7 Questions You've Always Wanted To Ask An SAS Veteran | Forces TV

We ask former SAS man, Rusty Firmin, about his career in the British Forces' most elite fighting force.
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Iranian embassy picture courtesy of David Dixon.

[@knurled1]

No boasting or bragging, just saying how it is. Respect.

[@mrkennerz]

Doesn't matter even if he did brag... These men have earned the right to if they wish to.

[@installshieldwizard3017]

Why would he? He's got nothing to prove

[@SvenTviking]

Story I always remember was from a US General in the first Gulf war. He said that the thing that shocked him was an SAS soldier asked him if he could borrow the use of his phone on his desk. He said, SEALS, Delta, Green Berets would have just used it without asking, even though he was a senior officer

[@installshieldwizard3017]

@THE LUCKE CHARMER I know, that's what I'm saying

[@debetrolence1991]

@@SvenTviking do you have a link to this? Delta force operators are highly disciplined and professional, it is difficult to imagine them doing so and if they did, they were probably on very good terms with the General, like a friend if you may.

[@Ryan0123ify]

56 rooms, all 6 levels in 11 minutes and rescued 19 hostages. That's the standard of the SAS right there. Edit: Just realised i got over 1.2 k likes for my comment here WOW. Massive respect to the SAS, they are the ones that sparked other nations to form their own special forces. The Queen can sleep easy knowing that there are capable men and women watching over the UK.

[@tomsandell7164]

Too right mate

[@andregordon3974]

Crazy init

[@gundorstoneskin5900]

All I could say was WOW.

[@Benderboy121898]

When i first found this out years ago i was in awe. Then I found out they used 60 men on that siege... Not so tricky now, surely? (I have tons of respect for the SAS and they are without a doubt the most badass human beings on this planet, I just think that they may be lying when they say they used 60 men on that siege... Or maybe I'm imagining the embassy as smaller than it was and they really did need 60 men.)

[@suidlander593]

Agreed

[@jrmathes6567]

I've never wanted to ask the S.A.S a question but I would like to say "thank you, for all you have done for us"

[@lordluiscypher]

56 rooms six storeys 11 minutes. imagine the adrenaline. thank you sir.

[@mkelebay]

Yeah that's insane, 11 seconds a room, every 11 seconds you're basically having a heart attack from that stress that this might be it for you, or for the hostages.

[@user-qf6bi8zb2h]

mkelebay that’s insane

[@BelloBudo007]

That's really moving. One mistake and it could be all over.

[@thomasc6412]

I believe this shows the ACTUAL training these troops have instead of the ideas the general public have of their training.

[@elcaballoblanco9627]

lordluiscypher try armed holdups with a big bag of money at the end yoo Hoo best drug ever

[@davidwakenshaw9347]

All the SAS I met you would not look twice at them if you saw them walking down the street. Which just goes to show that you should never judge a book by its cover.

[@justbreakingballs]

What do people expect them to look like? Rambo?

[@thesouthfacee]

Yea.They don't look buff,or have any particular thing.

[@yo-no9879]

They're supposed to look normal because of operational environments that require them to be discrete.

[@sid35gb]

Lol 😂 being the grey man is an achievement in the SAS.

[@torinjones3221]

Or they just look generic cause someone who stands out would be obvious and draw attention. They have to be what many call a grey man

[@antonyhobbs1144]

People who have seen active service don't brag about it. My father who served in World War 2 never told us about what he did, we had to ask him, but then he was very reluctant to tell us. Thank you to all of those men who have served our country and protected our freedom Rest in Peace whose who paid the ulitmate sacrifice.

[@craigross341]

I know somebody who did 13 years in the SAS, and three of his years would have crossed over with this chap. They're strikingly similar in the way they respond, and that deliberate, measured thoughtfulness. Partly I'm sure they're selected for that, but I'll bet the culture encourages it.

[@simonriley7641]

I'm sorry let me get this get this straight you knew someone in the sas did they tell you or did you find out

[@simonriley7641]

Ether way you lucky bustard for knowing someone in the sas

[@craigross341]

@@simonriley7641 This is social media. I'm not going down this road. Tens of thousands of people have been in the special forces. They consequently are known by hundreds of thousands of people who were in other parts of the military with them, or at uni. But there is *absolutely f°°° all* you can say to anybody that would convince them that you actually are pals with a real bona fide SAS soldier. Everyone's a walt, a fantasist, possibly a scaley, maybe support... Forget it. NFI.

