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Special Ops Mission
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| Special Ops Mission | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Created by | Bob Niemack |
| Starring | Wil Willis |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 6 |
| Production | |
| Running time | 42 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | American Heroes Channel |
| Release | August 13 – September 17, 2009 |
Special Ops Mission is an American reality television series that premiered on August 13, 2009 on the Military Channel (now American Heroes Channel). The program features former United States Army Ranger and Air Force Pararescueman Wil Willis, who performs solo special operations missions against groups of opposing-force (OPFOR) operatives, which consists of regular and special operations veterans in a simulated wargame mission.
Plot
[edit]At the beginning of each episode, Wil Willis, call sign Whiskey Whiskey, is given information on a specific special operations mission by U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant Tom Minder or U.S. Army Sergeant Matt Anderson, which he must complete solo. It is Willis' call as to how he wishes to infiltrate, collect intelligence, complete objectives, and how he will deal with the OPFOR (opposing force). The OPFOR are then introduced, with backgrounds and call signs given. Both parties separately discuss plans, though neither side is told how many enemies they will face. Equipment and weapons are introduced, which typically consists of M4 carbines and M16 rifles loaded with Simunition rounds. It is predetermined that a simulated hit to the torso is a kill shot, while a hit to an extremity only wounds.
Willis also carries a variety of other equipment to cover mission variables such as environment (weather and terrain), expected resistance, and infiltration/exfiltration plans. Digital cameras for intelligence gathering, a remote-controlled 2 wheeled surveillance robot equipped with a night vision camera for scouting ahead, and body armor are just some examples of what he uses. Likewise, the OPFOR may have access to special equipment of their own, such as motor vehicles, various grenades, and early detection gear.
Episodes
[edit]| # | Title | Original airdate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Operation Urban Terror" | August 13, 2009 | |
|
Insurgents have taken over a large building and are using it to hold hostages. Willis' mission is to infiltrate the insurgent stronghold, interrupt the flow of illicit money and weapons, and rescue the hostages from the insurgents. Friendly force: Wil Willis: Escaped; Hostages: Escaped OPFOR: Tango 1 - Charlie Parrish - U.S. Army: Eliminated; Tango 2 - Chase Rivera - U.S. Marine Corps; Tango 3 - Lowel Muenchau - U.S. Marine Corps: Eliminated; Tango 4 - Colin Palmer - U.S. Navy SEALs: Eliminated Objectives: Infiltrate building: Completed; Intercept weapons shipment: Failed; Liberate hostages: Completed; Exfiltrate: Completed | |||
| 2 | "Operation Frozen Thunder" | August 20, 2009 | |
|
Terrorists have dammed up the local water supply, and are hijacking deliveries of humanitarian aid intended for a refugee camp down-river. Willis' mission is to trek through the snow and blow up the dam that is preventing water from flowing to the refugee camp. Friendly force: Wil Willis: Eliminated; Hostage: Escaped OPFOR: Raven 1 - Charlie Parrish - U.S. Army: Eliminated; Raven 2 - Kicker - U.S. Marine Corps; Raven 3 - Chris "Mojo" Merkle - U.S. Marine Corps: Eliminated; Raven 4 - Nick Lattu - U.S. Army: Eliminated Objectives: Recon camp: Completed; Destroy the dam: Completed; Destroy communications system: Completed; Destroy the water tower: Complete; Liberate hostages: Completed; Exfiltrate: Failed | |||
| 3 | "Operation Covert Canyon" | August 27, 2009 | |
|
A rebel force is acquiring weapons of mass destruction. Their camp is protected by five operators. Willis' mission is to infiltrate the camp, document the weapons, and upload the photographs to Central Command. Friendly force: Wil Willis: Escaped OPFOR: Tommy 1 - Michael Lee - U.S. Marine Corps; Tommy 2 - John Beltran - U.S. Navy SEALs; Tommy 3 - Jason Kyle - U.S. Marine Corps; Tommy 4 - Rich McDonough - U.S. Navy: Eliminated; Tommy 5 - Charlie Parrish - U.S. Army: Eliminated Objectives: Infiltrate rebel camp: Completed; Document the existence of WMD: Completed; Document the delivery of WMD: Completed; Remove guidance system from weapon: Incomplete; Exfiltrate: Completed | |||
| 4 | "Operation Pirate Guns" | September 3, 2009 | |
|
Pirates have captured a Merchant Marine gunship. Aerial intelligence shows shipments of nuclear material being loaded onto the ship. Willis' mission is to infiltrate the ship and determine the pirate's target. Friendly force: Wil Willis: Escaped; Hostage scientists: Eliminated OPFOR: Skinny 1 - Chris Withrow - U.S. Navy SEALs; Skinny 2 - Steffond Johnson - U.S. Marine Corps: Eliminated; Skinny 3 - Carlos Moreno - U.S. Marine Corps; Skinny 4 - Jen X - U.S. Army Objectives: Board the ship: Completed; Destroy the deck guns: Completed; Disable the ship: Completed; Recon the navigation charts: Completed; Rescue the scientists: Failed; Exfiltrate: Completed | |||
