Mail Call
Sunday 10:00 PM on The History Channel
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Season 8
- Ep 9M8 Armored Car, Mauser C96 Pistol, Dogs in War4/20/07
Ermey answers viewers questions about World War II's M8 armored car, the Mauser C96 pistol, weapons and gear used by German soldiers during World War II, and the history of the use of dogs in war. - Ep 8Pinnacle Armor, Apache Helicopter4/6/07
R. Lee Ermey answers viewer's questions about pinnacle armor and apache helicopters. - Ep 4Special Ops Army Scouts3/30/07
R. Lee Ermey answers question from Fort Knox. - Ep 3Air Force Special Operations3/23/07
R. Lee Ermey answers questions from Hurlburt Field, Flordia. - Ep 2Lockheed Starlifter, Project Bluebook3/16/07
R. Lee Ermey answers questions from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. - Ep 1The Potato Digger; KP; John Wayne; The Wire Dogs10/8/06
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he gives us the low-down on the 1895 Potato Digger, designed by John Browning. Ermey then answers an email about KP - kitchen police and tries to explain how legendary film star John Wayne has influenced the camouflage our soldiers wear. And finally, Ermey finds out who the Wire Dogs are, and why they are so important to our communications.moreless
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Season 7
- Ep 12War in the Pacific3/7/06
Aboard the USS Missouri, the Gunney gives us a ninety-minute history lesson on the WWII battles which took place in the Pacific Ocean, starting with the bombing of Peal Harbor, and concluding with the dropping of atomic bombs on Japan. - Ep 11Knob Creek Gun Range12/29/05
Host R. Lee Ermey heads to Knob Creek Gun Range in West Point, Kentucky, outside of Fort Knox, for the Knob Creek Shoot, a weekend when machine-gun owners and collectors converge for unbridled mayhem. At this former military-munitions test range, shooters nationwide come to buy, sell, and trade. First, the Gunny shows us around, talks about the history, hits sales tables, and fires off a few thousand rounds--from state-of-the-art to early vintage. Next, Lee takes a turn on the "Jungle Walk", a machine-gun shooting course with hidden targets and dense brush to recreate what it was like for the grunts in Viet Nam; and he gets a lift on a mule to the Knob Creek helipad where he goes aloft in a Cayuse OH-6A Helicopter for the range's aerial shooting course. Then, it's the night shoot, when you really get to see raw power as machine guns shoot tracers and fire at targets filled with diesel fuel and dynamite, incinerating cars, refrigerators, and oil drums.moreless - Ep 10Minot AFB12/13/05
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this one-hour special, Ermey goes back to Minot Air Force base for a history lesson on the base and the B-52 long-range bomber.moreless - Ep 9Ermey's Vietnam11/11/05
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this two-hour special, Ermey goes back to Vietnam for the first time since he left in 1969 to answer viewer mail.moreless - Ep 8AAV; Wild West Guns; Merrill's Marauders; Screaming Mimi11/4/05
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he visits the Naval Training Base in Coronado, California for a beach invasion training exercise, featuring an Amphibious Assault Vehicle. Ermey then offers a Top 5 countdown of the greatest beach invasions in history; then fires off a few guns from the Wild West like the Colt Peacemaker; he then salutes Merrill's Marauders, and looks into a German Weaon called the Screaming Mimi.moreless - Ep 7Army's National Training Center10/28/05
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he visits the Army's National Training Center to find out more on the M2A3, better known as the Bradley Fighting Vehicle; then gives us all the dirt on the M9 combat Earthmover; and finishes up in a mock-Iraqi village, which offers role-playing exercises so our soldiers know what they can expect to see in Iraq.moreless - Ep 6IED; Guadalcanal; Sullivan Brothers; Rough Riders10/21/05
