The Real Story Behind the Creation of Delta Force — Mike Vining Tells All | Ep. 277

The Real Story Behind the Creation of Delta Force — Mike Vining Tells AllJoin Mike Ritland on this episode of the Mike Drop podcast as he chats with retired Sergeant Major Mike Vining, a Vietnam veteran, explosive ordnance disposal expert, and founding member of Delta Force. With a career spanning 26 years and involvement in pivotal operations like the Cambodian incursion and Khobar Towers investigation, Vining shares riveting tales from the front lines, his reflections on war, and insights from his upcoming book Blasting Through, set for release in August 2026.----------Support Mike Vininghttps://x.com/BlastingThrough----------BUBS NaturalsBUBS Naturals products are rooted in sustainably sourced ingredients and controlled consistency to provide our customers with the highest quality Collagen Protein & MCT Oil Powder that help you feel amazing and live a fuller life.HELIXGo to https://www.helixsleep.com/mikedrop for 27% Off Sitewide!That's https://www.helixsleep.com/mikedrop for 27% Off Sitewide.https://www.helixsleep.com/mikedropMANDOControl Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code MIKEDROP at shopmando.com! #mandopodhttps://shopmando.com/BEAMHere’s the deal: Beam is giving my listeners the ultimate patriot discount of UP TO 40% off. Try their best‑selling Dream Powder and get UP TO 40% off for a limited time.Go to https://shopbeam.com/products/dream-powder-4?variant=41387075567671&selling_plan=1794441271&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=sponsorship&utm_campaign=mikedrop&code=applied15&discount=MIKEDROP and use code MIKEDROP at checkout. NAVY SEALS FITNESS APP | HYBRID STRENGTH & CONDITIONING TRAININGTrain like a SEAL with Mike Ritland's App. Build real-world strength, endurance and resilience.https://www.coachos-app.com/navy-sealsTEAM DOG FOOD, TREATS & SUPPLEMENTSBe Your Dog’s Hero: Veteran-owned by a former Navy SEAL and Special Operations K9 Trainer, Team Dog provides a complete diet of science-backed premium dog food, treats, and supplements to optimize your dog’s health, forged from rigorous standards and real-world expertise.https://www.teamdog.shop TEAM DOG ONLINE TRAININGMike Ritland – a former Navy SEAL & Special Operations K9 trainer – shares his simple and effective dog training program to build trust and control with your dog. Based on Mike’s bestselling book “Team Dog, Train the Navy SEAL Way”, join tens of thousands of families that successfully trained their way to a better dog. https://www.teamdog.pet SHOP ALL THE MIKE RITLAND BRANDS Get all your Mike Ritland branded gear - Mike Drop | Trikos | Team Doghttps://shop.mikeritland.comCHAPTERS 00:00:00 - Introduction00:03:18 - Retirement Photo Meme00:05:51 - Last Book Read00:07:12 - WWII Bomb Disposal00:07:56 - Time Travel Choice00:09:01 - Favorite Quote00:10:22 - Daily Carry EDC00:11:50 - Growing Up Michigan00:15:19 - Joining Military Reason00:18:40 - Vietnam War Views00:24:56 - Arriving in Vietnam00:33:40 - Close Call Incident00:43:07 - Disarming Big Bombs00:49:31 - Rock Island East Cache00:58:17 - Warehouse Hill Tunnels01:04:30 - Wildlife Encounters01:07:31 - Sleeping on Ground01:13:09 - Explosive Accidents01:20:33 - Lessons for Interventions01:28:36 - Iraq Afghanistan Parallels01:38:37 - 9/11 Saudi Theory01:39:48 - Khobar Towers Bombing01:44:20 - Glass Shards Fatalities01:50:47 - Awareness of Special Forces01:56:52 - Rejoining Army 197301:58:57 - Secret Service Support02:00:05 - 1976 Election Bomb Searches02:04:53 - Ken Foster Death02:07:53 - Call to Join Delta02:10:45 - Early Delta Training Path02:13:36 - Delta Selection Details02:19:04 - OTC vs Selection Differences02:26:33 - Early Delta Vision02:33:07 - First Impression Beckwith02:39:39 - Early Delta Operations02:45:36 - Helicopter Issues02:56:05 - Helicopter Crash Fireball03:01:12 - Medical Packages Recommendation03:04:50 - Motivator & JSOC Formation03:06:35 - Sudan Security Mission03:13:50 - SEAL Missions & Delays03:16:56 - Intense Fire & Pull-Off03:20:52 - Crash Site Security03:23:46 - Early SEAL Team Six Ties03:27:46 - Family Impact & Divorce03:32:57 - Back to Delta R&D03:39:12 - Brief to General Steiner03:46:40 - JSOC Special Plans Role03:50:48 - No-Tobacco & FOD Issues03:55:01 - Atlanta Prison Riot04:00:24 - Support to FBI HRT04:05:21 - Retirement Catalyst04:10:25 - Gaddafi Ceased Operations04:13:03 - Meeting Future Wife04:19:39 - Book Motivation & Focus04:28:38 - Maduro Raid Thoughts04:35:06 - Final Thanks & Wrap-Up#TheMikeDropPodcast, #MikeRitland, #Veteran, #Military, #Geopolitics, #MikeRitlandPodcast, #JoiningDelta, #DeltaSelection, #RetirementPhotoMeme, #KenFoster, #DeltaForce, #TommyNorris, #DeltaForceTraining, #MaduroRaid, #CharlieBeckwith, #MikeThornton, #NormanSchwarzkopf, #RonaldReagan, #JimmyCarter, #MuammarGaddafi, #MauriceBishop, #RandyShughart, #GaryGordon, #MikeVining, #DeltaForceHistory