WAR Stories with Billy Waugh | CIA & Special Forces Operator

RECOIL's Tom Marshall interviews covert operations legend Billy Waugh, who's career in special ops spans more than 50 years. Billy was a paratrooper in Korea, Special Forces operator with MACV-SOG in Vietnam, and CIA paramilitary operative for more than 30 years after. Along the way he personally hunted Muammar Gaddafi, Carlos The Jackal, and Osama Bin Laden.

[@grimmagic2329]

"beware of an old man in a profession where men die young" Bill was the very definition of this.

[@richardclary6267]

AMEN..I have a feeling it literally is who it's talking about do you see John Stryker Meyer in the comments

[@richardjohnson9517]

Well said

[@MrChuckwagon55]

AMEN 100%. I know a dude who was in Delta for over a decade and then ground branch for 10 years and ran into this dude at a CIA only bar in Afghanistan. This guy is the real deal. Dick Meadows was a super badass too.

[@adlerarmory8382]

SGM and CIA Operator Billy Waugh has gone on to Valhalla 04/04/23. RIP, Warrior. This country needs more like him.

[@alexanderednie1205]

You only go to Valhalla if you die in battle

[@Hahah878]

This is the only guy i wish would hsve had a chance to get on shawn ryan show before he passed

[@jeffdur1330]

Wtf is a "cia operator" 😂

[@Hahah878]

@@jeffdur1330 exactly what billy waugh was or the guys who rode into Afghanistan on horse back or how about the wall of stars at the cia of all the people Who died

[@jcar1417]

@@alexanderednie1205I’m sure in Billy’s case they would make an exception. His story is incredible, and he almost died more than once, multiple purple hearts and that’s only for the ones on record, caught Carlos the jackal, could have killed bin laden, President Clinton said no, on the ground in Afghanistan before the horse soldiers at age 70.

[@justcause7521]

Billy Waugh slept outside the CIA directors office after 9/11 for days until the director finally gave in and sent him to Afghanistan.......He was in his 70's......

[@goinhot9133]

60s I think

[@goinhot9133]

72 , born in Dec 1 1929 😮

[@justcause7521]

@@goinhot9133 Complete BADASS....

[@willbrink]

@@goinhot9133Nope, early 70s. Supposedly was still operating in his 80s! Just good he was on our side.

[@johnwildish8599]

if what you say is true he is not very smart .. two little planes knocked down three great skyscrapers with the last one falling at the speed of gravity just like building that is demolished... and this was orchestrated by men from Afghanistan who were scratching camels balls in the desert.... ha ha ha ha

[@taldozer]

I had the opportunity to meet up with Billy a few times. One of the last times I met up with him, my unit was doing free-fall training in Florida. At the time Billy had to be in his late 70s if not 80s (2015ish circa) and he did a couple of jumps with us. He just always loved to be with the boys telling war stories and motivating us. Legend. RIP warrior!

[@Officialprodbytreybeats]

Jumping at 80? What a legend.

[@Jasebamb]

Yea wen he asked him in his nerd voice and said so what made you want to join the army 😂 and he said well I ran off to join the marines 😂 the guy is a rookie

[@sigspearthumb3249]

What's sad is that Billy passed just the other day, and I haven't seen a single News channel do a story on the passing of this American legend. RIP Billy. DOL

[@Becarhodzic]

And that is exactly how Billy would have wanted it. He was a true patriot/gangster old school, he didn’t work in the shadows. Billy was the motherfucking shadow!

[@dracoseason3784]

@@Becarhodzic regardless of his ego. he was a figure everyone should know about. our government/media will jump to air/talk about stories regarding the gays but wont educate the american people about the men and women who put thier life on the line somehow lived and educated us on how to keep our nation safe

[@RFM-CDA]

Is anyone really surprised it wasn't in the news? I'm not. What a great American. Jacobson's book was a good read, but Mr Waugh has been mentioned in several others and its just incredible! RIP!

[@zJ78924]

@@RFM-CDA he has a book as well. Unsure of the name without looking it up

[@shrapmagnet]

Sad, but appropriate. Those who matter the most (his team mates, superiors, and subordinates) know who he was and what he did.