[@simonriley7641]

And I know this is social media thanks for telling me and your right about knowing someone in the sas turns out I knew someone from the original sas yes original believe it or not so tuns out not that impressive after all

[@craigross341]

@@simonriley7641 This whole ridiculous media fascination began after the Iranian Embassy Siege. Before that the SAS was basically thought of as the Long Range Desert Group with attitude. Hardly anybody knew anything about them, and within the army they were associated with being eight stone in the middle of the Malay jungle, emerging after six months with a Betel nut habit, barely able to speak English but near fluent in the language of some mental headhunting tribe. It was oddballs seriously looking for trouble. All the abseiling and Gucci boots started after 1980.

[@andyreive8349]

Looks like a nice old man yet no one walking past him knows he stacked bodies

[@Steinstra-vj7wl]

Rusty would say "Rescued people"

[@psowden76]

I've had the pleasure of knowing 2 ex SAS members. Wonderful guys. You'd pass them in the street and not even know who or what they were.

[@samobrien4046]

That's what I cant get my head around, these absolute warriors look just like any other bloke but inside they are just something else

[@freelancebush]

I also know 2 ex sas. One was my best man, you’d never pick him as being anything but a normal man in the street. The other one is 6’8”, shaved head, quiet natured, gentle-giant type; but deadly dangerous, and his tales of madness and mayhem have you in stitches. Death and destruction with a wicked sense of humour😀

[@SASMADBRUV7]

@@freelancebush you talking about sledge from rainbow six siege?

[@freelancebush]

SFAAPK7 Negative.

[@smc296]

As a civilian thank you for your service!!

[@DianaKazimiera-]

Absolutely...great respect 🕊️ Great respect SAS 🕊️

[@DaveTheRaveBangkok]

I am highly honoured to know Rusty, he is a living legend and a top guy. Rusty talks sense I just wish the British government would listen to what he says.

[@tomlyon6143]

Watched 6 days the other day it is amazing respect to this man

[@randallflagg3464]

King Oxly it's Bullshit there were sixty men involved in that job and the film portrays it as though it was a handful they also have a full screw leading the team when it was a captain in reality!

[@506thLittleberry]

Yeah but they can't have 60 characters in the film. If they did that, no character would get more than a minute's worth of screen time. They had to limit the amount of troopers they focused on for practical film reasons. Not saying the movie was perfect, but it got the main bits right.

[@johnmellor932]

THey could have portayed 60 soldiers though but centered the story on blue team.

[@GemIsHere]

Is it just me then that thought it was boring and poorly done?

[@tonytomlinson5869]

King Oxly j

[@amandajaneweller9460]

God Bless You & Our Service's. I love & Respect You All.

[@nSamuraii1]

Thank you for this video. I always enjoy the stories of past SAS member and finding out about them.

[@alanbugler5418]

Martin Denes i

[@borderterrierman2991]

Thank god for people like this

[@joebutlersnr7017]

It always amazes me how unassuming these heroes are , just a bloke standing next to you in a pub, respect.

[@lifeisaadventure9948]

Thank you for taking the Risks you took Sir 💪🏻🎗🎗🎗🎗🎗🎗🎗 #IstandwithSASVeterans

[@edwardmorley5273]

Can't get enough of his interviews, a great guy.

[@lazurus8237]

Read his book and have spoken to him, aspire to be just like him and am joining (junior entry at 16) boot camp in march for the paras.

[@deathblade1360]

SkitBoy I guess I’ll see you there then... Can’t wait for Harrogate!

[@TheRugbyClubHQ]

Me too

[@johnshiels9102]

Good luck to you brother it takes a special type of person to fight for there country I hope you do well they will break you down and build you up into great man filled with courage and honour

[@mail4536]

nice one we need some young meat to keep this global war machine going.

[@stephensmith4480]

Best of luck to ya SkitBoy. Stick with it, work hard.

