Gav Richards public
[search 0]
Download the App!
show episodes
 
This portable podcast is hosted and edited by Gavin Watson, a British Army veteran of 16 years. He talks to other military veterans, allowing them to share their stories and experiences from before, during and after service. This podcast will give non-military personnel the chance to gain a better understanding of military life and gain an insight into what the transition back to civilian life can be like. These strong individuals may inspire, after dealing with diversity, resilience and pos ...
  continue reading
 
Loading …
show series
 
Full Episode: Ep 023 - LH(Police) Larry Roke from 10th April 2022. In this Veteran Viewpoint: Larry shares the abrupt end to his career in the Royal Navy, and how he had to cope with the realisation that he won't continue within the military, and what could he do as a civilian. He had a hobby with fixing vehicles, which he really enjoyed, and there…
  continue reading
 
Ben joined the Parachute Regiment within the British Army in 1997, and served 23 years across multiple areas including, the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME), Pathfinders (PF), and finishing with the British Special Air Service (SAS), reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSgt). In this episode Ben talks about growing up and wanting to …
  continue reading
 
Full Episode: Ep 022 - WO2 Joey Jordan from 10th March 2022. In this Veteran Viewpoint: Joey shares his transition back into civilian life, after achieving his big goal in his military career, to become a Warrant Officer Class 2. He talks about the courses he looked at, the difficulty with buying a house for the first time, and other steps he had t…
  continue reading
 
Steve joined the British Army in 1986 and served for 12 years, as part of The Queen’s Regiment, which later amalgamated and became part of The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (PWRR). He reached the rank of Lance Corporal (LCpl). In this episode Steve talks about joining the British Army as a Junior Soldier at Shorncliffe, before heading to Bassi…
  continue reading
 
Full Episode: Ep 021 - Cpl Tony Brooks from 10th February 2022. In this Veteran Viewpoint: Tony talks about his mental health when he returns back to the USA after operational tours with Special Ops, and how he got help to deal with scenes from Operation Red Wings 2. He shares his journey in becoming a Chiropractor, as well as writing his book 'Lea…
  continue reading
 
Full Episode: Ep 020 - Sgt Richard Foster from 10th January 2022. In this Veteran Viewpoint: Richard talks about living with PTSD and coping by being busy and structuring his life around having no down time. This included becoming a lawyer and owning his own ranch. He also wrote a book about his time in the Vietnam War, to help others understand wh…
  continue reading
 
Full Episode: Ep 019 - SSgt Gaz Crick from 10th December 2021. In this Veteran Viewpoint: Gaz talks about his transition out of the British Army, creating his own business Northern Signs/Northern Wraps, which is still going strong and growing. He gives advice to people leaving the military and wanting to venture down the route of building their own…
  continue reading
 
Stu initially joined the Royal Marines Commandos in 1998, then moved over to the Parachute Regiment in the British Army and served for a total of 17 years, reaching the rank of Sergeant (Sgt). He specialised as a Sniper. In this episode Stu talks about going through and completing training at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM), before c…
  continue reading
 
Full Episode: Ep 018 - SCPO Thom Shea from 10th November 2021. In this Veteran Viewpoint: Thom discusses the challenge of leaving the military and the SEAL teams after 23 years service, with steps forward in writing books and creating a leadership company to help businesses and individuals. Thom also shares some great advice for people thinking of …
  continue reading
 
Sally joined the British Army Reserves (previously Territorial Army) in 1998, and served for 22 years, reaching the rank of Major (Maj). Sally was a Physiotherapist within the Royal Army Medical Corps. In this episode Sally talks about joining the Officers’ Training Corps, and shares how she also joined the British Army Reserves. She did 8 years as…
  continue reading
 
Full Episode: Ep 017 - SAC Rachel Williamson from 10th October 2021. In this Veteran Viewpoint: Rachel talks about her journey in becoming team captain for Team UK at the Invictus Games The Hague 2020. She was the first female team captain for Team UK at any of the Invictus games. She also shares how she is coping with her injuries and gives some g…
  continue reading
 
Dinga joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1963, and served for 37 years as an Aircraft Engineer, reaching the rank of Chief Technician (Chf Tech). In this episode Dinga talks about joining the RAF through the RAF Apprenticeship Scheme, and learning the basic skills as an Aircraft Engineer, before being stationed at many different locations around t…
  continue reading
 