| 5 | "Operation Freebird Down" | September 10, 2009 | |
|
A force antagonistic to the government has set up anti-aircraft systems. Willis' mission is to take direct action against the radar and communication systems that allow the OPFOR to track and engage friendly aircraft. Friendly force: Wil Willis: Escaped; Badger 1-1 (Pilot) - Justin Shook - U.S. Air Force: Escaped OPFOR: Dave Thomas - U.S. Army: Eliminated; Alan Tafoya - Law enforcement: Eliminated; Randle Ross - U.S. Army: Eliminated; Steven Watanabe - U.S. Army: Wounded Objectives: Infiltrate enemy area of operations: Completed; Destroy the communications tower: Completed; Destroy the mobile radar unit: Incomplete; Rescue the downed pilot: Completed; Destroy the dirty bomb: Completed; Neutralize/capture Stinger Missile Launcher: Completed; Exfiltrate: Completed | |||
| 6 | "Operation One Shot" | September 17, 2009 | |
|
A drug lord is visiting a military training camp in order to observe its operations and see weapons demonstrations. Willis is sent to infiltrate the camp, positively identify the drug lord, and eliminate him. Friendly force: Wil Willis: Escaped OPFOR: Chase Rivera - U.S. Marine Corps; Brian Sargent - U.S. Marine Corps; Rob Kaneiss - U.S. Navy SEALs; Michael Pich - U.S. Marine Corps; Jason Neumann - U.S. Army; Eric Stinson - Law enforcement; Rex - Police dog Objectives: Infiltrate enemy area of operations: Completed; Confirm ability to make weapons: Completed; Photograph drug lord: Completed; Assassinate drug lord: Completed; Exfiltrate: Completed | |||
Reviews
[edit]Mike Hale of The New York Times offers suspicion regarding the realism of the program.[1] Viewer response, on the other hand, has been primarily positive, and as of October 2009[update] the show had an average rating of 5/5 on the iTunes Store.
References
[edit]- ^ Hale, Mike (August 12, 2009). "Military Mission, and You Are There". The New York Times.
External links
[edit]Special Ops Mission
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Premise and Format
Premise
Special Ops Mission is an American reality television series that simulates special operations missions through wargames, featuring host Wil Willis, a former U.S. Army Ranger and Air Force Pararescueman, as he executes solo objectives against teams of opposing forces composed of veterans and former special operations personnel.[7][8] The show's central concept pits Willis alone against these groups in realistic scenarios, employing authentic tactics and equipment but using simulated ammunition to ensure safety.[7][8] The series aims to educate viewers on real-world special operations techniques, equipment, and strategies employed by U.S. military forces, drawing from historical events and standard training exercises to recreate high-stakes environments.[8] Mission types include hostage rescues in complex structures, reconnaissance and infiltration of terrorist camps, and direct action assaults such as disrupting pirate operations or anti-aircraft systems.[8] These simulations highlight the precision and adaptability required in special ops, providing an unscripted glimpse into military problem-solving without live combat risks.[8] A distinctive element of the program is its emphasis on the isolation and elevated risks of solo special operations, contrasting with typical team-based missions by showcasing Willis's individual decision-making under pressure, often with remote guidance from experts via radio.[7][8] This format not only entertains through tense, authentic action but also underscores the mental and physical demands unique to lone operators in elite units.[8]Format
"Special Ops Mission" employs a standardized episode format that simulates real-world special operations through a structured progression of phases, emphasizing tactical execution and strategic planning. Each episode opens with an introduction to the mission objective, drawn from historical or hypothetical military scenarios such as hostage rescues or target infiltrations, setting the stage for Wil Willis's solo endeavor. This setup is followed by a preparation phase where Willis reviews intelligence, selects equipment like weapons, night-vision gear, and communication devices, and outlines his approach under guidance from a monitoring commander. The core execution phase then unfolds in distinct segments: infiltration to approach the target area stealthily, engagement with opposing forces using non-lethal tactics, and extraction to complete the objective and evade capture. Episodes conclude with a debrief, where Willis and the commander analyze performance, highlighting successes, failures, and lessons in survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) principles.[1][8][9] Central to the show's rules of engagement is Willis operating alone against a numerically superior force of highly trained opponents, typically veterans from Army Rangers, Navy SEALs, or Marines, to replicate the odds faced in actual operations. Safety is ensured through the use of Simunition—realistic, non-lethal ammunition that mimics live fire without causing injury—allowing for intense confrontations in controlled environments. Missions incorporate military-grade simulations, including pyrotechnics and special effects for authenticity, while Willis receives real-time instructions via radio from the off-site commander who tracks progress through video feeds and GPS.