John Mullins: MACV-SOG, Phoenix Program, Blue Light, and security consultant: Ep. 48

[@TheTeamHousePodcast]

In this bonus segment for our Patreon supporters, John Mullins talks about experiences working in Bolivia, culture misunderstandings in Vietnam, team mates injured and killed, SOG burning all of their records at the end of the war, John out there flapping in the jungle by himself for half an hour during a firefight. Check it out here: www.patreon.com/posts/john-mullins-dc-38845758

[@Djent7779]

this is gold.

[@raptortamerdx5900]

I'm glad this video is here. I have a book about the Vietnam conflict. In the intro, there's a note from someone who might have been in the Phoenix Program. He wrote the note to my uncle when he gave the book. It's a sort of cryptic message and I hope to soon discover who it was

[@usn4876]

Look up Mike Wallace's interviews with Westmoreland and others on false numbers in Vietnam it's 3 parts. Very interesting

[@doncrafton4657]

😅

[@rollingrock3480]

What a legend! The games Soldier of Fortune and Soldier of Fortune 2 were based on the idea of John Mullins operating in a "prevent doomsday" timeline. Awesome interview!

[@SF-rl7hl]

Jack, stumbled onto your podcast on youtube, I was watching Mr John Mullins interview and he said a few thinks that caught my attention. Back in 1974 a gentleman moved into our community next door. His name Bill Rhodes. Colonel William Rhodes Green Beret and CIA officer in Vietnam. Bill was an interesting guy, born around 1935 lived in Cincinnati Ohio. Moved to Hudson Fl after he left the CIA. Colonel Rhodes was in Vietnam in early 1960s. He was older by 1965 he was 30 years old. I worked with his wife at Kmart. Got to know him well. He told me a few things about his time in Vietnam but swore me to secrecy now I know why. But until this Video interview I've never heard of another Green Beret speak of the the " Boarden Project" Colonel Rhodes told me about this program in 1975 exactly word for word what John said. He was also involved in the Phoenix Project. I would be very interested to know if John knew Colonel William "Bill" Rhodes in Vietnam he must have in the early 1960s up to 1966 it was a small community. Colonel Rhodes stayed in Vietnam up to end under CIA. I'm very interested in Colonel William Rhodes because two weeks before he just vanished. He told me he was having more issues with CIA. "They never leave you a lone." Bill left wife, kids and job just gone overnight. His wife told me he left for work in morning (He was working Pasco County Sheriff) to transport criminals. The Sheriff office said he never made it to work? Here crazy part when his wife reported him missing the Pasco County Sheriff person said they have orders let him go. She was never able to confirm if the orders was CIA. That was 1975 Family has had no contact since. Can you find out any info on Colonel Williams "Bill" Rhodes Green beret Career? Thank you,

[@geoffdruin3714]

That’s my uncle. 🇺🇸 Hero.

[@frankcastle4435]

That is so awesome your Uncle is a legend and true American Hero. Does he ever travel to North Carolina?

[@frankcastle4435]

Please tell him welcome home and thank you for his service 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@user-kd6bz1bk5g]

That’s a special man 💯

[@jettsetter7]

Nice! You get to hear all the good shit from him. Your uncle is a hero. I wish I would have got to hear my grandfathers stories. He died in Laos March 21,1968 in an F-4. Golden BB to the canopy during the roll in, at night.

[@markus9333]

@Geoff Druin I'm from Finland and like to talk about Thorne with John if possible?

[@mattnj211]

I always thought he was a fake character playing the video games growing up but when I learned he was a real American badass it was so cool reading about him and his books and stories. Awesome to come across this.

[@richardkusiolek5198]

I was stationed in NhaTrang with 1st Air Commando USAF Squadron MACV-SOG & worked with Special Forces (aviation platforms were DC-3s, C-123s, C-130s,Cessna spotter planes, and T-28 fighters)..latter US Army Caribou . This is great to hear about Mullins heroic actions in country. Love this story.

[@themalhama9129]

Callin in that arty

[@BobJones-dq9mx]

I flew in Laos the O-1,later in VN the Y0-3y(1970).

[@hissyhonker220]

odd Question.. being USAF did you receive ERDL's? Or was that a private purchase for USAF guys.. was asking because I've heard it both ways depending on when you were in country from vets and am working on a few articles so your input would be appreciated

[@stevefournier6375]

Great interview, Amazing how well trained and self sufficient, Special Forces medics had to be early in the Vietnam War. Thanks John Mullins for taking the time, to share your story.

