Clint Smith is a Marine Corps veteran, Vietnam combat veteran, former law enforcement officer, and the founder of Thunder Ranch—one of the most respected firearms and tactical training facilities in the country. Since its founding in 1993, Thunder Ranch has set the standard for innovative, practical firearms instruction, training students from all walks of life with an emphasis on safety, discipline, and mindset.

In this raw and powerful conversation, Clint shares hard-won lessons from his time in Vietnam, offers honest reflections on combat, and pulls no punches when it comes to modern misconceptions about war and the warrior mindset. From early firefights and booby traps in the triple-canopy jungle to post-war perspective and a lifetime of training others, Clint’s insights are forged from experience and rooted in humility.

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FOLLOW CLINT

Instagram: @clintsmith.csss 

Facebook: @ThunderRanchIncSchool

Website: https://www.traintr.com/ 

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THE SIGs of Jack Carr:

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Larry Serra is a former Naval Intelligence Liaison Officer whose covert missions along the Vietnam-Cambodia border placed him at the heart of one of the Vietnam War’s most dangerous fronts.

From 1967 to 1970, Larry served as an officer in the United States Navy, spending nearly two years operating in Vietnam and Cambodia’s combat zones. In 1969, he volunteered for the critical intelligence post at Ha Tien, where he ran spy networks, crossed into Cambodia for clandestine missions, and exposed communist supply routes into South Vietnam. 

His work uncovered Soviet communications intercepts and revealed vulnerabilities at the port of Sihanoukville, a key hub of communist weapons smuggling. In early 1970, Larry brokered a top-secret weapons agreement between the U.S. and the Cambodian Navy - approved by the White House - as Cambodia teetered on the brink of civil war.

For his actions, Larry received the Bronze Star, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V," Air Medal, and other decorations. After Vietnam, he built a distinguished legal career and played a pivotal role in helping rebuild Cambodia’s legal system following the fall of the Khmer Rouge. 

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THE SIGs of Jack Carr:

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Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear 

Larry Serra is a former Naval Intelligence Liaison Officer whose covert missions along the Vietnam-Cambodia border placed him at the heart of one of the Vietnam War’s most dangerous fronts.

From 1967 to 1970, Larry served as an officer in the United States Navy, spending nearly two years operating in Vietnam and Cambodia’s combat zones. In 1969, he volunteered for the critical intelligence post at Ha Tien, where he ran spy networks, crossed into Cambodia for clandestine missions, and exposed communist supply routes into South Vietnam. 

His work uncovered Soviet communications intercepts and revealed vulnerabilities at the port of Sihanoukville, a key hub of communist weapons smuggling. In early 1970, Larry brokered a top-secret weapons agreement between the U.S. and the Cambodian Navy - approved by the White House - as Cambodia teetered on the brink of civil war.

For his actions, Larry received the Bronze Star, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V," Air Medal, and other decorations. After Vietnam, he built a distinguished legal career and played a pivotal role in helping rebuild Cambodia’s legal system following the fall of the Khmer Rouge. 

FOLLOW JACK

Instagram: @JackCarrUSA 

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Facebook:  @JackCarr 

YouTube:  @JackCarrUSA

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CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/

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THE SIGs of Jack Carr:

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Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear 

The Jack Carr Book Club April 2025 selection is THE UNVANQUISHED by bestselling author Patrick K. O’Donnell.

THE UNVANQUISHED pulls back the curtain on a little-known shadow war that raged alongside the Civil War’s better-known battles. At its center: Lincoln’s special forces, the Jessie Scouts—Union soldiers who disguised themselves in Confederate uniforms to carry out daring raids, intelligence gathering, and high-risk missions behind enemy lines.

Through vivid storytelling and never-before-published firsthand accounts, O’Donnell shines a light on the Scouts' deadly cat-and-mouse game with Mosby’s Rangers, uncovering espionage operations, plots to kidnap Abraham Lincoln, and a postwar proxy fight in Mexico. 

Patrick K. O’Donnell is a combat historian, public speaker, and the bestselling author of 13 critically acclaimed books spanning from the American Revolution to Iraq. He is a leading authority on special operations and irregular warfare, having embedded with troops in Fallujah and advised on projects like BAND OF BROTHERS and MEDAL OF HONOR. His research blends archival discovery with thousands of oral history interviews, bringing lost stories back to life with intensity and precision.

