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

Women outside with rifle on rest
Women outside with rifle on rest

Three Hidden Joys of the Rifle

There is a particular jolt of joy when a shooter nestles behind a perfectly stable rifle and puts the ideal bullet exactly where intended.

New For 2026: Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE

The new Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE is not only the latest in the company's series of AR-style rifles, it marks the first S&W rifle to be chambered for the .300 Blackout cartridge.

The Armed Citizen® July 27, 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.

Skills Check: The Meltdown Drill

Our drill this month trains you to acquire a multi-round-durable grip from the start and continually pressure-test it under time and transition stress, holding you to an all-clean-hits standard.

EAA Corp. Acquires Manufacturing Facility in Tennessee

European American Armory’s recent acquisition of a large manufacturing facility in Mountain City, Tenn., is further evidence that the firearm importer plans to establish a domestic manufacturing presence.

Short & Classic: Auto-Ordnance M1 Carbine SBR

While many short-barreled rifles available today are based on the latest designs, there are a few classic models in the mix, too, such as Auto-Ordnance's M1 Carbine SBR.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.