[8][9][10] Key procedural elements include time limits to heighten tension, often ranging from hours to simulate operational urgency, and a scoring system based on objectives achieved, such as neutralizing threats, capturing targets, or securing intelligence without detection. Success is measured by completion rates and tactical efficiency, with post-mission analysis providing breakdowns of decision-making and environmental adaptations. Environmental challenges vary across episodes, encompassing urban settings with building complexes, wilderness terrains like mountainous camps, or maritime scenarios, to demonstrate versatile special operations skills. This consistent structure underscores the show's educational goal of illustrating special operations methodologies.[1][8][10]Production
Development
Special Ops Mission was produced by Morningstar Entertainment in collaboration with Discovery Communications' Military Channel.[11] Executive producers Gary Tarpinian and Paninee Theeranuntawat, along with series producer Bob Niemack, oversaw the initial planning to ensure scenarios like infiltrations and extractions were grounded in military realism without live ammunition.[12] The core idea emphasized solo operative challenges against opposing teams to showcase special operations expertise, with Wil Willis selected as host due to his background as a former U.S. Army Ranger and Air Force Pararescueman, allowing for authentic narration and demonstrations.[1]Filming and Challenges
Filming for Special Ops Mission occurred primarily at U.S.-based sites designed to replicate authentic operational zones, including simulated urban environments, rugged mountain areas with up to five feet of snow, and arid desert terrains, spanning locations from coast to coast. These diverse settings allowed the production to mirror real-world special operations scenarios without venturing abroad, emphasizing domestic facilities such as training ranges and mock installations for logistical feasibility.[13] To ensure safety and realism, the show employed simunition systems—non-lethal training ammunition that uses paint-like capsules (red or blue) to mark hits on participants—adapted for weapons including the M4 carbine, M16 rifle, AK-47, and 9mm pistols. Protective gear was standard, and rules mandated that anyone struck declare "I'm hit" or "I'm down" to simulate casualties and prevent real injuries, with host Wil Willis carrying compact cameras to capture first-person footage during missions. This setup coordinated closely with elite military personnel, such as Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and Marine Recon teams, who served as opposing forces, requiring precise scheduling around their active-duty commitments to maintain authenticity while prioritizing participant welfare.[13] Production faced significant hurdles from environmental variability and operational intensity, with weather playing a key role in complicating shoots—such as navigating deep snow in mountainous episodes or extreme heat in desert ones—that demanded adaptive tactics and extended preparation. Coordinating with military opponents added layers of complexity, as the solo-versus-team format created claustrophobic, high-stakes pursuits where limited movement and enforced silence heightened tension, often turning simple infiltrations into prolonged cat-and-mouse games. As Willis observed, "Every environment has unique challenges and quirks," underscoring the need for rigorous injury prevention protocols amid these realistic yet controlled simulations.[13]Cast and Crew
Host
Wil Willis, born in 1975, served in the United States Army from 1993 to 1998 as a member of the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, following his enlistment immediately after high school graduation.[14] After leaving active duty, he cross-trained into the United States Air Force, becoming a Pararescueman and serving until 2008.[14] His extensive military background provided him with specialized training in special operations tactics, survival, rescue operations, and combat casualty care, making him a highly qualified expert in high-risk missions.[15] Willis was selected as the host of Special Ops Mission due to his authentic military expertise as a former Army Ranger and Air Force Pararescueman, bringing credibility to the show's portrayal of real-world special operations scenarios; he began hosting the series in 2009 on the Military Channel.[8] His charisma and on-camera presence, honed through years of leadership in elite units, further suited him for the role, allowing him to engage viewers while demonstrating practical skills.[1] In the series, Willis personally performed all physical aspects of the missions, replicating solo special operations objectives such as hostage rescues or infiltrations against simulated enemy forces, often under realistic constraints like time limits and environmental challenges.