Full Episode: Ep 016 - Sgt Darren Carew from 10th September 2021. In this Veteran Viewpoint: Darren shares his journey in wanting to take control of his life by having an amputation of his left leg, after injuries from an IED incident whilst on tour in Afghanistan, caused him limitations in living his life. Plus what the rebuilding and rehabilitati…
  continue reading
 
Tim joined the U.S. Navy (USN) in 1985, as part of the Naval Academy and served for 32 years, reaching the rank of 1 Star Rear Admiral (RDML). He served as a Meteorology and Oceanography officer. In this episode Tim talks about joining the U.S Navy and moving towards being stationed on a Hydrographic Survey Vessel - the USNS Harkness. He also serve…
  continue reading
 
Full Episode: Ep 015 - SrA Seth Macy from 10th August 2021. In this Veteran Viewpoint: Seth shares how he felt when he left the U.S. Air Force, and moved to a job working on the same military base where he perviously served, due to his wife still on active duty. He talks about being a veteran and going back to college, the different jobs and roles …
  continue reading
 
Marty joined the United States Navy (USN) in 1975 and served 20 years as a Navy SEAL (Sea, Air and Land). Completing 10 years as an Enlisted SEAL, and then becoming an Officer for a further 10 years, reaching the rank of Lieutenant (LT). In this episode Marty talks about joining the U.S. Navy and being talked into becoming a Navy SEAL, after his or…
  continue reading
 
Full Episode: Ep 014 - Pte Tristan Dover from 10th July 2021. In this Veteran Viewpoint: Tristan talks about coming to terms with PTSD and realising that there is no shame in admitting help is needed. He also shares how he came across a charity called Mission Motorsport and how being involved at events with this charity has helped him find his spar…
  continue reading
 
Jon joined the Royal Marines Commandos in 1994 and served for 13 years, reaching the rank of Lance Corporal (LCpl). In this episode Jon talks about applying for the British Army, before joining the Royal Marines Commandos, and he explains what the Commando training is like. He also discusses being part of HMS Fearless, deploying on multiple tours w…
  continue reading
 
Full Episode: Ep 013 - LCpl Chris Cocks from 10th June 2021. In this Veteran Viewpoint: Chris talks about dealing with life with moving from Zimbabwe to South Africa, when trying to deal with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from his service. This includes sharing how he dealt with nightmares, flashbacks, turning to drink, but ultimately how h…
  continue reading
 
Den joined the Royal Navy in 2008 and served for 8 years in the Fleet Air Arm (FAA), as a Aircraft Engineer, reaching the rank of Leading Hand. In this episode Den talks about joining the Royal Navy, including basic training at HMS Raleigh, and what it was like being part of ‘Roll-on/Roll-off’ travelling along the Suez Canal down to Somalia. Plus h…
  continue reading
 
Full Episode: Ep 012 - Tpr Jamie Hull from 10th May 2021. In this Veteran Viewpoint: Jamie talks about his determination and new goals being set over and over, despite having ongoing surgeries, after suffering burns from a plane crash in 2007. He has written a book about his life called Life on a Thread. He also shares some great advice for people …
  continue reading
 
Mark joined the British Army in 1990 and served for 23 years with the Royal Engineers, reaching the rank of Corporal. In this episode Mark talks about joining the British Army and going through the Army Apprentices College before completing combat engineer training and becoming a Royal Engineer. He describes what it was like deploying to Bosnia, No…
  continue reading
 
Full Episode: Ep 011 - SMSgt Shawn Sprayberry from 10th April 2021. In this Veteran Viewpoint: Shawn talks about the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), from the U.S. Air Force perspective, and he shares how his transition included him dealing with PTSD and understanding that part of his mindset. He also shares his first few jobs when he left the …
  continue reading
 
Bill joined the United States Navy (USN) in 1974 as an enlisted man, before becoming a commissioned officer, soon after joining. He served for 26 years on Active duty, in the Submarine service, reaching the rank of Captain. In this episode Bill talks about joining the U.S. Navy, and what it was like going through the application process to become a…
  continue reading
 
