espionage in South Africa.Evert´s workHitler’s South African Spies by Evert Kleynhans – https://amzn.to/43u79jpMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com

We’re back with military historian Jack Bowsher for part two of our deep-dive into the Burma campaign. If you haven’t listened to part one yet, start there.In this episode, Jack walks us through the final stages of the campaign and gives us a preview of his upcoming book Thunder Run, focused on the dramatic Allied push through Meiktila in 1945. We talk about jungle logistics, Japanese tactics, forgotten battles, and why Burma remains one of the least understood fronts of the Second World War.We also unpack the significance of multicultural forces, the evolution of Indian armoured regiments, and how post-war memory continues to shape the story of this campaign.Jack’s workForgotten Armour: Tank Warfare in Burma – https://amzn.to/4ctduydThunder Run (pre-order) – https://www.chiselbury.co.uk/coming-soon/p/thunder-run-meiktila-1945-by-jack-bowsherA War of Empires by Rob Lyman - https://amzn.to/3GgPfapInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/historybowsh/The Forgotten War Podcast: Burma Campaign WW2 - https://shows.acast.com/the-forgotten-war-podMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com

We’re heading deep into the jungles of Southeast Asia to unpack one of the most overlooked and misunderstood campaigns of the Second World War—the Burma campaign. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, military historian and author Jack Bowsher joins Max and Tony to break down the brutal terrain, Japanese tactics, and the challenges faced by the multinational Allied forces in Burma.We explore the strategic importance of Burma to the Allied war effort, the jungle’s deadly environment, and why tanks—despite everything you might assume—played a critical role in the campaign’s outcome. Jack also explains how the British and Indian armies functioned as distinct yet overlapping forces, and why the Japanese military was both fanatically aggressive and operationally effective—until they weren’t.This is a masterclass in the forgotten mechanics of jungle warfare, full of rich detail, wild stories, and some very human lessons from the world’s most unforgiving terrain.Jack Bowsher’s WorkForgotten Armour: Tank Warfare in Burma – https://amzn.to/4ctduydThunder Run (pre-order) – https://www.chiselbury.co.uk/coming-soon/p/thunder-run-meiktila-1945-by-jack-bowsherA War of Empires by Rob Lyman - https://amzn.to/3GgPfapInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/historybowsh/The Forgotten War Podcast: Burma Campaign WW2 - https://shows.acast.com/the-forgotten-war-podMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com

This week on Underground Strategy, we’re joined by historian and author Jacqueline Reiter to explore the extraordinary life of Sir Home Riggs Popham, the naval officer at the heart of her book Quicksilver Captain.From Buenos Aires to the Cape of Good Hope, Popham was everywhere—and often where he shouldn’t have been. We unpack his role in British high strategy during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, his infamous court-martial, his impact on naval signaling, and his talent for navigating both military disaster and political opportunity.Was he a maverick, a genius, or a fraud? Jacqueline digs into the archival trail and explains how Popham remains one of the most complex (and oddly useful) figures of the period.Quicksilver Captain by Jacqueline Reiter - https://amzn.to/4hSFw78Jacqueline Reiter on LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-reiter-b30a1693More from Underground StrategyJoin the mission - https://undergroundstrategy.comDiscover Number 788 - https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

This episode is part of a special collaboration with Durham University’s School of Government and International Affairs. This student-led episode was created as part of the postgraduate module “Contemporary Challenges of United Nations Peacekeeping (SGIA48815)” for the Class of 2025.In Part 2, we’re joined by veteran UN official and former Assistant Secretary-General Peter de Clercq, who shares deep insights into the evolution of peacekeeping, regional coalitions, accountability, intelligence, and reform. Drawing from decades of experience in Haiti, Somalia, and the DRC, Peter offers a masterclass in the current and future challenges facing peacekeeping operations.Durham SGIA X - https://x.com/durham_sgiaDurham Module Handbook - https://apps.dur.ac.uk/faculty.handbook/2022/PG/module/SGIA48815Recommended Reading Does Peacekeeping Work? by Virginia Page Fortna – https://amzn.to/3XK5CCl Understanding Peacekeeping by Paul D. Williams – https://amzn.to/4iV0SlSMore from Underground Strategy Discover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7 Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com