[@ashcarrier6606]

I had this on as just background noise. A few minutes in, and I was fully into it. One of the best things I've ever heard on YT.

[@AdamJWM]

As horrible as Vietnam must have been it is definitely the most fascinating conflict that the US Forces has been in for me to learn about. Thank all for their service and sacrifices.

[@hissyhonker220]

If you have not already, read the book Recondo, by Larry Chambers I think it was.. I think u will like it.. plus the book men with green faces, I forget the author but it's a great read..

[@josephsmith6777]

100% it's fascinating it was the last time the usa had major milatary battles for sustained time and fought a insurgency at the same time unlike gwat where conventional fights where short

[@panchovilla7580]

You guys are awesome this is the best podcast out right now. When you guys have Tilt on, get John back on! Two SOG guys will make it epic they kind of help each other with the stories.

[@dave_parke]

Thank you. That’s a really generous thing to say about our podcast. We’ll keep trying to improve it on the technical side.

[@steven3775]

What a fantastic interview. John Mullins has this quiet matter-of-fact confidence that is just so apparent.

[@usn4876]

m.kzbin.info/aero/PLBjV1sI8nLFflb8DdZ1aDSQSxDXkXTMJf Vietnam uncounted enemy documentary - KZbin

[@berryreading4809]

This is such a great channel, I really hope it catches a ride on the algorithm! Incredible stories

[@wolfumz]

I still cannot get over how Mr. Mullins just casually talks about administering the Phoenix Program. Certainly interesting to hear his side of things, after reading about it for years and years.

[@ZebulonJakub]

Pretty astounding to hear this account. Full respect

[@tomroberts9794]

Great show and guest. Thanks for your service Mr Mullins.

[@terrycook477]

I had a friend that was also in Phoenix program. He said the intelligence came from prostitutes and concubines of those targeted. The snipers had a general idea of the targets arrival and set up on the door to establish distance and range, Only on shot taken but the two man team. It sounds very very scary.

[@redzone012]

Please have John Stryker Meyer on a podcast if possible or some other SOG members like Dick Thompson etc... before they all die. They are not getting any younger and lots of people would love to hear their stories. ThanX.

[@dks13827]

they are on many youtubes

[@themalhama9129]

@@dks13827 perhaps he prefers these guys style of interviewing better than jocko's sell out a*s. F*cn Bidden loving nazi supporter. How the khokhol's doing at holding onto that territory.....still sending ur missles jocko?......lost all respect for the man. It seems anybody can be bought. Nobody's impervious to it.

[@lenwenzel7440]

Hi Guys, another great podcast. Thank you all for your service. John I just picked up three of your books to read and I am surely great full for the stories you have chosen to share. Thank you.

[@RC15O5]

Great interview! A very interesting life. I look forward to reading your books Mr. John F. Mullins!

[@jasondaniel1146]

Shout out from Australia. Great to hear war history first hand from a veterans point of view, with great integrity and honouring those who have served.

[@oats8854]

there's no honour in becoming a pawn for a torturous government.

[@Bigsky1991]

This is Day 1 SF stuff...they were literally making it up as they went along. The adaptability of the US Soldier. I grew up with an SF MSG that was 5th Group/CCC SOG Soldier. I had a flashback to his stories he told me as a kid when I flew 10th Group guys in S.Sudan and C.A.R. doing prisoner snatches, and watching the Medics and Civil affairs attached guy do their thing during MEDCAP sorties. Good stuff.

[@generalkrang7138]

Incredibly interesting interview. Absolutely fantastic job. One for the books. Major thumbs up

[@OGC1970]

I knew a Marine who lived, slept, ate, with Montinyard(so). Believe he was out of Recon. Never heard stories actually from him. Always seemed an amazing thing to have done.

[@tomroberts9794]

Great show. Thank you for your service.

[@rueridge7597]

Another outstanding American that all should be familiar with. Even if he is an Okie. Hat tip from Texas.

[@xXjOmAmMaXx]

Fantastic Episode! Can't wait to see/listen to the future Episodes with John!

[@mitchmazerolle]

A BIG Thumbs Up! Thank-you for making this happen.

[@TheTeamHousePodcast]

Our pleasure!