FOLLOW PATRICK

Facebook - @patrickkodonnell

X - @combathistorian

Website - https://patrickkodonnell.com/index.html 

FOLLOW JACK

Instagram - @JackCarrUSA 

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Bravo Company Manufacturing - BCM Stock MOD3:

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THE SIGs of Jack Carr  P365 Collection: P365XL with Red Dot Optic, P365, P365X-Macro, P365 Custom with True Precision, and P365 Legion.

Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc 

Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear 

In this special episode, Jack Carr revisits key insights from past guests to explore the shifting landscape of global power, warfare, and America’s place in what’s to come.

Featured segments include geopolitical strategist ⁠Peter Zeihan⁠ on China’s looming internal collapse—from declining birth rates to famine threats—and its potential push for war to maintain control at home. Zeihan also outlines how Taiwan and semiconductors fit into the broader picture and why the U.S. may be uniquely positioned to weather global conflict.

A segment from ⁠Ed Calderon⁠, former Mexican law enforcement officer and cartel expert, brings a raw, ground-level perspective to the fentanyl pipeline, giving added depth to the border’s role in this crisis.

Investigative journalist ⁠⁠Peter Schweizer⁠⁠ breaks down how China is already waging a silent war against the U.S. through fentanyl, with Mexican cartels acting as second-tier partners. 

Referenced Episodes:

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THE SIGs of Jack Carr  ⁠P365 Collection⁠: P365XL with Red Dot Optic, P365, P365X-Macro, P365 Custom with True Precision, and P365 Legion.

Visit ⁠https://www.sigsauer.com/⁠ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc 

Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here ⁠https://jackcarr.co/gear⁠ 

John Dailey is a United States Marine Corps Special Operations veteran and the author of TOUGH RUGGED BASTARDS, a memoir detailing his time as a sniper, Force Recon Marine, and founding member of MARSOC Det One - the first USMC SOCOM unit. 

After retiring in 2008, after two decades of service, John shaped the future of Marine special operations as Training and Education Branch Director at the Marine Raider Training Center.  

FOLLOW JOHN

Instagram:  @j.a.dailey 

Facebook: @WaIkingPointOrg

LinkedIn: @daileyja

Website: https://www.jadailey.com/

FOLLOW JACK

Instagram: @JackCarrUSA 

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Facebook:  @JackCarr 

YouTube:  @JackCarrUSA

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CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/

Bravo Company Manufacturing - BCM Stock MOD3:

https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-stock-mod-3-black/  and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA

THE SIGs of Jack Carr  P365 Collection: P365XL with Red Dot Optic, P365, P365X-Macro, P365 Custom with True Precision, and P365 Legion.

Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc 

Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here: https://jackcarr.co/gear 

Ryan Manion is the CEO of the Travis Manion Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering veterans and Gold Star families, and to inspiring future generations. Following the death of her brother, Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion, in Iraq, she devoted her life to honoring the fallen, fostering resilience, and advocating for the military community.

She is also the author of THE KNOCK AT THE DOOR, a powerful story of loss, resilience, and purpose.

In addition to her work with the foundation, Ryan hosts THE RESILIENT LIFE podcast, where she interviews leaders from all walks of life about overcoming adversity and turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

From the Travis Manion Foundation Website:

“On April 29, 2007, experienced Iraq war veteran from the 1st Recon Battalion, 1stLt Travis Manion, and his fellow Marines were ambushed while searching a suspected insurgent house in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. As he led the counterattack against the enemy forces, Travis was fatally wounded by an enemy sniper while aiding and drawing fire away from his wounded teammates. His courageous acts allowed every member of his patrol to survive.  For his actions, Travis was awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star with Valor. His legacy continues to grow through the work of TMF, inspiring people to make an impact by serving others.”

FOLLOW Ryan

Instagram: @rmanion

X: @rmanion

Facebook: @RyanManionTMF

Website: https://ryanmanion.com/contact/ 

Website: https://www.travismanion.org/ 

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Bravo Company Manufacturing Mk15 Timepiece - MOD3:

https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-mk15-timepiece-mod-3/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA

THE SIGs of Jack Carr  P365 Collection: P365XL with Red Dot Optic, P365, P365X-Macro, P365 Custom with True Precision, and P365 Legion.

Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc 

Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear 

John Lechner is a journalist, independent researcher, and consultant specializing in Africa. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and the BBC, among others. His latest book, DEATH IS OUR BUSINESS, is the definitive account of the Wagner Group—the mercenary force that changed modern warfare, from Ukraine to Syria to Africa. Through exclusive interviews and deep investigative research, Lechner exposes how Wagner operated as both a military and business empire, and how its influence continues beyond the death of its founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin.

FOLLOW JOHN

Instagram: @johnalechner

X: @JohnLechner1

LinkedIn: @jlechner 

Website: https://www.johnlechnerauthor.com/

FOLLOW JACK

Instagram: @JackCarrUSA 

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CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/

Bravo Company Manufacturing Mk15 Timepiece - MOD3:

https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-mk15-timepiece-mod-3/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA

THE SIGs of Jack Carr  P365 Collection: P365XL with Red Dot Optic, P365, P365X-Macro, P365 Custom with True Precision, and P365 Legion.

Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc 

Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear 

The Jack Carr Book Club March 2025 selection is FEARLESS by Eric Blehm.

FEARLESS chronicles the remarkable journey of SEAL Team SIX operator Adam Brown. From his adventurous youth in Arkansas to his struggles with addiction and eventual redemption, Adam's life exemplifies unwavering courage and determination. Overcoming personal demons, he rose to the elite ranks of SEAL Team SIX, where his faith, family, and relentless spirit propelled him to heroic heights. His final act of bravery in Afghanistan stands as a testament to his selflessness and valor. FEARLESS offers an intimate portrayal of a man who faced immense challenges yet remained undaunted, leaving an enduring legacy of what it truly means to be fearless.

Eric Blehm is an award-winning author renowned for his compelling nonfiction narratives. His New York Times bestseller, FEARLESS, was published in 2013. His other notable works include THE LAST SEASON, which won the National Outdoor Book Award, and THE ONLY THING WORTH DYING FOR. His latest release, THE DARKEST WHITE, delves into the life of legendary snowboarder Craig Kelly. Blehm's storytelling captures the essence of his subjects, offering readers profound insights into extraordinary lives. 

FOLLOW ERIC

Instagram - @ericblehmofficial

Facebook - @ericblehm

LinkedIn - @EricBlehm

Website - https://www.ericblehm.com/

FOLLOW JACK

Instagram - @JackCarrUSA 

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CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/

Bravo Company Manufacturing Mk15 Timepiece - MOD3:

https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-mk15-timepiece-mod-3/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA

THE SIGs of Jack Carr, From Savage Son: P320 X Compact, P320 Custom build from True Precision, P365 Customized from the Sig Custom Workshop, P226 

Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc 

STACCATO HD: https://staccato2011.com/hd and on Instagram @staccato2011

Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear 

John L. Plaster is a legendary MACV-SOG operator who served three tours of duty in Vietnam leading high-risk reconnaissance missions deep behind enemy lines in Laos and Cambodia, striking supply lines along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Wounded in action and decorated for valor four times, he later flew over 350 aerial combat missions as a Forward Air Controller.

After Vietnam, Plaster became a pioneer in modern sniper training, co-founding the National Guard Sniper School and instructing elite military and law enforcement units, including the FBI and Royal Canadian Mounted Police. A prolific author, he has chronicled the untold stories of SOG in books including SOG: THE SECRET WARS OF AMERICA'S COMMANDOS IN VIETNAM, SECRET COMMANDOS: BEHIND ENEMY LINES WITH THE ELITE WARRIORS OF SOG, and SOG: A PHOTO HISTORY OF THE SECRET WARS.

Plaster has also been inducted into both the Air Commando and Special Forces Halls of Fame.

FOLLOW JOHN

Website: https://majorjohnplaster.com/

FOLLOW JACK

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SPONSORS

CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/

Bravo Company Manufacturing Mk15 Timepiece - MOD3:

https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-mk15-timepiece-mod-3/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA

THE SIGs of Jack Carr, From Savage Son: P320 X Compact, P320 Custom build from True Precision, P365 Customized from the Sig Custom Workshop, P226 

Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc 

STACCATO HD: https://staccato2011.com/hd and on Instagram @staccato2011

Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear