Politics has never done it for me. I have always gone with what the majority have decided. As a soldier if I voted for a party which never won, I would have trouble fighting for them. If I stand up for what the majority of people want, then I have purpose. That theory is fine until one of the candidates has a history of collaborating with terrorist organizations which went up … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: Former SAS Operator’s opinion on ‘How the elections will effect security in the UK’
Too little too late, shutting the gate after the horse has bolted and told you so, are all things I've heard being said about the latest terror attacks in London not two weeks since ISIS TARGETED AND KILLED CHILDREN in Manchester. In the same breath I hear we shouldn't have a shoot kill policy, policemen shouldn't carry guns and promises to investigate British soldiers who … [Read more...] about Former British SAS Operator’s take on ‘How the West was lost’
Getting out of the forces is a daunting time for any soldier. Life in Civvy Street if far more complex than the military regimen guys are used to. In many cases soldiers have joined in they're late teens and are knocking on 30 or 40 years plus when they leave. This has given them no experience of what to expect. The safety net of having regular pay, food and accommodation can … [Read more...] about Expectations of the circuit when transitioning from the military
There are few things which surprise or shock me anymore. Although terrorism sickens me, it is a part of the world we live in and over the years I have learned to live with it. As I have said before, there is nothing new in people committing gross acts of violence in one name or another in the UK. I've also been critical of anyone giving them too much press time. It is what they … [Read more...] about Former British SAS Operator discusses the Manchester terrorist attack and how it intentionally targeted children
The first phase of the trees is a learning phase, and although you remain tactical in the Harbor area, you still have to attend lessons. There is never a minute when you can afford to switch off. If the drill sergeants think you fucked up, they'll send you directly to the ERV—the emergency rendezvous. If the area were to be attacked, you were expected to make rapid time to the … [Read more...] about Selection for the British SAS: The emergency rendezvous (Part 6)
I have a passion for history and a belief that as a soldier we need to understand the past to forge the future. Damien Lewis is an incredible author and below is an introduction to his latest work. In 2008 the world’s foremost arms-dealer to rebel and terrorist groups was sentenced in a US court to 25 years without parole. For decades fugitive Russian Viktor Bout - better … [Read more...] about ‘Operation Relentless’ coming soon from Damien Lewis
Locked up for shooting a Taliban insurgent while conducting operations in 2011, Royal Marine Sergeant Al Blackman must have wondered what the fuck was going on. He'd become the first British soldier to be convicted of a battlefield murder while serving abroad since WWII. Video of him in the act was discovered by police during the investigation of an unrelated incident. What … [Read more...] about Royal Marine, imprisoned for killing Taliban insurgent, is finally released
Read Part 4 HERE The harbor area was buzzing with guys preparing their little camp areas. In addition to your own space, there was also a patrol space to prepare, as well as other areas as directed by the drill sergeants. To further complicate things, there was a permanent sentry position being manned on each aspect, along with a runner. At some stage, you also needed to … [Read more...] about Selection for the British SAS: Surviving the first night in the trees (Part 5)
Note: You can read part one of the author's "I will never be a civilian" series here. I was not doing too well at school, and although I was intelligent, I had trouble concentrating. I was always in trouble, mainly for being too boisterous. I was assessed as having a high IQ and was offered the chance for the state to pay for my education and go to a public school. It was a … [Read more...] about I will never be a civilian: An SAS operator’s journey to an elite fraternity (Part 2)
Over the years, much has been made about how selection for the SAS is the toughest military course in the world. But is it too difficult? In percentages, less than 10 percent of those who attend actually pass the entire course and become a member of a Sabre Squadron. The course is so difficult, it is not unheard of for soldiers to pay the ultimate price in their quest to enroll … [Read more...] about Should SAS selection be made easier?
Lots of people have asked me why I joined the military, and why I wanted to be in the SAS. I have always said that I will never be a civilian. I was a soldier then, and I am now a veteran. People say, "OK, that's fine, but what about before you joined?" Well, simple: Before I was a soldier, I was a potential recruit. I didn't have too much to do with the military before I … [Read more...] about I will never be a civilian: An SAS operator’s journey to an elite fraternity
It seems like only five minutes ago that Brandon brought his team of warriors over to the famous York Hall, the home of boxing in the east end of London. I can still hear the cheers that rang out there as the veteran operators from both sides of the pond battled it out. The event—the Remembrance Rumble—hailed as a success by the U.K. national papers, is now set to happen again. … [Read more...] about Remembrance Rumble redux: British and US special operations veterans to box for charity
