Jocko Podcast 457: Slogging Through Ambushes and Booby Traps. GUNS UP!!! With Vietnam Machine Gunner, Johnnie Clark
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Sep 25, 2024 
Johnnie Clark, a Vietnam War veteran and author of the memoir 'Guns Up!', shares gripping tales from the battlefield. He recounts his harrowing experiences during the Tet Offensive and the chaos of combat, reflecting on the camaraderie among Marines. Clark discusses the emotional toll of war, the bonds forged in adversity, and the unique military jargon that fostered unity. His storytelling reveals both the humor and horror of conflict, underscoring the resilience required to survive and the lasting impact of his service.
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Recommendation: Guns Up!
- Read Johnnie Clark's book, Guns Up!, for a first-person account of the Vietnam War.
- Clark's writing vividly portrays combat, courage, and camaraderie.
Harsh Boot Camp
- Johnnie Clark recounts several intense boot camp experiences from 1967.
- These include a recruit being PT'd until injury and another threatened with violence for contemplating suicide.
Vietnam Veterans as DIs
- In 1967, few draftees were in the Marine Corps, most joined voluntarily.
- Clark's Drill Instructors were Vietnam combat veterans, contributing to the intensity of boot camp.
