Jocko Podcast

401: Am I as Committed As I Should Be? "SOG Codename, Dynamite", with Dick Thompson.

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Aug 30, 2023
Dick Thompson, a Special Forces operator, author, and psychologist, shares gripping insights from his book "SOG Codename Dynamite," detailing his Vietnam War experiences. He dives into the intense psychological impacts of combat, the chaotic reality of secret missions, and the camaraderie forged in life-or-death situations. Thompson emphasizes the importance of adaptability in combat, the moral dilemmas faced, and how soldiers transition back to civilian life. His personal anecdotes reveal the emotional weight of military duty and the enduring lessons learned amidst chaos.
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ANECDOTE

Introduction to MACV-SOG

  • Dick Thompson introduces MACV-SOG, a top-secret special operations unit in Vietnam.
  • SOG teams faced extreme danger, with high kill ratios and casualty rates exceeding 200%.
ANECDOTE

Psychological Impact of Killing

  • Thompson describes the psychological impact of killing in combat.
  • He emphasizes the permanence of these experiences, stating they remain until death.
ANECDOTE

Volunteering for SOG

  • Thompson recounts being advised against joining SOG due to its high mortality rate.
  • Despite the warning, he and his friend Bob volunteered, prioritizing the importance of the war.
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