[@jerrybeckwith8466]

Just finished this video. Great job. I am an old B 1/75 guy and I had gone through Ranger school with a Blue light guy and ran into him on the DZ when we supported Blue light on an exercise at Camp McCoy Wisconson. My last name is Beckwith and first learned about the dislike of old Charlie when I went through SOT in the late 70s and Tiny and Paul Poole old Son Tay raider guys were still their. I was the top shooter in my class and when I went to get my certificate as top shooter from an SF Major at graduation he asked me if I was related. I said no sir, is that good or bad. He said, "put it this way, if you were, I wouldn't give this to you." Later when I was a contractor at Ft. Benning, I had the privilege of working with Dan Turner a Major on the Son Tay raid. He explained to me how many in the SF community did not exactly like old Charlie. I saw Charlie Beckwith 1 time when we supported Delta on one of their 1st training exercises at Key West.

[@leonardoagustin5656]

Outstanding interview Gentlemen

[@michaelcarroll1769]

Being a former CIF guy it was great hearing about blue light and the true origins of C-1-10. I was always under the assumption that we were from Det-A in Berlin. We had old Det-A in our team room attic at the CIF

[@generalkrang7138]

This is an amazing interview. Guys... Keep it up... This channel rules

[@TheTeamHousePodcast]

3 thumbs down = 3 peacecreep communists

[@antidoteify]

Nicely worded "peacecreep" hehe, yeah they are.

[@robertisham5279]

The veitcong and NVA weren't really communists they were more nationalist than ccommunist.And they were just defending their country and were nothing but invaders and aggressors.

[@heddle]

Thank you, men.

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

I realize that this video was posted 3 years ago. But in 1976, a select group of 2/75 Rangers spent several months training with the Blue Light Task Force at Ft. Bragg. As a sniper, my initial training was for urban sniping, then assaulting and room clearing with the "Michelin city" shoot houses, bus take downs, etc. And I remember the quick kill training. FYI: Rangers and LRRPs from Vietnam were also our Platoon Sergeants and Leaders, and as a young private joing 2/75 in 1975, they were my mentors and heros. With my first platoon leader being Lt. Eldon Bargewell who was eventually promoted to lead up JSOC. And one of my Ranger buddies was Randall Shughart who was killed in Mogadishu during Op. Gothic Serpent.

[@MetalLife1993]

John Mullins literally inspired an entire shooter series of games with all that he's done in his time...

[@jankjason]

Well two games and a unrelated 3rd game, not really an entire series in regards to John Mullins inspiration.

[@oif3gunner]

​​@@jankjasonHow many games have been made about your life? If there is one, it's about being a know it all, idiot.

[@charlesweimer2842]

Nice to hear from a true patriot on this subject of war!

[@joethebourbonman]

Another great interview. The parallels between Vietnam and Afghanistan are really fascinating.

[@gaagnello6597]

Awesome interview, I now know what my friend in Florida was doing while in country in Vietnam . He told me he was Green Beret, now listening to Mr. Mullins I now know he was SOG, just from the few stories he would tell me.

[@deanschaal8054]

Incredible podcast.i lost track at 15 lifetimes, so chill and matter of fact

[@captainsensible298]

what an awesome dude, done so much but humble as you can be

[@chriscunnane1512]

Great show and guest. Looking forward to his upcoming "fiction" novel!! Thank You

[@quantumfighter]

SOF great game. Great interview!

[@jasonji1900]

Excellent interview with a fascinating guy.

[@alanfox1309]

you look at these old men now. and to think these guys strode this earth like giants when they were young.

[@Jeffagarcia66]

The purple heart medals revelation just mind blowing

[@DowntoEarthThinkingcom]

I was with MACVSOG in RVN war zone D on the Cambodian border in 68/69. By then the war was almost over and winding down from 1970 on. We were training KIt Karson scouts with the 10th ARVN out of Xuanloc in war zone D. We flew in and out of Cambodia and Laos hauling LRRPs as well in and out of country every fews days. A truly incredible experience I could not possibly explain for you. It was either total elation or total fear most of the time. An emotional roller coaster for sure. I doubt of if slept more than 4 or 5 hours a nite and many times less. It was grueling in many ways but I thought it was just a big adventure ! Many of the guys carried AKs instead of ARs for many reasons when in Cambodia or Laos. Excellent stories on the yards and the Mungs. I too went to Cholon as well one time when I went down to MACV headquarters on TDY. That was when I learned about Ching Tao beer . It all seems like a different life time now all these years later. I imagine I may have crossed paths with this guy at some point in 68/69 ? I agree with your perception of how it has all changed for the worse and has slowed down tremendously. Too many chiefs and not enough Indians today. Excellent stories John you lived thur hell and can talk about it ! Thank you.

