Best Veteran Wargamer Podcasts (2024)

1
The UK joins the military space race 42:11

6m ago42:11

42:11

The UK’s first sovereign military satellite, Tyche, is now in orbit. It’s the first piece of a planned constellation of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance orbiters, at a cost approaching one billion pounds. Former Royal Navy officer Darren Jones, from Tyche’s manufacturer, explains what capability it can offer the Armed Forces, while Pro…

1
Episode 99: What Do We Want from Game Rules? 39:49

4d ago39:49

39:49

Fair play? Historical flavor? Something in between? We seem as a society to love to complain about the rules we like! Support the Show.By Tom Castanos, Richard Martinez, Ray Winstead

1
Ukraine’s big gamble in Russia – what happens next? 40:56

6m ago40:56

40:56

Is this Chess, or Russian Roulette? Professor Michael Clarke explains why Ukraine has chosen a path with big risks, but also potentially big rewards by taking the fight to Russia on its own turf in Kursk. Sitrep’s Simon Newton analyses the forces and movements of each side as we assess how this could develop and affect the war. 75 years since the G…

1
Ep 75: Gencon and Mercs Unleashed 2:01:01

1d ago2:01:01

2:01:01

The Mechbay Podcast talks about what was previewed at GenCon, their games played, and then they unbox what's in the Mercenaries Kickstarter Box. Talk with the Mechbay and other BattleTech fans on their Discord Battletech Event Calendar Doc If you like what you hear or have request for what you would like to hear next, send them a shout at themechba…

1
Wagner Mercenaries in West Africa 41:55

5d ago41:55

41:55

Sitrep’s looking into the role of the Russian mercenary group, Wagner, after reports of fierce fighting in the West African country of Mali and asking why this conflict has caused a diplomatic row between Mali and Ukraine? And where is the balance between the needs of the military and the needs of the media? Sitrep will discuss that with the former…

1
Episode 98: Epic Punic Wars and the Virtues of Down Sizing 39:10

9d ago39:10

39:10

Yep, we are buying in to Epic Hail Caesar! Listen to us justify our weaknesses! Support the Show.By Tom Castanos, Richard Martinez, Ray Winstead

1
The armed forces pay rise – what’s it really worth? 46:11

15d ago46:11

46:11

Most servicemen and women are getting a 6% pay rise, twice the rate of inflation. The government says it’s the biggest increase for more than 20 years. But in real terms pay has been falling for a decade, and satisfaction with it is at a record low. Sitrep talks to the Defence Veterans and People Minister, Alistair Carns, to ask whether it’s really…

1
Ep 74: Are Ya Winning Son? 2:10:30

17d ago2:10:30

2:10:30

The Mechbay Podcast talks about their latest Classic BattleTech Tournament adventure. Talk with the Mechbay and other BattleTech fans on their Discord Battletech Event Calendar Doc If you like what you hear or have request for what you would like to hear next, send them a shout at themechbaypodcast@gmail.com or on Facebook You can support them at P…

1
Ready for war in three years? 34:16

21d ago34:16

34:16

The new head of the Army has warned the UK has three years to be ready to fight a war or deter conflict. General Sir Roly Walker’s talked about an “increasingly volatile world” but he said war wasn’t inevitable and the Army had "just enough time" to prepare itself. He says he wants to double the Army's fighting power in three years (and triple it b…

1
Episode 97: Deep Dive - Our Discomfort with Johnny Reb 44:45

23d ago44:45

44:45

It's not you...it's me. Well, John Hill's Johnny Reb has long been a bone of contention with our group. Today we tell the story. Support the Show.By Tom Castanos, Richard Martinez, Ray Winstead

1
Why have outside experts been put in charge of the UK’s Defence Review? 46:08

29d ago46:08

46:08

From where the armed forces are deployed around the world, to the kit they have for the job, and how they’re looked after, the government has launched a “root and branch” defence review. Two people who’ve been hands on with past reviews, Lieutenant General Sir Nick Pope and Sitrep’s Professor Michael Clarke, explain what will be different about thi…

1
Ep 73: WTF 3152 Ilclan TLDR 1:28:15

30d ago1:28:15

1:28:15

The Mechbay talks about what the major and minor players of the Inner Sphere are up to as they wait for the Battletech Mercenaries Kickstarter to deliver. Talk with the Mechbay and other BattleTech fans on their Discord Battletech Event Calendar Doc If you like what you hear or have request for what you would like to hear next, send them a shout at…

