Ep 048: SSgt Ben Garwood - British SAS Veteran

Military Veterans Podcast

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 join the Royal Marines, before ending up joining the Parachute Regiment, in the British Army. He shares life with 2 PARA before transferring to the REME, and then transferring back to 2 PARA, with a deployment to Iraq in 2005.
Ben wanted and needed more challenges, so went into the Pathfinders and shares what “The Cadre” was like to successfully become part of this advance force, and then deployed to Afghanistan in 2008. After sometime with the Pathfinders, Ben went on Selection and joined 22 SAS where he saw out his career, completing just under 12 years within the Special Forces. Lastly, as he transitioned out of the military, Ben created HR4K based in Hereford, UK, which is a veteran owned community hub. Bringing good people together.
Watch Episode on YouTube
Part 1: youtu.be/4pyCPdMN_mA
Part 2: youtu.be/JRvGwZhLxNU
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Chapters

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Growing Up (00:03:37)

3. Joining the Parachute Regiment (00:07:57)

4. PARA Training (00:12:39)

5. 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (00:17:54)

6. Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME) Transfer (00:27:51)

7. Transfer Back to 2 PARA (00:36:14)

8. Iraq 2005 (00:42:49)

9. SF Selection & Pathfinders (00:50:08)

10. Pathfinders (PF) Cadre (00:53:12)

11. Afghanistan 2008 (01:01:12)

12. SAS Selection (01:08:08)

13. SF Rank Structure (01:18:00)

14. SAS Assistance (01:22:01)

15. HR4K (01:34:30)

16. Transition Back to Civilian Life (01:43:06)

17. Final Thoughts & Advice (01:45:11)