Military historian and author Peter Caddick-Adams joins Underground Strategy for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, legacy, and the life of Winston Churchill.We explore Churchill’s wartime decisions, his eccentric personality, his genius for messaging, and the long arc of a career that spanned cavalry charges to the nuclear age. Peter also shares firsthand insights from his time as a NATO historian and discusses how battlefield experience, archival research, and media strategy all shaped Churchill’s story—and continue to influence how we study and remember war.This episode covers everything from Churchill’s infamous boiler suit to his complex relationship with Roosevelt, his financial struggles, and whether Volodymyr Zelensky truly deserves the label of a “modern Churchill.”Peter Caddick-Adams’ WorkX (Twitter) – https://x.com/militaryhistoriWinston Churchill: The Prime Ministers Series – https://amzn.to/43v15r1More from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com

In collaboration with Durham University, this special student-led episode explores contemporary challenges of United Nations peacekeeping. Recorded as part of the postgraduate module “Contemporary Challenges of United Nations Peacekeeping (SGIA48815)” at Durham’s School of Government and International Affairs, the conversation brings together real-world experience and academic insight.Max and Tony reflect on their deployments and contrast national military structures with multinational peacekeeping efforts. From the role of special forces and intelligence sharing to the challenges of building military culture in complex operations, this episode examines what happens when mandates, strategy, and ground realities don’t always align.With contributions from Durham’s Class of 2025, this discussion sets the stage for Part 2—featuring former UN diplomat Peter de Clercq.Durham SGIA X: https://x.com/durham_sgiaModule Handbook: https://apps.dur.ac.uk/faculty.handbook/2022/PG/module/SGIA48815Recommended Reading if you want to dig deeperDoes Peacekeeping Work? by Virginia Page Fortna – https://amzn.to/3XK5CClUnderstanding Peacekeeping by Paul D. Williams – https://amzn.to/4iV0SlSMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com

In this episode, Tony is catching up with Kostiantyn Koshelenko on the latest developments in Ukraine, updates on his books and ongoing work, and his personal experiences during the war.Kostiantyn Koshelenko’s WorkManagement in Times of War – https://amzn.to/4kF6rpY LinkedIn – https://linkedin.com/in/koshelenko Instagram – https://instagram.com/k_koshelenko/ X (Twitter) – https://x.com/k_koshelenkoMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com

In this episode, military historian John C. McManus joins Underground Strategy to discuss his latest book, Alamo in the Ardennes, and the brutal early fighting during the Battle of the Bulge.We focus on the often-overlooked role of the 110th Infantry Regiment, whose desperate stand helped delay the German advance toward Bastogne before the arrival of the 101st Airborne. From the shattered remnants of the 28th Infantry Division to the chaos on the ground in Clervaux, John takes us through the battle day by day, including the leadership of Colonel Hurley Fuller and the tragic consequences of being ordered to "hold at all costs."This is a deep and moving account of courage, sacrifice, and how history sometimes forgets the most critical players.John C. McManus’ WorkAlamo in the Ardennes – https://amzn.to/4irXHBXContact John - https://bsky.app/profile/johncmcmanus.bsky.socialMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com

Few people think of South Africa when discussing World War II at sea, but its waters played a crucial role in the global conflict. Historian Evert Kleynhans returns to Underground Strategy to uncover the forgotten story of submarine warfare, coastal defenses, and strategic shipping routes off South Africa’s coast.We explore how German U-boats and Axis surface raiders operated in the region, why the Cape of Good Hope was so strategically important, and how South Africa’s naval defenses evolved to meet the threat.From signals intelligence and convoy protection to the successes and failures of anti-submarine warfare, this episode sheds light on a rarely discussed front of World War II.Evert also shares insights from his book on South Africa’s naval war, the challenges of researching this overlooked history, and why these lessons still matter today.Evert Kleynhans’ WorkThe Naval War in South African Waters - https://amzn.to/3DuZJ50Hitler’s South African Spies - https://amzn.to/43u79jpThe Second World War in East Africa - https://amzn.to/41zapre20 Battles: Searching for a South African Way of War - https://amzn.to/4iwE4rWNavigating the New Terrain of Military Operations (Pre Order) - https://amzn.to/3DgrrT7The Handbook of African Defence and Armed Forces (Pre Order) - https://amzn.to/4ivILlMMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 - https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission - https://undergroundstrategy.com