1
“Don’t be Jack” -- the veterans who’ve become MPs 43:38

1M ago43:38

43:38

Around one in twenty of the UK’s MPs have military experience, but what do they bring to the job and does it help them make a difference? Sitrep talks to the new MP for Derbyshire North, Louise Jones, and Jonny Ball who hosts the Veterans in Politics podcast and has mentored several of the new intake to Parliament. India’s Prime Minister claims to …

1
EXTRA - The Allied Reaction Force (and Britain’s role) explained 16:43

1M ago16:43

16:43

The Allied Reaction Force is the new “tip of the spear” for NATO’s military power. It’s described as a strategic, high-readiness, force-generated, multi-domain and multinational capability. The ARF replaces the NATO Response Force and Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), as part of a radical update of military structures and plans since the…

1
Episode 96: New Blood 40:22

1M ago40:22

40:22

Is it possible that old hermits like us can play with new folks? Support the Show.By Tom Castanos, Richard Martinez, Ray Winstead

1
Defending Europe – what does NATO need to do? 42:31

2M ago42:31

42:31

75 years since NATO was created to defend Europe, Sitrep asks what’s needed to do that job properly today. From organising hundreds of thousands of troops, to digging ditches and ensuring bridges can carry tanks, the challenges are explained by Professor Michael Clarke and Oana Lungescu, a former senior advisor to the NATO Secretary General. Part o…

1
The Black Sea mine threat 36:39

2M ago36:39

36:39

Two Royal Navy minehunters, given to Ukraine last year, are still in UK waters because they can’t get into the Black Sea while the war continues. But Ukraine’s Navy is using them to prepare for when they can start clearing the hundreds of explosives lying on the sea-bed. Sitrep’s Simon Newton has been watching some of that work on Exercise Sea Bree…

1
Episode 95: Dead Man's Hand Redux 41:21

2M ago41:21

41:21

Today we take a peek at both the original Dead Man's Hand and the new Redux from Great Escape Games. Show Notes Dead Man's Hand Redux Rules Support the Show.By Tom Castanos, Richard Martinez, Ray Winstead

1
Ep 78: Quar 1:17:40

2M ago1:17:40

1:17:40

Episode 78: Quar is live!https://soundcloud.com/user-989538417/ep-78-quarJay speaks with Joshua Qualtieri about the Quar, Zombiesmith and all things grimsical!Check out Joshua’s work and the Quar!Zombiesmith!https://zombiesmith.com/Rhyfler.com!https://rhyfler.com/Strange Plastic!https://www.strangeplastic.com/The Quar Short Filmhttps://www.youtube.…

1
Who’s promising what for the Armed Forces? 32:35

2M ago32:35

32:35

Sitrep analyses the main party manifestos for the general election in which defence has had its highest profile in decades. AI and data collection are promised to bring a revolution to military capability. But they could also make it harder to work with partners and allies by creating a new “language barrier”, so how do we avoid that? And the 2am p…

1
Ep 72: Blam The LAM 1:28:05

2M ago1:28:05

1:28:05

The Mechbay talks about Land Air Mechs and what they mean for tabletop BattleTech. Talk with the Mechbay and other BattleTech fans on their Discord Battletech Event Calendar Doc If you like what you hear or have request for what you would like to hear next, send them a shout at themechbaypodcast@gmail.com or on Facebook You can support them at Patr…

1
War of the playground 38:18

2M ago38:18

38:18

While North Korea sends hundreds of balloons, loaded with rubbish and manure, across the border, South Korea is setting up giant speakers to blare K-pop music for miles into the North. Sitrep assess the risk of a playground scrap going out of control, and explains why many heavily armed nations indulge in childish tactics when they don’t want an al…

1
The art of deception 44:59

2M ago44:59

44:59

From the wooden horse at Troy to rubber tanks in Dover military deceptions have been central to war for thousands of years. In the lead up to D-Day the allies convinced Germany their assault would be 150 miles away from Normandy. Professor Michael Clarke and Sitrep’s Claire Sadler explain the complex web of deceptions involving radar interference, …

1
Ep 71: Motor City MechWarriors 1:36:49

2M ago1:36:49

1:36:49

The Mechbay talks about Josh's time at Motor City Mayhem. The 2nd biggest Alpha Strike Event. Talk with the Mechbay and other BattleTech fans on their Discord Battletech Event Calendar Doc If you like what you hear or have request for what you would like to hear next, send them a shout at themechbaypodcast@gmail.com or on Facebook You can support t…

1
An insider’s guide to the NATO summit 42:06

3M ago42:06

42:06

Presidents and Prime Ministers have big decisions to make in Washington about how to better defend Europe, deter Russia, and support Ukraine. But how does it work behind closed doors, away from the choreographed photo ops, and who is actually making the decisions? Lord Peter Ricketts, former UK Ambassador to NATO, lifts the lid on how some of the w…

