I went through Warner Springs in the fall of ‘68….I KNEW I was going to Vietnam soon and we were taught that if captured we’d be tortured. Months later every time I rode the escalator from our ready room below the hanger deck to the flight deck I’d pray I’d be safe or killed and not captured as I didn’t know if I’d be tough enough to resist. I was finally shot down on 206th mission, but rescued….answered prayers.

@LIV3backwards

Жыл бұрын

Who picked you up?

@danielaramburo7648

Жыл бұрын

I can’t tell you what to do with your life, but I rather ram by damaged jet into an enemy and die than years of torture.

@The10thManRules

Жыл бұрын

'68? BS. SERE school didn't start until much later.

@desertodavid

Жыл бұрын

God bless you Captain! Regardless of who you are, nearly every military member has to live with this state of Readiness and fear on a near-daily basis. I had the same fears of being captured. USMC RETIRED

@desertodavid

Жыл бұрын

@@The10thManRules He never mentioned SERE. If you don't think this type of training was being conducted during Vietnam, well then you're just uninformed and shouldn't be commenting it all. POW training was going on at least as far back as World War II.

One of my bosses related a story about his niece who was a B-1B pilot. In SERE she had dug her snow shelter and every few hours a sargeant would come by to check on everyone. He had her take her boots off, then started hollering for an evac on the radio. She started protesting and they got in a wrestling match, which she of course lost. He threw her on the chopper saying she was hypothermic and delusional. The hospital later noted that blue toenail polish was not a sign of frostbite.

@workingguy6666

Жыл бұрын

lol

@theodoreolson8529

Жыл бұрын

You can't make this sh** up. Too funny.

@exploatores

Жыл бұрын

that is why you shouldn´t have nail polish on.

@tellyknessis6229

Жыл бұрын

Nothing funny about having to re-do the whole deal from scratch...

@Patrick_B687-3

Жыл бұрын

@@exploatores Or even take that a step further.

I attended SERE IN 1983. My son went to the same school 30 years later. Yeah. You never forget that experience.

@donparker1823

Жыл бұрын

God bless you two.

@vincentmazzola7230

Жыл бұрын

I attended SERE at WS in 64. They told us anyone who successfully escaped would get a ham sw. They starved you so that sounded really good. I got my chance when I found a small glass bottle in the sand I was able to break into a leathal shard I put it in one of my flight jacket pockets in easy reach. As they were waterboarding me I grew very angry and reached for the shard. My interrogator had his face in mine and couldn't see my hand. I screamed at myself this isn't real. But it was a close run thing. I caould have cut his juggler vien a heartbeat and spent the rest of my days in

@bryanweaver9565

Жыл бұрын

Oops. Just accidentally down-voted you! I failed switchology..

@ThorstenWieking

Жыл бұрын

@@vincentmazzola7230 I actually wondered during the video if those airmen get psychological help after Sere school, especially since it is a) so intense b) one might comes across one of those instructors later in their career and a unburdened professional relationship might be wise.

@mydickisincrediblysmallbut194

Жыл бұрын

Is SERE still as intense as it was back in the day? Or has it been dialed down quite a bit

An ex UDT friend of mine was a "bad" guy in the Maine SERE School. He was a big guy that you wouldn't want to mess with. He really played the part but in the end had great respect for all the airmen that went through the program. He left us too soon but I'll remember him for ever.

@DowntownDeuce2

Жыл бұрын

If you don't mind my asking, what was your friend's name? Someone leaving UDT to teach SERE School is highly unorthodox.

@jbh759

Жыл бұрын

My guess is that he meant a UDT Instructor that was already done with deployments and instead of being a desk jockey he decided to instruct. They probably grabbed him from UDT to do some SERE stuff for the Air Force.

@DowntownDeuce2

Жыл бұрын

@@jbh759 Maine is not an Air Force SERE School site. That is exclusively U.S. Navy. Even prior to the 5326 NEC, detailing to SERE school was not likely. There is no shortage of people who had some minimal affiliation with SpecWar, from cutting their hair to being a yeoman on a ship that had UDT as ship's complement on WESTPAC, who embellished to say they were with UDT. UDT part is particularly curious, considering their mission and skill set different greatly from a SEAL Team, with regard to land navigation and survival. It would be more plausible for, but not accurate, for a SEAL, due to their AO. If there was any relevance to water survival in SERE A, there is no shortage of rescue swimmers and egress ratings to teach. Notice he did not reply with a name, or reply at all, for that matter. That is not happenstance. Expect that comment to be deleted in the near future, rather than answer the question.

@2000ViperGTSsubscribe

Жыл бұрын

@@DowntownDeuce2 Actually I have seen SEAL's teach swimming in boot camp at RTC Great Lakes when I was in 1987. Like sub guys do shore duty and sometimes have different jobs. My bro was on subs, but on shore duty he was the deserter squad as a skip trace investigator and then would hunt deserters down. That was called NACU, but my point is sometimes you get different jobs on rotations.

@DowntownDeuce2

Жыл бұрын

@@2000ViperGTSsubscribe I understand, having experience with detailer duty. Generally, the SEALs at Great Lakes are there to perform BUD/S screening for those with contracts, which requires being stationed there. Assisting other recruit training blocks is nothing unusual, but the fact remains that they are there in a SpecWar billet, for screening. The point that I was making was that would be a very unorthodox situation, considering the procedures of that era, especially the UDT vs SEAL mission, and the O.P.'s incorrect assertion that it was a USAF facility, which it is not. Often civilians assume that any shore-based command combatant is automatically UDT/SEAL, not understanding the difference between Littoral Security Forces, EOD, Techs, etc. Add to that the number of people falsely claiming to have served in SpecWar, and the waters get very muddy. I think it is noteworthy that he declined to respond with the person's name when asked.

My beloved brother was a Force Recon Marine, who spent a year in Vietnam, three months at Oak Knoll, and another year in Nam. He taught my young ass Survival and Evade when I was young. He toughened me up. When I was a 22YO USAF E-5 I had cancer that left me with intractable chronic pain. I truly believe that I have survived 44 years with it because I was mentally prepared. And I just received a small percentage of what our soldiers are taught in SERE School. Sorry, I just had to honor my brother Mike. Simper Fi Jarhead!

@2000ViperGTSsubscribe

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing about your brother-that is a terrific tribute.

@JTLaser1

Жыл бұрын

@@2000ViperGTSsubscribe Thank you. When we were hearing about people with self-inflicted wounds coming home, and here he’s going back with the sutures barely removed… I thought he deserved far more than a Bronze Star. Waking up backpacking with him yelling “CORPSMAN!!!!!” Really made it real to me.

