Special Presentation: Behind Enemy Lines: The Men and Guns of SOG

by
posted on April 25, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
behind-enemy-lines.jpg

MACV-SOG - the Vietnam War's covert operations unit-inserted small teams deep behind enemy lines in Laos and Cambodia along the heavily defended Ho Chi Minh Trail highway system. At times outnumbered 100-to-1, to accomplish these top secret hazardous missions, SOG's Green Berets developed specialized weapons, tactics and techniques which proved so effective that many are used by today's Special Forces. This presentation includes a fascinating variety of suppressed weapons, unusual explosive devices, diversionary devices and formerly classified sabotage materials.

Major John L. Plaster, USA (Ret.), is an authority on sniping and special operations and the author of eight books, including The Ultimate Sniper, the world’s most-used sniper training handbook. As a Special Forces “Green Beret” NCO, he served three years with the Vietnam War’s top secret covert operations unit, MACV-SOG, leading intelligence gathering teams deep behind enemy lines in Laos and Cambodia. Plaster was wounded once, decorated for heroism four times, and received a direct commission. Since 1983 he has instructed hundreds of military and police snipers. An inductee into the Halls of Fame for both the U.S. Army Special Forces, and the USAF Air Commando Association, Maj. Plaster has appeared in a dozen documentaries for the History Channel, Discovery Channel and British television, and continues to work on firearms-related research.​

Latest

Gotw Smith Wesson 386 Night Guard 1
Gotw Smith Wesson 386 Night Guard 1

Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard

In partnership with Lipsey's, Smith & Wesson recently re-introduced two of its classic Night Guard revolvers, the Models 386 and 396, which are chambered for the .357 Magnum and .44 Special, respectively.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 14, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

A (Slightly Confusing) History of Colt's Police Positive Revolver

For one of the most popular law-enforcement revolvers ever made, the history of the Colt Police Positive isn't nearly as linear as one would think it'd be.

Honoring America’s 250th and Those Who Defend It

Winchester Ammunition and Bass Pro Shops logos were both featured on the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in the 2026 Coca-Cola 600 race in May.

I Have This Old Gun: Walther P38

On the eve of World War II, the German military sought a new sidearm that was easier to manufacture than the P08 Luger. Its answer was the P38.

C&H Precision STRYKR: A Red-Dot Sight for PDWs

The C&H Precision STRYKR is a hard-use, enclosed-emitter optic designed for PDWs and compact carbines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.