Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
SOG summary
Brief summary
SOG by John L. Plaster is a gripping account of the covert operations carried out by the U.S. Military's secret Special Forces unit, the Studies and Observations Group, during the Vietnam War.
Topics
Table of Contents
SOG
Summary of key ideas
Understanding SOG’s Role in the Vietnam War
In SOG, John L. Plaster delves deep into the covert operations of the Studies and Observations Group (SOG) during the Vietnam War. The book begins with a detailed account of the formation of SOG in 1964, a time when the US military faced a challenging situation in Southeast Asia. The group was established to conduct unconventional warfare, reconnaissance, and intelligence-gathering missions deep within enemy territory.
Plaster, a former SOG member himself, provides a firsthand perspective on the rigorous training, the secretive nature of their missions, and the close-knit bonds that the SOG members shared. He describes the selection process, the grueling training, and the code of silence that the members adhered to, emphasizing the exceptional skill and bravery required to serve in this elite unit.
Unveiling the Secret Missions of SOG
The middle part of SOG is dedicated to the heart of the group's operations. Plaster narrates a series of hair-raising missions, including long-range reconnaissance patrols, prisoner snatches, and sabotage operations. These missions were carried out deep in enemy territory, often under harrowing conditions, and against overwhelming odds. The author provides vivid accounts of these operations, highlighting the immense risks and the incredible courage displayed by the SOG teams.
In addition to these ground operations, Plaster also sheds light on SOG's air operations, where the group's air element, Air Studies, and Observations Group (ASOG), conducted a variety of aerial missions, including the famous "Bright Light" missions aimed at rescuing downed pilots and retrieving sensitive equipment.
Survival and Camaraderie in the Face of Adversity
Throughout SOG, Plaster emphasizes the incredible survival skills and adaptability of the SOG teams. He details the various methods they employed to survive in the hostile jungle environment, evade detection by the enemy, and maintain their physical and mental well-being. The author also underscores the importance of camaraderie and mutual trust among the team members, which was crucial for their survival in such perilous conditions.
However, alongside the tales of bravery and survival, SOG also portrays the grim realities of war. Plaster does not shy away from discussing the heavy casualties suffered by the unit, the psychological toll on the surviving members, and the ethical dilemmas they faced while carrying out their missions.
The Legacy of SOG
In the concluding section of SOG, Plaster reflects on the legacy of the group. Despite its relatively short existence (1964-1972), SOG left an indelible mark on the Vietnam War. The unit's operations, though largely unknown to the public at the time, had a significant impact on the overall war effort. Their intelligence-gathering efforts, disruption of enemy supply lines, and other covert operations played a crucial role in the larger military strategy.
In summary, SOG provides a comprehensive and gripping account of one of the most secretive and daring units in the history of modern warfare. Plaster's narrative offers a rare insight into the world of elite special forces, their extraordinary missions, and the sacrifices they made in service to their country.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is SOG about?
SOG by John L. Plaster is a gripping account of the covert operations carried out by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. Drawing on firsthand experiences and extensive research, the book uncovers the untold stories of the Special Operations Group (SOG) and their daring missions behind enemy lines. It offers a fascinating insight into the challenges and sacrifices faced by these elite soldiers, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of the war.
SOG Review
SOG by John L. Plaster (2000) tells the gripping account of the Special Operations Group during the Vietnam War, making it a compelling read for history enthusiasts and military buffs alike. Here's why this book stands out:
- Packed with real-life missions and firsthand experiences, it offers a unique glimpse into the intense world of covert operations.
- The book showcases the bravery and resilience of the soldiers, highlighting their sacrifices and commitment to their missions.
- Its fast-paced narrative and detailed descriptions keep readers on the edge of their seats, ensuring that boredom is never a factor while diving into this thrilling story.
Who should read SOG?
Readers interested in the covert operations and special forces tactics during the Vietnam War
History enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities of the Vietnam conflict
Military personnel and veterans looking to learn from the experiences of the elite Studies and Observations Group (SOG)
Categories with SOG
Book summaries like SOG
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
38 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
SOG FAQs
What is the main message of SOG?
The main message of SOG is the incredible true stories of the covert Vietnam War unit, Studies and Observations Group.
How long does it take to read SOG?
Reading SOG would take a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is SOG a good book? Is it worth reading?
SOG is a captivating read, offering a unique insight into the challenging missions of the elite unit, making it definitely worth the read.
Who is the author of SOG?
John L. Plaster is the author of SOG.
What to read after SOG?
If you're wondering what to read next after SOG, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
- In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
- The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
- Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
- Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
- The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
- Genome by Matt Ridley