[@gillesguillaumin6603]

Congratulations for your bravery.

[@andreaschapman9886]

Gratitude and thanks to the best special forces regiment in the world.

[@magicmike6517]

Respect to a person of high inspiration being a saviour and a wonderfull soldier and a good man and thank you for keeping Britain safe and freedom rules 😉👍

[@Jack-hl2zq]

Thanks for you service

[@telthehitmangames4053]

Had the honor of being shown some self defense techniques about 2 years ago by some ex SAS officers brilliant down to earth guys that know what they teach

[@juniorballs6025]

Thank you very much for all your hard work 👍

[@GavTatu]

"do you think you missed out on a normal military career"...... what a great question !

[@danielmoran9902]

A former SAS trooper once told me 'always look for the humour in any situation and you'll generally be OK It's there if you look for it'. He wasn't wrong.

[@mkdy218]

A fine man.Respect to you..

[@onebritishboi9892]

Thank you sir for your service

[@scarto3887]

This guy epitomizes the SASR.Articulate,humble and straight to the point professional Soldier.All the things Ant Middleton,Bear Grills and the US Navy Seals are not.Full respect to you Rusty Firmin.

[@jamesclapham9010]

Thank you for your service!

[@commonce420]

A tribute to a great man, Rusty Firmin.

[@TheJules2011]

Hero....thank you for your service and keeping us safe 👍👍👍

[@vancetrigger]

thnx for your service

[@lafeeshmeister]

I watched this for 12 seconds and already determined that this man innately commanded my respect. I have no idea if this will be borne out for the remaining time of the video. But, hell, that is impressive on its own. Edit: Yep. It was borne out.

[@stevemorse108]

I watched the team at the Iranian embassy since I lived just down the road...very impressive! This man seems very soft spoken and gentle...who would be able to guess that he was a trained killer?

[@hphoenix7974]

A huge thank you and bigger respect 🙏🙏🙏

[@leeab2824]

Respect from Lancashire 🇬🇧

[@Grayman58]

Thanks mate for your service .

[@user-ck8xm5oj5h]

S.A.S the best of the best

[@Aydarrn]

Unless you're talking to an American...

[@va_nzy]

@@Aydarrn your point?

[@scrimmy45]

You got one letter wrong there. Substitute 'B' for ' A'.

[@julionj54]

@@scrimmy45 no mate the A was right, it's both of S's that needs to be swapped for an R and F

[@billmoore4811]

Well done, good luck to you mate..

[@branofattrebates2847]

Thankyou for your service 👍👍🇬🇧

[@2endcliffe]

For your service, thank you

[@LILTANTILT]

Very humble man, says a lot about the regiment He who dares...

[@jessicaadams262]

What a great man! God Bless the SAS and all our British allies. And thank you Margaret for sending a message to the world, that nothing can be gained by taking hostages.

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

Gods are imaginary. SAS is real.

[@northernninjarunner5506]

The Best of the 🇬🇧. Thank you for what you do no matter where or when you are asked to do it.

[@fridgefreezer7774]

Thank you for your service to your queen and country

[@alexmccrorie4195]

Thank u so much Sir for your service to our country .

[@davidriley8590]

With respect to Rusty and all the special forces from a Veteran RDG 74-86

[@mujtabaaslam00]

Absoloute legends these brave men are. Ive always wanted to be in the SAS. Sadly im still young so hopefully once I grow a bit I can

[@bigdarshan]

Fearless warriors... Massive respect

[@thanossfinger5960]

The Netflix film 6days is based on this story and the late great John macaleese was involved in this R.I.P legend thankyou for you're service.

[@matthewhudson5685]

Very good concept, but I feel it's too rushed. I'd like to hear Rusty answer one or two questions in depth. A dozen questions and answers in three minutes is too much. One question, three to five minute response would be best, I think.

[@Camberwell86]

There's loads of Rusty Firmin interviews on KZbin

[@johnmcdonald5998]

Great, honest interview.

[@91kaveesh]

A true legend yet humble .

[@wastedpotato4555]

I'm lucky to have been able to ask a lot of questions of an SAS especially 1 of the guys that was also involved in the embassy seige. These guys were insane but still humble

[@rayc.8555]

Respect from the States. Thank you for your service.

