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=2d2812af232742da

Number 788 on Amazon: https://a.co/d/is4FcIx

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