Alex joined the Royal Marines Reserve (RMR) in 2001 and served for four and a half years, attaining the rank of Marine (Mne).

In this episode, Alex discusses the process and his journey in joining the Royal Marines Reserve, including his time as a member of 539 Assault Squadron. During this tenure, he was attached to the United States Marine Corps and later completed jungle training in Brunei. As he was preparing to become a member of the Full-Time Reserve Service (FTRS), Alex was involved in a life-altering motorcycle accident, resulting in a wheelchair dependency for the remainder of his life.

Alex recounts his experiences following the motorcycle accident and his subsequent departure from the Royal Marines. This included his transition back to civilian life as a wheelchair user. Despite facing challenges, Alex remained resolute in his determination to achieve new goals and overcome obstacles. He has excelled in wheelchair tennis, becoming a skilled player who has participated in the Invictus Games, where he has proudly won medals. Furthermore, Alex has pursued his passion for aviation by becoming a pilot and now flies regularly.

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Part 1: youtu.be/cqdV4zmtB5E

Part 2: youtu.be/IV5OPizeZUc

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Original Episode: Ep 035 - LCpl Murray Hambro from 10th April 2023.

In this Viewpoint: Murray shares his journey of leaving the Army as an amputee and finding a new sense of purpose. This included participating in a motorcycle racing team, which ultimately led him to become a Physical Training Instructor. His desire to improve his fitness and that of his team drove him to pursue this new career.

Murray continued to set ambitious goals and participate in various events. Notably, he took part in the 2018 Invictus Games held in Sydney, Australia.

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Part 2: youtu.be/x6UkHbqUDJg

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Ian joined the British Army in 1989, serving in the Army Air Corps for 21 years. During this tenure, attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col).

In this episode, Ian discusses his journey through the University Officers’ Training Corps (UOTC) and his tenure as a member of the Territorial Army. Prior to completing the comprehensive officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, he pursued further training at the School of Army Aviation, where he acquired expertise as a helicopter pilot within the Army Air Corps. Ian shares his experiences of being stationed at Soest and Gütersloh in Germany, as well as Bristol and Netheravon in the United Kingdom. Notably, he also participated in operational flights during the Gulf War (1990-1991) and in Northern Ireland.

Ian also shares his experiences returning to Gütersloh, Germany, as second-in-command (2IC) of 1 Regiment Army Air Corps. He discusses his involvement in the second Gulf War, commonly referred to as the Invasion of Iraq. Ian concludes his career with a diverse range of roles, including Chief of Staff at Colchester Garrison, working within the Army Recruiting and Training Division (ARTD), and finally a role at MOD Main Building in London.

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Part 1: youtu.be/TJvZ3PTh78o

Part 2: youtu.be/9WXrvHgItug

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If you've enjoyed any episode from the show, please head over to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and give the show a 5 star rating. It really will help the show be found by others. Many thanks!

Message at the end of the recording is from your host Gav, giving you information on how you can support the show through Patreon.
Supporting monthly would help the show record future episodes and help with the upkeep of previous recordings. 
£5 a month will give you access to bonus recordings, where Gav and the guest chat about things that don't make it into the main recording. 
Thank you.

Support the show

Original Episode: Ep 034 - Maj Kerry Gospel from 10th March 2023.

In this Viewpoint: Kerry discusses his decision to leave the British Army, acknowledging that the opportune moment for departure had arrived. He subsequently shares his transition back to civilian life, finding his feet with different jobs before settling on a career helping veterans within the healthcare system.

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Part 1: youtu.be/F2DV6iN8ju0

Part 2: youtu.be/qJUe1gHUbac

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Ben enlisted in the British Army in 2005, joining the Royal Corps of Signals. During the course of 16 years of service, Ben attained the rank of Sergeant (Sgt).

In this episode, Ben recounts his journey into the British Army, detailing the training phases he underwent before joining his first unit. He deployed to Afghanistan soon after, which marked the beginning of his interest in joining the UK Special Forces and attempting the renowned Selection course. Despite a medical withdrawal on Selection, Ben deployed again to Afghanistan and sought more challenges, which led him to 299 Signal Squadron (Special Communications), where he performed diverse roles and responsibilities globally.

