A SOLDIER'S PERSPECTIVE
THE WEB'S LEADING MILITARY BLOG SINCE 2004
There a cool new series that will premier this week on the Military Channel. The series, dubbed Special Ops Mission, will premier this Thursday evening on the cable network at 10pm EST and is hosted by special forces operator Wil Willis.
Willis must complete a nearly impossible mission using his military expertise spanning over 15 years in special operations with both the U.S. Army Rangers and the U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen. With audiences watching every move, his task is to complete a complex series of military objectives while trying to survive, evade and escape an Opposition Force that is determined to stop him. Each episode introduces Willis to a new mission – ranging anywhere from infiltrating a terrorist camp high in the mountains, making his way through an enemy stronghold in an urban environment, or even climbing aboard a moored ship overtaken by pirates – and a new “Op For” team whose only objective is to stop Willis. The closest most viewers will ever get to experience a genuine covert operation, SPECIAL OPS MISSION tracks Willis as he tests his marksmanship, instincts and military skills throughout these dramatic scenarios.
I had a chance to review the episode and I’m a little sad that this is only going to have an initial six-episode run. This is the best reality TV the networks have drummed up so far. In the first episode, Will receives intelligence that hostages are being taken to large, abandoned building. A virtual maze, Will must go in alone with the odds stacked against him as he is pitted against an experienced opposing force comprised of highly trained military veterans.
Throughout the event, Wil is given several other smaller objectives that he must accomplish without losing his focus on the enemy or the hostages. Willis’s vast array of military training has earned him tactical skill sets that are unparalleled by most. He is outfitted with integrated cameras and microphones in the show so that viewers are queued into his decision-making which will lead to successes and setbacks!
Willis and the “Op For†teams are armed with special assault weapons that are loaded with training ammunition known as Simunition®, training marking cartridges that leave a visible mark and a tough hit on impact. Previously only available for elite military and law enforcement training, Simunition® creates a realistic, non-lethal environment in which Willis and the “Op For†teams can use and test all of their military skills and tactics to create the authentic scenarios that are profiled in the series. Think of it as a high-speed version of paintball without all the protective gear and clunky rounds.
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Lisa: I also met him on Are You Interested... and got the poems :-) If
Donna
Thanks for the heads up CJ on this program! I watch the Military channel quite often so I’m anxious to see this one.
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JC
I have watched several episodes of this show and it is by far the best of it’s kind on television. Will Willis is a badass!! He is clearly a very experienced operator and all of the explanations by Will and the Opfor are awesome. Thank you, Military Channel for putting this show on the air! My family and I look forward to more!!
Erik
This show is good and original. Let all the wannabees out there know how tedious most tactical operations can be. Also very accurate its great for me for someone who is done with the military but would still wants to put the gear on and go shoot and play. I would love to be OPFOR in that show.
Michael
This is an incredible show! captivating realism @ its Best! Whiskey Whiskey rules!
Robinsage
Whisky, Whisky- is proof Rangers lead the way!
kyle patterson
The is boring for me. I think most spec ops guys would agree it would be alot more interesting to watch if they approached the missions more realisticly, ie have a team of at least 4. So we can sit around and criticize their plans and decisions. Plus it would show the dynamics of team work as this is the real reason why special ops missions or any other type of military missions are succesful or fail. I understand the civilians could get lost while watching the show but a narrator could help them understand what is going on. My two cents.
Jeff w
He clearly states in atleast one episode that in real missions thered be a team of atleast 4. its the one shot episode. anyways as former grunt and having experience with those dam sim rounds I think its very accurate to what its really like training with those, and the purpose of this show is to show how well trained are special forces are that if they had to they could do a whole lot of damage. obviously in real life no one would ever go alone cus thats suicide but for training/learning purposes its relavant
Tina
I really like this show. I hope that there are going to be more than the initial 6 episodes.
Nittany and Niecy
Much more respect for the ppl that serve!!!….even more than i had before. Great show!! I agree……whisky whisky is a badass!! 6 episodes is a tease!! Bring on more military channel!!! It shows how truely badass our elite troops are!! One soldier annihalating 4 op for.
