Podcasts > Shawn Ryan Show > #204 Larry Vickers - Delta Force: Operation Acid Gambit

#204 Larry Vickers - Delta Force: Operation Acid Gambit

By Shawn Ryan Show

In this episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, former Delta Force operator Larry Vickers shares his journey from a small Ohio town to becoming a Green Beret and Delta Force member. Vickers describes his involvement in Operation Acid Gambit, which involved rescuing Kurt Muse from Panama's Modelo Prison, and his squadron's role in hunting Scud missiles during the Gulf War.

The episode also covers Vickers' post-military career, including his work with Heckler & Koch on the HK416 rifle and the founding of Vickers Tactical. Vickers discusses his current challenges, including legal issues related to firearm imports and his battle with follicular lymphoma, as well as his efforts to restore his gun rights and repair family relationships.

#204 Larry Vickers - Delta Force: Operation Acid Gambit

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#204 Larry Vickers - Delta Force: Operation Acid Gambit

1-Page Summary

Vickers' Early Life and Path to the Military

Larry Vickers grew up in Adams Mills, Ohio, a small town with strong military traditions. His father and uncle, both World War II veterans, heavily influenced his career path. Vickers recalls spending his youth hunting and exploring outdoors, maintaining a close relationship with his supportive mother while experiencing a more distant connection with his father. Inspired by his father's stories about the Rangers and motivated by Reagan's presidency, Vickers enlisted in the Army immediately after graduating high school in 1981.

Vickers' Career in Delta Force

Through a special program known as the "SF Baby Program," Vickers joined Special Forces directly from high school, becoming a Green Beret before turning 19. His time in Delta Force included participating in Operation Acid Gambit, where he led the breach team in rescuing Kurt Muse from Panama's Modelo Prison. Though successful, the operation faced complications when a helicopter crashed during extraction. During the Gulf War, Vickers' squadron, thanks to Commander Eldon Bargewell's foresight in desert training, became instrumental in hunting Scud missiles in Iraq.

Vickers' Post-Military Career

After retiring, Vickers partnered with Heckler & Koch to develop the HK416 rifle, addressing issues identified in the Crane Report regarding M4s. He founded Vickers Tactical, providing specialized firearms training and developing accessories with companies like Blue Force Gear and Tango Down. Vickers also launched the Vickers Guide series, collaborating with photographer James Rupley to create comprehensive firearms reference books.

Vickers currently faces legal challenges after pleading guilty to illegal firearm imports and violating an Obama executive order. He's potentially facing a five-year term and substantial fines, with sentencing expected in 2024. Simultaneously, he's battling follicular lymphoma, which led him to sell most of his gun collection for his family's financial security. Vickers openly acknowledges past shortcomings as a husband and father, while actively pursuing the restoration of his gun rights with support from Kurt Muse and former Delta Force officers.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The "SF Baby Program" was a special initiative that allowed individuals to join the Special Forces directly from high school, enabling them to become Green Berets at a young age, typically before turning 19. This program provided a unique pathway for individuals like Larry Vickers to enter elite military units without prior military experience beyond basic training. It aimed to recruit and train promising candidates early in their careers, offering them the opportunity to develop specialized skills and serve in high-demand roles within the military. The program sought to identify and nurture talent from a young age, preparing them for the challenges and responsibilities of serving in elite units like the Special Forces.
  • Operation Acid Gambit was a U.S. Delta Force mission during the invasion of Panama in 1989. It aimed to rescue Kurt Muse, a CIA operative held in a Panamanian prison. The operation faced challenges, including a helicopter crash during the extraction. Muse's arrest was related to his involvement in anti-Noriega activities in Panama.
  • Commander Eldon Bargewell was a United States Army officer who served as the commander of the U.S. Army's Delta Force unit. He had a distinguished military career, including serving in Vietnam and earning the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions in combat. Bargewell later held various leadership positions within the Army, showcasing his expertise and dedication to military service.
  • Follicular lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects certain white blood cells called lymphocytes. It is a common form of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, originating from uncontrolled division of specific B-cells in lymphoid tissues. The cancerous cells typically form follicle-like structures in the tissues they invade. Follicular lymphoma is the second most common form of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in the US and Europe.