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he learns about one of the biggest threats facing today's soldiers, Improvised Explosive Devices, and then offers up a history lesson on the battle for Guadalcanal. Gunny then profiles the Sullivan Brothers, and then the legendary Rough Riders of the Spanish-American War, as well as the modern-day Rough Riders.moreless - Ep 5DOD Firefighter; USMC Martial Arts Training; Little David10/7/05
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he dons the duds of a Department of Defense firefighter at their training facility at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, California, and gives a short history of Napalm. Gunny then travels to Camp Pendleton, California for a demonstration of USMC martial arts training. Finally, we learn about Little David and Goliath, which are remote-controlled weapons platforms.moreless - Ep 4Hurricane Katrina10/6/05
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he heads to the Gulf Coast to see with his own eyes what our soldiers are doing to help out the people who are suffering from Hurricane Katrina.moreless - Ep 3German Renaissance; 9mm Luger P-08; AFN; Battle of Britain9/30/05
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he learns about the weapons of the German Renaissance in the 16th century, and offers a live demonstration of a more modern weapon, the 9 mm Luger P-08. Gunny then offers up a history lesson on the AFN (American Forces Network) and gives a tribute to WWII journalist Bill Mauldin; and finally talks about the Battle of Britain.moreless - Ep 2Beach Master; DLI; Hooch; Eureka MPTGS Type 3 Tent; Cabanatuan Raid; Arisaka Rifle9/23/05
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he heads to Coronado Naval Base to see how the Navy beach masters do their job; then travels to the Defense Language Institute in Monterrey, California, where military personnel learn how to speak Afghani, Korean, Arabic, and other languages in a flash. We also get to check out Gunny's new Eureka MPTGS Type 3 tent, and finally demonstrates the Arisaka rifle, the bolt-action rifle used by the Japanese Imperial Army.moreless - Ep 1MK-19 Grenade Launcher; PPSH-41; WWII Weasel; Vertijet9/16/05
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he heads to Camp Pendleton where he gets some trigger time with the MK-19 grenade launcher, and then focuses on Russian tactics and weapons of WWII. Finally, it's time for a a test drive of a WWII Weasel, and then a profile of the Vertijet, America's first vertical take-off jet aircraft.moreless
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Season 6
- Ep 12Benelli M4 Shotgun; 1st Air Cav in Vietnam; Germany's WWII ME-163 Komet & Kubelwagen6/24/05
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he shows off his favorite new shotgun, the Benelli M4. Then, in tribute to a fallen hero, he profiles Sergeant 1st Class Paul Smith, the first Medal of Honor recipient during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Next, he offers a history lesson on the first major battle of the Vietnam War, the Battle of Ia Drang; and finally shows off Germany's WWII ME-163 Komet & Kubelwagen.moreless - Ep 11Abrams M1-A1; Kasserine Pass and El Guttar6/17/05
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he travels to the Marine Corps Weapons Training Center for a live fire exercise with the Abrams M1-A1; then offers a history lesson on the battles of Kasserine Pass and El Guttar in North Africa; and finally shows a new type of armor which is stronger than Kevlar.moreless - Ep 8Iwo Jima Special5/27/05
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he travels to the Pacific Island of Iwo Jima with 86 veterans of the WWII invasion to relive the US Marine Corps' most heroic battle.moreless - Ep 629 Palms5/13/05
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he gives us a tour of the Marine Corps Training Command Center, a.k.a. 29 Palms.moreless - Ep 1Ballista; Pedersen Device; Peashooter3/4/05
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he dresses up as a Roman legionnaire and learns about the ballista; then gets trigger time with the Pedersen Device; and checks out the Rhino PAK (Portable Armor Kit); and finally learns about the Peashooter.moreless