Full Episode: Ep 010 - WO2 Mark Elliott from 10th March 2021. In this Veteran Viewpoint: Mark talks about how he helped start the charity Help for Heroes, with getting the Tin Hut (where the episode was recorded) up and running, plus he also gives some good advice for people thinking of joining the military and also advice for veterans when working…
  continue reading
 
Rob joined the United States Army (USA) in 1987 and served for 27 years in the Infantry, as a Ranger and Paratrooper, reaching the rank of Colonel. In this episode Rob talks about joining the U.S. Army as an officer, completing Ranger School, progressing through the ranks to become a Staff Officer and Company Commander in Hawaii. Plus what it was l…
  continue reading
 
Full Episode: Ep 009 - Cpl Jessica-Rose Johnson from 10th February 2021. In this Veteran Viewpoint: Jessica-Rose shares her recovery journey with the help of sports, by being selected and competing at the Warrior Games (New York 2016) and the Invictus Games (Toronto 2017). She also gives some strong advice to people thinking of joining the military…
  continue reading
 
Hugh joined the British Army in 2000 and served in the Parachute Regiment for 11 1/2 years, specialising as a sniper. He reached the rank of Sergeant. In this episode Hugh talks about his experience with joining the British Army and going through basic training, before moving onto Pegasus Company (P-Coy) and the jumps course, to become a Paratroope…
  continue reading
 
Full Episode: Ep 008 - Cpl Callum Nugent from 10th January 2021. In this Veteran Viewpoint: Callum shares his journey with competing in the 2017 Toronto Invictus Games, and the appearance he made on the BBC’s The One Show before heading out to compete. He also gives some advice for people thinking of joining the military, plus advice for veterans. …
  continue reading
 
Murray joined the British Army in 2002 and served for 12 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, reaching the rank of Lance Corporal. In this episode Murray talks about growing up and his journey in joining the Royal Tank Regiment (RTR). He also talks about completing a UN tour in Cyprus, being part of a team that specialises in Chemical, Biological, Rad…
  continue reading
 
Full Episode: Ep 007 - Cpl 'H' Hubber from 10th December 2020. In this Veteran Viewpoint: 'H' talks about his time taking part in the inaugural Invictus Games back in 2014. He took part as an archer and was successful by becoming the first ever double Gold medalist (Individual and Team events) in this sport at the games. 'H' also shares his advice …
  continue reading
 
Kerry joined the British Army in 1987 and served for 28 years, reaching the rank of Major, after becoming a Late Entry (LE) Officer. In this episode Kerry talks about his journey in joining the Army, being part of an Airborne Brigade, and skydiving with the Red Devils. Plus he talks about supporting 23 Special Air Service (SAS). Kerry also shares h…
  continue reading
 
Full Episode: Ep 006 - Sgt Gareth Paterson from 10th November 2020. In this Veteran Viewpoint: Gareth shares his transition back to civilian life into the cyber security sector, after 24 years in the British Army. He also gives some good advice for veterans who might be struggling when they leave. Watch Full Episode on YouTube: youtu.be/x3VReec9oDk…
  continue reading
 
Steve joined the United States Army (USA) in 1985 and served for a total of 31 years, comprising of Active Duty and Reserve, with roles including Parachute Rigger and later becoming an Army Chaplain. In this episode Steve talks about joining the Army, going through multiple training courses, which included Airborne School and the Parachute Rigger C…
  continue reading
 
Full Episode: Ep 005 - Cpl Josh Boggi from 10th October 2020. In this Veteran Viewpoint: Josh talks about mental health after surviving an IED explosion. He also shares how he coped after a cycling accident on his recumbent bike back in 2019, which caused him to have flashbacks. He also gives advice for people thinking of joining the military and a…
  continue reading
 
Full Episode: Ep 004 - WO2 Ian Radford from 10th October 2020. In this Veteran Viewpoint: Ian and Gav talk about the difference with pay between military and civilian jobs. Ian gives some good advice for people leaving the military and how to not sell yourself short when looking for work as a veteran. Watch Full Episode on YouTube: youtu.be/gRKqqzt…
  continue reading
 
Full Episode: Ep 003 - Cpl Daniel Grobler from 10th October 2020. In this Veteran Viewpoint: Daniel talks about his transition back into civilian life. How things have been a little difficult for him, but some good advice on how someone could leave the military in an easier way, by knowing some of the differences, like pay. Watch Full Episode on Yo…
  continue reading
 