I went through Air Force SERE training 23 years ago at Fairchild AFB in Spokane. The last day was absolutely a tear jerker. What a sense of pride that was.

@francisschweitzer8431

Жыл бұрын

Me too… Later I PCS’d to Castle AFB. I was enlisted aircrew…

@lockheedload

Жыл бұрын

Hey brother. I went through Fairchild in 2001. Interesting times indeed!

@TheWhiteHouseNuclearBunker

Жыл бұрын

I'm glad students understand the last day🤙

@broddy2012

Жыл бұрын

Bro the last day hits

@Frankie5Angels150

Жыл бұрын

It’s the last minute of the last day, actually!

Admiral, Sir, as an ex Air Force Nurse during the Viet Nam era I've had the honor of taking care of our men. When you chocked up at the end of video you brought me to tears also. I believed our wonderful military men had better have Officers of the highest caliber leading them. You just proved my hypothesis correct. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and washed out eyes.

@redflipper992

Жыл бұрын

lol nurses aren't deserving of respect.

Hey Ward, thought we weren't supposed to give away details about SERE! Since you did, enlisted guy went through Jan. of '77 at Warner Springs. Had a huge red bearded guy bounce me off the corrugated steel walls as Nasty. Two trips on the waterboard. As the religious PO for our class they hauled me up in front as they tore up the Bible while at the top of my lungs I defended it, then to see behind the class they brought our senior guy to raise the Stars and Stripes. I bellowed "Aten hut!!!" the class jumped up as the Anthem began. Wasn't a dry eye in the place.

@swesleyc7

Жыл бұрын

May Christ be with you. Thank you for serving.

Awesome video!!! I went through SERE at Warner Springs as an O-3 in Jan or Feb 1968 before being shipped to Vietnam as an advisor on a Vietnamese Navy gunboat. Two memories of that stand out. 1) After three days with no food the instructor lectured us on how to trap, dress, and eat small game. In front of us he killed and dressed a rabbit and told us that every part of the rabbit was edible including the eyes. I, being a bit of a wise guy, said "Would you eat one?" He said, "I will if you will." Whereupon he plucked both eyes out, put one in his mouth, and handed me the other. I will never forget the texture and taste - not recommended. 2) The commandant of the prison camp made a speech pointing out the weaknesses, hypocrisy, and corruption of the U.S. government and democracy in general and how much better the communist system was. He was an excellent and convincing speaker. It made us think. Remember this was 1968.

@swesleyc7

Жыл бұрын

Funny how many young, indoctrinated people want communism today. I refuse to be one.

As a former yellow shirt on the flight deck of CVN-65 my Division Officer had been a prisoner of war and he attributed his survival to SERE school. Thank you for providing a look into what you and all our aviators go through to serve our country. Too bad our politicians don't have to go through SEREs before they can serve our country...maybe things would be different.

@2000ViperGTSsubscribe

Жыл бұрын

AB for the win-well done shipmate.

@billydaniel900

Жыл бұрын

Probably a lot different.

@TheBatugan77

Жыл бұрын

I agree. All politicians used to at least do some token military service. No longer. I think it should be mandatory for public office.

@terrythornock6468

Жыл бұрын

Karl Swope, Yes Sir, you are correct!!!!! Our politicians should be required to attend SERE School or something like it. I think this would make them more patriotic and give them a better sense of what it means to take an oath of service to protect the US Constitution!!!!! So many of our politicians today could be classified as enemy combatants to the US Constitution, which makes them an enemy to America!!!! It is a complete shame what our Government has become!!!!! Thank you so much for your valued comment, Karl!!!! Stay Safe & Healthy, Terry Thornock Former Special Agent, AFOSI 100% Disabled Veteran and Above Knee Amputee (Due to Trauma)

@MrDhalli6500

5 ай бұрын

Yea imagine Mitch Micconnell or Diane Feinstein going through SERE school lmao.

As a civilian, the most profound realization of watching this is that you guys voluntarily put yourselves through that deep emotional and physical experience for me. Thank you all.

@cliccclacc6561

Жыл бұрын

Believe it or not, your interests and the governments interests usually contradict

@dbarnes544

9 ай бұрын

And all anyone has to do is go ring the bell and it's all over for them. No one in our group opted out.

@C-130-Hercules

7 ай бұрын

No bell ringing here. Everybody made it. SURVIVAL ✌️

I am proud to have been a SERE instructor at Brunswick from 1965 to 1970. The 9505 NEC means a lot to me. One of the best duties in my 30 year career.

@garymessinetti1874

Жыл бұрын

I went through SERE there in '69, you may have been one of my instructors.

@johnhenderson8360

Жыл бұрын

Art, I went through SERE in late August on '70. I was assigned to the over all unit (worked on the flight simulator) but not directly to the school). It was because I was assigned to the unit that I had to go through SERE because we were called on to help complete the staffing when a class was coming through. I remember being called into LCMDR "R" office (I won't write his name here) and he wanted to know what I thought of the 'experience'. I told him that it was the hardest thing I'd ever been through.

@graplingurty

Жыл бұрын

We must have met, I went in 1968.

@johnhenderson8360

Жыл бұрын

@@graplingurty

@johnhenderson8360

Жыл бұрын

I went in in 1969, I finished school in Memphis in 1970 and arrived in Brunswick in late August of '70. I reported in on a Saturday and to was set up to go to SERE school Monday morning. Labor Day weekend coming up, you know what that means, backwards class. Of course I didn't know it (just as well).

My Cousin was a Naval RIO in F4 Phantoms who flew several deployments over Vietnam. He said SERE School was worse than flying combat missions over Vietnam. And you could tell by the way he talked about it how it affected him. RIP Gary.

I was a River Patrol Boat Sailor. We went to SERE at Warner Springs. Taught to make a shelter out of a parachute. Tough to find one of those on a river boat.

@stevetodd2424

Жыл бұрын

Funny to hear that, we had a Riverine qualified crewman as one of our instructors at Warner Springs.

In 1980 I joined the USAF and became a Tail Gunner on a B-52G, I attended SERE at Fairchild AFB (Washington). The moment Adm. Manazir mentioned the time he would not forget, I knew exactly where he was going. My tranning experinece was very similar to his. To this day I don't like to talk about it as I have the same reaction. When he got to the end and teared up, I was at the same place. To this day, after 42 years and I still dont know where to place or how to reconcile with this experience.