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#204 Larry Vickers - Delta Force: Operation Acid Gambit

Vickers' Early Life and Path to the Military

Larry Vickers' early days in Adams Mills, Ohio, and family history molded his path towards a career in the military.

Vickers Grew Up In an Ohio Town With a Strong Military Background

Born in 1963, Vickers was raised in a very small town known for its strong military background. In Adams Mills, Ohio, a place without even a traffic light, military service was a proud tradition, especially with many World War II veterans living there, including his father and Uncle Bill.

Vickers' Family History of WWII Veterans Influenced His Military Decision

Vickers' father served in North Africa and Italy during World War II and occasionally mentioned the war, possibly suffering from PTSD as he recollected friends who had died or been killed. His mother contributed to the war effort by working at a factory producing artillery shells. The prevalence of veterans in his life, like his dad and Uncle Bill, who also fought in Korea, played an essential role in Vickers' decision to join the military. Ronald Reagan's presidency, which rekindled American pride and a positive military view, alongside his father's experiences, solidified his choice.

Vickers, a B-Student, Enjoyed Hunting and Exploring Outdoors

Vickers embraced the freedom of outdoor exploration, hunting with BB guns and rifles. His interest in the outdoors developed around the age of eight or nine and remained unhindered, as he and his friends traversed miles from home, much to their parents' nonchalance.

Vickers Was Close to His Mother but Distant From His Unaffectionate Father

He found kinship with his mother, who was always ready to acquiesce to his wishes and whims. Conversely, his relationship with his father was more distant; despite understanding his father's love, Vickers never heard verba ...

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Vickers' Early Life and Path to the Military

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • Explore your family's historical contributions by creating a visual timeline that includes military service, community roles, or other significant events. This can help you understand the influences that shaped your aspirations, much like Vickers' military lineage influenced his. Start by gathering stories and records from relatives, then use a free online tool or a simple poster board to map out the timeline. This visual representation can serve as a daily reminder of your heritage and its impact on your personal goals.
  • Foster a connection with your local veteran community by volunteering at events or facilities dedicated to veterans. This can provide a deeper appreciation for military service and its role in shaping individuals and communities. Look for local veterans' associations, hospitals, or community centers that need volunteers for events, administrative tasks, or companionship for elderly veterans. Engaging with these individuals can offer insights similar to those Vickers gained from his father and uncle, enriching your understanding of service and sacrifice.
  • Cultivate resilience and di ...

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#204 Larry Vickers - Delta Force: Operation Acid Gambit

Vickers' Career in Delta Force, Including Key Operations

Larry Vickers, a retired US Army 1st SFOD Delta operator, speaks about his 15 years of service in Delta Force, reflecting on key operations and the rigorous selection and training that shaped his military career.

Vickers Joined Delta Force At 18 Through a Special High School Program

Vickers joined Special Forces through a program colloquially known as the "SF Baby Program," which allowed individuals to join directly from high school post-Vietnam when a need for personnel was recognized. He enlisted at age 17, between his junior and senior years of high school, and completed the Special Forces Qualification Course at 18, becoming a Green Beret before turning 19.

Vickers Passed Survival, Navigation, and Fitness Selection Tests

Once in Delta Force, Vickers participated in a comprehensive selection process that included survival and land navigation training considered to be some of the best in the US military. The qualification course also involved physical challenges, such as an Army Physical Fitness Test, a 100-meter swim in full gear, and an 18-mile rucksack march. Vickers described this selection phase as a stress test, pushing candidates to their physical and mental limits to ensure only the fittest would join the elite unit.

Vickers Rescued Kurt Muse From Modelo Prison In Panama During Operation Acid Gambit

One of the high points of Vickers' career was Operation Acid Gambit—aimed at rescuing Kurt Muse from the high-security Modelo Prison in Panama. Vickers was the first to breach the prison entrance and participated in securing Kurt Muse, an American civilian imprisoned for anti-regime activities. Muse was rescued, but the operation was not without complications.

Operation Meticulously Planned; Vickers First to Breach Prison

The planning for the operation passed through different squadrons, each refining and rehearsing the mission. Vickers, who had recently joined Delta Force, partook in the preparations that included mock-ups of the prison and intelligence-gathering, which ensured precision during the actual rescue. Vickers recalls this operation as meticulously planned and credits his team's preparation with its success.