[@reinout1080]

What colour are the boat houses at Hereford?

[@okbutthenagain.9402]

Duhh. Even the local cat knows you can google that question... :)

[@petersattout3956]

Love that movie

[@russelldavis8415]

Reinout 6 Red pink and green lol

[@aileanbreac5584]

"I just ambushed you with a cup of coffee"...classic

[@fugoff8588]

The best thing about that scene is that De Niro wrongly pronounced "Hereford" as "Hair-ford" instead of the correct "Herra-ford".

[@likaboss7654]

Respect from the US

[@JJ-bo4ir]

He seems like a calm person.

[@tonynapoli5549]

Respect to you all guys 👍👌🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@Johnny-sj9sj]

Having seen in this comments section all I would have to say, I resisted the temptation to add my own tuppence worth. But hats off to these heroes.

[@lapzsmg6648]

Inspires me so much

[@paulhank7967]

Thanks you for your honorable service.

[@alanwitton5039]

Total respect

[@hendrix01249]

Rusty was also one of the 9..against 300 in the Battle of Mirbat ..Massive Respect , and Gratitude Rusty and all ;)

[@sid35gb]

Nope that was in 1972 he joined in 77😉

[@Davehiphop]

Thanks and respect...

[@donohoe71]

have total admiration for ALL our armed forces...... but the SAS take it to God level.

[@aussieoffroader1974]

RIP Johnny Mac

[@pauloneill7939]

Yeah but would you let him babysit your kids eh?

[@allgunsblazed9106]

@@John-te4ej woof getting a bit testy

[@davidoconnell4100]

@@John-te4ej Probably destroy the poor kids.

[@couldbeanybody2508]

@@davidoconnell4100 alright David pipe down

[@garyhughes4819]

Nothing but respect for you blokes. Noli illigitimi carborundum.

[@bargndigital8874]

I was in Wainwright with the SAS, they are truly the people I have ever met, I am proud to say I trained with some of them. My respect for these silent hero's

[@grimauldusshagnasty6649]

I actually met one of these guys in hospital a few years back and to my eternal shame I dismissed him as a walter mitty type. I then saw him on a Iranian siege documentary on ch4 and my jaw hit the floor. Still annoys me now that I didn't believe him.

[@Jazzman-bj9fq]

Good man, humble warrior.

[@bama1usaf]

Thank you good Sir.

[@jamesperkbs9005]

Best of the best ❤️🇬🇧

[@hellhound7290]

He is humble. I like it.

[@Slarti]

My first static line jump was with a Royal Marine jump master- he was one of the nicest people I have ever met.

[@leehayden3050]

jagara1 where did you do your jump RAF Brize Norton?

[@Slarti]

It was at a small airfield in Devon. I just found my certificate for my first jump and it was at the Eaglescott Parachute Centre(like my second jump) and I need to correct myself - the Royal Marine Commando was the jumpmaster on my second jump in 1988.

[@leehayden3050]

You must be talking about the jump school in Chulmleigh,North Devon? Nothing quite as exiting as your first jump eh? Best days of my life... What regiment were you in???

[@Slarti]

I never served in a regiment although I did serve 10 years at boarding school(otherwise know as posh borstal) which is where I did 2 jumps, not sure it if that counts. I just googled the centre and it's at Eaglescott Airfield which is just south of Bideford and yes it's close to Chumleigh. My first exit consisted of me counting to 1001 and then freezing - I'm not ashamed to say it was pretty terrifying although once the canopy was open the silence and view was amazing followed by quite possibly the most non-existent plf ever performed. I take it you served in the forces - which regiment were you in?

[@mstrwul1]

I read Rusty Firmin books The Regiment and Go! Go! Go! and Rusty is doing another book which I can't wait for. Great reads.

[@gtrman9706]

The worlds best !

[@robinhooduk8255]

forces tv is broken on freeview, signal is really poor

[@forces_news]

Hi Robin, you should contact Freeview's customer service to get it fixed (0345 650 5050). They will be able to help!

