Can You Prepare For Combat?

#sas #veteran #specialforces
The video focuses on Ian Mackenzie, a former member of the Rhodesian SAS (Special Air Service), who served during the Rhodesian Bush War from 1976 to 1979. Ian provides a candid account of his experiences, discussing the preparation for combat and his first combat encounter. The narrative offers a raw and powerful portrayal of military courage in the face of significant danger.
Through firsthand stories from the perspective of real SAS soldiers, the video delves into the depths of human fear and the extraordinary acts of courage displayed by these individuals. Ian outlines the role of SAS soldiers during the Bush War in Rhodesia (present-day Zimbabwe), which primarily involved cross-border operations aimed at disrupting the enemy and their supply lines.
Ian describes the varying nature of their missions, ranging from long and tedious days of surveillance at camps to immensely frightening ambushes and combat jumps during camp attacks. He explains the use of four-man call signs and the duration of their operations, which could last anywhere from a few days to eight weeks across the border. Ian speaks openly about the emotions of fear and being in combat, as well as the experience of being wounded in a remote location far from rescue and having to walk out.
The video also addresses the lasting impact of war on veterans, shedding light on the personal and psychological toll it can take. Ian shares his love for the way of life and the people of Rhodesia, expressing a deep connection formed through his experiences.
The accounts shared in the video will resonate with military personnel and those familiar with combat, offering a relatable perspective on the challenges faced by soldiers in intense and high-risk environments.
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Ian is an author and you can get a copy of his book below:
Clouds In The Wind: A story of danger, love and tragedy
amzn.to/3k8HWDz
You can also get more information on Rhodesian Special Forces:
The Elite: Story of the Rhodesian Special Air Service
amzn.to/3JqYjFH
A Handful of Hard Men: The SAS and the Battle for Rhodesia
amzn.to/38KiZvF
We Dared to Win: The SAS in Rhodesia
amzn.to/38J6oZE
Thank for the use of images:
Images have been used from the Rhodesian SAS Website and from the following books:
www.therhodesia...
The Elite The Story of the Rhodesian Special Air Service by Barbara Cole.
The Elite Pictorial by Barbara Cole
Weapon images from Wikipedia.
"Lest we forget"
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."
This information on this site is intended as a general reference for Internet users. It is made available on the understanding that Historic Military Interviews, as a result of providing this information or sharing these veterans experiences and stories, is not engaged in providing professional advice or necessarily takes a particular stance or point of view. Viewers & Listeners should seek their own advice re undertaking any commercial actions or understanding of these actions and shared experiences. All information in this site is provided "as is", with no guarantee of accuracy, timeline

[@HistoricMilitaryInterviews]

Ian Mackenzie ex Rhodesian SAS shares his first combat experience and talks about preparation for combat.

[@calummackenzie1797]

So very true Ian. All the training in the world can't prepare you for combat, but at least your training should kick in when the s#it hits the fan. Ie a stoppage etc, where you go through your taught drills for clearing a stoppage & getting the weapon firing again. I suppose it's muscle memory & that is what the constant training achieved

[@HistoricMilitaryInterviews]

Thanks for watching

[@Steamerbeen]

We say Zimbabwe now! “Do we?”

[@angushamilton2077]

07:15 Sgt Clive Cripps (RIP) 11Jan1979 Op Gaiter

[@HistoricMilitaryInterviews]

Thanks for sharing.