[@YewCrewOfficial]

This interviewer just missed the interview of a life time. Its hard to watch someone miss the mark so hard. Billy Waugh might have been by far the most badass American to walk the planet. Can you imagine him on JRE.. Would be oscar worthy

[@richardcarpenter-jo5ej]

I want to see that PowerPoint.

[@Officialprodbytreybeats]

Also the Shawn Ryan Show

[@shanecrocker3629]

I came to the comments to see if anyone else felt this way. This interviewer is a dud.

[@MagnumOpusYT]

@@shanecrocker3629 For example, about 12 minutes in BW was just getting into how they immersed themselves in places, you could tell he was loving getting into the story and there was probably gold there... and the interviewer just jumped straight through it and changed the topic to something generic what everyone probably asks him

[@slowrollinglow5498]

JRE? No offense but that’s none-sense. Joe Rogan is a goof. Jocko Willink is the only man in my opinion who would have gave him the interview he deserved.

[@willbrink]

Billy needed someone who could ask him the right questions for that interview.

[@alexspandau2145]

This guy cant interview its a shame because billy waugh has such great stories

[@whitewater1250]

He asked the most basic questions 😏

[@briandavies8351]

We as a world have lost a great American hero and warrior who did things others wouldn’t to keep us safe at night. Billy was a true son of America we won’t see his like again. Thank you Billy and to all his family and friends my deepest condolences and sympathy from the U.K. rip billy ❤

[@joepryan4424]

He really was.

[@michaelscott33]

He was a hero, but many others have done the same so let’s not take away from that.

[@brianlukocevich4998]

The background of your conversation looks a lot like Florida

[@jestice75]

"keep us safe at night". Are you Israeli or something?

[@shanehollander9135]

I used to support cia & fbi but far they have fallen

[@Sw22944]

If it wasn’t for Annie Jacobsen’s books I would have never known of Mr. Waugh. One of America’s best, RIP.

[@shrapmagnet]

I was lucky enough to meet CSM (ret) Waugh at Ft Bragg when he came to visit just before I retired in 2009. I had read his book previously, and was able to have it autographed by CSM Waugh. Several friends of mine in 3/5 worked directly with CSM Waugh during Jawbreaker. The country and esp. US SOF owe an unpayable debt of gratitude for his service.

[@justencharters897]

King Leonidas is currently sitting at the footstool of Billy Waugh, learning his war stories. RIP.

[@josiahtitus]

Dude was part of Macvsog, Cag, Arfmy sf, and CIA sad/sog. that is crazy, and fought in the war on terror at 72 years old

[@MrChuckwagon55]

He was never in CAG, but worked along with them after 9/11.

[@SailfishSoundSystem]

I'm almost finished with the book Surprise Kill Vanish by Annie Jacobsen. It draws heavily from Mr. Waugh's exploits. Amazing man and a true patriot. Anybody that has the balls to go jogging in Sudan doing reconnaissance and surveillance has my vote! As a veteran, he is a guy you want watching your back. Balls of steel on this guy.

[@phily8716]

I'm just listening to that now. Awesome so far

[@chester-chickfunt900]

Billy lived 100%. A true warrior. RIP.

[@kilgoretrout4461]

This is absolutely heartbreaking to watch. I don’t know if the interviewer was doing the “just lay back and let them talk” thing…but my god man! You had a fucking priceless interview of a lifetime in your lap and you just fumbled it into the end zone for a touchback. Billy needed some quality, pointed questions and what did you do? “So you were in wwii? So you went to Korea? …so then to Vietnam” argh! I’m dying here wishing someone was picking his brain. Man, if only Annie Jacobson was on the case-would have been epic.

[@scottbourret1190]

Annie Jacobsen's book (surprise, kill, vanish) on Billy is a great read/listen. Would love to see Jocko and John Myers get time with Billy, to talk with him about Annie's book and capture more of the history he's been a part of. Amazing to think that he was operationally active post WW2 through the GWOT.