Lee
This is the greatest show on television. Really hope the Military Channel will pick this one up. They can sacrifice one of the Hitler hours to keep this one going. Have to agree that this show is reality television at it’s best!
matt c.
This show is the s**t!! The Military channel has continued to bore me with “encore” performances of WWII docus. Now, Wil has given me a reason to watch the boob-tube again! I’m a ‘grunt’ and wanna see more coverage of ‘Operaters’, NOT ancient aircraft and Blitzkreig stories. Ultimatum: more Wil or less viewing…
joey b.
I wish someone would list or show the complete contents of his battle gear. I am a gear nut and would love to know. Happy Veteran’s Day! God Bless and Thank You…..
Corporal Punishment
Great show! very entertaining, much like watching a video game played out “live”.
I realize that the OpFor must be given some disadvantages (since it’s 4 vs. 1) and I know it’s easy to sit back and Monday morning quarterback, but most of the teams with a few exceptions have been kind of ineffective IMO, usually splitting and squandering their advantage too often. This last team in the downed pilot mission was the most lame of all.
The overhead situation maps and 3-D animations have been great for following the action and helping the audience understand what’s happening. That’s the best thing.
Perhaps it would unbalance things too much but I think WW should use more grenades, booby traps, and mines to even things up since he operates alone. Make them think twice about pursuing him.
Lindsey
Where can i watch the Military Channel becuase i moved and now i cannot find the channel and i used too have it memorized and now i have forgoten i have Cabel One i have looked all over the internet and cannot find it anywhere please help!! Thanks.
♥Lindsey
Corporal Punishment
It differs with every cable carrier and area, but mine is on 276 (Comcast).
I just came back to say that after last week’s inept team, this weeks OpFor team (the druglord exec protect detail) was one of the most effective IMO, even though they lost their principle through the principle’s actions. They used their superior numbers as an advantage (thus taking no casualties), they used their dog asset effectively (the detection threat kept WW far away), they used their vehicles appropriately (mainly to gain a speed advantage), and they pursued aggressively en masse, using speed/numbers as security (coming within rifle shot of getting him).
danny
You should do more episodes, this is the best show out on t.v. No other show comes close to it. Also, is there movies of the past episodes to buy? If so ill buy the season. Now Fight Quest comes on in place of whiskey whiskey, and it sucks.
AvengingRelic
I’ve seen all 6 episodes… Wil Willis is my new favorite hero. He’s as close as I’ll ever get to experiencing the real thing. I play COD4 MW2 even better because of what he’s shown me here. His patience and stealth and quick on your feet thinking are so inspiring. Wil Willis rocks! I’m on the edge of my seat with each episode… I hope more people get to see this program. It’s too bad the military channel is so expensive to get, requiring nearly the most expensive satellite dish package in order to get the channel. I’d like to see this become a network show.
CM
truth be told about ol’ Wil Willis he has never served a day in combat. funny since weve been at war for the past 8 plus years. and for the record Wil has never even been assigned to a Special Operations SQD.
T
Yeah, I dont think you have the slightest clue what you are talking about. He is way to experienced and knowledgeable about this stuff to have learned it all in a class room. Because most of the things he does have to be learned by experience and by “doing”. Sounds like someones got a touch of the green flu!
jordan
i saw the show for the first time and i can not get away for a sec it was so cool and need to see more i am hooked lol ops rule
Nomad
Ive watched a few shows and love the idea, and I do enjoy the show, but he is a sloppy operator. He complains alot, His field craft in the druglord episode sucks, he takes way to many chances, and complains more than any soldier I have ever known. He generally seems unrealistic in his approach and many of his approaches are haphazard and would likely get him killed. Love the show, but wish they had a smooth op instead of this guy.
Marcus
Do realize this is TV and I’m sure they take a few liberties.