Gives you a whole new respect for what actual POWs had to go through. Pretty hard not to respects those men and women who had to live through being one. Thanks for sharing the training stories!

@stevetodd2424

Жыл бұрын

And as a instructor it was great working Side-by-Side with them, a lot of lessons learned, Thank You Doug, Jess and Cdr. Ralph Gaither. An important thing to remember is that SERE school is a Code of Conduct training program where you get to live the Code of Conduct.

I went through SERE in 2015 as a PFC in the Marine Corps and it’s crazy how it hasn’t changed at all (based on their stories). When they played the peoples anthem, our entire class turned away from the flag and completely ignored their orders. We were all so out of it that when they started the national anthem, half the people didn’t even realize and we’re hesitant to turn around lol. SERE really is a one of a kind training.

@phsyco_gaming6262

Жыл бұрын

Hi, I'm currently a Marine PFC that's interested in SERE school. So what was your mos (i'm infantry) and how were u able to be accepted into the school?

@MrJimmyboy262

Жыл бұрын

@@phsyco_gaming6262 unfortunately, the Marine Corps is pretty reluctant to send people who “don’t need to be qualified for it” so it’s pretty unlikely you’ll be able to go as an infantry man, however, you can always ask. I was a Huey Crew chief (6174), so it was a requirement for us to go.

@phsyco_gaming6262

Жыл бұрын

@@MrJimmyboy262 ah ok, thank you for your response and thank you for your service!

@MrJimmyboy262

Жыл бұрын

@@phsyco_gaming6262 you too man, good luck with your time. Enjoy it.

@TP_Beast

Жыл бұрын

I went in 2015 too, just a good ol camping trip with the bois

Very powerful interview. I was not in the military but when you started talking about the national anthem I started tearing up.

@jeffbenton6183

Жыл бұрын

Same.

I attended Navy SERE at San Diego/Warner Springs in 1979 as a new Aircrewmen having completed Aircrew Candidate School at NAS Pensacola. My father USAF SERE at Fairchild AFB in 1968 prior to a tour in Vietnam. Those who have never been cold, wet, tired and hungry for several days. Then "handled" like a POW for a couple more, have no idea of what this school does and means to all that attend. One learns a great deal about him/herself, like few other expereinces in life, short of being an actual POW.

@TheFuzzypuddle

Жыл бұрын

"hurry up and wait" and "cold, wet, tired, and hungry" should be plastered on all military recruiting material.

@tango_uniform

Жыл бұрын

Whenever I'm having a bad day, I read the Medal of Honor citation of Lance P Sijan.

Admiral ~ thanks for being REAL and for showing the exact emotions that I felt 46 years ago - it's special and can only be understood by those who were there.

I went through SERE in 1980. I will never forget my "war criminal" number, 3. also did DWEST then. I was training to be aircrew on P3 Orion's. You are absolutely right, it's something you will never forget. Also proves to you that you can do a lot of things you never thought you could. It started out as an adventure, it got real Really fast. I remember that I "stole" a pencil from the soft interrogation room and then went to the "wrong" air raid bunker to turn over my prize to an officer, I was E-3 at the time. The waterboarding is kind of intense to be honest. In my class the enemy was the PDR, Peoples Democratic Republic. I will never forget the breakfast gruel complete with pieces of twigs and leaves in it on the last morning, nor will ever forget the feeling of comradery in those last few hours or the feeling of absolute pride when the National anthem started to play. And yes that playing of the anthem always comes to mind each time I hear it to this day. Thanks for bringing some great memories back.

Attended SERE in 1997, hard to believe that was 26 years ago, lol. The instructors told us on the first day it would be the best class we ever attended in our careers, which none of us believed. I separated from the Navy in 2003 and that statement ended up being true to the letter. In fact, some of the lessons I learned from the incredibly stressful and difficult experience that SERE School was remain with me to this day.

Both brothers and both sisters in my family had to pass SERE. I only got a few inspirational lectures. Lucky me! One brother was an embassy Marine, the other brother was a helicopter pilot, one of my sisters was a flight nurse and the last wound up running command centers.

@carolecarr5210

Жыл бұрын

The sister Flight Nurse went thru SERE? That must be fairly new, well, it wasn't there during Nam era. I was a Flight Nurse 1970-71. Interesting. .Viet Nam changed a lot of aspects of trainings. I was lucky, never had to set foot in country.

@andrews2990

Жыл бұрын

@@carolecarr5210 I went to SERE with a flight nurse in 2019.

@alancranford3398

Жыл бұрын

@@carolecarr5210 When she told me her story and how she was so hungry that she was really happy to kill her rabbit and feast on its flesh, I informed her that my Marine Corps boot camp and infantry combat training didn't get that brutal. Training often is "one size fits all" and she was very glad to return to garrison mess halls and her bachelor's quarters.

@dan725

Жыл бұрын

You have quite the family :). I’m proud of my siblings but man I can’t imagine being in that sort of company!

My dad, a USAF Navigator on EC 121's and the F-89, went through SERE in the 60's. It's part of what made him the bad-ass he was. As kids, camping trips with our dad was always an adventure, and a lesson in survival. I think SERE had quite a bit to do with that.

I went through SERE school in '87 as a Marine Sgt with three SEALS and a bunch of naval aviators. The SEALs killed a snake without an instructor present and then had to deny it, so we didn't get to eat it. We did catch and cook one during the instruction phase, before being captured. I was Prisoner #18. When I was brought before the Commandant for questioning, the muscle guy was a huge black guy from a squadron I was in a few years before. He took me by the collar and slapped me with that ham of a hand. Wow. They waterboarded a guy who was going to join the school after graduation. He contacted me years later asking for a statement, as he was filing a PTSD claim with the VA.

I tear up every time I participate or witness our beautiful flag being raised or lowered. Thanks Ward, thanks Nasty--this is a beautiful interview. SGT Andonian, US Army 1992-2001

The most professional course I had ever gone through in my career. The one course I said I would do again because of how professional it was. The repatriation still gets me choked up thinking about it today. I can’t here the national anthem without bringing back that day in my mind. Fun fact about my graduation, Jack Hemingway was our guest speaker. When I returned to my unit in the 101st, I became an instructor and aiding in the certification of the army’s only official SERE B course at the time.

Mooch, thanks so much for this interview with Admiral Manazir. I never served, but instead spent 32 years as a software engineer at a defense contractor. Had great respect for all the service members I worked with, and have great respect today for all who serve. Today I'm humbled even more; truly, thank you for that. And thanks to all who commented; I appreciate your service to our country.