How does war change, and what shapes its character over time? Historian and educator Will Gordon joins Underground Strategy to discuss the changing character of war, focusing on the period from 1792 to 1945.Through the lens of his teaching, Will explores how factors like leadership, doctrine, industrialization, and alliances influenced warfare, and why different conflicts required different approaches. Rather than a straight historical timeline, this conversation examines the themes and shifts that defined military conflict in this era.We also touch on conscription, national identity, and how military education shapes perspectives on war today, making connections between past and present conflicts.UGS Recommended reads on the topicThe New Rules of War by Sean McFate - https://amzn.to/3QIl3a3The Changing Character of War (ed. Hew Strachan) - https://amzn.to/3QJ5tLyMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 - https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission - https://undergroundstrategy.com

What makes soldiers fight—and what makes them stop? Historian, tour guide, and podcaster Tom Thorpe joins Underground Strategy to break down combat morale, motivation, and the will to fight.We discuss the psychology of combat, small-unit cohesion, leadership, and how motivation shifts across different wars and cultures. From the trenches of World War I to modern warfare, we explore how morale shapes battlefield outcomes—and why it sometimes leads to collapse.Tom also shares insights from his research on the London Regiment, upcoming books, and what history can teach us about the realities of motivation in war.Good reads on the subjectOn Killing - Lt. Col. Dave Grossman - https://amzn.to/4h8nIEIWill to Fight - Ben Connable - https://amzn.to/3QIXkGJCombat and Morale in the North African Campaign - Jonathan Fennell - https://amzn.to/3XmLINCThe Unforgiving Minute - Craig Mullaney - https://amzn.to/4i3PgMRMen Against Fire - S.L.A. Marshall - https://amzn.to/3DcwKCXTom Thorpe’s WorkCombat Morale Podcast- https://combatmoralepod.com/Episode 25 with Max Lauker and Tony Garcia - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ORR55guSbqDg9G1x4Wl4EThe Kensingtons blog - https://kensingtons.org.uk/Mentioned in Dispatches Podcast Ep 125 with Tony Garcia - https://open.spotify.com/episode/396537t2UVsnoN4dMdmVPcMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788: https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission: https://undergroundstrategy.com

Former Rhodesian Selous Scout Andy Balaam returns to Underground Strategy to break down Operation Long John, one of the most significant cross-border raids into Mozambique during the Bush War.With ZANLA gaining unrestricted access to Mozambique after the Portuguese withdrawal in 1975, Rhodesian forces had to act fast. Andy shares firsthand insights into the intelligence failures, reconnaissance missions, and high-stakes direct action operations that shaped this mission.From snatch-and-grab operations to the cancelled plan to hijack a diesel train into Maputo, this episode explores the chaotic planning, brutal realities, and high-risk tactics of Rhodesian counterinsurgency. Andy also discusses his books—Bush War Operator, The Further Operations of a Bush War Operator, and Skuzapo—offering unfiltered accounts of the conflict.Andy's WorkBush War Operator - https://amzn.to/4gLOToJFurther Memoirs of a Bush War Operator - https://amzn.to/3CYQcmoSkuzapo: The Untold Story - https://amzn.to/430ijfxMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788: https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission: https://undergroundstrategy.com

Historian, journalist, and podcast host Desmond Latham returns to Underground Strategy for a wide-ranging discussion on warfare, history, and modern conflict. While Stalingrad was on the agenda, this episode moves beyond a single battle—covering urban warfare, women in combat, and the evolution of military doctrine.From the brutal house-to-house fighting at Stalingrad to the parallels with Mariupol and Bakhmut, we explore the grim realities of urban warfare. The conversation also touches on Soviet military leadership, psychological warfare, and how combat shapes soldiers across history.Desmond previously hosted the Number 788 miniseries, where he led an in-depth discussion on Max’s book Number 788, now available under the Underground Strategy podcast.Check out Desmond Latham’s work:Desmond Latham’s Blog: https://desmondlatham.blog/The Battle of Stalingrad Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7fbukBWd21o7k17V6O4XzoRecommended Reading – Stalingrad: The Fateful Siege: 1942-1943 by Antony Beevor: https://amzn.to/40P4Tk1Discover Number 788: https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission: https://undergroundstrategy.com