Jon
Well this show is to put you in the operators boots and when he’s hurting he pushes through and completes his mission. Ya hes going to say wow this place sticks or my back hurts or what ever so you know whats going on in is head and what he sees or smells i have a Friend in the 10th Special Forces Group that has been doing Spec Ops for 5 years now and we love this show and if he was a panzy that show One Shot when his back was hurting he would have called it a day!! I would love to see you out there that would be a good show lol
stage9
Well, if you would’ve listened, he DID say he was a “tactical guy” and not a sniper. I thought he was entirely too sloppy as well until he said that.
BriTurp
Its funny, as i watched this show i realized two things rather quickly… A ) (though ive never seen ligitimate combat ( legal combat) . i doubt that WW has probably never seen combat, either that or he has and he was no good or couldnt handle it anymore ( or else why would he do this show) and
B) doesnt it seem a little staged ” i hope my gun wont jam in this freezing weather” and then it does???… i like the show, dont get me wrong but… somehow i dont think its totaly right,,.. like i said if WW HAD been a legit spec ops operator, why isnt he still working???
shoffman1965
BriTurp,
As it states WW was an Operator with the Army Rangers for 15 years, he has undoubtably seen combat, and the shows are not staged. Anyone who has served in The Army or Marines can tell you that different weather conditions can affect your weapon in different ways. As far as why isn’t WW still an Operator…how do you know he isn’t? How do you know he isn’t just doing these shows during his “down time”?
I’m an Army Veteran (6BN 33FA C Btry 1st Plt. 1983-1986) and I find the show to be entertaining and not staged in the least.
Greg
Are you nuts? You obviously have no clue what your talking about. How about you do spec ops work for 15 years and then see if you repeat what you just said. I’ll tell you this, it isn’t easy to get into the Air Force’s pararescue men and once you do….they don’t sit on you. Everyone in that group see’s combat. How do you think all the downed pilot’s in Iraq and Afghanistan get home in one piece? I’m sorry if I am being rude, but you really need to do some more research before making a comment like that. This guy knows his stuff.
CreepingReaper
Thank you. Obviously this site attracts arm-chair warriors and half-assed critics.
If you haven’t done that or been there, you aren’t qualified to an opinion.
Thanks for setting the record straight!
bleezal
This guy is awesome!
Shaman
Wil talks because it is TV. As exciting as it might be for the 1%’rs if he walked around in complete silence, the other 99% would be bored sh!tle$$.
So, he camps it up a bit (obviously) and between himself and the narrator they keep you engaged.
I would agree though while the ‘away team’ always have the credentials, they seem to split up way too often and leave themselves exposed a lot. Maybe they are asked to “act like drug lords” or “pretend you are kidnappers” and make mistakes on purpose to emulate amateurs.
tim
I hope the show is picked up for another season. i loved the show and think it gives the public valuable insight.. Wil Willis rocks , wiskey wiskey out!!
Lost 1
I for one hope they bring the show back for another season.Maybe they could start allowing civilians to act as the OPFOR.I would be more than happy to engage against someone of Wills caliber (15 years spec ops) Is very respectable. Most civilians would need to bring an extra pair of pants when the shooting started. the show would be like a monkey and a football
Tango Charlie
Leave Wil Willis alone! Its a tv show! Get over yourselves. I love the show, very entertaining. Wil is actually funny sometimes and as an expierenced operator unlike most of the posts on here, I know what he is going through. It doesnt have to be text book just relatable and entertaining which for me it is. Keep up the good work. Tango Charlie 01 out!
JRMRTT
Pararescuemen have the highest drop out rate of any military branch spec ops…95%. They receive the nichnamem Ironmen from their piers because of the training they receive. They go deep behind enemy lines to rescue downed pilots and have to be trained in medicine as well. This guy is legit and there is not way that he has not seen action with 15 years in the Rangers and Pararescue.
Romeo Gulf
I like this show and even though its staged, and despite him being army airforce…lol, na hes at least or was combat arms and not a POG!!!!!!!hes ok in my book and i have operated with SF and some that i cant say so with that being said, its a pretty good show and i like how they stick to tact and he doesnt let complacency sit in well its not like he has time to….lol anyways good show i like to watch.
