This week on Prime & Load! we’re joined by Maj. Gen. Jason Bohm, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), author of Washington’s Marines. Together we explore the origins of the Continental Marines and their vital role in America’s fight for independence.

From the early recruitment of Marines and their first amphibious assault in the Bahamas to their actions at Trenton and Princeton, Maj. Gen. Bohm helps uncover how these early warriors shaped America’s identity as a maritime nation. We also discuss George Washington’s complicated relationship with the Marines, the role of naval infantry in 18th-century warfare, and how John Paul Jones used Marines to strike directly at the English coast.

Whether you’re a student of the American Revolution or a proud member of the Corps, this episode dives deep into the legacy of the first Marines and the origins of U.S. amphibious warfare.

Washington's Marines: The Origin of the Corps and the American Revolution

By Maj. Gen. Jason Bohm, USMC Ret.

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General Recommended Reading

The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

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It’s Halloween on Prime & Load! — and we’re diving into the darker side of 18th-century warfare. From French soldiers sent to hunt monsters in the countryside, to Eastern European patrols investigating reports of vampires, to Hessians in America spotting UFOs, these are the stranger campaigns may never read about in the history books.

In this lighthearted but historically grounded special, we explore the real primary sources behind these eerie tales and what they reveal about the fears, folklore, and imagination of the 18th century. Were these stories born from superstition — or something else entirely?

Grab your lantern and musket, and join us for a Halloween march through the uncanny world of military legend.

 And don’t forget — share this episode with a friend (if they’re brave enough to listen after dark).

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General Recommended Reading

The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

*All materials are affiliated links that earn the show commission. Using these links helps support the podcast. Thank you.

How did a European hunting weapon become a symbol of American independence? In this episode of Prime & Load!, we sit down with Dr. John Bradstreet Weaver to explore the story of early rifles in America—from their origins in Europe to their transformation on the Pennsylvania frontier.

We discuss how rifles were built and used in the colonies, their role in the frontier warfare, and how Continental Army used riflemen to win independence. Dr. Weaver explains the strengths and limitations of rifle-armed troops, the creation of America’s first specialized rifle units, and how this unique weapon helped shape both the battlefield and the American identity.

Referenced Materials

Rifles and Riflemen: Material Culture, Violence, and Early American Identity, 1720 -- 1820, By Dr. John Bradstreet Weaver

Hessians: German Soldiers in the American Revolutionary War

by Friederike Baer

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General Recommended Reading

The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

*All materials are affiliated links that earn the show commission. Using these links helps support the podcast. Thank you.

Its been a long time coming but we are proud to announce the Prime & Load Top Commander of the 18th Century! 

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General Recommended Reading

The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

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On the morning of September 30, 1745, Frederick the Great faced one of the most perilous moments of his career. The Prussian army, just 22,000 strong, awoke in its Bohemian camp to find Austrian guns positioned on the heights above them — a force twice their size, ready to strike. What followed was a desperate battle of improvisation, aggression, and survival.

In this episode of Prime & Load!, we explore how Frederick the Great and the Prussian army clawed their way out of near disaster at the Battle of Soor, turning a potential rout into one of the most remarkable recoveries of the War of the Austrian Succession. We break down the key tactical decisions, the mistakes that nearly doomed him, and the leadership that defined his legend.

If you enjoy this episode, text or email us your thoughts — and share it with a friend who loves 18th-century warfare.

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General Recommended Reading

The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

*All materials are affiliated links that earn the show commission. Using these links helps support the podcast. Thank you.

Dr. Arran Johnston returns to dive into the Jacobites! On the 280th anniversary of the Battle of Prestonpans, we explore the battle and its lead-up in depth. This massive episode is packed with fascinating details, so buckle up and get ready to talk Scots!

Recommended Reading

The Battles of Bonnie Prince Charlie: The Young Chevalier at War, Arran Johnston

Valour Does Not Wait: The Rise and Fall of Charles Edward Stuart, Arran Johnston 

Fight for a Throne: The Jacobite '45 Reconsidered, Christopher Duffy

The '45, Christopher Duffy

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General Recommended Reading

The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

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Everything comes to this! You've voted and now it's down to our final 2 commanders. We're joined by long time friend of the podcast Dr. John Bradstreet Weaver to review the results of Round 4 and start Round 5.

Those participating will receive an email ballet but anyone can buy additional votes for their top picks at your Buy Me a Coffee page. $1 = 1 vote!

Buy More Votes Here!

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General Recommended Reading

The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

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Something very different for us, warfare and water! Join us and our guest Dr. Sam Cavell for an overview of warfare on the high seas! Together we talk about basic tactics, life on board, and some unique insights into a distinct advantage Britain's Royal Navy had on the rest of the world.

 

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General Recommended Reading

The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

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Cast Extra Votes Here!

The results of Round 3 are in and there are only 4 commanders remaining! Hear who is moving on and who gets left in the dust. Then we start the voting for Round 4. 

If you've been voting in the previous rounds your email ballet is waiting for you in your inbox!

If you have not been voting or you'd like to give your top picks an extra boost consider supporting the show through our Buy Me a Coffee Campaign! Every dollar is an extra vote for the commander of your choice!

Vote Now!

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General Recommended Reading

The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

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Vote Here!

Round 3 of our Top Commanders Bracket is now available! Like last time, we go over the results of Round 2 and start the next set of epic showdowns. Join us as we lament (some of) the losers, praise (some of) the victors, and share our predictions for the next round. Listen to the results, vote for the next round, and share The Top Commander Bracket with a friend! 

This is out last round of open voting so make sure hop in how! Round 4 and 5 will be done through email ballet so make sure you get in while you still can!

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General Recommended Reading

The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

*All materials are affiliated links that earn the show commission. Using these links helps support the podcast. Thank you.