Britain’s 6th Airborne Division played a critical role in the success of D-Day and the wider Normandy campaign. Historian and author Andrew Wheale joins the show to unpack how these elite troops were formed, trained, and led into battle. His book, Ham & Jam: 6th Airborne Division in Normandy - Generating Combat Effectiveness: November 1942 – September 1944, explores the factors that shaped their success, from leadership and doctrine to the high-risk, high-impact airborne drops that defined their operations.Major General Richard Gale’s command style, the brutal engagements of Operation Tonga and Mallard, and the division’s ability to hold the eastern flank under relentless German counterattacks—these are just some of the elements that made 6th Airborne a force to be reckoned with. From meticulous planning to raw aggression, the lessons from their campaign still resonate in modern military leadership today.Discover Ham & Jam: 6th Airborne Division in Normandy by Andrew Wheale - https://amzn.to/42JddV8Join the mission - https://undergroundstrategy.comDiscover Number 788 - https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

In Part 2, we continue our hard-hitting conversation with Amos C. Fox, tackling the future of war, the myth of precision strike, and why doctrine often lags behind reality. How do modern militaries adapt—or fail to adapt—to the shifting landscape of conflict? And what lessons should we take forward from past wars into the next fight?Amos C. Fox, PhD, is a Fellow with Arizona State University's Future Security Initiative and a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the University of Houston. He hosts Revolution in Military Affairs, Soldier Pulse, and WarCast, serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Military Studies, and is a senior editor at Small Wars Journal. A retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel, Amos brings over two decades of experience to the conversation.Conflict Realism: Understanding the Causal Logic of Modern War and Warfare:https://amzn.to/3WxWJehRevolution in Military Affairs Podcast:https://shows.acast.com/revolution-in-military-affairsIrregular Warfare Initiative:https://irregularwarfare.org/Follow Amos Fox:X: https://x.com/AmosFox6LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amoscfox/Join the mission:https://undergroundstrategy.comDiscover Number 788:https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

Today, we take a deep look into uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC), and its pivotal role in South African history. Of course, no discussion about MK is complete without exploring the leadership and legacy of Nelson Mandela.Joining us to break it all down is Professor Thula Simpson, a leading expert on South African history, award-winning author, and researcher who has spent years examining the ANC’s armed struggle.We dive into how and why MK was formed, the shift from non-violent resistance to armed struggle, Mandela’s radical early years and his strategic role in MK, the evolution of ANC’s military tactics and how they adapted models from global revolutions, the role of key figures like Chris Hani, Joe Slovo, and others in shaping MK’s impact, the internal conflicts within MK and how they affected its trajectory, and the legacy of Mandela and whether his reconciliatory politics were inevitable or strategic.Thula also sheds light on the rich archival material that has surfaced over the years, providing new insights into the ANC’s military history and the broader liberation struggle.Books by Thula Simpson:Umkhonto we Sizwe: The ANC’s Armed Struggle - https://amzn.to/3WnvjrKThe ANC and the Liberation Struggle in South Africa - https://amzn.to/40swKpMHistory of South Africa: From 1902 to the Present - https://amzn.to/3PHVPbqHistory beyond apartheid: New approaches in South African historiography - https://amzn.to/42nZH9cThe Routledge Companion to Postcolonial African Historiography - https://amzn.to/4g29JzLThis episode is a must-listen for those interested in modern African history, insurgencies, and the political evolution of revolutionary movements.Join the Mission at https://undergroundstrategy.comDiscover Number 788 at https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