Freedom of speech
Regardless if he has ever been in combat or not atleast he served i bet alot of us that posted have not. No matter what u do in the military everyone does there part. I think its a good show gives us a bit of insight how things might work. Thanks Wil willis and everyone thats serving in the united stats military Including my brother USMC.
DeltaWhiskey19
Remember this is entertainment, not actual missions. For it to be a realistic Ranger mission, he wouldn’t be going in alone and the mission would be scrubbed just before insertion.(sound familiar?)
In these scenarios, alone against undetermined amount of OPFOR, chances have to be taken to accomplish mission. Almost a suicide mission given the fact that the OPFOR knows someone is coming, hence no element of surprise.
Just saying, take it for what its worth. Pretty entertaining if you ask me.
PJrabbit1
His tactics are solid, his skills are refined. Little bit of glamour, so semp fi’s or hooha’s don’t hate the player. Can’t believe he don’t carry his rope.
Scamp1
First reality show worth making sure Im home to see it. One suggestion though. I wish at the end of the show they would interview the Scrubs Ops Will abuses during the show. I would really like to understand why a Native Apache scout, shoulders his weapon and strolls down a hill side when he just came along fresh enemy tracks. I love how Wil told him ” Your radio is mine.”
Matt
As was stated before, the guy was an Airborne Ranger and also in Pararescue for 15 years, I’d say that qualifies him to take a weapon of choice and a sack of gear from the TOC with simunition mags and play OPFOR against each other, and have WWs perspective for the audience. His strategy and tactics are sound. They are the same small unit combat tactics taught today at the Regt. He even exfilled using a Maguire rig (started by The Company during project Phoenix to get single operatives out of Laos).
To address some concerns, this isn’t a video game, it’s an OPFOR mission FTX with operators/contractors of the best army the world has ever known playing in it. Is he the best? IDK if he won Sniper or Best Ranger either. I haven’t read his 201 file and neither has anybody else aside from the Producers. I saw his 201 file in how he low crawls. He doesn’t run elegantly, he gets the mission completed though. Seems to work well against the same training he’s had. He was obviously a special forces operator, so leave it at that. What if he joined the CIA PT Program, trained at the Farm to be a NOC Covert Operative, did the PJ HALO/HAHO program, and a langauge at DLI in Monterey, CA…he’s done/cover got blown and now he’s got a show without ever having done stuff in a Unit but did all the training that any 18A, 11B, etc SOF soldier had done. Would it matter. It’s all the same training, just the patches change, the missions, as those who have been on OPs know, can become joint OPs at any time.
About his whispering…he’s busy running an OP while doing a TV show. He breaks noise displine when he can to show what he’s doing or did without getting popped for having to explain it to the layperson. It’s formulaic, he always does the mission with ROE, the perameters change and he does more and more work on the Job, spending more and more time out there to be shot or caught by the hostile element without cover. IRL You can spend five days straight in one forward hasty shitting your pants before you can move to take the shot, pop smoke and exfil.
Regarding only one person, Airborne LRRPs went out alone many times or in light/heavy teams alone (same as Delta/Project Blue Light or today’s intelligence community operators that take minimal direction in maximum blending into hostile territories) dictated by what the CDR wanted in the Viet Nam War or today’s LRS (C or D) attached to either a (C)Company or (D) Det. Loaned out to gather recon and/or take a HVT for PSYOP effect and Direct Action on Targets of Opertunity, hence his reliance on the TOC every hour for SITREPs–as usually an overwatch or HVT has two to three guys that rotate from rear support, spotter, and sniper, depending on when the sniper’s eye’s get too tired for movement discipline, so it isn’t unheard of–a sniper/spotter team going out or sometimes just one LRP to ID/gather intel on what the enemy force is doing at their hide/TOC for JSOC, S2 or a good OPORD for later teams (such as (RRD) Ranger Recon Det. at HHC). Granted at least it’s two guys, perhaps an SF Heavy Squad or a few DA Ranger Chalks, but this is a REPRESNTATION of one aspect of Special Forces and both what it’s like to be the recon/LRP or the OPFOR that probs and when it does encounter, splits to flank, though the episode with the dog was great as they were in line of sight eyes on target shot range.
