Underground Strategy

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.

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

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 StoryCheck out Max´s biography Number 788 - https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Visit undergroundstrategy.com for additional resources, reviews, and articles or follow us on Instagram.Max Lauker: https://instagram.com/maxlaukerUnderground Strategy: https://instagram.com/undergroundstrategy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.