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Season 5
- Ep 72Civil War Special5/22/05
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he dresses up as a Civil War Marine Corps sergeant. He performs live-fire demonstrations with the Union's Springfield rifle, the Confederacy's Enfield rifle, the 1842 Springfield muzzle loader, and a cannon. He also cooks up the civil war version of an MRE, salt port and hardtack.moreless - Ep 70SS Lane Victory4/1/05
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he goes on board the SS Lane Victory, the only fully operational WWII-era victory ship in the world; then profiles the Merchant Marines and Navy Armed Guard in WWII; and finally takes a look back to the Navajo Code Talkers.moreless - Ep 69The Pentagon4/29/05
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he takes us inside the nerve center of American defense, the Pentagon. - Ep 68Afghanistan3/18/05
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he returns to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan and gets some trigger time with the Cobra attack helicopter, test drives the Marine Corps' newest heavy duty truck, the MTVR, and much more.moreless - Ep 67NORAD3/11/05
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he hits the road to give us an inside look at one of the most secure and super-secret facilities in the world, NORAD.moreless - Ep 63Rapid Fielding Initiative/Anti-Tank and Anti-Anti-Tank/Blimp Sub-hunters/Cloud Car10/3/04
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he checks to see if our soldiers are getting the latest gear in record time through the Rapid Fielding Initiative; then looks at the German Army's anti-tank and anti-anti-tank weapons; and finally looks at how the Navy used blimps as sub hunters during WWII.moreless - Ep 62XM8/Spencer/AC-47 Spooky/Small Diameter Bomb/Gotha Bomber9/26/04
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he pulls a little trigger time with the XM8 and the Spencer; then looks at the Vietnam War era AC-47 Spooky gunship; and finally travels down to Eglin AFB to check out the Small Diameter Bomb, followed by a look at the German Gotha Bomber.moreless - Ep 59Javelin Anti-Tank Missile; Tankgewehr 1918; P-3 Orion; SOG8/29/04
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he finds out how our soldiers use the Javelin anti-tank missile and looks back at the first anti-tank rifle, the massive bolt-action Tankgewehr 1918; then it's out to the open ocean for a little submarine hunting in the Navy's P-3 Orion aircraft; and finally he discovers the weapons, gear, and tactics used by the Studies and Observations Group (SOG) during the Vietnam War.moreless - Ep 57Marine Corps Marksmanship; The BAT; Maritime Safety & Security Teams8/8/04
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he explains the difference between marksman, sharpshooter, and expert; reviews WWII coast artillery and examines one of WWII's most sophisticated missiles, the BAT; and finally checks out the Coast Guard's latest approach to the War on Terror, the Maritime Safety and Security Teams.moreless - Ep 56Episode 568/1/04
- Ep 55Episode 557/25/04
- Ep 14Celebrity Golf Tournament, Gala Ball, and Auction11/9/04
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he hosts from his first annual Celebrity Golf Tournament, Gala Ball, and Auction in Washington, DC.moreless - Ep 13Zoaves/Flying Wing/ICBM/Swift Boats10/12/04
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he explains why the Confederacy feared the Zouaves; then we learn about the greatest WWII bayonet charge; and finally get some flight time with the Northrop YB-35.moreless - Ep 10Military Sidearms/Glock Handguns/MG42/WWII British Commando Weapons/Gun Truck Alley9/19/04
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he discusses the future of the military sidearm; then sets his sights on a patch of enemy watermelons with the German MG42; and finally looks at the weapons and gear of the British Commandos of WWII and discovers how troop convoy protection in improving today due to some innovative training on Gun Truck Alley.moreless - Ep 9The War of 18129/5/04