[8] He provided ongoing narration of tactics and decision-making during the missions, offering insights into special operations principles drawn from his experience, and concluded each episode with a debriefing alongside military experts to analyze successes, failures, and key lessons learned.[8] This hands-on involvement ensured the show's authenticity, as Willis's real-world qualifications lent genuine depth to the tactical discussions and demonstrations.[1] Following Special Ops Mission, Willis transitioned to other hosting roles and acting, but his contributions to the series highlighted the value of firsthand expertise in educational military programming.[16]Supporting Personnel
The supporting personnel for Special Ops Mission encompassed a cadre of former special operations forces members who functioned as both military advisors and opposing force (OPFOR) actors, drawing from elite U.S. military units to maintain tactical authenticity. These experts, including U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant Tom Minder as command central and U.S. Army veteran Charlie Parrish as an OPFOR actor, contributed to scenario design by incorporating real-world mission parameters and portrayed the "enemy" combatants, providing realistic resistance during Wil Willis's simulated operations. Their involvement extended to validating tactics and equipment use, with military advisors credited across episodes to ensure alignment with actual special operations protocols.[12][9] On the production side, the crew was led by Morningstar Entertainment, which handled overall execution under creator Bob Niemack. Key contributors included field producer and co-producer Christopher Barnes, who managed on-location logistics, and series story producer Josh Cole, responsible for narrative structure and episode scripting.[12] Cinematographers focused on dynamic action capture using multi-camera setups to document high-stakes maneuvers without disrupting immersion, while safety coordinators oversaw risk mitigation for physical stunts involving weaponry and environmental hazards. Consultants from various U.S. military branches periodically advised on technical accuracy, emphasizing practical expertise over celebrity involvement to preserve the series' grounded realism.[12][9]Broadcast and Episodes
Premiere and Airing
Special Ops Mission premiered on the Military Channel on August 13, 2009, with its six-episode first season airing weekly on Thursdays at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT (9:00 p.m. CT).[5] The series concluded its run with the season finale, "Operation One Shot," on September 17, 2009.[17] Each episode had a runtime of approximately 42 to 49 minutes. Following the Military Channel's rebranding to American Heroes Channel on March 3, 2014, reruns of Special Ops Mission continued to air on the network, maintaining its focus on military-themed programming for a targeted audience of men aged 25-54.[18] The show experienced limited international distribution, primarily remaining available within the United States.[2] In the 2010s, the series became accessible via streaming platforms, including Netflix, where it was offered for on-demand viewing.[6] It later appeared on services like Apple TV, expanding digital access without broadening its core niche appeal. Due to its specialized content aimed at military enthusiasts, Special Ops Mission was not renewed for a second season and remains a single-season production.[18]Episode List
The first season of Special Ops Mission features six episodes, each recreating a solo special operations scenario inspired by real-world military tactics and historical events such as hostage rescues and counter-terrorism operations.[1] These missions challenge host Wil Willis to navigate complex environments against simulated adversaries, emphasizing stealth, infiltration, and objective completion without support.[19] The episodes aired weekly on the Military Channel starting in August 2009.| Episode # | Title | Original Air Date | Mission Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Operation Urban Terror | August 13, 2009 | Infiltrate an insurgent stronghold in an urban building to disrupt hostage, money, and weapons operations and rescue remaining hostages.[19] |
| 2 | Operation Covert Canyon | August 27, 2009 | Infiltrate a remote rebel camp to photograph weapons of mass destruction and upload intelligence to Central Command.[19] |
| 3 | Operation Frozen Thunder | August 20, 2009 | Trek through harsh snowy terrain to locate and destroy a dam blocking vital water supply to a refugee camp.[19] |
| 4 | Operation Freebird Down | September 10, 2009 | Sabotage enemy radar and communication systems actively tracking allied aircraft in a hostile zone.[19] |
| 5 | Operation Pirate Guns | September 3, 2009 | Board a captured gunship at sea to uncover pirate plans for their next strike and gather critical intelligence.[19] |
| 6 | Operation One Shot | September 17, 2009 | Infiltrate a drug lord's heavily guarded camp as a sniper to identify and neutralize the target.[19] |