Ben sought to re-attempt UK Special Forces Selection, driven by his aspiration to join the Special Forces as an SF Communicator, supporting the Special Air Service (SAS). He recounts his journey, detailing how he successfully completed the initial phase 1 of Selection (Hills phase) prior to the Communicator phase. Subsequently, he navigated later phases, including the SF Parachute course (which encompasses HALO), ultimately achieving success in the Selection process. Regrettably, Ben’s career was abruptly terminated by an unfortunate incident that resulted in severe blast and fragment injuries to his upper torso and both arms. He shares his recovery journey, encompassing both physical and mental well-being.

Watch Episode on YouTube
Part 1: youtu.be/AQWv2bKn-GA

Part 2: youtu.be/pjFUw4SlYus

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If you've enjoyed any episode from the show, please head over to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and give the show a 5 star rating. It really will help the show be found by others. Many thanks!

Message at the end of the recording is from your host Gav, giving you information on how you can support the show through Patreon.
Supporting monthly would help the show record future episodes and help with the upkeep of previous recordings. 
£5 a month will give you access to bonus recordings, where Gav and the guest chat about things that don't make it into the main recording. 
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Original Episode: Ep 033 - MAJ Steve Rindahl from 10th February 2023.

In this Viewpoint: Steve shares his transition back to civilian life, after fully leaving the military, away from the active duty and reserves.

This included his participation in the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage that leads to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

This inspired him to establish a charity called Warrior on the Way to provide support to other veterans and facilitate their own experiences of this transformative journey.

WarriorsOnTheWay.org

Watch Full Episode on YouTube:
Part 1: youtu.be/ZAybtezPXyw

Part 2: youtu.be/gkk0wF2B9cs

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Original Episode: Ep 032 - Sgt William Taylor from 10th January 2023.

In this Viewpoint: William talks about how his book 'On Full Automatic: Surviving 13 Months in Vietnam' came about, and how when writing this book, it was helpful and healing for him on a personal level.

William - aka Bill - also shares some good advice for people thinking of joining the military, and also some good advice for veterans out there, especially on how to cope with PTSD.

Watch Full Episode on YouTube:
Part 1: youtu.be/QwFi6pJyUIQ

Part 2: youtu.be/AeXL88jjJyQ

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Original Episode: Ep 031 - LBdr Ryan Yates from 10th December 2022.

In this Viewpoint: Ryan shares founding a not-for-profit Community Interest Company called Veteran’s Army, where they help veterans and their family.

He also gives advice for people thinking of joining the military, plus some good advice for people as a veteran.

Watch Full Episode on YouTube:
Part 1: youtu.be/Sg86jFIE7yg

Part 2: youtu.be/6hTzCq-ayNU

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In 2008, Gerry enlisted in the Royal Air Force (RAF) as an Aerospace Systems Operator and served for nine years, attaining the rank of Corporal (Cpl).

In this episode, Gerry discusses his decision to join the Royal Air Force (RAF) and his subsequent training to become an Aerospace Systems Operator. He provides insights into the operational locations of this trade, including RAF Boulmer, where he spent the majority of his career, and RAF Brize Norton, where he had notable encounters with the Red Arrows.

Gerry also shares his experience returning to RAF Boulmer after his tenure at RAF Brize Norton, prior to his deployment to the Falkland Islands. Subsequently, after deciding to leave the RAF, he recounts his journey and how this transition has led him to become a qualified psychologist.

Watch Episode on YouTube
Part 1: youtu.be/2suSLGoa7nU

Part 2: youtu.be/B3vRSWJqMBc

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Send us a text

If you've enjoyed any episode from the show, please head over to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and give the show a 5 star rating. It really will help the show be found by others. Many thanks!

Message at the end of the recording is from your host Gav, giving you information on how you can support the show through Patreon.
Supporting monthly would help the show record future episodes and help with the upkeep of previous recordings. 
£5 a month will give you access to bonus recordings, where Gav and the guest chat about things that don't make it into the main recording. 
Thank you.

Support the show

Original Episode: Ep 030 - Maj Alex Gardiner from 10th November 2022

In this Viewpoint, Alex discusses his aspiration to become a civilian photographer, with the intention of travelling to Afghanistan to gain a unique perspective on the world and potentially provide assistance in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, given his prior knowledge of the region’s vulnerability.

Over the years, Alex had conceived several ideas for writing books, and one of these ideas finally materialized in 2022 when he published “The Devil’s Magistrate: His Past is Always Present.” In this viewpoint, he shares his insights on the journey that led to the publication of this book.

Watch Full Episode on YouTube:
Part 1: youtu.be/dYbRqzrWuNU

Part 2: youtu.be/1YVphNzLdlk

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