So cut the guy some slack. As for the ‘paint ball’ guy…simunition is restricted to military personel and some law enforcement only. It’s a bullet with paint on it. He doesnt carry a fake M4 shooting 50yrds away with his pogue buddies. That’s real equipment. Dont like what SEALS, Rangers, Force Recon and PJs do? why are you watching THE MILITARY CHANNEL in the first place? This is the job, this is what we train to do. Live rounds are only used when everybody is at the shoothouse or the range or some realism added above your head negotiating a range (everybody is going in the same direction) WE DONT SHOOT AT EACH OTHER IN TRAINING (LOL And try not to during a combat OP…oh wait…oh wait…simunition!!! replacing MILES gear is a great alternative unless you’re still playing video games and think you can pick up a “med pack” to make it all better. Bullets crush bone, rip sinew, tear flesh. that’s why we make them and why we shoot them only at a ROE approved enemy. So flame me I could care less.
Hail oh hail oh Infantry and love to all combat arms.
Charlie Whiskie
He infiltrates,neutralizes, and evades seasoned SF Op For combat vets against ridiculously suicidal odds. Those are the only credentials he needs.
DAve
will there be new episodes?
razorback fan
Will Willis is BEAST! everyone here saying it’s staged somewhat and WW has never relly been in combat, your wrong. it’s a sow it can’t be totally the same way t would be in real combat. he also taks riks because he’s a one man team. he cant just sit around for days waiting. besdes if that were you guys out there, you’d be p*ssing your pans within five mintues. hes amazing!!!!!
Some Guy
I am with an east coast based SEAL team, I went through a course which was taught by Will, for those of you who doubt his skills, let me tell you first hand he does know his stuff. I have seen the show, and it is very well done, granted you have to remember it is TV and certain things are glamorized, but overall I give it a thumbs up.
ruben oro
WOW what a great show. This beats any “reality” show hands down!!!. Will is a BADASS…. The missions, props, opposing forces, and locations are second to none. Cant wait until the next show…. WOW
yourpos5mikes
Enough of us watch the Military Channel, and I’m sure have voted (if not go to military.discovery.com and VOTE for this show NOW), that I’d think “they” could make this a semi-regular series by now!
Clearly it’s an insanely popular show, both with civilians and operators alike – so WHEN are we going to see another show already?
Wait too long and we WILL finally lose interest!
Military Channel – GET ON YOUR HORSE!
Mike (no pun intended)
Melanie
My husband got me interested in this series when he found it on Netflix. I’M HOOKED!!! We can’t wait to for Season 2 to air.
Muddyboots_73
BRING IT BACK…..
Dave
i wanna see will willis go up against travis haley. he’s killed more hajjis than polio
Force Recon
Will Willis (if thats his real name)is a superb operator. Please if you dont what your talking about dont comment like you do. Ive known many operators and WW is very skilled. Like has been said before, this is for entertainment, and I dont know a real world situation where you would have 1 operator conducting a mission. Even the most clandestine operations we would work in 6 man teams. So a 1 man team would be when you have a SNAFU. Most operators are not active for more than a few years. Its very hard on the body to do what we do, so very few will last more than 5-6 years active. This is not “The Unit” where everyone is mid/late 30′s early 40′s and are active operators. I like WW and he makes for very entertaining (yet not totally realistic)television. Its nice to be able to say to friends and family…yeah, thats “kinda” what we do
. WW makes us all look like stud single operators, cant hate him for that!
skydiver28551
Its very common for AF Pararescuemen to operate alone. As a matter of fact since their mission(s) are much different than mine lets say they ofter operate 1 and two man teams. I am associated with 5th group.
PJ, CCT and their Sniper/Ambush are very small teams and the Sniper(Counter Sniper)/Ambush teams are 2 man teams normally.
skydiver28551
2/5th SFG (A) (Halo/Haho)
Daniel
This show is the best out there. Me and my friends are hardcore airsoft players and the tips that he has made in the episodes have improved my skills in the airsoft games we play. All my friends now say that I am extremly hard to hit cause of what I have learned. Please put up more episodes, I have watched the first season about 35 times cause it gets me all pumped up for airsoft.
poppy
what kinda guns are they using on this show? cause i know they aint real.
jason
Where do you get that type of american flag hat he is wearing in the picture.