Helicopter Crash Marred the High Point of Vickers' Career

However, a helicopter crash marred the success of the operation. After extracting Muse, one of the rescue helicopters, heavily loaded and attempting to gain altitude, crashed beside a cemetery. The quick reaction of the Delta medics and ground forces ensured the wounded were evacuated and Muse's safety. Vickers remembered these m ...

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Vickers' Career in Delta Force, Including Key Operations

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • You can enhance your problem-solving skills by creating a detailed plan for a complex task, similar to planning a rescue operation. Start by choosing a task that requires multiple steps, such as organizing a community clean-up or planning a multi-day hiking trip. Break down the task into smaller, manageable parts, and then create a step-by-step plan that accounts for potential obstacles and contingencies. This exercise will help you think critically and prepare for unexpected challenges, much like the detailed planning required for a successful mission.
  • Improve your physical fitness by setting up a personal selection-style challenge. Design a series of physical and mental tests for yourself, such as a timed run, a navigation exercise in a local park using a map and compass, and a problem-solving activity under stress, like assembling a complex piece of furniture with a time limit. Completing these challenges will push your limits and give you a sense of accomplishment, akin to passing rigorous selection tests.
  • ...

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#204 Larry Vickers - Delta Force: Operation Acid Gambit

Vickers' Post-Military Career as an Innovator and Entrepreneur

Larry Vickers, after retiring from Delta Force, has carved out a new path as an innovator in weapons development and as an entrepreneur in the firearms industry.

After Delta Force, Vickers Contributed To Weapons R&D and Helped Create the HK416 Rifle

After leaving military service, Larry Vickers entered the field of weapons research and development. It was during this time that he became involved in the creation of the HK416 rifle. Vickers' partnership with Heckler & Koch (HK) was instrumental to the development of this firearm, which addressed problems identified in the Crane Report regarding M4s with high round counts. The HK416, designed with close quarters battle in mind, quickly became successful and globally adopted, praised for its reliable performance from the start.

Vickers worked closely with HK to improve the design of the assault rifle, using a G36 style gas system. He was particularly involved in refining the hand guard rail system, ensuring that a free-floating hand guard could be removed for gas system maintenance without losing the zero on a rail-mounted laser, a feature that added to the rifle's acclaim and has been widely imitated since. Vickers regards the HK416 as a fantastic gun that represents both his and Ernst Mauch’s significant contributions to weapon design.

Vickers Founded Vickers Tactical, a Top Firearms Training and Accessories Provider

After leaving active duty, Vickers initially returned to his unit as a contract instructor, worked for a spell with a government agency, and then launched Vickers Tactical. The venture sprouted from Larry Vickers' recognition of a market need for specialized firearms training, following encouragement from others to capitalize on opportunities.

Vickers Tactical blossomed due to Larry Vickers' recognized expertise in pistols, particularly with the 1911 model. He is renowned for his skill in building these pistols and imparting that knowledge through classes on their assembly, maintenance, and troubleshooting. This focus on quality training and his distinguished 1911 pistol knowledge ensured his company’s success.

Vickers extended his brand into the realm of firearms accessories, collaborating with companies such as Blue Force Gear and Tango Down. His first product with Blue Force Gear was very successful, a ...

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Vickers' Post-Military Career as an Innovator and Entrepreneur

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • You can explore the history and mechanics of firearms by starting a collection of replica models, which can be a hands-on way to understand design evolution and engineering without needing expert knowledge. Begin with easily accessible replicas, such as those from the HK416 line or the 1911 pistol, and use online resources to learn about their significance and mechanical features.
  • Enhance your critical thinking skills by analyzing product reviews and discussions in online forums dedicated to firearms enthusiasts. Focus on understanding the factors that contribute to a product's reliability and popularity, which can be applied to evaluating quality and performance in other areas of interest.
  • ...

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#204 Larry Vickers - Delta Force: Operation Acid Gambit

Vickers' Current Legal and Personal Struggles

Larry Vickers, a known firearms expert, is currently facing legal troubles for his involvement in illegal firearm imports and violating an Obama executive order. He pled guilty to both charges on October 23. Vickers acknowledges his hyper-focus on firearms and admits to knowingly violating rules, laws, and regulations, which led to the ATF seizing his guns in August 2021. He is potentially facing a five-year term and a million-dollar fine, but the sentencing might not happen until 2024, with the possibility of further delays. Vickers chose to plead guilty to avoid bankrupting himself and sparing his family additional hardship. He is seeking a pardon and restoration of his gun rights.

