SOGCast 001: Blown Off Jungle Boots: w/ George "The Troll" Sternberg

TL;DR

This podcast features a Vietnam War veteran discussing secret missions carried out by the Studies and Observations Group (SOG).

Transcript

good afternoon welcome to the first sog podcast actually according to jocko willink our sponsor for this new endeavor it will be called sog cast so what is sag sog was during the vietnam war an eight-year secret war that was conducted during the entire vietnam war from 1964 to 1972 during that time there were misses that were run where soldiers the... Read More

Key Insights

• 💼 It is the first podcast episode of the newly named "SOG Cast," which focuses on sharing stories about SOG missions during the Vietnam War.
• 🎙️ The guest in the episode is George Sternberg, a longtime friend and fellow recon man who served alongside the host at FOB-1 Fubai in 1968.
• 📻 The podcast conducts interviews with veterans, and previous episodes were conducted by Jocko Willink.
• 🌟 The episode highlights a specific SOG mission in May 1968 led by Sternberg's team, Spike Team Oregon.
• 🔍 The mission involved investigating the disappearance of Spike Team Idaho, which had been put into a target area and vanished.
• 🔫 Sternberg's team encountered heavy enemy fire and engaged in a firefight, displaying exemplary bravery and resourcefulness.
• 💣 A grenade explosion caused severe injuries to several team members, including Sternberg himself.
• 🌍 Sternberg's story highlights the commitment and sacrifice of SOG teams during the Vietnam War, showcasing the danger and intensity of their missions.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the purpose of the secret SOG missions during the Vietnam War?

The purpose of the SOG missions was to conduct highly classified operations behind enemy lines, gather intelligence, and disrupt enemy activities in Vietnam and neighboring countries.

Q: How did the secrecy of the SOG missions impact the soldiers who participated?

The secrecy of the missions meant that soldiers couldn't talk about their experiences for 50 years. This likely had psychological effects on the soldiers, as they had to keep their experiences and traumas to themselves.

Q: How did the veteran's experience in the SOG differ from regular Army units?

The veteran did not serve in regular Army units and instead went straight into the Special Forces, specifically the SOG. This meant that his entire military career was focused on specialized training and top-secret missions.

Q: What challenges did the SOG soldiers face during their missions?

SOG soldiers faced numerous challenges, including enemy fire, dangerous terrain, difficult weather conditions, and the constant threat of ambushes. They also had to operate with limited resources and in isolated and high-pressure environments.

Q: How did the SOG soldiers communicate and coordinate during their missions?

The SOG soldiers used radios and encrypted communications to communicate with each other and coordinate their actions. They had to rely on effective teamwork and quick decision-making to adapt to changing situations during their missions.

Q: How did the SOG missions contribute to the overall war effort in Vietnam?

The SOG missions played a critical role in gathering intelligence, disrupting enemy activities, and supporting other military units. They provided valuable information that helped shape military strategies and tactics in the region.

Q: Did the veteran face any repercussions or challenges from the long period of secrecy surrounding the SOG missions?

The long period of secrecy meant that the veteran had to keep his experiences to himself for many years. This may have had personal and psychological effects, as he couldn't openly discuss the trauma and challenges he faced during his service.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The podcast episode features a veteran sharing stories of his experiences in the SOG during the Vietnam War.

• The veteran recounts a mission in which his team encountered enemy soldiers and engaged in a firefight.

• The podcast highlights the secrecy surrounding the SOG and the bravery and resilience of the soldiers involved.