Chris mentioned the impact of Op Banner experience on some aspects of selection. I’m not ex-SF and would not have passed but I did COP in Fermanagh 1982. Whilst it was the hardest thing I ever did, and the weather on the border that spring was absolutely honking wet and cold, I literally loved the need to be so well-organised in terms of admin and buddying-up. Operating in pitch black, soaked, 3-4 days, going septic, in hostile environment, looking out for each other, 2 on/2off save for stand to. All that basic stuff but done well. That was the key. Our finishing school was NIPG at Ballykinler. There were SF guys on the training team. Went straight to South Georgia after 1 Para took over from us in Fermanagh and after block leave. Fermanagh COP stood us in perfect stead for that environment (approaching its summer). Happiest and hardest days of my life. I’m still to this day almost obsessional about self-admin when I’m out on my mountain-bike or ‘tabbing’. I’m 64. That never leaves you.
What an incredible story, and thank you for sharing your experiences! It’s amazing to hear how your time in Fermanagh during Op Banner shaped your mindset and approach to challenges, even to this day. The level of discipline, teamwork, and resilience you described-especially operating in those tough conditions-truly speaks volumes about the strength and grit of those who served in those environments. The transition from such a demanding setting to South Georgia must have been a unique challenge, but it’s inspiring to hear how well-prepared you felt because of your time in the COP. Your continued commitment to self-admin and readiness, even at 64, is a testament to the lasting impact of those lessons. Respect to you for keeping that spirit alive and for your service.
@ Cheers mate. That means a lot. Stationed outside of the bn’s TAOR at St. Angelo Airfield two of our NIPG trainers came to see us. That was a nice touch.
Try surviving 2 years in a Japanese POW camp. My Uncle Jimmy did, but it broke him mentally and physically. His back, legs etc was scarred from floggings. He died early, starvation and associated diseases and said every man can be broken. Would recruits pass that acid test? I think not.
Thank you for sharing your Uncle Jimmy's story. It’s a powerful reminder of the unimaginable hardships endured by those who lived through such experiences. Surviving a Japanese POW camp speaks to an extraordinary level of strength, even though the scars-both physical and emotional-often remained for life. You’re absolutely right that such trials push human limits far beyond what most of us could imagine. Your uncle’s sacrifice and resilience are truly honorable, and his story deserves to be remembered.
Wow, that sounds exhausting! Flying long distances and looking after a little one is no easy task. I can’t imagine doing 36 hours without sleep either - you did amazing just managing that trip!
@@DailyUKBuzzz If you remember the bulkhead on most planes were used as the screen for the movie, so even with eye shields I could still see light from the screen, that's why I couldn't sleep, because it was so bright from the screen!
I left heathrow 4pm to Auckland via usa took.almost 24 hours Time zones came and went Lost a day travelling west Anyway kept awake all the way As soon as I started to nod.off I snapped awake again Finally arrived 5.30am new zealand time fresh as a daisy Never suffered from jet lag!
@@angloaust1575 I think when you fly west it's not as hard as when you fly east, one time I flew Vancouver to Brisbane and I slept for 7hrs, like you I felt refreshed landing in Brisbane!
Wow, that sounds like quite the journey! It’s impressive you managed to stay awake the entire time and arrive feeling fresh. Not suffering from jet lag after such a long trip is definitely a win-seems like you’ve mastered long-haul travel!
through long Covid I had a periods of no sleep, shortest was 36 hrs before seeing doc I can understand how someone can go over the top and I still had to go to work that was hell
Wow, that sounds incredibly tough. I can’t even imagine how challenging it must have been to go through that, especially with work on top of it. You’re really strong for pushing through such a difficult time. I hope things have gotten better for you now. Sending you lots of positive vibes!
I hear you I got covid 4 times on the frontline in nursing.Long covid has been swept under the carpet no government will pay out recognise it as a serious deabilitating illness.My condition has improved but I had no energy for 12 months had to work sick.I hope your condition improves with time during the first wave the Tory government under Johnson was a joke they where outright dangerous making crap up as they went along.
Chris mentioned the impact of Op Banner experience on some aspects of selection. I’m not ex-SF and would not have passed but I did COP in Fermanagh 1982. Whilst it was the hardest thing I ever did, and the weather on the border that spring was absolutely honking wet and cold, I literally loved the need to be so well-organised in terms of admin and buddying-up. Operating in pitch black, soaked, 3-4 days, going septic, in hostile environment, looking out for each other, 2 on/2off save for stand to. All that basic stuff but done well. That was the key. Our finishing school was NIPG at Ballykinler. There were SF guys on the training team.
Went straight to South Georgia after 1 Para took over from us in Fermanagh and after block leave. Fermanagh COP stood us in perfect stead for that environment (approaching its summer). Happiest and hardest days of my life.