Vickers Pled Guilty; now Faces Long Sentencing and Loss of Gun Rights

Vickers anticipates a long sentencing process with many variables that even his attorney can't predict. If Trump returns to office, Vickers hopes it might change his circumstances, potentially leading to a pardon and the restoration of his gun rights. Vickers confessed to conspiring with others to falsify paperwork to import firearms for his personal collection, which, at its peak, consisted of 650 firearms.

Vickers Has Openly Shared His Struggles With Cancer and Challenges As a Husband and Father

Apart from his legal woes, Vickers is battling follicular lymphoma, a cancer that is treatable but not curable. He has undergone a stem cell transplant, resulting in a complete remission, but the process wiped out his immune system, necessitating re-vaccination. The diagnosis led him to sell most of his gun collection for his family's financial security. He suspects that the cancer may be related to his time at "the unit," as many of his peers also have cancer, although he cannot prove it.

Vickers Admits Past Shortcomings As a Partner and Parent, now Aims to Improve

Vickers confesses he has not been the best husband or father, acknowledging that he has neglected his family which has contributed to his son's s ...

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Vickers' Current Legal and Personal Struggles

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Larry Vickers is facing legal troubles for his involvement in illegal firearm imports and violating an executive order. He admitted to knowingly breaking rules and laws, resulting in the ATF seizing his guns in 2021. Vickers pleaded guilty to charges related to falsifying paperwork to import firearms for his personal collection. He is potentially facing a five-year prison term and a significant fine.
  • The uncertainty around the sentencing process and potential delays stems from various factors such as legal procedures, court schedules, and the possibility of unexpected developments in the case. Delays can occur due to the complexity of the legal system, the need for thorough review, and the involvement of multiple parties in the decision-making process. Additionally, external factors like changes in political leadership or legal priorities could impact the timeline for sentencing. These uncertainties make it challenging to predict the exact timing of the sentencing and any potential delays that may arise.
  • Larry Vickers is hoping for a pardon and the restoration of his gun rights if Donald Trump returns to the presidency. This hope is based on the belief that a change in leadership might influence his legal circumstances. Vickers sees a potential for a different outcome under a different administration, which could impact his chances of receiving a pardon and having his gun rights reinstated.
  • Larry Vickers admitted to participating in a scheme where he and others falsified paperwork to illegally import firearms for his personal collection. This means that he knowingly provided incorrect information on official documents related to the importation of firearms. His confession indicates that he was involved in a deliberate effort to circumvent legal regulations governing the importation of firearms.
  • Vickers battled follicular lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the immune system. His treatment included a stem cell transplant, which wiped out his immune system, requiring him to undergo re-vaccination to rebuild immunity. This process was crucial for his recovery but left him vulnerable to infections until his immune system could regenerate.
  • Larry Vickers' reference to "the unit" is likely alluding to his time serving in a special operations unit, such as Delta Force. Special operations units often face unique challenges and exposures during their service, which can potentially impact their health in the long term. Vickers' suspicion that his cancer may be related to his time at "the unit" suggests a concern about the possible connection between his military service, including any environmental factors or exposures he encountered during that time, and his current health condition.
  • Vickers admitted to neglecting his family, which contribut ...

Counterarguments

  • Vickers' plea of guilty, while pragmatic, could be seen as an admission of disregard for the law, which may not warrant sympathy or a pardon.
  • The hope for a pardon based on a change in presidential administration could be criticized as relying on political favoritism rather than the merits of the case.
  • The sale of Vickers' gun collection for family financial security, while responsible, might be viewed as a necessary consequence of his illegal activities.
  • The suspicion that Vickers' cancer is related to his time at "the unit" lacks evidence, and without proof, it remains speculative.
  • Vickers' commitment to improving as a husband and father, while commendable, does not directly mitigate the legal issues he faces.
  • Seeking a pardon and restoration of gun rights based on past service could be challenged on the grounds that previous good deeds do not excuse current illegal actions.
  • Support from Kurt Muse and Delta ...

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