SERE Graduate July 1992 Warner Springs. Why they sent me to SERE when I was going to VXE-6 (Antarctica) I'll never know. I now have an appreciation for the poetry of Rudyard Kipling. 🤣 Best water I ever had I drank from my boots at SERE! Best part was when Doug Hegdahl talked to us. Thanks to Ward for another excellent interview and thanks to Nasty for his recollections.

By far the most realistic training of my 25 year career! I still remember it like it was yesterday.

Worked as a volunteer "guard" at SERE school in NC in the late 80's. The environment quickly pulls you in to believing that it is real. We were pretty rough on them as it needs to be. Us guards had to frequently remind ourselves that the prisoners are on our side. Much respect for the students. Good times, good training!

Went through “Escape and Evasion“ training in the Army after the Korean War. It was tough but no where near what you describe.

@tstodgell

Жыл бұрын

Similar experiences here. E&E is good training for what happens BEFORE you get caught. SERE trains you for the worst of what could happen AFTER you're captured.

My dad went through a POW training during Vietnam, after being drafted. They did a whole torture simulation thing, locking them in lockers that were buried horizontally into the ground, etc. They told them that they should attempt to escape if possible. Well he and a friend were able to sneak off into the woods and "escape" at one point. They walked to the nearest road, hitchhiked to the local town, spent the evening going out to eat and bar hopping. They obviously got chewed out when they returned in the middle of the night. His argument was "hey, if I escape I'm not going back!". Lol.

I attended SERE West not even 2 weeks ago (cold as hell and actually the most rainy Warner Springs had been in any of the instructors’ time) and it’s incredibly how little has apparently changed in the last 30+ years. I went as an already once-deployed aircraft commander and was one of the most senior guys in the class. The leadership positions definitely add a layer of difficulty, in the sense you have to fight the urge to go internal and only worry about yourself. Extremely good training all around but you couldn’t pay me enough money to go through it again.

@ThorstenWieking

Жыл бұрын

I wonder why there is no psychological debrief afterwards. Considering what the instructors have to do with the attendees, I could imagine some attendees harboring bad feelings towards them. Would be unfortunate if that would lead to conflict later down the line when those two people cross paths again in their careers.

@UpAndReady

Жыл бұрын

@@ThorstenWieking There is such a debrief afterwards and the opportunity to talk one-on-one with a Navy psychologist or one of said instructors should you choose.

@sedadmin8275

8 ай бұрын

I went through SERE West in 1971 as an enlisted sailor before heading to VN for helicopter duty. I can attest that the officers got it worse by far. It was gut wrenching to see the senior officer catch hell every time he asserted his authority. And when he was eliminated the next senior officer assumed responsibility and caught hell for it. I saw firsthand what bravery looks like.

I went thru SERE in April of 1970 at Warner Springs. At that time, the concentration was on the Vietnam experience. Many of the aggressor instructors when I went thru were the guys that came off of the Pueblo. At the very end of the class when we returned to North Island, we had a classroom experience with Navy Petty Officer Doug Hegdahl. Doug had only been repatriated a few months and so he wasn't an actual instructor, but sort of a guest lecturer. It was a jaw dropping class. Many of the things that Adm Manazir related sounded very familiar. I was only 18 years old at the time (I was enlisted aircrew - AW going to VS) and I got beat up quite bad. There was a small handful of us that had to get a closer look by the flight surgeon after the confinement stage. I was pretty bloody - nothing serious but I was prone to nose bleeds at the time. One funny thing.... almost everyone I know remembers their "war criminal number". Seems to be a thing. I do not, for some reason. But I remember the end with the raising of the Stars & stripes and the National Anthem, and I agree with the Admiral. It means so much more to me today, than I think it would have without SERE. Great segment Ward. PS - just finished Punks War. Excellent.

There is so much back bone, courage and patriotism that emerges in American service members. Something lacks in today's common society. People don't remember and forget what it takes for the military service members to go through (some of the training) and then perform the jobs they do to protect America. They don't stand for the national anthem, don't say the pledge of allegiance & have a general distain for the country. It's so bad. My thanks to all the veterans who served to protect this great country.

I was training to become a SERE instructor for the Airforce when an injury changed my path. They put you through worse than the students ever see. My partner can't use eye drops to this day because they kept him up for days and tied him in a chair, pulled his head back, pulled his eyelids open and held a dropper over his eyes with "acid" and threatened to drop it in his eyes if he didn't tell them what they wanted to know. They did this for countless hours with the promise of doing it for days when he was already about delirious from beatings, fatigue, thirst and hunger... He cracked at the dread and realization it wouldn't stop. Everyone cracks, that's the point. I decided early (internally, didn't say anything) that i wasn't going to talk unless they started permanently maiming me and removing parts of me (fingertips, eyes, etc.). I cracked. But, it took a long time and they had to figure out what my "key" was, other torture wasn't working, thry figured out what my mindset was, what my preset limit was (nothing else worked and they've done thus before, they know the different things people hang onto) and when they realized that physical mutilation was my chink in my armor, that was it. They didn't have to do it but they sure convinced me thry were about to. Everyone gets caught, everyone cracks. The purpose is not to prove you won't crack but to realize what you can withstand when actually pushed to the limits and beyond. Then they want to be sure that what you told them is the truth so, they do it all over again until you confirm that you were lying or, determin you don't know anything else and were telling "the truth." Music?? Try the second side of Yoko Ono's album at "11" for 10hrs straight... Thatd drive anyone insane. SERE instructors are some sick, twisted, sadistic people. 😆 I lived on a ranch in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas, every time we walked out the front door we had to check the steps before we went out, they were made of concrete and the rattle snakes (western diamondback) would crawl up there to warm themselves in the morning sun (snakes are basically solar powered, running down in energy in the cold of night and gaining energy by sunning themselves on flat, hard surfaces) and anytime we went to the wood pile or anything that was stacked or offered shelter from the sun and protection from predators, we had to make noises and be careful and deliberate about our movements so they would know we're coming and take off or raise a ruckus to let us know they were nesting, had no point of retreat, etc.. They were prolific and just part of life in the hills and mountains of the northwest. The neighbors dog had several chunks out of his tongue where he'd caught and killed snakes but they bit his tongue in the process (he was a tough ol'SOB who caught a lot more than had bitten him but, it's a miracle he survived to die of old age. When I was logging in the northwest corner of Montana, the timber rattlerswere huge and, as far as we were concerned, around every stump and brush thicket. It takes a certain acceptance and conviction to live/work in rattler territory.