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he travels back in time to see what it was like to go up against the British back in 1812.moreless - Ep 7Silencers; Flashbang Grenade; WWII Japanese Gear; HITRON Teams8/15/04
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he discovers why the military uses silencers in a live-fire demonstration; then checks out the weapons and gear of Japanese soldiers in WWII's Pacific Theater; and finally catches up with the tough new Coast Guard HITRON teams.moreless - Ep 5Gear of the French Musketeers; Fighter Planes of World War II; High Altitude Rescue Team; XR-8 Syncopter8/1/04
In this episode, R. Lee Ermey finds out what sort of gear the French Musketeers used; then sizes up the US F6F Hellcat and the Japanese A6M Zero, two of the greatest fighter planes of WWII; and what it takes to be a member of the US Army's High Altitude Rescue Team.moreless - Ep 4The Navy Marine Mammals Program; The Chain of Evacuation in World War II; WC54 Ambulance; The Desert Ducks7/25/04
In this episode, R. Lee Ermey looks into how the Navy Marine Mammals program will help the US detect mines in the sea; then discovers how we got our injured WWII soldiers from the battlefield to field hospitals; and finds out what it's like delivering mail to ships in the Persian Gulf, which is the job of the Desert Ducks.moreless - Ep 3MP5; Three Types of Automatic Weapons; Marine Corps Paratroopers of World War II; Photograph of the Flag Raisers at Iwo Jima7/18/04
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he demonstrates the firepower of the MP5; then gives the often-overlooked Marine Corps paratroopers of WWII their due; and relates the story behind the photo of the Iwo Jima flag-raisers. Then, fighter pilots demonstrate the new state-of-the-art hands-free helmet system.moreless - Ep 2Spanish-American War Rifle; Remembering the Maine; SR-71 Blackbird; U-2 Spy Plane; Training for Extreme Battlefield Conditions7/11/04
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he demonstrates the firepower of a Krag-Jorgenson rifle from the Spanish-American War; then explains what sank the USS Maine; and catches up with history's fastest plane, the SR-71 Blackbird and finds out what went wrong with its predecessor, the U-2 spy plane. Then, he visits the Northern Warfare Training Center in Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, and answers a question about how extreme cold weather helped the WWII Allies in the Battle of Stalingrad.moreless - Ep 1D-Day Special6/6/04
In commemoration of the anniversary of the Allied landing on D-Day in 1944, host R. Lee Ermey takes an in-depth look at the technology used throughout the "longest day"--and travels to Dover, England and Normandy, France for a view from both sides of the operation in a special hour-long program.
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Season 4
- Ep 14Bren Gun & Carrier; Special Forces School Final Exam; Beasts of Burden; Predator; 1st RPV5/16/04
R. Lee Ermey answers viewer's questions about how one becomes a member of the special forces, beasts of burden, and more. - Ep 13Mark V Special Ops Craft; U.S. Gunboat; German Paratroopers; German Junkers; M113 APC; K-Rations5/2/04
R. Lee Ermey answers viewer's questions about Mark V Special Ops Craft, the role of German paratroopers in wars, K-Rations, and more. - Ep 12Nuclear-Attack Submarine: Diving, Steering and Sonar; Torpedoes and Tomahawk Missiles; Reactor; Chow4/25/04
R. Lee Ermey answers viewer's questions about the military nuclear armed submarines, technology aboard the subs, and more. - Ep 11Jump Gear; Weapons; Communications and Medical Gear4/11/04
R. Lee Ermey answers viewer's questions about jump gear, communication technology in the military, and the newest medical gear. - Ep 10Navy SEALs; Frogmen; Kettering Bug; A-10 Warthog; Rommel's Afrika Korps Gear4/4/04
R. Lee Ermey answers viewer's questions about the original of the Navy SEALs, the kettering bug, and more. - Ep 7# 463/7/04
- Ep 6Medieval Madness; National Technical Systems; Fabulous Flops; P-51 Mustang; A-2 Flight Jacket2/15/04
R. Lee Ermey answers viewer's questions about what exactly is medieval madness, the p-51 Mustang, and more. - Ep 1A Very Ermey Christmas12/21/03
