Welcome to Episode 4 of our limited series on Number 788, hosted and produced by South African media figure Desmond Latham. Desmond, known for his History of South Africa podcast, brings his expertise and narrative skill to this series, guiding listeners through the defining missions and experiences of Max Lauker’s career in Swedish special operations.

In this episode, Desmond and Max dive into Max's deployment in the Balkans—a transformative chapter in his career. Max reflects on the complex shift from his early cowboy days in Colombia to the high-stakes reality of the Balkans. He recounts the mission dynamics in Kosovo, where he found himself in covert cross-border operations, navigating alliances with Italian and German forces, and conducting intelligence-gathering missions with high-risk stakes.

The conversation also explores the moral and tactical complexities of unsanctioned raids, the psychological challenges of long-term surveillance, and the unexpected discovery of Soviet-era weaponry on the Serbian border. Desmond’s probing questions reveal the formative impact of these experiences, shaping Max’s understanding of real-world intelligence work and operational patience.

Join us as we uncover the grit, decisions, and high-stakes realities that defined Max's Balkan deployment and set the stage for his subsequent missions.

In the next episode, Max will delve further into the evolution of his unit and the impact these early experiences had on his approach to special operations and intelligence.

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.

In this edition of Underground Strategy, Max Lauker and Tony Garcia welcome historian Karen Horn, who brings her extensive research on prisoners of war (POWs) to the podcast. Karen shares insights from her books, In Enemy Hands and Prisoners of Jan Smuts, exploring the lives and experiences of POWs from WWII. Through her detailed research and personal interviews, Karen uncovers stories that reveal both the resilience and humanity of those who endured captivity.

During this engaging conversation, Karen discusses her unique approach to historical writing, focusing on the stories of individuals to convey the larger experience of POWs. She shares some memorable anecdotes from her interviews, reflecting on the humor, resilience, and challenges that POWs expressed during her research. From Italian POWs in South Africa to South Africans captured by the Germans, Karen’s work offers a rich look at the human element of wartime.

As POWs remain a constant through centuries of conflict, Karen’s stories resonate in today’s context, reminding us of the enduring complexities of war. We look forward to having her back.

Karen's books are available in South Africa in all good book stores, and abroad at:

Prisoners of Jan Smuts: https://amzn.eu/d/2zaQO9M

In Enemy Hands: In Enemy Hands: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1868426513

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

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=2d2812af232742da

Number 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=2d2812af232742da

Number 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.

We’re thrilled to introduce a new limited series on Underground Strategy—an in-depth exploration into the making and the mind behind Number 788, authored by Max Lauker and co-authored by Tony Garcia. Hosted and produced by South African media figure Desmond Latham, this series offers listeners an inside look at the origins, experiences, and challenges that shaped this compelling story of courage and covert operations.

Number 788 details Max Lauker’s journey from reluctant soldier to highly skilled ranger, excelling in reconnaissance, intelligence, and covert operations. The book recounts his unique experiences during a pivotal time in history, from post-Cold War training through the War on Terror. Max shares not only his professional journey but the personal struggles and moral complexities that come with a life lived in the shadows.

In this premiere episode, Desmond Latham—a well-known broadcaster and host of the top-ranked History of South Africa podcast—delves into the foundations of Number 788. As Desmond leads the conversation, Max reveals how his experiences in the Swedish Armed Forces, primarily with Special Purpose Units under the Norrland Dragoon Regiment, shaped the book’s powerful narrative. With deployments across Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and the former Eastern Bloc, Max recounts a life dedicated to intelligence and covert operations. Desmond’s skillful interviewing brings to light the stories, risks, and human elements behind Max’s career, creating a vivid picture of the complex world of covert warfare.

Desmond Latham, who has achieved over 500,000 listens on The History of South Africa podcast, brings his well-honed historical insights and broadcasting expertise to Underground Strategy. We’re delighted to work with such a respected voice in the industry, and this series marks an exciting collaboration that digs deep into the reality of modern military life.

This limited series is designed to bring Number 788 to a wider audience, uncovering the lessons, revelations, and experiences that define the book. Join us as we explore the journey of a soldier who became a silent mediator between light and shadow, forever changed by his place in the complex history of Western and Nordic special operations.

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.

Episode 10: War and Peace with Peter de Clercq

In this episode of Underground Strategy, we had the honor of hosting Peter de Clercq, a Dutch diplomat who has spent over 35 years working at the highest levels of the United Nations, including as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). His extensive experience includes working in conflict-affected countries such as Somalia, Sudan, and Haiti, where he has dedicated his career to improving conditions for the most vulnerable populations.

Although Peter is formally retired from his UN roles, he remains deeply involved in promoting inclusion, rights, and opportunities for those impacted by war. In this episode, Peter shares his insights into leadership, peacebuilding, and the challenges the UN faces in war-torn regions.

We discuss how diplomacy plays a crucial role in creating the conditions for peace during violent conflict and rebuilding societies afterward. It was a great conversation, and we’re looking forward to welcoming Peter back for a follow-up episode.

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