@LouT1501

Жыл бұрын

I worked with a gentleman who was special Forces in the 80s. He told me of his SERE training and that he was the only one who gained weight, hunting, killing & eating rattlesnakes.

@MtnBadger

Жыл бұрын

@@LouT1501 I was in during the 80s, too. I grew up hunting with my father from the time I was give, lived in rattler country and had no problem eating them and could handle the "wilderness" section with ease,maintaining weight and thriving. Then, you get caught and you *always* get caught. Then it's a matter of will power and determination, right up until they peck away at your mind, figure out your personal limits. I stopped at the promise of losing body parts. You know they won't because it's "training" and yet, they break down your reasoning and rationale until you believe they'll actually do it. It's what they dedicate their careers and lives to and they're very good at it. They observe you, categorize you, identify what things get to your "core" of defense and then attack them relentlessly and then turn around and convince you they're on your side.

Mr. Carroll, I recently received and accepted my appointment to USNA. Watching your content and listening to the countless stories from your time as a naval aviator was very motivating for me. Thank you for sharing your passion here on youtube at no cost and inspiring others to serve our country. Go Navy! ❤

@WardCarroll

Жыл бұрын

Look forward to seeing you here in Annapolis, Spencer!

@spencerdominguez722

Жыл бұрын

@@WardCarroll Likewise!

Thanks, guys. I may not sleep tonight. My Marine SERE was one of the most intense experiences of my life. Brutal, but invaluable. You find out who you are and what you're made of.

@JG20204

2 ай бұрын

How so if you don’t mind me asking? I’m a marine aviator contract

One of the best training at my Officer Engineer Basic course SERE. At the time we were still reeling from the effects of Vietnam. Serious training that has stuck with me my whole life.

Holy shit what a story! I did an oral history with my dad before he passed away in 2016; in it he recounted his experiences at SERE school in 1960, which he had to take as a member of the 6916th Security Squadron. He told of many of the same things that the Admiral did in this episode.These men are and were very tough and the best at what they do in the world. Needless to say, God Bless the USA!!

Ward, you bring the best interviews of the most credentialed and amazing people from the Navy and the rest of the military. Thank you!

I went to Brunswick, it was very enlightening. It was pre requisite to become a SERE Survival Instructor at NAS Pensacola. Yes, our National Anthem took on a deeper meaning for me after SERE.

After graduating UPT I went to AF SERE at Fairchild AFB in 1981. I will never, ever, forget how I felt when I heard our National Anthem and saw the Stars and Stripes instead of that damned DDR rag. That feeling has stayed with me to this day.

Thank you both for your service to this great nation. It appears you learned one of the most important lessons of SERE school. Keep the Faith. As SERE Instructor in Maine for 14 years I can honestly say it was the greatest duty and most humbling experience of my life.

It has been more than a few decades since I went to SERE school in Warner Springs. A group of us going through the RAG at VS-41 was sent at the same time. The training was invaluable. I was fortunate not to be waterboarded but did get slammed up on the corrugated wall. As Nasty stated it did make a lot of noise and did not really hurt so I just relaxed and let the guy slamming me against the wall support my weight. As part of the interrogation process, we were put into a box with a lid. This is where not being tall was good since it was a small box.

Ward, may have been your best episode. When the Admiral described (and showed) his feelings at the playing of the American Anthem, I had the same response. N.B. my father flew Wildcats off 'The Shamrock Bay'

I went through SERE at USAFA in '83. It's been awhile. When recalling the experience, I had similar emotions as Admiral Manazir begins to describe at 14:49. Man, that stuff sticks with you. Best DoD school/course I attended.

I think this training is profound and all of us who have gone through this learned the lessons, but came out better people. Regardless of branch, this training is invaluable and transforms many folks about how they view their priorities and their leadership skills. I went through the training over 40 years ago and I remember photographically everything about that training. It’s important and impactful.

I retired from the Navy in 1990. AMS1. I attended SERE in 1968, at Werner Spgs. While I'm sure that there may have been small changes over time, I was able to relate completely, most especially with the description of raising "Old Glory" at the end. I've never looked at the flag the same way again. I also remember thinking later on when our POWS were returned, how they must have felt, after many years of torture.

Another fantastic episode with two great Americans! I went to SERE at Brunswick while stationed at the F-4 RAG, VF-171. I don’t remember any “training time outs” during our participation. Each participant had an individual final debrief. Mine was pretty simple… “you would be dead”. I can still distinctly remember the National Anthem being played at the end of the training. Quite emotional. Spent many years at VR-56 with the Admiral’s fellow war-criminal Ted Morse. Great Naval Officer.

I attended SERE in 1990 at Brunswick. Still remember it like it was yesterday. In your tiny cell contemplating breaking your hand so as not to be able to sign a confession. Yeah, like Nasty I was completely immersed in it but we didn't have training time outs (at least I didn't). Yes, when they raised the US flag at the end, we stood there and cried unashamedly.

As a meter reader I read the SERE facility just beyond Warner Springs CA. Seeing the facility is a very sobering experience. Props to those who go through and complete the training. Your service is appreciated.

Went through SERE in 1971 on way to A-6 at Whidbey then Vietnam. In addition to raising the American flag and playing the National Anthem we had an extreme low fly by of an A-4: that has lived with me all these years as I am now 74 and it seems like yesterday. Fly Navy

@bea9077w

Жыл бұрын

I went through SERE in early 1972 on my way to VAQ-129. We had a PXO/CO in the class on his way to lead a San Diego helicopter squadron. On our third day of foraging (starvation) we saw a helicopter circling over the field, trailing a package on a rope. When they found us, they dropped the package. It was a bag of dry dog food. I learned you can do just fine without food for three days. Like Nasty, I still can't tell the story of the flag reveal at the end without getting choked up. /s/ BlackCloud.

WOW!!!!! What an emotional interview!!!!! I can’t imagine how it must have felt going through SERE School training with such terrible trauma to the mind and body!!!! I more strongly salute all who have done it!!!!!

We were so blessed on the West Coast to have Doug Hegdahl tell his story first hand at the conclusion of SERE training. At the time, I didn’t realize what a national treasure he was. Check “the stupid one” book for details of his story

@thebronzetoo

Жыл бұрын

Wow! What an awesome treat!

@jhollie8196

Жыл бұрын

Doug and a Korean Vet Jessie (can’t recall his last name) provided a wealth of knowledge. Listing to Boots repeat all night long! I got a copy of the tape.. Jessie did Soft Cell interrogation and was like the “good cop” and offered cookies..

