Simon Hawken (‘Hawks’) had the misfortune of working for Tim and then Ben in a light infantry battalion in Townsville. Hawks knows them well and so it makes sense that this would turn the interview around and have him interview Ben and Tim.

We talk families and fathers.  Joining the military and their days as junior officers in a light infantry battalion. It’s the personal stories of Ben and Tim as they reminisce.

Intelligence Summary (INTSUM)

02:50       About Ben’s Dad (Henk) … an army helicopter pilot.

09:30       The SAS and how they deal with tough times post the Brereton Report.

12:00       Henk Pronk’s philosophies that live on through Ben.

14:30       About Tim’s Dad (Rod) …. a former CO of the SAS and Brigadier.

26:30       Ben and Rod’s paths cross as CO SAS and the Colonel Commandant of the SAS.

29:10       Did their fathers influence their joining the Army?

31:20       Tim Robertson- the ex F18 pilot who did SAS Selection. Season 1 episode with Robbo is here.

38:00       Childlike curiosity and risk…. vulnerability is OK.

40:00       Hawks can still order Ben and Tim around.

46:30       Heading to the Australian Defence Force Academy and the Royal Military College, Duntroon.

48:30       Different academic results! And fraternisation as well as being absent without leave (AWOL).

54:00       Graduating and life in the Infantry Battalion as young officers. What it was like to take over as a Platoon Commander.

1:04:00    Ben thinks he is smarter than his senior officers!

1:12:21    Hawks and serving with Tim and then Ben…. And then SAS Selection.

1:16:00    End with some music from The Externals!

Music

Thanks to all our artists who allow us use of their music. In this episode:

• The Externals – available on Spotify