Full Episode: Ep 002 - MEM1 AJ Pingram from 10th October 2020. In this Veteran Viewpoint: Gav tells AJ that he is good enough. AJ talks about helping others and areas where he is trying to improve himself, but also how he's coping and dealing with his own mental wellness. Watch Full Episode on YouTube: youtu.be/tsDKzfFNsos TikTok: tiktok.com/@milit…
  continue reading
 
Full Episode: Ep 001 - Sgt Gavin Watson from 10th October 2020. In this Veteran Viewpoint: Gav talks about this new segment for Military Veterans Podcast. As this podcast has evolved over the years, the veterans have been given the opportunity to share thoughts, advice and their insight into different areas. Mainly advice for people who are thinkin…
  continue reading
 
William joined the United States Marine Corps (USMC) in 1966 and served for 4 years, reaching the rank of Sergeant. 13 months of his service was in Vietnam. In this episode William talks about life growing up with a father who was a veteran from World War II, what it was like joining the USMC, and his experience going through boot camp. He also tal…
  continue reading
 
Ryan joined the Army Foundation College, Harrogate in 2004 and later joined the 4/73 (Sphinx) Special Observation Post Battery Royal Artillery, part of the British Army. He served for 9 years, reaching the rank of Lance Bombardier (LBdr). In this episode Ryan talks about growing up, joining the British Army via the Army Foundation College and after…
  continue reading
 
Alex joined the British Army in 1971 and served for 20 years; 10 years with the Royal Green Jackets (RGJ), and 10 years with the Special Air Service (SAS), reaching the rank of Major. In this episode Alex talks about joining the British Army as an officer, serving with the Royal Green Jackets (RGJ), and what it was like going through special forces…
  continue reading
 
Diana joined the United States Army (USA) in 2008 and served as part of the Adjutant General’s (AG) Corps for 10 years, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant. In this episode Diana talks about joining the Army, what training was like, and the build up to deploying to Afghanistan within her first year. She also talks about her fiancé, who was also dep…
  continue reading
 
Joe joined the British Army as a Regular soldier in 1981 and after leaving in 1988, he rejoined as part of the Territorial Army (Reserves) in 1994. He served for a combined length of 15 years with the Corps of Royal Engineers. In this episode Joe talks about a life changing incident at 14 years old, which invigorated him to join the Royal Engineers…
  continue reading
 
Tom joined the Australian Army in 2008 and served for 8 years in the infantry; first as a private solider, and then early on in his career, he was commissioned as an officer. In this episode Tom talks about his family history with the military and the incentive to join himself, going through all training as a private solider before requesting to be…
  continue reading
 
Sue joined the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service (QARNNS) in 1977 and served for 25 years. QARNNS was fully affiliated with the Royal Navy from 1977, but was technically a separate service until March 2000, when it officially became part of the Royal Navy. In this episode Sue talks about her inspiration in joining the QARNNS, and what i…
  continue reading
 
Barney joined the British Army in 2005 and served for 8 years with the Royal Irish Regiment. In this episode he talks about growing up and the influence this had on him joining the army; what it was like going through basic training and his first couple of operational tours in Afghanistan, along with his experience of training out in Kenya. Barney …
  continue reading
 
Phil joined the United States Marine Corps (USMC) during college in 2004 and commissioned as an officer in 2005. He served for 4 years as a Public Affairs Officer (PAO). In this episode he talks about going through Officer Candidate School, The Basic School (TBS) and the process of joining up. He also talks about becoming a PAO and the build up tra…
  continue reading
 
Larry joined the Royal Navy briefly in 2006 and joined again in 2008. He served in the communications branch initially, then transferred to the Royal Navy Police later in his career. He served for 13 1/2 years. In this episode he talks about his experience joining the Royal Navy (twice) and the difference between both enlistments. He also talks abo…
  continue reading
 
Joey joined the British Army in 1987 and served for 31 years; consisting of 14 years with the 3rd Battalion The Light Infantry and 17 years with the Adjutant General’s Corps (AGC). In this episode he talks about joining the British Army after being an Army Cadet, deployments to Kenya, Northern Ireland and Bosnia, and his transfer to the AGC before …
  continue reading
 
Loading …

Quick Reference Guide