@emilkurtcarson1907

Жыл бұрын

When he was doing part of the debrief that last day, and started his song or began tapping out code on the side of the podium, the whole experience came to a sharp & focused point for me. This man endured years of treatment that was way worse on his best day than the few days I spent being loved on in SERE. We came back to North Island, I threw my field gear into the BEQ shower, opened a Corona, sat down in the shower and fell asleep after half a beer. Cannot even imagine the ordeal our guys went thru in Hanoi but I'm damn glad we do something to prepare our people for what may happen, so they can make it back home. God bless those brave souls and the folks that stand up for our country today.

I had SERE in 1968 at USAF Academy and it taught me more about myself and others than anything since. I have enormous respect for anyone who did time as a POW!

SERE was hands down the best instruction I have ever received when I was in uniform. The organization that operates these schools (you know who you are) is a national asset that is far under-recognized. Well done.

I've never been anywhere near SERE School, but, the last? When you and the Admiral were talking about being tortured to salute the opfor flag, then turned to see Old Glory? I had tears in my eyes, as well... The two of you have something I can't define, but you somehow manage to describe what you lived through in a way that somehow makes the rest of us, to some extent, live through it as well. Bravo Zulu, gentlemen. Semper Fi

I was “fortunate” enough to be the SRO of my SERE class at Warner Springs. Good times…

Mooch I went to Air Force SERE at Fairchild AFB in 1985 as a brand new Airman fresh out of Tech School on my way to my first assignment overseas. The AF required me to go to SERE as a “Life Support Guy” “PE Guy” for my Navy friends. I had many of the same experiences the Admiral discussed. When he spoke to the end of POW scenario I got very emotional as he related the experience. I also had something very similar.

Man, Mr. Carroll ... this one got me for sure. The wonderful officers you interview are amazing. With each interview, I feel more and more like I "skated" through my career as a naval enlisted man. I must have been allowed to do so because of people like Admiral Manazir. :)

Ill just never forget how cold it was. That was the coldest I've ever been in my life. My breaking point was when they hit us with the water hose when it was 42 degrees in winter springs. Didnt think water would get to me, but it really did.

War Criminal FOUR SEVEN sir! Warner Springs Alum. Summer 1985. I remember every minute of my SERE experience. Grateful I received the training and never had to use it.

We all remember SERE, mine was in the middle of February at Spokane, WA USAF. It was cold, snowy, and miserable. Not sure I could handle the small claustrophobic box I was in back in 88' in today's time. Loud music, no sleep, babies crying sounds, what memories. If you wanted to fly airplanes, we had to pass. I distinctly remember pretty much all of us crying when it was over as the Stars and Stripes was raised as the National Anthem played.

@thebronzetoo

Жыл бұрын

I was Criminal 47 ten years after you.

@hoku51

Жыл бұрын

@@thebronzetoo Nothing has changed I’m sure. I haven’t slept outside in the snow since. 😊

@sjurg192

Жыл бұрын

Spot on, I was “number 2” as a 42 yr old MSgt recently crosstrained to C-130 loadmaster.

I went to USAF SERE a long time ago in January. I was that poor guy that they picked on the hardest in front of the whole class on the final night. When they called my prisoner number to go get tortured, I truly felt like a lamb that knew it was going to the slaughter. I didn't dare try to fight it or complain. I just went. I'm not going to say what happened, but it was brutal enough that I blacked out from the pain. I mean, I screamed like a lion until I couldn't remember being dragged away to a warm hut. The whole damn class was ordered to sit on this small set of bleachers and watch this all happen to me. There was a lieutenant that bought me a bottle of Jack when we got back that night. If he ever reads this, I still have the bottle. Cheers! People were very vocal and directly complained to the instructors during the end of course critique about how badly I was treated. Apparently, what happened to me was too disturbing and went too far for the sake of training, but I don't remember. I just wanted to go back to my base and start my flying career. It was very humbling. However, I'm going to be honest, to this day my back muscles have never been the same because of that very night, but I'm still proud that I made it through the training.

Things hadn't changed much when I went through Air Force SERE at Fairchild in '03. I was prisoner 66. They called me The Beast. I wouldn't tell them my age either. Later a young airman who was nearby told me that my refusal inspired him to be strong. That taught me to always be aware that others are always watching and learning from us.

Brunswick, winter, 1996. So cold. Size 13 bunny boot, 10 1/2 sized foot. A big, giant moose walked out of the woods within 12' of me at 0200ish as I was taking a piss on a snow bank at the edge of a grove of trees. We stared at each other for about 2 minutes before he got bored and walked back the way he came. Largest animal I have ever seen in my life.

@deepsea5107

Жыл бұрын

Moose can be aggressive, especially during the Fall rutting season. Fun fact: I probably was snowmobiling in that area, while you were in training. We had a hunting/snowmobiling camp, in Rangeley, that we used to use during the 90's to the mid 2000s. It wasn't far from the SERE compound in Dallas Plantation. BTW: I had my SERE fun in Warner Springs, CA; back in the early 1980s.

I did this at Warner Springs in 1971 before shipping out to Vietnam for helicopter aircrew duty. It was just like he described. Kept in a box. Interrogated late at night; tortured by beatings, put in small boxes, and getting water boarded. No sleep and plenty of abuse. More than 50 years later I remember it all. I was enlisted and it was pretty bad but the officers got it the worst. Intense stuff.

@zxy78267

8 ай бұрын

The lack of sleep is a powerful tool.

Every episode has been pure gold Mooch, seriously, there isn't another channel that brings the amount of knowledge and experience that yours does. Every guest is amazing and this one with Nasty filled me with so much American pride. Keep kicking ass Mooch!!!👍😊🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

It never occurred to me why I get so choked up when they play the National Anthem until now. My first 18 months in the US Army were really...eventfull. Three of my fellow recruits and a Drill Sergeant were killed in my Basic unit in our last FTX. It got Real fast but I was young and rolled with it. AIT then Jump School at Benning...December of 1989. We lost all our planes when they took them for the invasion of Panama. I saw my first and only Air America jetliner. Rangers and SF guys literally walked up and started throwing their rucksacks off a truck and began rigging their parachutes. Two days later we got our planes and final jump but there were empty MRE boxes, Ammo cans, grenade cannisters piled up outside the rigging shed...like 8 feet high. I go to my first duty station in Europe and spent almost half of 1990 at Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels. Turn 19. We were informed we were deploying to Saudi Arabia in the motor pool having just gotten out of the Box at Hohenfels. Almost a year to the day I arrived in Germany...I'm on a plane to Saudi. I'm at Khobar Towers the day the Air War kicks off...Scud fireworks. Jets flying overhead coming in from their missions. My unit then heads out into the desert...3BDE 3rd Armored...Spearhead. Do the things. Play some desert volleyball. Turn 20 in the desert. Head back to Germany. It never occurred to me why...until "Nasty" got choked up. Now I know why I get so angry when I see people use the American Flag as a prop. Thanks for this. o7