Amos C. Fox joins Underground Strategy to challenge conventional thinking on modern warfare. From maneuver warfare’s shaky foundations to the realities of attrition, we dig into the strategic narratives shaping today’s conflicts. Are we fighting the wars we think we are, or just the ones doctrine tells us to prepare for?Amos C. Fox, PhD, is a Fellow with Arizona State University's Future Security Initiative and a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the University of Houston. He hosts Revolution in Military Affairs, Soldier Pulse, and WarCast, serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Military Studies, and is a senior editor at Small Wars Journal. A retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel, Amos brings over two decades of experience to the conversation.Conflict Realism: Understanding the Causal Logic of Modern War and Warfare: https://amzn.to/3WxWJehRevolution in Military Affairs Podcast:https://shows.acast.com/revolution-in-military-affairsIrregular Warfare Initiative:https://irregularwarfare.org/Follow Amos Fox:X: https://x.com/AmosFox6LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amoscfox/Join the mission:https://undergroundstrategy.comDiscover Number 788:https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

In this second part of our conversation with Andrew Chatterton, we explore the extreme lengths Britain went to in preparing for a German invasion. From hidden resistance networks to the brutal realities of underground warfare, this episode unpacks the operations that never made the history books.We also discuss the use of women and teenagers in secret roles, the harsh choices these units had to make, and how their actions would have shaped the fight for Britain. Plus, what would have happened if German infiltrators had made it onto British soil? Andrew walks us through a fascinating counterfactual scenario to test how effective these secret groups really were.Andrew Chatterton’s BooksBritain’s Secret Defences: Civilian Saboteurs, Spies and Assassins during the Second World War - https://amzn.to/3DYyMXdFortress Britain 1940: Britain’s Unsung and Secret Defences on Land, Sea and in the Air - https://amzn.to/4hgI2V3Explore moreStayBehinds research group - www.staybehinds.comWatch the toilet bunker video - https://youtu.be/iVLsKehOhIM?si=GzGFzVfDKAJTdW2SConnect with Andrew ChattertonX - https://twitter.com/Chats1Instagram - https://instagram.com/historicalandrewBluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/historicalchats.bsky.socialThreads - https://threads.net/@historicalandrewJoin the mission: https://undergroundstrategy.comDiscover Number 788: https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

In this episode of Underground Strategy, we go full cloak and dagger with British auxiliary units, the country’s secret last line of resistance during WWII. Max and Tony are joined by historian Andrew Chatterton, an expert on Britain’s covert civilian forces, to explore the unsung heroes who were prepared to fight from the shadows if the Nazis invaded.We uncover the origins of these secret units, their training, recruitment, and the ingenious tactics they planned to use against an occupying force. From hidden bunkers and sabotage plans to civilian spies and coded messages in church keys, this episode sheds light on the secret war that never happened—but could have changed history.Andrew Chatterton’s BooksBritain’s Secret Defences: Civilian Saboteurs, Spies and Assassins during the Second World War - https://amzn.to/3DYyMXdFortress Britain 1940: Britain’s Unsung and Secret Defences on Land, Sea and in the Air - https://amzn.to/4hgI2V3Explore moreStayBehinds research group - www.staybehinds.comWatch the toilet bunker video - https://youtu.be/iVLsKehOhIM?si=GzGFzVfDKAJTdW2SConnect with Andrew ChattertonX - https://twitter.com/Chats1Instagram - https://instagram.com/historicalandrewBluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/historicalchats.bsky.socialThreads - https://threads.net/@historicalandrewJoin the mission: https://undergroundstrategy.comDiscover Number 788: https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

In this episode, Max and Tony are joined by Robert Davidson, a South African author and battlefield guide, to explore the history and significance of the Spioenkop campaign during the Anglo Boer War.Robert shares his lifelong passion for military history, recounting how decades of research culminated in his book on the tragic Spioenkop battle. The discussion highlights the strategic missteps, human stories, and the role of groundbreaking battlefield photography that seared the campaign into public consciousness.The trio also examines the broader context of the Anglo Boer War, including the political tensions, trench warfare, and the personal narratives of those who lived through it. This episode offers a thoughtful exploration of military geography and history, paired with candid reflections and vivid storytelling.For those curious about the intersection of history and humanity, this masterclass will leave you with much to reflect on.Links:Join the mission: https://undergroundstrategy.comDiscover Number 788: https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Robert Davidson’s book - The Spioenkop Campaign: The Battles to Relieve Ladysmith, 17-27 January 1900: https://amzn.to/3E0i5dS