1
Is it time for western boots in Ukraine? 44:07

3M ago44:07

44:07

Russia has the momentum in Ukraine right now, so is it time for a radical rethink of how we help? James Heappey, who served four years as Armed Forces Minister, tells Sitrep we should be thinking about putting a training mission into Western Ukraine along with air defence support. Professor Michael Clarke explains the potential risks and benefits o…

1
EXTRA – Hercules: first in, last out 22:34

3M ago22:34

22:34

For more than half a century the C-130 Hercules was the backbone of the RAF. It’s played a key role in daring special forces and counter terror mission, supported combat operations from the Falklands to Afghanistan, delivered disaster relief, and carried out evacuations in some of the most challenging of environments. Named after the mythological G…

1
Episode 94: Revisiting One Size Fits All Rules 49:02

3M ago49:02

49:02

With more rule sets coming out covering long time periods, we thought it was time to revisit the subject. Support the Show.By Tom Castanos, Richard Martinez, Ray Winstead

1
What Course Ahead For The Royal Navy? 33:11

3M ago33:11

33:11

Sitrep looks at the future shape of the Navy as the government talks of a new ‘golden era in shipbuilding’ and assesses what it can learn from current conflicts. Expert analysis from Commodore Steve Prest who’s just left the service and former Naval warfare officer Professor Peter Roberts from RUSI. Sitrep’s Simon Newton reports from Poland on Exer…

1
The forces payroll hack – what you need to know 37:11

3M ago37:11

37:11

The cyber-attack which potentially exposed names and bank details of more than 270-thousand people is certainly embarrassing, but what might a “malign actor” do with that information? The founding Chief Executive of the National Cyber Security Centre, Ciaran Martin, tells Sitrep the hackers haven’t got any “crown jewels”, but that statements of “no…

1
Episode 93: Favorite Vendors 34:56

4M ago34:56

34:56

Be the change you want to see in the world! Rather than complaining, today we talk about our favorite vendors to do business with. None of this is paid advertising. These are just folks we shop with and appreciate! Support the Show.By Tom Castanos, Richard Martinez, Ray Winstead

1
Ep 70: Alpha Strike, MUL, and Force Manuals with Joshua Franklin 2:05:35

4M ago2:05:35

2:05:35

Assistant Developer Joshua Franklin (NCKestrel) joins us to talk about Alpha Strike, Master Unit List, the upcoming Force Manuals and a little BattleTech history. Talk with the Mechbay and other BattleTech fans on their Discord Battletech Event Calendar Doc If you like what you hear or have request for what you would like to hear next, send them a …

1
Naval hide & seek in Norway’s fjords 37:35

3M ago37:35

37:35

Sitrep goes on board a Royal Navy P2000 patrol boat, on exercise Tamber Shield, off the coast of Norway. David Sivills-McCann gives us an insight into the action, and Professor Michael Clarke explains why these boats, some of the smallest Royal Navy vessels, are key to defending the UK. A prototype of the RAF’s next generation fighter jet, Tempest,…

1
EXTRA – Tempest, turning sci-fi concepts into flying reality 19:22

3M ago19:22

19:22

Tempest will be the RAF’s next generation fighter jet, and the heart of the new Future Combat Air System. After a decade of conceptual development work is now underway to turn it into reality, with a first prototype due to fly in around 3 years. Will it really be equipped with laser weapons or brain scanners in the pilot’s helmet? That’s still secr…

1
The PM’s defence spending spree – what’s it really worth? 41:21

4M ago41:21

41:21

Rishi Sunak has pledged tens of billions of pounds to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence by 2030, but how much will it improve our military capability? Professor Michael Clarke explains why the extra cash will probably be used to firm up our forces rather than making them bigger, and we fact check how much of the £75bn figure given by the Prime Minister …

1
Ep 69: Is that a Third Leg or Are You Just Happy to See Me? 1:38:26

4M ago1:38:26

1:38:26

Watch the Battle Report Here The MechBay's Episode 69. Oops all Tripods Talk with the Mechbay and other BattleTech fans on their Discord Battletech Event Calendar Doc If you like what you hear or have request for what you would like to hear next, send them a shout at themechbaypodcast@gmail.com or on Facebook You can support them at Patreon and get…

1
How did the RAF support Israel when it was attacked by Iran? 36:46

4M ago36:46

36:46

RAF Typhoons fired in defence of Israel as part of a multi-national operation to stop Iran’s onslaught with ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones. A former fighter pilot tells Sitrep about the threats posed to pilots. The Armed Forces put a lot of effort into leadership training. But what about the other side of the coin – followers? The C…