I did the east coast sere in 86… A7 pilot just starting the RAG. Not pleasant and brought perspective to many things. While it wasn’t pleasant to go through, I was grateful. We had the Russian scenario. Had managed to survive, and evade, and land navigate to the safe house…. Still remember after the capture the phrase “crawl through the door like the dog you are” while being onboarded into the facility.. . after 2-3 days of sleep deprivation, starvation and various forms of torture, you begin to hallucinate and the training becomes much more real… slammed against the wall, putt in boxes, smoke inhalation to passing out all “help” you become more engaged in the exercise. Remember signing the paper haha… blinking sos etc. boots boots sound track non stop… when they stormed the facility at the end and played the national anthem I was sobbing..

Great video, I graduated from SERE in the '86 summer (mosquitoes, black flies, and lost record) and again in the '97 winter as an O-5, the undisputed SRO who realized that "rank has its privileges" was not really an advantage at Rangeley, Maine. I would add that by the time the "Pronese" captured us, we had already been doing survival/evasion training for 2~3 days, on a single bowl of rice (the best rice I ever tasted), walking with snow shoes (heavy, wooden, vintage ones) and/or sinking in 2~3 ft of snow (I am serious). We were all sleep-deprived, hungry, uncomfortable (cold/snow covered)... "Maine, the way life should be..." really? These few nights were so cold (sleeping under a parachute canopy over a "pine branches mattress") and... short that some "sympathizers or resistance members" regularly checked on us for frostbites and proper hydration. Worse (for me), was that I recognized my "hard cell interrogator" from a previous duty station - so he called in an "comrade trainee" to further convince me that I was mistaken. To use his own words, I was "handled in stereo"! I can tell you that by the last day (the "save the flag day"), a few of us were "delirious" if not convinced that this was real thing (remember the movie "Deliverance"?). I learned two very important lessons from this training: 1- My first Wing Commander at TW-3 Beeville, TX was a former POW (classmate of late Senator McCain). After hearing many of his captivity experiences at the Hanoi Hilton, I was convinced that I could never face what our POWs had endured (i.e. I would fight till the end but the enemy would never catch me alive, that last bullet was for me). SERE school gave me faith in myself, restored my will to survive duress, showed me that I could face more pain than I thought, and convinced me that my shipmates/seniors would do the impossible to get me out of captivity i.e. I would not be abandoned/forgotten (which is very important in combat). 2- Most of all, SERE training reinforced/reaffirmed the priceless value of the principles, traditions, Constitution, and Flag of our country. I found a new respect for what it means to be "an American". May God bless America, Ciao, L (Veteran)

War Criminal 121 checking in, USAF Survival School Dec 1983, and I too went before starting Nav School. Talk about an eye opening intro to the AF! Crazy that all of those memories of almost 40 years ago are as strong today as they were then. That feeling of pride of being an American (and maybe a little relief that training was done) as the Anthem was played will always stay with me. BZ Nasty and Mooch!

I'm from warner springs. Back in the 60s and 70s i remember riding by the survival school. A few times i rode by a guy hiding behind a manzanita. Shhhhh! One time in summer 105 deg. One time in spring raining and butt cold. Great to hear the stories!!

SERE Brunswick in Nov 1990 was the best training I’ve come across ever. So many lessons so packed together. And at the end, the climax of the shitstorm as our whole world is upside down: the Huge U.S. flag unfurled across the POW Camp wall, the U.S. National Anthem started and the PRONA guards turned to the flag, snapped to attention with a sharp salute. Stunned, the 32 tired and tattered “War Criminals” stood confused for a brief moment, then we all jumped to attention, saluted the flag and tried to sing …but only could sob with overwhelming emotion. Thanks guys for the well told story that brought back powerful memories. WC-18

My children ask me why I tear up every time the anthem is played, Ward you said it best it’s ingrained into our DNA as a Sailor or any American 🇺🇸 Fighting man or woman we give it all. I spoke to a very close friend who I served with not long ago who we both were talking about this very thing. Love of Country ❤

I went to SEER in 1969 in Warner Springs as part of training to become a Naval Advisor. I remembered the faces of most everyone. Six years later after surviving Vietnam , returning and graduating from Penn State. I found myself at OCS , to my surprise the Commander was one of the members of the SEER class. During class my wife went into labor, I went to the XO to ask for the morning off…the XO told me to get back to class and not leave.. I passed the CO‘s office , we never spoke until then, but he recognized me and asked what happened with the XO. After I briefly explained, he simply said ’take her to the hospital and call me when you are done‘…. I never heard from the XO again.

SERE was easily the most impactful training I ever experienced. Nasty and I had similar experiences, where the ‘enemy’ first totally exhausted our minds and got us to do things as simple as standing up…. Then using that position in a photograph, manufactured of course, to make it look like you are betraying God and country. Very realistic training and not even close to the real tortures that our POWs over time have gone through. It does make you cry to even think about the sacrifices those men and women have endured for us.

SERE Warner Springs 1988. War Criminal 03! Most professional sailor’s I’ve ever met. One will never forget the graduation (ending) of the class. Got to attend Advance SERE school and was invited to go back into the camp and view others reactions of the students. It was awesome and learned a lot.

Completed Survival Training at Pensacola. After my wings, attended SERE School in the Winter of 1980 at Cherry Point, NC. If you know anything about Cherry Point, the woods are chock full of sticker bushes which ripped my legs apart. Instructor butchered a nice big Bunny Rabbit he was petting to demonstrate how to do it, if we could snare one. It turned into our chow while on the course, among other things we could forage. Did not get captured but witnessed a Squadron Mate get a good going over, from concealment. I held my breath for what seemed like hours, until they hog tied him and dragged him off. Drank stream water using the water purification tabs, and chewed Sassafras roots. Tastes good like root beer. Easily identified by three different leaves on the same plant. Single leaf, mitten leaf, and three pronged leaf. All on the same stem. By the end of the course I was pretty cramped up, uncomfortable, but managed to evade, and get to the rally point at the end of the problem. The BOQ at Cherry Point seemed better than any 5 Star Hotel after the course. You learn a lot about yourself while on the run.

