In this episode of the podcast, host Joe interviews Paul Swain, a former soldier, about his military career and experiences. Paul shares his journey from joining the military as a young and naive recruit to progressing through the ranks and serving in various deployments, including Kosovo and Iraq. He discusses the challenges and pressures of being a soldier, the camaraderie among his fellow soldiers, and the transition from military to civilian life. Paul also highlights the importance of competition and motivation in his career, as well as the emotional toll of preparing for deployment and the reality of writing his own funeral arrangements. Overall, this episode provides a candid and insightful look into the life of a soldier and the impact it has on one's personal and professional growth.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The military training process is intense and character-building, requiring mental and physical strength.

• Competition and rivalry among soldiers can drive motivation and performance.

• Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging, as it requires adapting to a different language and communication style.

• The role of a recruiter in the military is crucial, as they are the shop window for potential recruits and must represent the military with professionalism and pride.

• Deployments to conflict zones are serious and can involve writing last letters and making funeral arrangements, highlighting the real risks and sacrifices involved in military service.

BEST MOMENTS

"As long as you turn up at the right time in the army, you needed to be really smart. So boot shining, smart kit, notebook and pen or notebook and pencil, and you're prepared to learn and work hard and you're enthusiastic and motivated. That is all you needed." - Paul Swain

"You've got to make sure that you're doing the right thing as well, even though you're trying to recruit for your regiment, you've got to make sure that you're picking the right people that are going to fit that hole." - Paul Swain

"Even though I was a staff sergeant at that point, I was a leader of men, you know, it was tough because I remember locking my door and writing my last letters and thinking, Jesus Christ, this is real. This is real." - Paul Swain

"I think everyone, I mean, even when we got to the airport before leaving in Germany, Hanover, there was still banter because there's always banter, no matter what soldiers do that could be in the hardest shittiest place on the planet. There's still that banter between squatters. But even then, there was a little bit of a dull down atmosphere because we knew, you know, when we get there, I don't know what the flight time was, when we get there, we're hitting the ground running and it's, this is real." - Paul Swain

"Yeah, I don't think you can ever train for that. Well, you can, you mentally prepared, but it was a bit more of a shit. I might not come back home now." - Paul Swain

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Joe O'Connor is a resilient business entrepreneur and Financial Adviser dedicated to supporting business owners and veterans in their transition to civilian life. Despite facing life-threatening challenges at a young age, Joe defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey. From excelling as a Combat Engineer and Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers to starting his own business as a Financial Adviser, Joe has displayed unwavering determination.

After rejoining the Army as a reservist in the Bomb Disposal Unit, Joe reached the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the SAS, where he endured a severe injury and was medically discharged. Undeterred, he resumed his role as an IFA and founded a charity that aids injured veterans and their families.

Joe's charity is currently finalizing plans for a training center and 23 Lodges, aiming to provide vital support for veterans transitioning to civilian life while addressing stress, anxiety, and PTSD. Today, Joe's mission is to unite business owners and veterans, helping them unleash their full potential for success.