The Old Paratrooper Podcast

Despite a turbulent upbringing, Andrew Williams enlisted in the Parachute Regiment at just 16. Deployed to the deadly frontlines of Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in 2006, he confronted the brutal realities of warfare, engaging in some of the most intense combat witnessed by the British Army since the Korean War. After his military service, Andrew transitioned into domestic counter-intelligence and spent over a decade as a high-risk security consultant, navigating some of the world’s most dangerous and unpredictable environments. These harrowing experiences forced him to face not only the physical dangers around him but also the deep, often unseen, psychological scars left by war.Check out his new book.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beyond-Drop-Zone-Paratroopers-Story-ebook/dp/B0CWCKBNRYBeyond The Drop Zone, takes you on a gripping journey from patrolling the streets of Northern Ireland to war-torn Iraq, coming face to face with ISIS, and engaging in fierce battles in Afghanistan with 3 PARA.This raw and unflinching memoir reveals the psychological toll of combat, Andrew’s struggles with mental health, and his fight against a life-threatening illness. It is a powerful account of overcoming immense adversity, finding a path to healing, and discovering the strength of perseverance.This is his story, told in his own words.

Former Paratrooper left the military and headed straight for the music industry, working with Oasis ,Duran Duran, Spandau ballet, George Harrison and the sex pistols to name a few. Iain shares some memorable and hilarious stories of his time on the road with some of worlds rock and roll royalty . After leaving the music industry behind Iain decided to try his hand at being a firefighter and also shares some harrowing tales of incidents he attended.

By the time Tom was 7 years old, he knew he wanted to be a Paratrooper. Joining the cadets aged 13, and enlisting in the British Army aged 16, Tom began his career with Junior Para followed by P Company. 2 Northern Ireland tours & 5 Years in 1 Para later, and Tom was on the hunt for his next challenge, completing Pathfinder's Selection and deploying to Kosovo, Iraq & Afghanistan. Tom joined the Red Devils Parachute Display team and has amassed over 4500 jumps to date, and is now a member of The Jump Dogs display team. Keen to share his experience with young people & civilians, Tom is the founder of First In Events, works as an SSI for the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and has a Youtube Channel ‪ @PreparedPathfinder‬

After decades living in Australia, a World War II Special Air Service (SAS) and Battle of Britain veteran was escorted home to England last month by an Australian Army soldier from 1st Commando Regiment to join the Chelsea Pensioners, a program run by the illustrious Chelsea Hospital for British Army veterans. Nicknamed “Cat” Morris for his ability to cheat death, Mr John Morris enlisted when he was 16, joining an anti-aircraft regiment as a gun layer to defend British cities against Nazi bombers. When his regiment deployed to North Africa, Mr Morris first escaped death aboard a landing craft after his ship was torpedoed. He contracted Hepatitis-A from drinking contaminated water in Algeria, an illness that led him to the SAS Raiding Support Group (RSR) when officers asked for volunteers at his hospital. The newly-formed special forces unit operated behind enemy lines across Yugoslavia and Greece, providing heavy-weapon support and training to local militias to overthrow Nazi occupation, as Allied forces advanced into Europe.

Ex-paratrooper Mike Chadwick revolutionised the British Armed Forces' approach to training and delivered unprecedented pass rates for the Parachute Regiment's Pegasus-Company selection course. He was awarded the Bredin Trophy and a GOC commendation announced alongside the Queen's Birthday Honours list. More recently, Mike has been coaching the UK Special Forces, the global Tactical Athlete community and the elite sporting world.

Fathers 4 Justice is a campaign group fighting for the rights of fathers in the UK. It was founded in 2001 by Matt O’Connor with the aim to gain support for changes in legislation concerning the rights of fathers to see their kids. The group mainly uses stunts, like climbing public buildings and monuments, often wearing fancy dress or costumes to gain media attention.

Born into a military family, Mick attended 14 schools over his childhood. His dream of being a professional footballer came to an end after an unsuccessful trial with Lincoln City and he visited the careers office aged 16 to join the 1975 junior paras course. An ankle injury left him unable to perform any jumps, and Mick briefly left the army before rejoining 29 Commando. Passing SAS Selection on the second attempt, Mick went on to serve 14 years in B Squadron, and received his QCB for efforts in Northern Ireland. Mick was deployed to the UAE for the first Gulf War, and then posted to Bosnia, where he was taken prisoner. After leaving the regiment, Mick moved into corporate security, where he would carve out a 22 year career in locations like Kazakhstan and Nigeria. Mick and his daughter now run Hawkes And Co, and deliver security training for a number of sectors, including agriculture and rural crime prevention.

Trevor Coult is a veteran of the Armed Forces who was awarded one of the highest gallantry awards by HM Queen Elizabeth II in 2006. He is a veteran campaigner and has raised over £250k for veterans’ causes. In 2021, his petition received a Royal Assent from the Queen. Take a look at one of his books ...well worth a read. Exploitation https://amzn.eu/d/05XmHHD4