R. Lee Ermey salutes more than two centuries of Christmas at War--from Valley Forge to Baghdad, we present inspiring stories about how troops have celebrated the holiday season. Topics include the WWI Christmas truce across the trenches of the French countryside, the men of the 101st Airborne under siege during the Battle of the Bulge in Christmas 1944, the retreat at Choisin Reservoir in Korea, and the Gunny's strong involvement over the years in the Marine Corps' Toys for Tots charity program.moreless
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Season 3
- Ep 14Cobra Attack Helicopter; Sidewinder Missile; C-54 Skymaster; MPs; Flintlock Pistol11/2/03
Coming soon... - Ep 13Avenger; Stinger and Red-Eye Missiles; Military Firefighter and Smokejumper; Kiowa Helicopter; Kilroy10/26/03
Coming soon... - Ep 10WWII Half Track; Arctic Vehicles; Weird Weapons; Navy Hydrofoils; Combat Controllers; Gunnery Sergeant10/5/03
Host R. Lee Ermey answers questions regarding Arctic vehicles and Navy hydrofoils. He also discusses unusual Word War II weapons and the role of a Marine Corps gunnery sergeant. - Ep 9Claymore Mine; 1st U.S. Nuclear Sub; Resupply at Sea; Patriot Air Defense Missile; Jody Songs9/14/03
R. Lee Ermey demonstrates the claymore anti-personnel mine--a favorite weapon for perimeter defense in Vietnam that's still in use--and checks out the medieval claymore--a 16th-century sword used by Scottish warriors. Other viewer questions Lee addresses include: America's first nuclear-powered submarine; how naval vessels resupply at sea; if the Patriot Missile performs better now than in the first Gulf War; the origin of the name Jody for the rhythmic cadence songs used while drilling or runningmoreless - Ep 9Episode 99/14/03
- Ep 8Armored Scout Car; Water-Cooled Machine Gun; Fart Sack; Shuteye; Nazi U-Boats; Stealth Ship9/7/03
In this episode, R. Lee Ermey answers questions about the effectiveness of armored scout cars in WW2, how the water cooled machine gun works, what a "fart sack" is, how soldiers get sleep on the battlefield, how effective the German U-Boats were in WW2, and the newest Naval stealth ship. - Ep 8Episode 89/7/03
- Ep 7Marine Sniper School; Hand Signals; Ho Chi Minh Trail; Motorcycles; Loading Palettes; C-1198/31/03
Host R. Lee Ermey answers viewer's questions regarding sniper training, hand signals used by soldiers, and military motorcycles. He also discusses how the Viet Cong brought supplies into South Vietnam during the war. - Ep 6Marine Sniper Rifle; BlowGun; Mulberry Harbor; French Resistance; Frontline Medi8/17/03
In this episode, R. Lee Ermey explains the origin of the word "berserk". He also describes the weapons of the French Resistance in World War II and the rifles used by military snipers. - Ep 5M-16; Viet Cong Booby Traps; Super-Secret Ravens; Wild Weasels; Vietnam River Patrol Boats; Green Berets8/10/03
Host R. Lee Ermey answers questions regarding the Vietnam War. He explains Viet Cong booby traps, what the Wild Weasels are, how the Green Berets got their name. - Ep 5Episode 58/10/03
- Ep 4Rocket-Assisted Projectile; WWII German Gustav; Tent Tech; Pup Tent; Tomahawk;7/27/03
In this episode, host R. Lee Ermey answers viewer's questions regarding rocket-propelled artillery and tent technology. He also discusses the largest gun ever used in combat, and describes how Native Americans made and used tomahawks. - Ep 4Episode 47/27/03
- Ep 3M-1 Garand Rifle; First Assault Rifle; JATO; Golden Knights Parachute Team; G. I. Jargon7/20/03
R. Lee Ermey answers questions about the M-1 Garand rifle, jet-assisted take-off, freefall parachute team, barrage balloons, and military jargon. - Ep 2Super Stallion Helicopter; Flying Banana; Navy Hazing; Seabees; GI Jargon; Tank Ammo7/13/03
In this episode, R. Lee Ermey answers questions about heavy lift helicopters, the equator crossing hazing ritual, the way the Navy Seabees built runways in the Pacific, the G.I. term G-2, and the difference between Sabot and HEAT anti-tank rounds. - Ep 1Live from the Gulf7/6/03
This episode was live in Kuwait. Gunnery Sgt. Ermey talked to the troops and answered questions.