Casey
Former Army –
The guns are real. The bolt and carrier assembly are changed, otherwise it’s the same M4. I’ve been shot by these, they aren’t fun. Through your clothes they will leave welts and bleed into your uniforms, on exposed skin they will embed themselves good and deep.
The flag can be obtained from any Military-type store or website. Many color/direction options are available.
Final – WW is awesome. It’s a show, but it’s entertaining with enough realism to satisfy.
mitch
when will season 2 start!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
chad
This show needs to be on Primetime, best show hands down.
Noah
SOMEONE PLZ TELL ME WHERE I CAN GET HIS HAT!!!
Clayton
you can get his coyote tan hat from blackhawk military equipment its called a contractor’s hat i just order one and it can in the mail in 3-4 days i paid 31 dollars total with shipping it included a Velcro flag just like he wears.
christina
All I know is that this show makes me a very cool mom to my 3 boys who think its neat that I watch it with them…..it has absolutely nothing to do with how HOT!!! he is at all! lol I hope they film many, many more!
adam
PLEASE, PLEASE BRING BACK SPECIAL OPS MISSION! oh how i miss thee so
justice stover
please put it back on tv i missed that tv show it was alsome and y do u not reply to ur best fan
Fox Track
Yes….it is a really fun show to watch. Will has some skills that should be respected. That said, there is nothing wrong with people giving their opinions on things he could have done better. I actually like the way he himself admits when he makes some mistakes. That is what a good operator will do. That is how they grow. I suppose some times there is just too much anxiety over people who have differing views. I am a former Marine and a Tracker. While I thought he did a fairly good job in the shows I watched, there are some things I would hope Will would work on. If I were running a mission I am sure people would have advice for me and I would like to think I would welcome it. There is not disrespect as long as it is done in a respectful way.
David Campbell
I love it,I love it! I WANT MORE OF IT! ?NEED VOLENTEERS?
skydiver28551
I have been in the Infantry, 2/5th SFG(A) and the 2/19th SFG(a) and I have heard more b!tch!ng than he did in that one episode on less. You guys are a bunch of complainers yourselves and I am sure that you have never been on a real mission like this! 15 years in the Pararescue I can promise he has seen his share of combat!
I hate to hear jealous b@st@rds complain about something they have no clue about! He has a show and you have your couch! That’s the difference!
Plus you wouldn’t know that the PJ’s are the ELITE of the ELITE if you have never been in a special operations unit NOT special operations capable but a REAL SF, SEAL, PJ, CCT, TACP, SAS or something similar!
STOP being jealous!
drivinggodspeed
PLEASSSSSSE bring this show back!!!!!
it had so much potential.
as a recruiting tool–
empowering potential candidates with extra confidence that dont fit the typical profile and possibly recruiting and fulling needed slots with new blood…new ideas. this show brought this elite world down to earth.
as entertainment–
there are so many different senerios you could use in a show like this. truly it doesn’t even need to be scripted AT ALL to be completely entertaining. the possibilities are endless and it doesn’t even require a huge production crew and big bang budget. in this case….. Cheap and simple is best….
BRING SPECIAL OPS MISSION BACK!!!!!!!
rich
Yeah, please bring back will. Why the hell did this get canceled in the first place? Just look at all the ratings from istore, zune, etc. Didn’t even give a full chance to catch on. 6 episodes really. No your right, I definetly would rather watch ww1 again, not really. Especially with all the success of games today like modern wafare their is definetly the potential for a great franchise behind will.
ian
i watched this show every chance i got, and agree that it is one of the best to date. i dont understand why it was canceled other than that it was only on the military channel and not everybody has it. i think if they wouldmove it to discovery along side of shows like “surviving he cut” it woyuld do a great deal better. either way, please bring it back. i thoroughly enjoyed it!
CmbtJumper
DAMN GOOD JOB YOU! 13-89 UTAH. 72 DAY RANGER.