[@casey3713]

If I was a highschool teacher Every Friday we would end the week With a little something to think about over the weekend. I would wheel in the Old TV and give them the privilege of learning of great things done by great Americans. That's something they can go home and take with them and snuggle up next to at night and still be proud to be An American despite our pitiful leadership at the moment.

[@DavidLouisLouis-qh9ni]

Semper fidelis 🦅🌍⚓👍‼️ Great history lesson ♦️♦️♦️‼️

[@paratrooperlane7022]

47:34 mark, John said I volunteered for it. Does David even listen to their guest?

[@dave_parke]

Sometimes I miss things and sometimes I’m monitoring the chat to make sure the viewers questions get answered but I do listen. Thanks for watching. We appreciate your support.

[@terminusest5902]

"Odd Angry shot" was a drama/comedy about Australian SAS soldiers in Vietnam. Great movie. "Danger Close" 2019, was very closely based on the actual Battle of Long Tan, 1966 which is told very accurately and well made. About D company Royal Australian Regiment. The unit was attacked and surrounded by a much larger NVA battalion and VC support. 17 men were lost. The AATTV, AUSTRALIAN ARMY TRAINING TEAM VIETNAM, was the unit that trained and worked with the Vietnamese , including the "Montenyards" mountain people. 4 of the AATTV were awarded the VC, 2 posthumously. D Company 6 RAR was awarded the US PresidenialnUnit medal. New Zealand soldiers are usually close by when Australian units deploy. The Forward Artillery Observer at Long Tan was a New Zealander and played a vital role in saving the company. Currently, New Zealanders and Australians are training Ukrainians in Britain.

[@HeathenFitness]

Had to come back to this.

[@Bowhuntxx78]

Awesome interview! Semper Fi

[@FIREBRAND38]

That's the Marine Corps

[@generalkrang7138]

Played the absolute shit out of Soldier of Fortune 2 back in the day... Funny that a video game in all their excesses could actually pale so much in comparison to real life haha

[@tijno75]

Good interview thank you. I would like to see more interviews of you with SOG Recon Team veterans.

[@noalane3626]

At 35:20 what are they asking Larry was what type a soldier? Loginec? Thanks

[@Maissiz]

Lodge Act.

[@SpoonySkink]

How I haven't seen this episode yet I do not know... but this is gunna be a good day

[@flhxri]

😂🤣😂 when I was in nursing school I use to assess my dog. I would listen to his lungs and heart. Practice checking his pulses. He must have known what I was doing because he would patiently let me do it. Dogs are great for distinguishing heart sounds. They have irregular heart beats normally. He had a murmur as well.

[@georgeriedel9357]

John you must have been at Ft. Campbell same time as I, I was in the NAV over at the Bird Cage on Range Road. I attended that AIRBORNE RADIO SCHOOL on Base LOL , bless ya

[@bobkohl6779]

Old friend was SOG III worked with Cambods. They hated Vietnamese too.

[@morokolli8700]

Lauri Törni aka Larry Thorne and a movie "green barets" Sven kornie... greetings from Finland!!.

[@paulbrown6338]

Not only MACV-SOG, but all that other Intelligence work is quite an achievement.

[@wcc1212]

Fascinating guy.

[@hotrodrigs1]

Awesome. Thanks guys

[@Challerz]

This guy probably has the most insane resume 😳

[@rafaelmarques9323]

interview a member of army ranger Regimental Reconnaissance Company !!!!

[@ReverenXero]

John Mullins is a scary freakin dude.

[@neilreichenbach6526]

One of my mentors James Barber of the Phoenix teams blessed forever to be to him I miss that Conflict by 11 years Trent Dania Beach Florida a recce Shield failed the ASVAB but I'm still retaining my training and I'm standing guard silent Watchmen Dania Beach Florida

[@mickeysaffas8223]

A true American Hero.

[@louiswolff3251]

After I got out of the military as a 13F, I got into EMS first as an EMT, and then a couple years later I was accepted into a Paramedic program at a large university on Long Island in NY, and we had Dog Labs, that was in 1994, after the doctors got done practicing on the dogs and before they euthanized them we had our chance at them to practice our skills, needle cricothyrotomies, needle decompressions, central lines, etc, we had to sign non disclosure statements, and the lab was in the sub basement levels under tight restricted access, the doors are as thick as bank vault doors, electronically controlled, they are of afraid if it got out of the protests that would happen, it was a NY State University and they didn't want mass protests to happen on the campuses.