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Season 2
- Ep 13Newest Coast Guard Ship; Carrier Battle Group; Tanks; Sherman Tank; XM-29 Rifle4/12/03
Motor lifeboat; carrier battle group; Sherman tanks; futuristic rifle; voice mail. - Ep 12Unmanned Aircraft; Bogey; 1st Combat Helicopter; Forward Observers;4/6/03
R. Lee Ermey answers viewer's questions about the military's use of unmanned aircrafts. He also discusses the first combat helicopter and the Fairbairn-Sykes commando knife. - Ep 11Amphibious Assault Vehicle; Jeep; Medieval Battering Ram; Urban Warfare; Ball Tu3/23/03
Marines' 26-ton AAV stays afloat; jeeps; battering rams; urban warfare; World War II bombers; pictures on World War II airplanes. - Ep 10Episode 103/15/03
- Ep 10Medieval Weapons; Lewis Gun; Carrier Pigeons; Gliders in Combat; Anti-Tank3/15/03
In this episode, R. Lee Ermey discusses medieval weapons and lewis guns. He also answers viewer's questions about the military's use of carrier pigeons, gliders in combat, anti-tank missiles, and ejection seats. - Ep 9Anti-Tank Rocket; Bazooka; HQ Tour; Tactical Operations Center; Downed Pilots3/9/03
R. Lee Ermey heads to the range with the Marines to demonstrate the bazooka's replacement--an AT-4 shoulder-mounted anti-tank rocket--and finds out how the bazooka got its name. After a tongue-in-cheek tour of Mail Call Headquarters, we learn how commanders stay in touch with the battlefield at a Tactical Operations Center, a mobile command post for the computer age. We meet Air Force Pararescuemen, who rescue downed pilots behind enemy lines, and discover the origin of a 21-gun salute''(#23)moreless - Ep 8Self-Propelled Artillery; Matchlock Musket; Airships; Blue Angels; Pirate Weapons; Depth Charges3/2/03
In this episode, R. Lee Ermey answers question about artillery, how a matchlock musket works, how depth charges work, what kinds of weapons pirates used, and finds out if the U.S. Navy really used airships as floating aircraft carriers. - Ep 8Episode 83/2/03
- Ep 7Deuce and a Half; Vietnam Gun Truck; World War II Household Fat; Missile Silos;2/9/03
In this episode, R. Lee Ermey answers question about the WWII Deuce and a Half and the Vietnam Gun Truck. Gunny also learns about missile silos, WWII explosives, the latest in transport aircraft, did Scottish soldiers really wear kilts into battle, and who did the Germans call the "Girls from Hell" in WWI.moreless - Ep 6LAV; Landing Craft; Doughboy; OPFOR; Chain Mail; Military Salute2/2/03
In this episode, R. Lee Ermey rides along with the Marines in an LAV, or Light Armored Vehicle. He finds out why landing craft don't sink when their ramps come down, what the WWI term "Doughboy" means, who our troops train against (the OPFOR, or "Opposing Force"), how to make medieval chain mail, and how the military salute developed.moreless - Ep 5Trebuchet; Troop Headcounts; BAR; Smart Bombs; Modern Parachutes; Boomerangs1/26/03
In this episode, R. Lee Ermey learns how a trebuchet, or catapult, was used by medieval armies; how many troops are in a platoon, a company, and a division; the history of the Browning Automatic Rifle; how smart bombs work; the types of parachutes used by today's paratroopers; and how the weapon version of a boomerang was used.moreless - Ep 4Marine Weapons Training; Greek Phalanx; MiG-29; Hellcat Tank Destroyer1/19/03
In this episode, R. Lee Ermey travels to the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Training Center at Camp Pendleton, California, where Marines fire at a video screen with "virtual" versions of their normal weapons. Gunny also learns more about the ancient Greek phalanx, an almost invincible infantry formation; the Russian MiG-29, the fastest frontline jet; the U.S. M-18 Hellcat tank destroyer, the fastest WWII tracked vehicle; Civil War cavalrymen gear; and dazzle paint, a type of nautical camouflage.moreless - Ep 4Episode 4
- Ep 3AVLB; Fulton Recovery System; Pilot Survival Kit; Trireme; Battleship Guns; Grapeshot12/29/02
