About this episode

This episode explores the origins of Britain's WWII commandos and their relevance to modern special operations forces.

Description Episode 160 examines the origins of Britain’s World War II commandos and the enduring role of special operations forces from Churchill’s era to today. Summary This episode explores the creation of Britain’s legendary commando force following the military disasters of 1940. Author Monty Halls and retired Lieutenant General Scott Howell trace how a remote house in the Scottish Highlands became the laboratory for a new kind of warrior – one selected for grit, initiative, adaptability, and the ability to operate independently under extreme pressure. The conversation examines how early commando raids sought to restore British morale, create uncertainty in the German high command, divert enemy forces, and achieve strategic effects disproportionate to the number of troops involved. The discussion then connects these experiences to modern special operations forces, including their relationship with the conventional military, the importance of joint and combined operations, the risks of overrelying on raids as an easy policy option, and the challenge of adapting SOF for cyber, space, drones, and future large-scale conflicts. Throughout, the episode asks how military…

People in this episode

Guests: Monty Halls, Scott Howell

Topics covered

• special operations
• World War II
• military innovation
• commandos
• modern warfare
• joint operations

Keywords

• commandos
• special operations forces
• military history
• innovation
• battlefield strategy
• joint operations
• cyber warfare

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Irregular Warfare Initiative

Places: Britain, Scottish Highlands

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