Military Veterans Podcast

Gavin Watson

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 possibly life changing injuries or illnesses. If you’re a veteran missing your time in the military, this is a great way to rekindle that fire. Regardless of service, rank or time served....every veteran has an experience to share. Sometimes, they just need an opportunity to do so. This podcast is recorded and edited in Gav’s free time.

  1. SEP 10

    Ep 060: Spr Josh Brown - British Army (RE) Veteran

    In 2014, Josh enlisted in the British Army as a Royal Engineer, serving for a period of six years and attaining the rank of Sapper (Spr). In this episode, Josh discusses his journey of growing up and his aspiration to join the Royal Engineers. He also shares his experiences with basic training, phase 2 training to become a combat engineer, and his trade training as a driver at Defence School of Transport (DST) Leconfield. His first unit was 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment, within 9 Parachute Squadron, with the ambition to get his ‘wings’. During his time at this regiment, he was active with the rugby team. Josh also shares his experiences at 26 Engineer Regiment, prior to an injury to his hips that required surgery and ultimately led to his medical discharge, concluding his military career. He discusses his journey of maintaining activities as a rugby pitch side medic, and the impact all of this had on his mental well-being. Finally, he addresses his transition back to civilian life, highlighting the challenges and difficulties he encountered upon his departure from the military. Southampton Veterans' Trust: http://southampton-veterans.co.uk Watch Episode on YouTube Part 1: youtu.be/jRrpgbbaqEY Part 2: youtu.be/rQlAeBQvggg TikTok: tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcast Instagram: instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcast Merchandise: milvetpodcast.com/merch Send us a text Message at the end of the recording is from your host Gav, giving you information on how you can support the show through Patreon.Supporting monthly would help the show record future episodes and help with the upkeep of previous recordings. £5 a month will give you access to bonus recordings, where Gav and the guest chat about things that don't make it into the main recording. Thank you. Support the show

    1h 5m
  2. AUG 10

    Ep 059: Mne Alex Krol - Royal Marines Veteran

    Alex joined the Royal Marines Reserve (RMR) in 2001 and served for four and a half years, attaining the rank of Marine (Mne). In this episode, Alex discusses the process and his journey in joining the Royal Marines Reserve, including his time as a member of 539 Assault Squadron. During this tenure, he was attached to the United States Marine Corps and later completed jungle training in Brunei. As he was preparing to become a member of the Full-Time Reserve Service (FTRS), Alex was involved in a life-altering motorcycle accident, resulting in a wheelchair dependency for the remainder of his life. Alex recounts his experiences following the motorcycle accident and his subsequent departure from the Royal Marines. This included his transition back to civilian life as a wheelchair user. Despite facing challenges, Alex remained resolute in his determination to achieve new goals and overcome obstacles. He has excelled in wheelchair tennis, becoming a skilled player who has participated in the Invictus Games, where he has proudly won medals. Furthermore, Alex has pursued his passion for aviation by becoming a pilot and now flies regularly. Watch Episode on YouTube Part 1: youtu.be/cqdV4zmtB5E Part 2: youtu.be/IV5OPizeZUc TikTok: tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcast Instagram: instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcast Merchandise: milvetpodcast.com/merch Send us a text Message at the end of the recording is from your host Gav, giving you information on how you can support the show through Patreon.Supporting monthly would help the show record future episodes and help with the upkeep of previous recordings. £5 a month will give you access to bonus recordings, where Gav and the guest chat about things that don't make it into the main recording. Thank you. Support the show

    1h 19m
  3. JUL 10

    Ep 058: Lt Col Ian Marlow - British Army (AAC) Veteran

    Ian joined the British Army in 1989, serving in the Army Air Corps for 21 years. During this tenure, attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col). In this episode, Ian discusses his journey through the University Officers’ Training Corps (UOTC) and his tenure as a member of the Territorial Army. Prior to completing the comprehensive officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, he pursued further training at the School of Army Aviation, where he acquired expertise as a helicopter pilot within the Army Air Corps. Ian shares his experiences of being stationed at Soest and Gütersloh in Germany, as well as Bristol and Netheravon in the United Kingdom. Notably, he also participated in operational flights during the Gulf War (1990-1991) and in Northern Ireland. Ian also shares his experiences returning to Gütersloh, Germany, as second-in-command (2IC) of 1 Regiment Army Air Corps. He discusses his involvement in the second Gulf War, commonly referred to as the Invasion of Iraq. Ian concludes his career with a diverse range of roles, including Chief of Staff at Colchester Garrison, working within the Army Recruiting and Training Division (ARTD), and finally a role at MOD Main Building in London. Watch Episode on YouTube Part 1: youtu.be/TJvZ3PTh78o Part 2: youtu.be/9WXrvHgItug TikTok: tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcast Instagram: instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcast Merchandise: milvetpodcast.com/merch Send us a text Message at the end of the recording is from your host Gav, giving you information on how you can support the show through Patreon.Supporting monthly would help the show record future episodes and help with the upkeep of previous recordings. £5 a month will give you access to bonus recordings, where Gav and the guest chat about things that don't make it into the main recording. Thank you. Support the show

    2h 24m
  4. JUN 10

    Ep 057: Sgt Ben Gallagher - Special Forces (UKSF) Communicator Veteran

    Ben enlisted in the British Army in 2005, joining the Royal Corps of Signals. During the course of 16 years of service, Ben attained the rank of Sergeant (Sgt). In this episode, Ben recounts his journey into the British Army, detailing the training phases he underwent before joining his first unit. He deployed to Afghanistan soon after, which marked the beginning of his interest in joining the UK Special Forces and attempting the renowned Selection course. Despite a medical withdrawal on Selection, Ben deployed again to Afghanistan and sought more challenges, which led him to 299 Signal Squadron (Special Communications), where he performed diverse roles and responsibilities globally. Ben sought to re-attempt UK Special Forces Selection, driven by his aspiration to join the Special Forces as an SF Communicator, supporting the Special Air Service (SAS). He recounts his journey, detailing how he successfully completed the initial phase 1 of Selection (Hills phase) prior to the Communicator phase. Subsequently, he navigated later phases, including the SF Parachute course (which encompasses HALO), ultimately achieving success in the Selection process. Regrettably, Ben’s career was abruptly terminated by an unfortunate incident that resulted in severe blast and fragment injuries to his upper torso and both arms. He shares his recovery journey, encompassing both physical and mental well-being. Watch Episode on YouTube Part 1: youtu.be/AQWv2bKn-GA Part 2: youtu.be/pjFUw4SlYus TikTok: tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcast Instagram: instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcast Merchandise: milvetpodcast.com/merch Send us a text Message at the end of the recording is from your host Gav, giving you information on how you can support the show through Patreon.Supporting monthly would help the show record future episodes and help with the upkeep of previous recordings. £5 a month will give you access to bonus recordings, where Gav and the guest chat about things that don't make it into the main recording. Thank you. Support the show

    3h 1m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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 possibly life changing injuries or illnesses. If you’re a veteran missing your time in the military, this is a great way to rekindle that fire. Regardless of service, rank or time served....every veteran has an experience to share. Sometimes, they just need an opportunity to do so. This podcast is recorded and edited in Gav’s free time.

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