R. Lee Ermey finds out more about the Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge, used by combat engineers; the Fulton Recovery System, which allows fixed-wing aircraft to rescue downed pilots; a pilot's survival kit; the ancient Greek warship, the Trireme; how to aim, load, and fire battleship guns; and how "grape shot", used in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, got its name.moreless - Ep 2Civil War Rifles; 1st Missile Sub; Navy Divers' Gear; Field Strip; Bowie Knife;12/22/02
In this episode, R. Lee Ermey compares Civil War rifles from both sides, learns about the first missile fired from the deck of a sub, compares the Navy's Mark 21 deep-sea suit, used for depths as far as 300-feet below surface, to "crush-proof" suits used in extreme missions that can go almost 2,000 feet down. Ermey then performs a field strip, breaking down a weapon, finds out why the Bowie knife is so special, and explains the evolution of a hedge chopper, used on tanks during D-Day.moreless - Ep 1Grenade Launchers; Shrapnel; D-Day Paratrooper Gear; Jet Packs12/15/02
In this episode, we learn how grenade launchers work, how a .30 caliber machine gun compares to a .50 caliber, watch Ermey behind the wheel of a Flyer 21--part dune buggy and part heavily-armed Jeep. We also discover the origin of the word shrapnel, what gear was unique to D-Day paratroopers, and if the military ever used jetpacks.moreless
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Season 1
- Ep 76B-26/10/05
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he takes a ride in a B-2 Stealth Bomber on a mock bomb run at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. He then discusses other bombers, including the Enola Gay, which dropped the nuclear bomb on Hiroshima, Japan to help end WWII.moreless - Ep 75Gator Navy6/3/05
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he ships out with the "Gator Navy" aboard an LCU (Landing Craft Utility), and then the LAAS (Landing Amphibious Assault Carrier), where the crew takes us through a fire drill and a close-quarter drill.moreless - Ep 53Episode 537/11/04
- Ep 52Episode 525/16/04
- Ep 49Episode 494/11/04
- Ep 48Episode 484/4/04
- Ep 47Fastest Army Vehicle; Uncle Sam; Tank Destroyers; Anti-Tank Rifle; Dive Bomber3/28/04
R. Lee Ermey answers viewer's questions about the Army's fastest vehicle, the original of Uncle Sam, tank destroyers, and more. - Ep 46Army Air Ambulance; 1st Special Service Force; Johnson Rifle; MiG-15 vs. F-863/7/04
At Fort Irwin, R. Lee Ermey checks out the Army's state-of-the-art air ambulance--the Blackhawk helicopter; then, he learns why the helicopter became so important to Korean War MASH units that it was dubbed "The Angel of Mercy". Then, he reviews the history of America's First Special Service Force, created in WWII and nicknamed "The Devil's Brigade" by the German Army; sees which Cold War superjet is tougher--the MiG-15 or F-86 Sabre; and checks out the first US operational jet--the P-59.moreless - Ep 45Heavy Support Vehicles2/22/04
At ease, Private! R. Lee Ermey is your commanding officer as we answer viewer questions about military methods and technology with practical demonstrations. Topics covered: Army Heavy Support Vehicles, including the M88 Heavy Recovery Vehicle and the M1070 Heavy Equipment Transporter; the Dragon Wagon, a WWII-era recovery vehicle; Ranger training in fast-roping and rappelling; All-Purpose Light Weight Individual Carrying Equipment; WWII Liberty and Victory Ships; and the term "Deep Six".moreless - Ep 43Grease Gun; Sten Gun; E-3 Sentry AWACS; J-Stars; Vietnam Fire Support Bases; Charlie2/8/04
R. Lee Ermey answers viewer's questions about the Sten gun, J-Stars, grease guns, and more. - Ep 42Guided Missile Destroyer; WWI Aircraft & Aces; Marine Corps FAST Teams1/25/04
R. Lee Ermey anwers viewer's questions about how guided missile destroyers work, the military aircrafts and aces of WWII, and more. - Ep 41Blimp; Military Shotguns; Navy Graveyard; Poop Deck1/18/04
