Vietnam War Navy SEAL veteran Roger Hayden discusses his upbringing, experiences as a SEAL Team One member, Vietnam War operations and lack of MST support. He also talks about platoon setup, treatment of veterans, night vision technology, last deployed platoon in Vietnam, and the experiences of a Navy SEAL.
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Quick takeaways
Roger Hayden's experiences in Vietnam shed light on the challenges and dangers faced by SEAL teams, emphasizing the effectiveness of strategies like cover and move in combat operations.
Roger Hayden's journey from growing up in Montana to becoming a highly skilled member of the SEAL teams exemplifies the rigorous training and commitment required for success in this elite military unit.
The speaker expresses deep gratitude towards Vietnam veterans, stressing the importance of remembering and honoring their sacrifices, courage, and invaluable knowledge.
Deep dives
The reputation and legacy of Roger Hayden in the SEAL teams
Roger Hayden played a crucial role in building the reputation of the SEAL teams through his actions in Vietnam. He was one of the men responsible for the foundation and attitude that defines the SEAL teams today. His expertise and lessons in combat shaped the strategies and mindset that continue to be carried forward. Despite not having widespread recognition or media presence, his contribution to the SEAL teams is unparalleled.
The experiences and accomplishments of Roger Hayden in Vietnam
Roger Hayden's experiences in Vietnam shed light on the challenges and dangers faced by SEAL teams. He operated in the jungle environment, conducting missions at night when enemy movement was high. While most other military units preferred to stay in base camps during the night, Hayden and his team actively sought out and engaged the enemy. Their bravery and dedication enabled them to gather critical intelligence and effectively neutralize threats. With a team of highly skilled individuals carrying heavy firepower, they implemented strategies like cover and move, proving effective in their operations.
Roger Hayden's background and journey to becoming a SEAL
Before joining the SEAL teams, Roger Hayden grew up in Montana and had a background in swimming, sports, and manual labor. Inspired by his father's service in the Navy, he enlisted in 1965 and underwent training in underwater demolition. His father had served in UDT-3 during the Korean War. Hayden's training included rigorous swimming drills and underwater exercises. He eventually joined UDT-12 and deployed to Vietnam, later transitioning to SEAL Team 1. His journey exemplifies the rigorous training and commitment required to become a highly skilled and respected member of the SEAL teams.
Summary of Podcast Episode
In this podcast episode, the speaker reflects on their experiences as a UDT and SEAL team member during the Vietnam War. They recall engaging in unorthodox and dangerous nighttime missions, such as hunting down enemies and conducting ambushes. The speaker highlights the importance of field craft and adaptation in unconventional warfare, as well as the camaraderie and tight-knit community within their platoon and SEAL team. They also discuss the transition from UDT to SEAL team training, emphasizing the continuous learning and hands-on experiences they had. Finally, the speaker shares insights on the post-war period, including the challenges of returning to civilian life and the resilience displayed by Vietnam veterans.
Personal Reflection on Vietnam Veterans
The speaker expresses deep gratitude towards Vietnam veterans, recognizing their courage, sacrifice, and the lessons they passed on to future generations of warfighters. They emphasize the significance of the sacrifices made by these veterans in defense of freedom and the invaluable knowledge they shared. The speaker highlights the need to remember and honor the service of Vietnam veterans, acknowledging the often difficult and unpopular circumstances they faced during the war. They also reflect on the resilience and sense of duty displayed by these veterans, leaving a lasting impact on the speaker and the country.
0:00:00 - Opening / Intro to Roger Hayden, Navy SEAL Vietnam Vet. 0:06:26 - Upbringing 0:08:29 - Into the Navy 0:10:13 - UDT 0:18:28 - 9th Infantry Situations 0:36:23 - Showing up at SEAL Team 1 0:41:26 - Back to Vietnam 0:48:19 - Blue on Blue Situation 0:52:44 - Leadership Take-Aways 0:55:20 - Canal Opp in '69 0:59:41 - After the Vietnam War 1:06:54 - Closing