Combat Morale and the Will to Fight with Tom Thorpe

In collaboration with Durham University, this special student-led episode explores contemporary challenges of United Nations peacekeeping. Recorded as part of the postgraduate module “Contemporary Challenges of United Nations Peacekeeping (SGIA48815)” at Durham’s School of Government and International Affairs, the conversation brings together real-world experience and academic insight.Max and Tony reflect on their deployments and contrast national military structures with multinational peacekeeping efforts. From the role of special forces and intelligence sharing to the challenges of building military culture in complex operations, this episode examines what happens when mandates, strategy, and ground realities don’t always align.With contributions from Durham’s Class of 2025, this discussion sets the stage for Part 2—featuring former UN diplomat Peter de Clercq.Durham SGIA X: https://x.com/durham_sgiaModule Handbook: https://apps.dur.ac.uk/faculty.handbook/2022/PG/module/SGIA48815Recommended Reading if you want to dig deeperDoes Peacekeeping Work? by Virginia Page Fortna – https://amzn.to/3XK5CClUnderstanding Peacekeeping by Paul D. Williams – https://amzn.to/4iV0SlSMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Tony is catching up with Kostiantyn Koshelenko on the latest developments in Ukraine, updates on his books and ongoing work, and his personal experiences during the war.Kostiantyn Koshelenko’s WorkManagement in Times of War – https://amzn.to/4kF6rpY LinkedIn – https://linkedin.com/in/koshelenko Instagram – https://instagram.com/k_koshelenko/ X (Twitter) – https://x.com/k_koshelenkoMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, military historian John C. McManus joins Underground Strategy to discuss his latest book, Alamo in the Ardennes, and the brutal early fighting during the Battle of the Bulge.We focus on the often-overlooked role of the 110th Infantry Regiment, whose desperate stand helped delay the German advance toward Bastogne before the arrival of the 101st Airborne. From the shattered remnants of the 28th Infantry Division to the chaos on the ground in Clervaux, John takes us through the battle day by day, including the leadership of Colonel Hurley Fuller and the tragic consequences of being ordered to "hold at all costs."This is a deep and moving account of courage, sacrifice, and how history sometimes forgets the most critical players.John C. McManus’ WorkAlamo in the Ardennes – https://amzn.to/4irXHBXContact John - https://bsky.app/profile/johncmcmanus.bsky.socialMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Few people think of South Africa when discussing World War II at sea, but its waters played a crucial role in the global conflict. Historian Evert Kleynhans returns to Underground Strategy to uncover the forgotten story of submarine warfare, coastal defenses, and strategic shipping routes off South Africa’s coast.We explore how German U-boats and Axis surface raiders operated in the region, why the Cape of Good Hope was so strategically important, and how South Africa’s naval defenses evolved to meet the threat.From signals intelligence and convoy protection to the successes and failures of anti-submarine warfare, this episode sheds light on a rarely discussed front of World War II.Evert also shares insights from his book on South Africa’s naval war, the challenges of researching this overlooked history, and why these lessons still matter today.Evert Kleynhans’ WorkThe Naval War in South African Waters - https://amzn.to/3DuZJ50Hitler’s South African Spies - https://amzn.to/43u79jpThe Second World War in East Africa - https://amzn.to/41zapre20 Battles: Searching for a South African Way of War - https://amzn.to/4iwE4rWNavigating the New Terrain of Military Operations (Pre Order) - https://amzn.to/3DgrrT7The Handbook of African Defence and Armed Forces (Pre Order) - https://amzn.to/4ivILlMMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 - https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission - https://undergroundstrategy.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does war change, and what shapes its character over time? Historian and educator Will Gordon joins Underground Strategy to discuss the changing character of war, focusing on the period from 1792 to 1945.Through the lens of his teaching, Will explores how factors like leadership, doctrine, industrialization, and alliances influenced warfare, and why different conflicts required different approaches. Rather than a straight historical timeline, this conversation examines the themes and shifts that defined military conflict in this era.We also touch on conscription, national identity, and how military education shapes perspectives on war today, making connections between past and present conflicts.UGS Recommended reads on the topicThe New Rules of War by Sean McFate - https://amzn.to/3QIl3a3The Changing Character of War (ed. Hew Strachan) - https://amzn.to/3QJ5tLyMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 - https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission - https://undergroundstrategy.