Underground Strategy

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Underground Strategy, we welcome Hex, a former operations officer in the South African Navy with 18 years of specialized experience in electronic warfare, now known as electromagnetic warfare. With a career rooted in cyber and electronic security strategies, Hex has a unique skill set that merges military precision with cutting-edge cybersecurity techniques.After completing his MBA, Hex made the transition from military operations to the FinTech world, where he currently serves as the Security and Fraud Manager at Kazang. His work focuses on securing micro-payments for South Africa’s informal sectors, overseeing everything from threat detection and anomaly detection to robust cyber protection protocols. Hex's goal is to bridge the gap between traditional financial services and underserved communities, bringing security to vulnerable transactions.Join us as we dive into Hex’s fascinating journey, from military tactics to modern-day cybersecurity, and how his expertise is being applied to safeguard financial services in a rapidly changing digital world.Tune in for an insightful discussion that bridges the worlds of military operations and modern FinTech cybersecurity! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.