As a former RAF MT Driver ('82 to '94) and a frequent visitor to RAFG, I found this podcast filled in my missing knowledge on *why* it was drilled into us the importance of reporting sightings of SOXMIS plated vehicles. Sadly, in all my 12 years Service, I never saw one.
I served in the Intelligence Corps and one of my postings was to Intelligence and Security Group (Germany) in Rheindahlen. I was in the counter-intelligence section that targeted SOXMIS. Interesting work. The Int Corps covert surveillance unit that was mentioned in the interview was 28 Intelligence Section based in Herford. SOXMIS was their main target but they were also given other tasking as needed. To answer a couple of the questions raised: Yes, SOXMIS vehicles were fitted with what you called "James Bond switches" to alter their appearance. They would do things like dim one headlight so they looked different at night, or disconnect their brake lights so surveillance teams didn't get any warning that they were slowing down. Yes, SOXMIS did sometimes get involved in supporting other Soviet intelligence operations but it wasn't a regular thing. One point that wasn't mentioned is that SOXMIS were issued with BFG fuel coupons for their vehicles. There was a plan known as Operation Maddington that would have been implemented in the run up to war, to arrest and detain SOXMIS personnel. The French and Americans had similar plans for detaining the missions in their zones.
Many happy memories, obviously you were there a bit after me. I had the benefit of actually getting to know a lot of the SOXMIS folk. Teenagers and vodka should really be kept apart. (Son of a former BLO).
You're the best cold war podcaster/content creator right now, and you do not get the deserved recognition. Maybe collaborating with other podcasters or paying for adverts would be a good idea.
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As a former RAF MT Driver ('82 to '94) and a frequent visitor to RAFG, I found this podcast filled in my missing knowledge on *why* it was drilled into us the importance of reporting sightings of SOXMIS plated vehicles. Sadly, in all my 12 years Service, I never saw one.
I served in the Intelligence Corps and one of my postings was to Intelligence and Security Group (Germany) in Rheindahlen. I was in the counter-intelligence section that targeted SOXMIS. Interesting work.
The Int Corps covert surveillance unit that was mentioned in the interview was 28 Intelligence Section based in Herford. SOXMIS was their main target but they were also given other tasking as needed.
To answer a couple of the questions raised:
Yes, SOXMIS vehicles were fitted with what you called "James Bond switches" to alter their appearance. They would do things like dim one headlight so they looked different at night, or disconnect their brake lights so surveillance teams didn't get any warning that they were slowing down.
Yes, SOXMIS did sometimes get involved in supporting other Soviet intelligence operations but it wasn't a regular thing.
One point that wasn't mentioned is that SOXMIS were issued with BFG fuel coupons for their vehicles.
There was a plan known as Operation Maddington that would have been implemented in the run up to war, to arrest and detain SOXMIS personnel. The French and Americans had similar plans for detaining the missions in their zones.
Thanks for sharing that. Would you be up for a chat on the podcast? Contact me here coldwarconversations.com/contact/
Very, very interesting interview. Thank you so much.
1955-58 HQ 2nd Inf Div Pro Coy, Three Years numerous NATO Exercise often followed by SOXMIS. Comment from founder of RMP Old Comrades Link-Up.
Many happy memories, obviously you were there a bit after me. I had the benefit of actually getting to know a lot of the SOXMIS folk. Teenagers and vodka should really be kept apart. (Son of a former BLO).
Thanks for listening!
Keith & Ian, Job well done! very interesting stuff here!
Thanks. That’s v kind.
You're the best cold war podcaster/content creator right now, and you do not get the deserved recognition. Maybe collaborating with other podcasters or paying for adverts would be a good idea.
Thanks. I really appreciate your kind words. I am looking to see how I can grow the audience.
Brilliant!!
Interesting that the Soviets used Isuzu Troopers (apt name), I think that's the aforementioned No 43 in the picture?