[@robinhooduk8255]

hi thank you. i have a very good aerial with no problems picking up hd freeview. il give them a call. :)

[@Josh23761]

My house mate tried for selection but phase 2 broke him during the interrogation because of the torture, he made it further than I could though thats for sure since no matter how hard I stay motivated I could not mentally endure what these men do. We both have utter respect for their regiment.

[@reasonabledoubt6908]

Damn the torture was that bad ?? Propper pasting ?

[@numbnutz7832]

It ain’t torture. Just playing mind games.

[@michaelthompson342]

Respect!

[@mariogiresi6792]

Good man, good soldier.

[@benhack3102]

When I was with cadets, my group spoke to some Ex SAS Falkland veterans, the stories they told us rendered us speechless!

[@forqueenandcountry3087]

Respect 🤜🤛

[@GameplayRunner]

U miss one question. „Do u know the age of captain price?“

[@Charles2k]

no

[@rzr2ffe325]

Nerd alert

[@xkyleprivatex_9883]

I'm 47

[@hm096]

cringe

[@bosnmatecaddie]

Well Done, Sir!

[@vulgarian5334]

I have a uncle who was in the SAS he said it's the most adrenaline,frightening experience of his life

[@scottish_pikermtp6734]

Hero god bless you sir 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@brianlowes7325]

The Finest Fighters in the World - and still are today - enough said

[@tedrobinson5743]

Sir Thank You for your service Sir. Veterans Day 2017 USA THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SACRIFICE SO WE CAN LIVE THANK YOU!

[@tdh2044]

Ted Robinson i don't get what you are saying, please structure your sentence better..

[@willm687]

its remeberence day

[@ostyum4534]

What the fuck are you on, mate?

[@WEBBY321]

its an american holiday to remember those that have served in the military... we just get alot of free food and alcohol all day.

[@cohnnYT]

It's not just an American Holiday you fucking toss

[@wanderer6664]

Hero!

[@georgea7022]

Rusty has his own KZbin channel btw, type in Rusty firmin. He has good stories

[@godchannelled5990]

True brit..

[@Jidkwdin1]

We all know he wanted to say royal marines

[@FrogMstr]

hat

[@randallflagg3464]

Joe Harris Boot necks belong in the shaky boat service

[@sonnyasif2463]

You wish

[@Jammyg1t]

You boys stick to your boats

[@exmoorfarmer4880]

Of course he did - Per Mare Per Terram!!!

[@carforumwanker]

I have met about 580 SAS veterans on Pistonheads .

[@KTBFFHCFC1905]

Thank you very much for your service and thank you too all our armed forces who sacrifice and have sacrificed their lives to keep us safe. God bless them and their families and make sure they come home safely. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN. 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@amp4105]

god save this man, not the queen.

[@DrB81]

I emailed Rusty a few years ago asking him when 6 days would be finished. To his credit he emailed back. Respect to you Sir.

[@markhughes8314]

Dribs. did you see Robin Horsfall's review of that film. Said that the film was as far removed from the truth as you can be. If you haven't seen it " An sas veteran reviews new Iranian Embassy movie (6 days)"

[@DrB81]

mark hughes yeah mate. Robins book is fantastic. And certainly raises questions but "the regiment" sticks to the official story. I preferred who dares wins with Lewis Collins however. So did Spielberg and another legendary directory who I've forgotten the name cause I'm whiskeyfied

[@markhughes8314]

Dribs, I thought who dares wins was a cracking film. I know they had to rush it out before someone else did but at least they never claimed it to be a true story. I liked the fact that Lewis Collins made the grade for real as well. Whiskeyfied eh. Sounds like a good idea to me. Friday 11.30 am, just in from work, Shower, shave, iron the shorts, make a couple of Biffta's and that's me down the pub old boy! Happy Days! :)

[@DrB81]

mark hughes haha good stuff man. I haven't heard the word bifter for a long time. Ps I remembered the other director now my mind is unwhiskeyfied. Stanley Kubrick loved WDW as well as Spielberg. I think Lewis Collins passed selection for the territorial SAS(21 or 23) but he obviously wasn't allowed to serve cause he was famous.

[@alanpartridge1385]

All the genuinely hard people I've met have been quiet and unassuming. This guy has nothing to prove.

[@wazza9965]

Top notch lads a certainly would not wanting em chasing that's for sure