Ask A Vet Podcast

What They Don’t Tell You About Being Under Fire on Pleiku AirBase


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Randy Olea joined the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and trained as an Air Policeman, a role responsible for guarding aircraft, securing the base perimeter, and defending against threats most people back home never heard about. In this episode, Randy shares what it was really like to serve in Vietnam, from basic training and Air Police school to guarding the flight line with an M-16, living under constant tension, and navigating the emotional weight of coming home. This conversation is honest, grounded, and deeply human. It’s about service, responsibility, brotherhood, and the things they don’t tell you before you go.


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Episode Chapters 

06:00 – Basic Training & Air Police School

12:00 – Arriving in Vietnam

18:00 – What an Air Policeman Actually Did

26:00 – Guarding the Perimeter & Flight Line

34:00 – Carrying an M-16 & Constant Readiness

42:00 – The Brotherhood & Daily Life

50:00 – The Emotional Toll

58:00 – Coming Home & Reflections 

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Ask A Vet PodcastBy Curious Humanography