[@chandlercoats1042]

Looked up interviews with Billy after reading Surprise Kill Vanish. Great read. I second that he would be a great guest for Jocko. What a life. Had his foot almost shot off and nearly died in Vietnam, then went on to have such an incredible career.

[@toddmellinger6581]

i listened to her book on audible. such a great listen to hear about billy. such a texas badass

[@kasper_429]

Such a great book! Basically a biography of Billy Waugh, although it's not advertised as such. I read it last year.

[@therealkevan8158]

I like her books, but I just can't stand HER. It's just the way she speaks soooo slow, like she's so much smarter than everybody she's speaking to . Great author, feel sorry for her spouse.

[@jamesbridges7750]

Sadly, he just died a few days ago. Would have been great to hear more from this legend.

[@chaosncheckt9356]

I had the honor of knowing and I hope being a friend of this great legend. He had a deep love of country and Special Forces and would give a talk to each Special Forces Class near the end of their training on the history of Special Forces as well as its birth with the WWII Jedburgh Teams. Billy was a great instructor and I was always amazed by how he captured the attention of those young Special Forces warriors. Later when they could no longer pay his travel and expenses, Billy told me he did it for free. He just loved talking to the young soldiers. He was truly a legend, walked to his own drum beat and cared little for what others thought of him. He will truly be missed.

[@manhalen7046]

Amen.

[@tmango78]

This guy is a legend. Damn near interviewed himself. Great to hear these stories!

[@Gmoney00718]

Toughest ppl from Texas. OH but everyone that hasn’t been here says it’s a shit state bc of politics 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@SECRETORDEROFTHEKNIGHTSTEMPLAR]

Awful interviewer..

[@daddyethan3938]

Yea, the dude is a dud! Billy always did it all himself it seems to the very end. Boss!

[@jimbobhootenanny4440]

I don't think this interviewer understands what this man did for our world around us. "Okay," I wonder how many times he said that.......

[@0122460166]

He seemed scared and uncomfortable the whole time. What a shame. @@SECRETORDEROFTHEKNIGHTSTEMPLAR

[@vwalsh63]

Among the toughest guys to ever walk the earth. This, what you see in the video, is truly "the lion in winter". God Bless him.

[@andy_in_nh9243]

RIP to a special operations legend! Fair winds and following seas!

[@justinsmith4562]

Shut up mate… following seas you bloody turkey

[@gregm6652]

Tom sits back and lets the man speak, good for him. " If you get killed that just tough s**t!" Well said!

[@jardinero9112]

The real JOHN WAYNE. Shawn Ryan should interview this man. Talk about a great action movie.

[@WTDOOR63]

John Wayne was an actor. Don’t associate Billy W. with a fake portrayal it’s disrespectful.

[@jardinero9112]

@@WTDOOR63 did I hurt your feelings? Sorry.

[@generalvc]

Imagine at 71 when you thought you’ve seen it all & retired sitting on a rocking wooden chair having a lil sip at your lil ranch in the countryside in Texas, a black chopper with 2 men in black drops by only to announce you’ve been chosen by the US government to set and spearhead an entire invasion of Afghanistan. I’m sure his response was: “Hold my beer”

[@syd5604]

he got a folding chair and sat outside cofer blacks office (the director of the CTC at that time) and would not leave until cofer talked to him about Afghanistan. shortly after, he was sent to Afghanistan with an M4 Carbine, AK-47, Heckler & Koch 40mm grenade launcher, and $6 million in cash he was also sent to Libya during the revolution at 82yrs old to locate Qaddafi’s former military contacts his last parachute jump was at 87.5 years old in Cuba with Annie Jacobsen honestly, legendary doesn’t even cover him. i’m trying to think of words but none are truly good enough. when i found out he passed on, i actually cried. just such a fantastic person and a true inspiration, hero, patriot, and pioneer. he’s even been called the godfather of the green berets. i’m so sad they only released a 30 minute interview. i could listen to him all day.

[@michaeldunn7554]

​@@syd5604what a comment my friend. This man is an absolute legend. A lot of people get called legendary but this man is the GOAT. RIP sir!!!!

[@1979augistine]

Dude was 007 but cooler and more deadly

[@joshuaoqquendoandino2236]

True legend. My uncle Jorge Otero Barreto the most decorated vet in Vietman speaks highly of this man. RIP SIR

[@JuanMaldonado-ik8lg]

Barreto the puertorican Rambo.

[@slowrollinglow5498]

I wish jocko would have had a chance to interview this man. A true legend here.

[@williammatthews2948]

Billy Waugh: A True American Badass. Fair winds and following seas. Thank you for your service. Rest in Peace.

[@Gtrmanify]

Sad to lose him and hope this is not the only bit of his life personally related that exists. Amazing man ,amazing service. And a great example of why you should always treat an older man with respect . RIP Billy -Godspeed.

[@playinragz8183]

WRONG! Any man that was/is CIA is responsible for countless deaths. They are criminals and should never be applauded.

[@dikhurtz2406]

My dad was MACV SOG in Vietnam. I have his Green Beret. He never discussed the war.

[@harrybrown6248]

I got lucky to have met many of these guys CSM Nail, Ernie Tabata, Rowe n Waugh….these men were fuking legends.. Grange, too is a current legend…there are many more thank you God for allowing me to know men like this.. I remember how small I felt in their presence…

[@JesusChrist2000BC]

Possibly the worst interviewer ever to give this guy his last interview. This is why we needed some Podcaster a professional to step up and do this interview while Billy was still alive. He was more than capable of a 3 hour sit down and going over his entire career. But this rushed 30 minute nonsense serves nobody and isn't even enough to sniff the surface of 1% of what he did especially when the interviewer came unprepared.

[@davidaldridge5716]

He was probably particular about who he would sit down with ….I’m sure he knew he could’ve called up Shawn Ryan or Jocko or John Stryker Meyer or Joe Rogan He knew his story was sought after and he was probably cool with never opening up…..but he probably knew this guy and compromised ***edit But with that said I’m with ya…it’s a shame that we don’t have a long detailed interview with him. His life is American history 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@johnscanlon2598]

Exactly what I am thinking

[@jasonboden9400]

He spoke in riddles anyway nothing the interviewer could do really.

[@patrickyoung3503]

I have to agree with your comment . Mr Waugh was around the same age as myself , I'm 85 now but I was born in Ireland & lived all my life there . My dream was to enter the US armed forces after I left school in 1954 . Dad told me it would break my mother's heart off I went to America . I stayed at home and as they say , the rest is history . I have regretted that decision ever since .

[@Bsim2020]

100%. What a wasted opportunity to sit down with a great man and ask him anything. Billy literally said “ask me anything” several times and the interviewer just sat there mute. Or when Billy finished talking, the interviewer just said “hm” and rather than asking Billy something, he just waited for Billy to start talking again. Sheesh.

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Great interview, Billy Waugh is a LEGEND!

[@KBBMX]

God Speed and a blessed extraction 🙏

[@keiths.6251]

What a great interview of such man thank you for your service Mr. Waugh.

[@carlkelly2900]

Billy is a legend in the Regiment! True stud and trail blazer.

[@ignacioamezcua6881]

Thank you for your service.

[@Two-Stack]

Rest in peace, blue skies and fair winds to a legend

[@NOC1TIME]

Thanks for this. An honor to be in this mans company. RIP Sir

[@michellezenner]

Thank you! My gramps was USMC in WW2 also. I appreciate your story.

[@williamwhitney5266]

A Great Old Story to See and Listen to Thank you Bill

[@getoffmylawn8986]

One thing I learned during my time in SF was that there are no "Super men", but Billy was sure close.

[@chuck.reichert83]

RIP Billy Waugh. The man was a legend

[@hattrickjs]

Didn't know Billy just passed. Incredible man. God keep him

[@shawnsmith4049]

Thanks Boss💯

[@JuanMaldonado-ik8lg]

These operators did so much every day, every month , and every year that they had 1000s of stories to tell. A walking book, novel...

[@christopherhernandez4524]

I wish you had more of the interview. Very interesting when he talks about SOG's activities outside of Vietnam essentially surveying parts of Africa.

[@johnscanlon2598]

Have you found any more interviews with him ? This is about the only one I’ve found

[@kemshasan8866]

good work algotrithm I thoroughly enjoyed this and found a new channel!

[@rick00770]

Rest in piece, Billy. I read his story,one of the best ever told. Tough as nails,a real warrior and hero.

[@amronfler]

Thank you for enlightening me on such a great American hero and true courageous warrior. He personifies was being a real patriot is all about, and because of his contribution he laid the foundation for the Special-Ops counter- intelligence, that we rely on and utilize today. God rest his precious soul.

[@modestogonzalez182]

Thank you so very much for posting and doing this interview! This man and his fellow warriors had to have O.D. green wheel barrows issued to them to carry their humongous balls!!! Humbling is not an apt description. I thank God for men like these. They are the support structure that keeps this country free. Thank you Mr. Waugh. Till Valhalla sir

[@jcbbb]

Greatest interview ever

[@RaneBane]

He likes the questions. Peobably forgot so much and was reminded like that.

[@paradiddlediddle8630]

Hi Bill, I was US Army Huey crew chief in Honduras, Central America. 1985-86.

[@rangervapes571]

I have had the pleasure to meet Billy “Mustang” many times, such a great American and a wealth of knowledge. RIP brother

[@seyahznarf]

He is so lucid and does not look sick. Its amazing how quickly things happen. RIP. DOL.

[@Tommy1977777]

Read his book when I was in Ramadi. Man is a legend.

[@freespeechordeath7826]

Waugh made the first combat HALO jump during vietnam and jumped into Afghanistan right after 9/11 at the age of 71. He was such a legend that into retirement when 9/11 happened he reaches out to people still in service wanting to help and at 71 years old he was one of the handful of green berets and spooks that jumped into Afghanistan and hooked up with Northern Alliance and led the air campaign prior to troops hitting the ground.

[@christophernolen4117]

CSM Billy was the dude that helped take down Carlos the Jackal! SF Legend right there! RIP and DOL Brother! You are not forgotten!

[@ch0sen0ne70]

Thank you for your service and all you did it’s mind blowing to think he was there from Korea to Afghanistan

[@playinragz8183]

Mind blowing is you not knowing what these people do to other humans. You have no clue the evil of CIA operatives. They’re the ones who are currently destroying the world in the name of democracy. Which is total bunk.

[@daryljmann8595]

Rest peacefully, sir. You are with your men now fighting in Valhalla by day, feasting and celebrating your battles by night. Your spirit is eternally carried by all of today's quiet professionals. Thank you. 'Surprise, Kill, Vanish' -Annie Jacobsen Amazing story about Billy. Outstanding

[@GSAhunting]

I was in absolute awe of the man when I read his book. Outstanding American Patriot 🫡 sir. RIP 🇺🇸

[@chrisornduff3686]

Want to thank that man for his service and would buy him a beer any day. Respect I can listen to theses stories all day long.

[@playinragz8183]

Because your a sheep who has no clue what’s happening the world. It’s true my friend.

[@ourcountrynotourselves3933]

I love dudes like this!!!! The stories they will take to the grave with them would make excellent books and even better movies!!!

[@nicorusso1526]

This dude is amazing. He doesn’t seem like a badass veteran. More like an average old grandpa. Perhaps that’s what makes him so legendary

[@Bourbon101LRSD]

My man “ Silver” interviewing the great Billy Waugh!

[@WordToMomsYo]

Undoubtedly one of the baddest MF'ers who has ever walked the face of the earth. His life and career couldn't be turned into a film, because no one would believe it -- it's simply absurd. That this man remained operational for as long as he did is mindboggling and defies all logic and commonsense. RIP warrior, and godspeed.

[@mikeh.753]

Communication and intelligence are key to a successful operation. Seems like he was one of the first to demonstrate that.

[@santiagogiuntoli6726]

His portrait when younger is something out of a nightmare. Must have been a real show to see what that guy did in the battlefields. Scary, in a respectable way. Gives those absolutely ruthless, relentless, get-the-job-done whatever it may be, come what may, vibes. God rest his soul

[@tonyelberg7814]

Just bought his book, RIP legend

[@Snakeskinboots]

This man has me cracking tf up rn

[@shanonlavallie1513]

Thank you for your service and sacrifice to your country!

