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

Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle
Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle

Review: EAA Balikli BLK

EAA’s new Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle is a Model 700-inspired rifle that’s feature-laden and affordable.

Big Iron: The Smith & Wesson Model 1917 Classic & Model 22 Classic

Smith & Wesson is resurrecting and updating two of its classic .45 caliber revolvers, with the Model 1917 Classic and Model 22 Classic.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 2, 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.

2nd Amendment Freedom is on the Ballot

This midterm election on November 3 will soon be behind us. We could see, come January 2027, a Congress that respects our Second Amendment freedom, or the American electorate could vote in the opposite.

Suppressor Demand Outpaces Production

The demand for suppressors is setting new records. National Firearm Act (NFA) item purchases in September—primarily suppressors—more than doubled compared to the same month in 2025.

Book Review | Five Decades of a Fabulous Firearm: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Beretta 92 Pistol Series

In this wide-ranging book, you’ll find a history of Beretta, discussion of developments leading to the Model 1951/951 Brigadier, its evolution into the Model 92 and the U.S. military’s adoption of the platform (as the M9) in 1985.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.