I’m still to this day almost obsessional about self-admin when I’m out on my mountain-bike or ‘tabbing’. I’m 64. That never leaves you.
What an incredible story, and thank you for sharing your experiences! It’s amazing to hear how your time in Fermanagh during Op Banner shaped your mindset and approach to challenges, even to this day. The level of discipline, teamwork, and resilience you described-especially operating in those tough conditions-truly speaks volumes about the strength and grit of those who served in those environments.
The transition from such a demanding setting to South Georgia must have been a unique challenge, but it’s inspiring to hear how well-prepared you felt because of your time in the COP. Your continued commitment to self-admin and readiness, even at 64, is a testament to the lasting impact of those lessons. Respect to you for keeping that spirit alive and for your service.
@ Thanks 🙏
Fantastic mate. I was attached NIPG in late 1970s & 80s. We called it Northern Ireland Play Group. You COP lads were brilliant
@ Cheers mate. That means a lot. Stationed outside of the bn’s TAOR at St. Angelo Airfield two of our NIPG trainers came to see us. That was a nice touch.
It takes BIG BALLS, extreme fitness & you've got to be an intelligent lunatic & be born different!
Couldn't agree more! It’s definitely a mix of guts, fitness, and a unique mindset!
Try surviving 2 years in a Japanese POW camp. My Uncle Jimmy did, but it broke him mentally and physically. His back, legs etc was scarred from floggings. He died early, starvation and associated diseases and said every man can be broken. Would recruits pass that acid test? I think not.
Thank you for sharing your Uncle Jimmy's story. It’s a powerful reminder of the unimaginable hardships endured by those who lived through such experiences. Surviving a Japanese POW camp speaks to an extraordinary level of strength, even though the scars-both physical and emotional-often remained for life. You’re absolutely right that such trials push human limits far beyond what most of us could imagine. Your uncle’s sacrifice and resilience are truly honorable, and his story deserves to be remembered.
One time I flew from Vancouver to Heathrow and never slept a wink and looking after our 16 month daughter, I could never do 36 hrs without sleep!
Wow, that sounds exhausting! Flying long distances and looking after a little one is no easy task. I can’t imagine doing 36 hours without sleep either - you did amazing just managing that trip!
@@DailyUKBuzzz If you remember the bulkhead on most planes were used as the screen for the movie, so even with eye shields I could still see light from the screen, that's why I couldn't sleep, because it was so bright from the screen!
You can pass all the physical stuff and still fail on attitude.
If this is a podcast, how do I find it?
I left heathrow 4pm to Auckland via usa took.almost 24 hours
Time zones came and went
Lost a day travelling west
Anyway kept awake all the way
As soon as I started to nod.off
I snapped awake again
Finally arrived 5.30am new zealand time fresh as a daisy
Never suffered from jet lag!
@@angloaust1575 I think when you fly west it's not as hard as when you fly east, one time I flew Vancouver to Brisbane and I slept for 7hrs, like you I felt refreshed landing in Brisbane!
Wow, that sounds like quite the journey! It’s impressive you managed to stay awake the entire time and arrive feeling fresh. Not suffering from jet lag after such a long trip is definitely a win-seems like you’ve mastered long-haul travel!
It was back in 1998 a once only event in future I would take boat or
Train flying doesn't appeal to me
Anymore changing times I guess!
through long Covid I had a periods of no sleep, shortest was 36 hrs before seeing doc I can understand how someone can go over the top and I still had to go to work that was hell
Wow, that sounds incredibly tough. I can’t even imagine how challenging it must have been to go through that, especially with work on top of it. You’re really strong for pushing through such a difficult time. I hope things have gotten better for you now. Sending you lots of positive vibes!
I hear you I got covid 4 times on the frontline in nursing.Long covid has been swept under the carpet no government will pay out recognise it as a serious deabilitating illness.My condition has improved but I had no energy for 12 months had to work sick.I hope your condition improves with time during the first wave the Tory government under Johnson was a joke they where outright dangerous making crap up as they went along.
Borstal boys the lot of them
Poor subtitles; otherwise very good.
Is there background music added to this? Turn it off.
Why the subtitles? 🤨
Because Jock is very hard to understand !!!!!!
@@alanlane3670 I'm Welsh and had no problem 🤔
The subtitles help make the video accessible to a wider audience, including those who may have hearing difficulties or prefer reading along. 😊
@@leerolfe5332 Thanks Taffy !!!!!!
@@alanlane3670jock is very derogatory, call a Scots man a jock to his face and see what happens.
We are the pilgrims Master! Not all of them are built like concrete outside toilets remember...
14:05 😂😂😂
"What It Takes To Become An SAS Soldier" In Australia you must become a superlative Bullshit artist!
"Becoming an SAS soldier is about exceptional skills and resilience, not just words. It's one of the toughest challenges out there!"