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes soldiers fight—and what makes them stop? Historian, tour guide, and podcaster Tom Thorpe joins Underground Strategy to break down combat morale, motivation, and the will to fight.We discuss the psychology of combat, small-unit cohesion, leadership, and how motivation shifts across different wars and cultures. From the trenches of World War I to modern warfare, we explore how morale shapes battlefield outcomes—and why it sometimes leads to collapse.Tom also shares insights from his research on the London Regiment, upcoming books, and what history can teach us about the realities of motivation in war.Good reads on the subjectOn Killing - Lt. Col. Dave Grossman - https://amzn.to/4h8nIEIWill to Fight - Ben Connable - https://amzn.to/3QIXkGJCombat and Morale in the North African Campaign - Jonathan Fennell - https://amzn.to/3XmLINCThe Unforgiving Minute - Craig Mullaney - https://amzn.to/4i3PgMRMen Against Fire - S.L.A. Marshall - https://amzn.to/3DcwKCXTom Thorpe’s WorkCombat Morale Podcast- https://combatmoralepod.com/Episode 25 with Max Lauker and Tony Garcia - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ORR55guSbqDg9G1x4Wl4EThe Kensingtons blog - https://kensingtons.org.uk/Mentioned in Dispatches Podcast Ep 125 with Tony Garcia - https://open.spotify.com/episode/396537t2UVsnoN4dMdmVPcMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788: https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission: https://undergroundstrategy.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Rhodesian Selous Scout Andy Balaam returns to Underground Strategy to break down Operation Long John, one of the most significant cross-border raids into Mozambique during the Bush War.With ZANLA gaining unrestricted access to Mozambique after the Portuguese withdrawal in 1975, Rhodesian forces had to act fast. Andy shares firsthand insights into the intelligence failures, reconnaissance missions, and high-stakes direct action operations that shaped this mission.From snatch-and-grab operations to the cancelled plan to hijack a diesel train into Maputo, this episode explores the chaotic planning, brutal realities, and high-risk tactics of Rhodesian counterinsurgency. Andy also discusses his books—Bush War Operator, The Further Operations of a Bush War Operator, and Skuzapo—offering unfiltered accounts of the conflict.Andy's WorkBush War Operator - https://amzn.to/4gLOToJFurther Memoirs of a Bush War Operator - https://amzn.to/3CYQcmoSkuzapo: The Untold Story - https://amzn.to/430ijfxMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788: https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission: https://undergroundstrategy.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Historian, journalist, and podcast host Desmond Latham returns to Underground Strategy for a wide-ranging discussion on warfare, history, and modern conflict. While Stalingrad was on the agenda, this episode moves beyond a single battle—covering urban warfare, women in combat, and the evolution of military doctrine.From the brutal house-to-house fighting at Stalingrad to the parallels with Mariupol and Bakhmut, we explore the grim realities of urban warfare. The conversation also touches on Soviet military leadership, psychological warfare, and how combat shapes soldiers across history.Desmond previously hosted the Number 788 miniseries, where he led an in-depth discussion on Max’s book Number 788, now available under the Underground Strategy podcast.Check out Desmond Latham’s work:Desmond Latham’s Blog: https://desmondlatham.blog/The Battle of Stalingrad Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7fbukBWd21o7k17V6O4XzoRecommended Reading – Stalingrad: The Fateful Siege: 1942-1943 by Antony Beevor: https://amzn.to/40P4Tk1Discover Number 788: https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission: https://undergroundstrategy.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain’s 6th Airborne Division played a critical role in the success of D-Day and the wider Normandy campaign. Historian and author Andrew Wheale joins the show to unpack how these elite troops were formed, trained, and led into battle. His book, Ham & Jam: 6th Airborne Division in Normandy - Generating Combat Effectiveness: November 1942 – September 1944, explores the factors that shaped their success, from leadership and doctrine to the high-risk, high-impact airborne drops that defined their operations.Major General Richard Gale’s command style, the brutal engagements of Operation Tonga and Mallard, and the division’s ability to hold the eastern flank under relentless German counterattacks—these are just some of the elements that made 6th Airborne a force to be reckoned with. From meticulous planning to raw aggression, the lessons from their campaign still resonate in modern military leadership today.Discover Ham & Jam: 6th Airborne Division in Normandy by Andrew Wheale - https://amzn.to/42JddV8Join the mission - https://undergroundstrategy.comDiscover Number 788 - https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part 2, we continue our hard-hitting conversation with Amos C. Fox, tackling the future of war, the myth of precision strike, and why doctrine often lags behind reality. How do modern militaries adapt—or fail to adapt—to the shifting landscape of conflict? And what lessons should we take forward from past wars into the next fight?Amos C. Fox, PhD, is a Fellow with Arizona State University's Future Security Initiative and a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the University of Houston. He hosts Revolution in Military Affairs, Soldier Pulse, and WarCast, serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Military Studies, and is a senior editor at Small Wars Journal. A retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel, Amos brings over two decades of experience to the conversation.Conflict Realism: Understanding the Causal Logic of Modern War and Warfare:https://amzn.to/3WxWJehRevolution in Military Affairs Podcast:https://shows.acast.com/revolution-in-military-affairsIrregular Warfare Initiative:https://irregularwarfare.org/Follow Amos Fox:X: https://x.com/AmosFox6LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amoscfox/Join the mission:https://undergroundstrategy.comDiscover Number 788:https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.