@jliller

Жыл бұрын

"By the end of the course I was pretty cramped up, uncomfortable, but managed to evade, and get to the rally point at the end of the problem." Wow. I thought that in SERE everyone eventually got captured.

As someone who lives near Fairchild AFB’s SERE school I’m really looking forward to this video.

I did this in Maine in 1979,very much unforgettable.

Speaking from the Army aviation side of this, they used to do SERE-C training after flight training, but stopped doing that, because aviators-to-be were getting injured and sometimes no longer able to be aviators, so they started doing SERE-C up front instead.

God bless you gentlemen, and all of the men and women of the armed forces. I teared up watching this. You guys are special humans.

Thanks for sharing! It brought back a lot of memories. Took SERE at USAF Academy in 1978.

Other than the end, I’ll never forget Rudyard Kipling’s “Boots” and Yoko Ono’s “Loneliness” on loop for hours. OMG those still get under my skin 13 years later.

I went to a mini-SERE at Eglin AFB during flight school, before actual flight training began. Strongest memories are, 1) The physical strains (not torture) other guys went through. 2) Raiding the instructors' mess tent to steal their food, scaring a Reserve Chaplain they'd left as a guard, and 3) The poor little opossum one of the students stabbed to death, then gutted and cooked. It tasted horrible and was totally unnecessary given the food we'd stolen and the short duration of the event. Great interview as usual, Ward.

Fort Rucker, 2008, maybe 2009 strangely, out of all of the military schools I've been to this is the most fondly remembered one; got hung up and everything. What that says about me, I legitimately don't know...

When CW04 Durant came back stateside his SERE Cadre visited him in the hospital it's detailed in his book In the Company of Heroes. He talks about the training earlier in the book.

Ward, your videos and subjects just keep getting more and more interesting and thought-provoking. As a young Israeli infantryman in the Golan Heights I always wondered how much torture I could take if captured by the Syrians, easily the most vicious of all our Arab enemies. Thanksfully, I never got to find out...

I still remember every minute of S.E.R.E. school both the classroom and field training in Brunswick Maine. January 2000 freezing my ass off in the snow and getting my bell rung in the POW camp.

My father was an USAF SERE instructor in the 1970’s.

I went through Army SERE in 1983, I learned a whole lot about being resilient. But I saw guys who broke for a candy bar...

Boy does this bring back some memories, I went to SERE in 1984 in San Diego. War Criminal 34 Sir. This training is so real, learned a lot about myself.

USAF SERE school in 92 at Fairchild AFB. This was the best training that I ever went to. As a AFSOC member they treated us a little differently than the aircrews. We got a little “extra attention”. I still remember my criminal number…17. But, that final day in the camp was humbling. I’ve never heard such a powerful rendition of the national anthem!

SERE, 1966, Stead AFB outside of Reno. I think they closed that one the next year or maybe '68. I wasn't exactly aircrew but, was part of a small group to be airborne intelligence gatherers (mostly SIGINT). During the resistance to interrogation phase we were "captured" and separated from the aircrews and others. We were confined individually and never heard or saw any person other than "enemy". I was taken to a one-room cabin with a wood stove and told to strip. This was in February and I was only wearing a summer flight suit. I was shoved around, mocked, had my penis stroked with charcoal to make it black and then taunted about it. Allowed to get back into my flight suit. Spent most of my time in a concrete box about 3x3x5 feet. Never allowed to sleep. Always loud baby crying or, what sounded like, Chinese opera. Not allowed to remove black bag from head. After what seemed like a day or so, was given a dixie cup of bullion-flavored water. That caused really bad diarrhea which quickly filled the large coffee can I was given. Got drug out occasionally to be interrogated. This usually involved having to kneel on a broomstick and lean back as far as I could without falling while being questioned. Had to try to sell the cover story and make embellishments when forced to "reveal" information. One time I clammed up and earned time in the box. It was plywood with all the sides being movable so that I was scrunched up and locked in place. It was heaven. It was painted black and soaked up the sun and I could finally relax even when the guards beat on it, impossible to do in the cell because guards always came by to bang on the door, open the little peep hole (that the dixie cup had been passed through) and drug out for punishment if caught sitting down or didn't scream out my number when there was a quiet tap on the door. Towards the end sometimes there were screams from somewhere. At the end, when they were removing us from our concrete cells, they did it in such a manner that I could hear what seemed to be the cell next to me being opened and the shuffle of feet, then about (probably) 10 minutes later, the door on the other side of my cell was opened and there was the shuffling of more feet going down the alleyway. I got the irrational fear that they had forgotten about me and I would be stuck in there forever. It was really hard to just keep quiet and not panic. Eventually, they came for me too. When we had all been gathered for release, 4 were missing. Never heard what happened to them. Never learned to like Chinese opera. I really worked hard to tolerate crying babies. Made it easy for my kids to work me for whatever they wanted. I laughed in disgust when the congress critters screamed about Abu Ghraib.

Great episode Ward! I’ve been hoping you or Jello or someone would do an episode on SERE school. I have a friend who’s a former Navy helo pilot & when talking about SERE he broke down too. Thanks so much to Nasty for sharing his experience. He already had my fullest respect from hearing all his previous stories over the years - and his service for this country (as well as yours Mooch) was more than enough - but I respect him even more for not being afraid to let out his emotions. I know SERE is no joke and it makes you really respect anyone who’s spent time as a POW. And as a side note I hope those who kneel or do whatever to disrespect our flag when the national anthem is played will take notice. Yeah it’s their right to do so but pay some respect to those who have sacrificed so much for our flag & country!

I was very interested when I found this video to see if everyone else had the same experience as I did. I went through SERE at Whitby Island Washington in 1968, all about the same except,this. Sometime before dawn, the mood amongst the 'prisoners" had become very ugly, we had become angry, I think the feeling was, enough is enough. The rebellion was led by a chief boatswains mate (there were no officers in my class) who said, they have no bullets and there are more of us than them, lets don't cooperate and see if they will come in the compound in which we were confined. When we first arrived at the pow camp we had a wooden disc with a number on a lanyard around our neck. A number would be called out and you were supposed to report to the gate for interrogation.All the numbers were thrown in a pile and the next one called did not report to the gate. one of the guards threatened to shoot, the reply was "shoot M----- F---er" and they were invited to come inside to get us. They did not. shortly around day break , the colors were run up and the national anthem was played. i saw strong men with tears in their eyes me included. I came away with the firm decision that I would never be a prisoner of war

Best time of my life was sere training, i was a a2c in the navy only did one tour.