[@davidscott3820]

Partial shot novel"outstanding!"

[@Pleiadian_Chakra]

This Man is a Living Legend! ❤

[@h.h.m8225]

So this is the guy that took down perseus 🤣. Jokes aside much respect it was great to listen to one of the early greats.

[@samwalker1730]

Thank you for the wonderful show. From a Hooker. Army aviation!!!!

[@42ronty]

Jack drinking a kingfisher!. Very cheap and underrated where i live.

[@shelbak65]

One great man Love it

[@olafjensen4508]

The quick concept was introduced by Fairbairn-Sykes before WW2, They taught this to the national Chinese police fighting the gangs in Shanghai. One of their books is Shooting to Live With the One-Hand Gun.

[@carlpresley9097]

When I was in danang on my second tour I had an SF friend named Craig Ackley. SUPPOSEDLY with CCN. he died at the 95th EVAC there at Danang. He mention (incoherently) while in a coma Mission 35 or as I found out later OPLAN 34. still a mystery until this day. DANANG 1971.

[@doitriteak]

It would have been better if he started a story with "no shit, there I was" lol

[@rusty3968]

Has anyone have any memory of a Medic named Haywood Spencer on the SOG teams? Died in 1967 near Hue. Thanks

[@johndilivio2770]

How many. Lrrp teams were lost in vietnam

[@BirdDawg1]

2nd listen, even better the second time!

[@EE2002SS]

My father my in some of the places as John just wanted to know if he sever with Orling Eastridge?

[@mickwood3360]

Mr. Mullins, did you know Larry Conti? Thank you.

[@livingthedream0527]

Can’t help but keep seeing Peter Stormare “with a pencil. With a f#%king pencil”

[@C.Brock3rdID]

Lol, haven't heard that name since I last played Soldier of Fortune...

[@panchovilla7580]

You know you're a bada$% when they make a video game about you

[@LtSprinkulz]

HEY! It's the legendary protagonist of Soldier Of Fortune!

[@simonhansen6713]

Good stuff.

[@OGC1970]

Anyone seen anything on ConTien .. completely overrun multiple times. Marines called in air strike on position in at least 1. I believe Army held it one time, until overrun. Marines took and kept it after. 1 Marine survived; I believe he lived in Wi.

[@mrd7067]

I wonder how big the Phoenix Program unts were and how they were organised.

[@bosscoassociates5638]

I've listened 40 times trying to make out what you guys referred to Larry thorn as. I'm hearing logjack soldier lojiack soldier?

[@TheTeamHousePodcast]

Lodge Act

[@frankcastle4435]

Dave and Jack hands down one of my favorite episodes. You guys are on the fast track of becoming rock stars in the podcast world. Mr Mullins is a true American Hero. I do have a question for other people watching the show. What in the hell is up with the bull shit Anti Police commercial that KZbin played during a commercial break.

[@TheTeamHousePodcast]

Good question, I really don't know. The ads are placed automatically so they can be for something unrelated (or even inappropriate) for our channel. I'll look to see if there is a way to curate them a bit better.

[@frankcastle4435]

Thank you, I know it’s youtube and yaw can not control it. I hit my 20 year mark as a LEO this August and during my career I have never seen anything like what’s going on in our country. That being said a lot of guys in my unit watch you guys, keep up the great work and thank you both for your service

[@12monkey57]

We need time labels for the videos

[@jettsetter7]

I’m sure the CIA used MK-Ultra approaches with the some of the enemy POW’s

[@patrickcoughlin3564]

From Vietnam to the st.s of DC, strange indeed.

[@GloomGenetics]

the most badass guy in real life and in soldier of fortune 1.

[@tomroberts9794]

We appreciate your service Mr. Mullins. How will we fight the communist takeover in this country?

[@GruntProof]

Conventional units also ruined GWOT

[@jimbrock8310]

Totally agree with you! I will not use a 30 round mag to this day. You have to get to high or tilt your weapon and accuracy goes to hell! I will keep the 20!

[@vedantmehra6970]

???

[@LowEnd31st]

@@vedantmehra6970I believe he means while shooting laying on the ground

[@Uhlankadett]

Could John speak to the book, The Five Fingers ,and it's author Gayle Rivers? Is it possible that the story is actually a rewrite of a "Borden Project" adventure? Maybe an assassination 'attempt' of Uncle Ho?