R. Lee Ermey answers viewer's questions about the use of blimp in the military, military shotguns, Navy graveyards, and the origin of the poop deck. - Ep 40Golden Knights; U.S. Air Force; Flying Tigers; Blood Chit; AC-130U Spooky Gunsh1/11/04
R. Lee Ermey answers viewer's questions about the Golden Knights, U.S. Air Force, the history of the Flying Tigers, and more. - Ep 39Episode 39
- Ep 38Episode 38
- Ep 37F-15 Eagle; Flying Platform; Atomic Annie; Army Missiles; Tommy Gun v. Burp Gun; Measuring Bullets10/19/03
Coming soon... - Ep 36Military Pilot Training; Flak; Doolittle Raid; One-Man Submarine; Military Radios10/12/03
R. Lee Ermey answers viewer's questions regarding pilot training. He also informers the viewers about Doolittle's Raid in World War II and foxhole radios. - Ep 35Episode 355/16/09
- Ep 13Future Gear; Marine Camouflage; Army's New Armored Vehicle10/28/02
In this episode, R. Lee Ermey looks at possible gear for GIs on tomorrow's battlefields, how the Marines designed their new camo pattern, and examines the Army's new armored vehicle, the Stryker. - Ep 12The Jeep; HIMARS; Hurricanes10/21/02
R. Lee Ermey answers viewers' mail about Jeeps, rocket launchers used by the military, and Hurricane Hunters. - Ep 11Grenades; Dog Tags; Dinner in a Pouch10/7/02
Host, R. Lee Ermey, answers questions regarding military grenades and dog tags, and explains what a soldier's meals are like in the field. - Ep 10Ninja Weapons; Flamethrower; Military Dogs10/5/02
R. Lee Ermey applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this episode, he learns about the weapons of the Japanese Ninja, used since the 12th century, how flamethrowers work, and what military dogs are trained to do.moreless - Ep 9The Pilum; WWII Radios; First Rockets9/29/02
The ancient Roman pilum is designed to penetrate armor, World War II army radios, and how rockets were first used on the battlefield. - Ep 8Revolutionary War Musket; Jousting; Foxholes9/22/02
How fast a Revolutionary War soldier could fire a musket; jousting; how to dig a foxhole. - Ep 7Re-Fueling a Fighter Jet; Naval Signal Flags; GI Chow9/15/02
In this episode, R. Lee Ermey answers viewer's questions about fighter jets and signal flags. He also reveals what soldiers eat on the battlefield. '' - Ep 6Mortar; WWII GI's Personal Items; Native-American Arrows9/8/02
R. Lee Ermey answers questions about how to aim a mortar, what were "Dragon's Teeth", what did the American G.I. carry with him as personal items in World War 2, what is military time, and how did the Native Americans make arrows. - Ep 5Landing Craft, Air Cushion Hovercraft (L.C.A.C.); U.S. Cavalry Saddles; Gas Masks9/1/02
R. Lee Ermey answers questions regarding the L.C.A.C., cavalry saddles used in the Old West, and how gas masks work. - Ep 4Civil War Cannoneers; Night Vision; Clearing a Minefield8/25/02
R. Lee Ermey answers viewer's questions about Civil Wars cannons. He also discusses new night-vision technology, and explains how the military clears minefields along with a few other questions about first aid kits and the Khukuri knife. - Ep 3Flak Vest; Medieval Crossbow; WWI Pilots8/18/02
R. Lee Ermey answers questions about body armor, accuracy of a medieval crossbow, and how World War I pilots shot through their propellers in this episode. - Ep 2Knight's Armor; WWI Backpack; Landmine8/11/02
R. Lee Ermey answers questions about the armor that the knights of old wore, how landmines work, and what was in the World War 1 American soldier's backpack. - Ep 1Tank; Gatling Gun; Samurai Sword8/4/02
R. Lee Ermey, who played the sergeant in Full Metal Jacket, applies his gruff sense of humor in this half-hour series that answers viewers' mail about what the armed forces were, and really are, like! In this first episode, he finds out how to steer the WWII tank M5A1 (the Stuart); how fast a Gatling gun can fire; and why the samurai sword is so powerful.moreless