1
EXTRA – What is followership, and how could it change the Army? 28:24

4M ago28:24

28:24

The Armed Forces put a lot of effort into leadership training, but have they lost sight of the people who are led? The Army’s been researching the concept of followership, how it could benefit the service become part of its culture. But what is followership, is it really different from the results of good leadership, and can it be part of an organi…

1
Episode 92: Blood and Steel Campaign Conclusion and Thoughts 43:29

4M ago43:29

43:29

What? We finished a campaign?? Support the Show.By Tom Castanos, Richard Martinez, Ray Winstead

1
Can ‘broken’ defence procurement be fixed? 38:49

4M ago38:49

38:49

Defence Procurement minister James Cartlidge tells Sitrep the history of armed forces having “kit that let them down” keeps him awake at night. But he has a plan to fix the problems. He tells Kate Gerbeau about the changes aimed at delivering equipment on time, and on budget, while Professor Michael Clarke assesses whether it will give troops what …

1
EXTRA – Minister explains new shake-up for buying military hardware 22:32

4M ago22:32

22:32

British servicemen and women rely on having the right kit to do their jobs, and protect their lives at the front line, but MPs says the process of buying that equipment is broken. Sitrep talks to Defence Procurement Minister James Cartlidge about his new plan to fix long delays, multi-billion pound overspends, and hopelessly overoptimistic ideas. A…

1
Russia’s new push in Ukraine 40:57

4M ago40:57

40:57

Troops and hardware which Russia’s been holding in reserve have been moved to the 600-mile-long front line, and handful of local armoured offensives point to the start of a wider push. Sitrep’s Professor Michael Clarke explains how Moscow wants to exploit Ukraine’s ammunition shortages, while Kyiv tries to keep the initiative by forcing Russia’s ha…

1
EXTRA – A view from Ukraine’s front line 13:40

4M ago13:40

13:40

Sitrep hears from Kupiansk, celebrated as a significant victory when it was liberated a year and a half ago, but in Russian sights once again as Moscow tries a new push forward. Ukraine’s troops trying to hold firm are hampered by artillery shortages, they’ve been rationing shells for months, but have turned to small drones to fill at least some of…

1
Ep 68: It's What Kerensky Would've Wanted 1:48:55

5M ago1:48:55

1:48:55

The MechBay breaks down all the sweet swag we saw at Kerenskycon, Adepticon, and then unloads a Union dropship of fan mail to round it out. Stay tuned for Episode 69. Talk with the Mechbay and other BattleTech fans on their Discord Battletech Event Calendar Doc If you like what you hear or have request for what you would like to hear next, send the…

1
The new Wider Service Medal – good or bad idea? 40:56

5M ago40:56

40:56

From submariners at sea for months at a time, to soldiers living and working on Russia’s doorstep, the new Wider Service Medal is intended to recognise “crucial operational impact” without the risks to life faced in combat. Some say it’s long overdue, others call it a medal for “just turning up”. We ask a former head of the Army, General Lord Danna…

1
Episode 91: The Grass is Always Greener... 43:51

5M ago43:51

43:51

Too many games and too few days? Do months, if not years, pass until you get back to one of your favorite games? How do you balance the games you want to play versus the time you get to play. Support the Show.By Tom Castanos, Richard Martinez, Ray Winstead

1
Inside the Navy’s ‘999 centre’ for the Red Sea 35:18

5M ago35:18

35:18

Emergency calls from any vessel under attack in the Red Sea are handled thousands of miles away, in Portsmouth, by a Royal Navy supported control centre. Sitrep’s Tim Cooper is one of the first ever journalists to visit the UKMTO, where calls have soared by 475% as missile and drone attacks from Yemen are launched on average once every two days. Al…

1
Wargaming to win 35:48

5M ago35:48

35:48

Wargaming is about as old as war itself, but in a time many describe as “pre-war” how can it help us be ready for the worst, if it happens? Sitrep talks to the UK’s Assistant Head of Defence Wargaming, Captain Eugene Morgan, who’s charged with building British wargaming capacity and capability “to make better decisions for defence” He explains how …

1
Episode 90: House Rules 50:45

6M ago50:45

50:45

LET'S GET READY TO RUMMBBBLE! Support the Show.By Tom Castanos, Richard Martinez, Ray Winstead

1
Germany’s embarrassing leak – could it happen to us too? 36:45

5M ago36:45

36:45

Russia has published the recording of a meeting between senior German air-force officers, revealing military and political secrets about British, French and German support to Ukraine. Former Army intelligence officer Colonel Philip Ingram tells Sitrep it comes down to people being the weakest link, and that we shouldn’t dismiss it as “just a German…

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