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thanks

[@SGUSOMUSA]

This guy is special ops royalty. It’s a shame there isn’t more known about all of his exploits. I would kill to see him sit down with Jocko or some other SF guy and just pick his brain to the detail. One fairly obvious observation I have is that this man in clearly a risk-taker, and was probably born that way. It’s amazing he is alive. I wonder if he has any professional regrets. What an amazing human.

[@dwightchaos9449]

Look at what he all involved in.. I guarantee he had some regrets.. you can’t go through all that and not have a few I imagine.

[@bigRoar7]

He reminds me of my great grandfather ww2 vet,same style of story telling and description style

[@DieselDog1929]

We got some bad ass men. But I’ll tell ya they don’t make them like they use to. This guy is a legend cut from a different cloth! It was a pleasure meeting you sir at Ft Bragg

[@jimmieadams797]

God bless You Billy, a true warrior of warriors. You will be greatly missed.

[@ericg649]

LOVE this Warrior!!!

[@blackbird_actual]

RIP Mr. Waugh - the sort of man that when he speaks you shut the hell up and listen.

[@jasonmorrow1981]

Legend! He either stopped a war from starting or started one. Or both.

[@gazelam]

He’s a legend. For some reason, this interview reminds me of Levon Helm’s scene in the movie “Shooter”, except it’s all very real. God speed.

[@johnwalsh7931]

Thank you sir for your service TEXAS MADE..

[@patrickyoung3503]

Honour & Respect . Lest we forget .

[@JPWesterberg]

Tom Marshall did a good job of not stepping on Waugh. The worst thing an interviewer can do is cut-off and prevent his guest from finishing his thoughts. Waugh was able to speak freely. Great video. Good to see the man after reading so much about him.

[@ericparker163]

Partial credit for not trying to talk over him but let's not pretend he came off as a guy who did his homework.

[@manhalen7046]

While I agree on your point, its also important to set the parameters and then extract the great stories from the interviewee. Making them feel comfortable to do so. And I personally dont think the interviewer did enough here and left alot of meat on the bone. But to be fair, only a few of these podcasters really do a great job, a couple are merely solid and the rest (the majority) are f'king awful.

[@toddm9501]

I love the setting, the interview, and especially, The Answers and The Stories. I'm 56. I never was in the military. Many of my wife's and I family have served. I have The Utmost Respect. My wife, then girlfriend, would be so sweet with comments and such. They would be looking at me let's just say. A little differently

[@JuanMaldonado-ik8lg]

That was the era when NCOs led from the front and their subordinates had total confidence in their skills. Airborne all the way...

[@billyatkins5406]

This interview is sitting in front of the Bmf to ever walk the face of the earth. I would’ve been on the edge of my seat

[@user-cn8vb9hh5z]

A very interesting gentleman! I'd like to see his PowerPoint!

[@CaptainWillard830]

😂

[@vitocarbonara7770]

This man was truely a silent professional. And those above him in that burucratic policies climb the ladder at his sacrifice and success!!!

[@michael5679]

R.I.P. Billy Waugh. Legend defined.

[@sonnysantana5454]

R I P mr waugh i remember you big time from your time down san pedro sula Honduras while going over the contra camps back in 85'

[@bedfordclothier2715]

Will always be a legend at what most of us know as Smoke Bomb Hill, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

[@dieselboy610]

One of Bastrops finest. Legend

[@gumegoz2012]

Respect!

[@LargeCapybara]

RIP Billy - thank you for everything you did

[@jt.8144]

If there is anything to take home from this episode, it's "TO GET ALONG WITH PEOPLE.".

[@playinragz8183]

Lol Your joking right?

[@stevo43224]

Great interview!

[@Prepper319]

what an absolute HONOR to breathe this man's air. you've earned my jealousy & envy brother 🤦🏻‍♂️ ❤

[@indianajones4321]

Rest In Peace Billy Waugh, you’re a legendary operator

[@mauryvictoria1801]

The last of a dying breed they very seldom make em like this anymore