The Secret Unit Better Than Special Forces

There's an elite band of 80 men within the British Military whose selection process is longer and tougher than even Special Forces.
They operate in extreme environments where just to survive you need a level of skill that puts you in the 1% of the 1%.
I spent the day climbing Commando Ridge with a former member of this unit. This is the historical proving ground where for over 80 years they have trained and tested their skills for every conflict from the D-day to the Falklands and the Middle East.
From surviving in the arctic to Afghanistan, hunting Al Qaeda in the Hindu Kush. For 10 years Tommy served at the sharp end.
I’m going to dig deep, reveal, and share with you the mindset secrets of the men who do a harder selection course and get less pay and recognition than Special Forces.
For business owners & leaders: How To Unlock Killer Consistency To Triple Your Productivity, Never Miss A Workout Again And Go From ‘Average’ To Unstoppable
LEARN MORE HERE: join.thenatura...
Produced By The Natural Edge & Filmed by ‪@palpafilms‬
With ‪@Jottnarfilms‬
Drone Shots and B Cam By Ben Walton
Rope Safety By Paul Simpson

[@skids4791]

This small little island, with a tiny number of elite troops compared to most countries but we are number 1 in the world and for that, I’m immensely proud of you guys and grateful. Proud to be British. 🇬🇧

[@thenaturaledge]

Thanks for watching mate

[@jonnybanjo3424]

As a Norwegian, I like to think it's because of viking influence 😏 Jokes aside; you are proud for a very good reason. Respect.

[@Madasin_Paine]

See Gaza, Ukraine, Iraq, Syria... Churchill.

[@jhart1127]

We've evolved to be a warrior race. We're good in a ruck and have been for thousands of years. Immensely proud to be British.

[@yusufraheem7586]

Better than special forces? Yeah depending on who's Special Forces you're comparing them to. SAS and Development Group are two I can think of off the top of my head that these dudes ain't fucking with.😂😂😂

[@IO-zg8md]

Army Chef's Course is more elite - no-one's ever passed it!

[@kennyking4088]

That's funny

[@SwaghettiYoloneses]

The course no one ever asked for.

[@thenaturaledge]

What’s the selection phase like 🤣

[@garthwick19]

Yes, they can remove a whole regiment from the battlefield using only one Norwegian urn full of scrambled eggs....(or something that looks like scrambled eggs)

[@mikewinston8709]

ACC….Acannae cook…..for the old and bold.

[@markwoods4574]

My Late Grandfather was one of the first volunteers of the British Army’s Commandos, he was a member of First Special Service Brigade SOE Commando they later became 1 Commando.

[@MarkARhodie]

My Grandad was Raiding Force.

[@jonnybanjo3424]

Respect.

[@minuteman3859]

My grandad was lrdpg

[@davideddy2672]

My Great Uncle would have fought alongside him - Edward Flanagan

[@muldoun45]

I had the privilege of this guy being my boss at 45. Legend of a man. Respect as always to the ML branch.

[@ronstallworth9421]

Tommy is the definition of a quiet professional.

[@RobertOwen-p2e]

In 1969 I was lodged with the most incredible guy and his wife whilst a young policeman. He was a former senior climbing instructor with the Artic and Mountain Warfare Cadre of the Royal Marines. He fell and broke his back whilst free climbing. He recovered and returned to his role. It happened a second time (memory fading but I think it was on an undercover op in northern Russia? When I knew him he was bent double but totally unbroken - still living a full life. What a guy.

[@thenaturaledge]

That is a great story! They’re a unique and very special band of men. What you’re talking about is now the Mountain Leader branch of the Royal Marines. Brilliant!

[@denisberte778]

@@thenaturaledge There's a warrior, but couldn't he have stopped after the first accident, just saying, not trying to rock the boat. Regards, Denis Berte' SFC 1st Group 18E 85-96

[@unclecreepy8343]

😂 Did he go by 007 😂

[@RobertOwen-p2e]

@@unclecreepy8343 I don’t think many realise how much of this sort of thing went/goes on. Not me of course (;-)) but just one more story. Our Ops Officer in our CT classified support unit many years ago had done the SAS ‘long course’, as they called it then (maybe there used to be a short course for some attached/ officers - sorry, three strokes can bug..r the memory?). He was then sent to monitor the Soviet Navy somewhere towards Murmansk. This involved him and another guy digging in and sh1tting in bags for several weeks. At the end of this he had lost several toes due to frost bite. Of course he was then considered unfit for SF duties …. Of all the traits of the varied SF folks I heard about, the most vital was determination to succeed but, as someone else said, a sense of humour was pretty vital for the Brits, including said Ops Officer.

[@attievanwyk3561]

Sounds like a great guy. What do you want to share?

[@chrismalam4248]

"if you are to have, a successful life, do hard things" that simple sentence tells it all, knowledge, professionalism and a humbleness that only comes from doing what you love and never needing validation from anyone other than yourself, Bombers.

[@thenaturaledge]

Exactly this. Thanks for watching pal

[@nedkelly9688]

True Australia Special Z Unit ww2 no one barely still know anything as missions are top secret until 2045 as Australia SASR still use their tactics until now. only maybe 10 missions are known of. Aussies special forces are the most humble of all even their stories of Vietnam no one speaks of.. but damn Yanks brag like crazy to this day...

[@thenaturaledge]

Will do, thanks mate.

[@dannyotter7247]

Absolutely SUPERB interview/life experience of a truly ‘quiet professional’ of UK armed forces and UKSF. The personal drive to be ‘that guy’ and to push yourself for purely selfish interests yet knowing that it will make you a better person and soldier/warrior. I like that units like SRR and RM ML are more low key and really only highly recognised and respected within thier own sphere and a that bit of mystery and professional ‘pedestal’ only adds, and not detracts.

[@OldNavajoTricks]

Some sf'ers are like a Dad on Christmas morning, some are like the Mum. 🤘🙂

[@thenaturaledge]

Thanks for watching Danny, great to read your opinion and perception too. You really do have to have internal drivers to succeed in this kind of role.

[@Dr.Ian-Plect]

danny "Absolutely SUPERB interview/life experience of a truly ‘quiet professional’ of UK armed forces and UKSF" - if that regards Tommy Kelly, he was a Royal Marines Mountain Leader. They are not UKSF.

[@scottandchels6813]

Here I was thinking that someone from my unit had spilled their guts. Never mind, carry on as you were.

[@globallandrovers]

There seem to be quite a few clandestine elite units in the British Arsenal.

[@AndersHansen791]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@globallandrovers oh yeh there are loads. Most aren’t even that clandestine (i.e. google brings up results) but they’re just quiet professionals. They don’t shout about how cool and amazing they are (cough half of the SEALs and Rangers cough). The British are just very good at training quiet professionals and choosing the right people for these units. They select carefully and train carefully. Most people in any of these units don’t like the guys who leave and then write and shout about how badass they are/were. You do it because you know what you’re doing has a positive effect - you fight for a cause not to have a cushy speaking job after. One example that sticks in my mind was the end of the Kosovo War. The first unit to identify the person to bring stability to the region (i.e. who to support to have long-lasting peace) was a small group of Norwegians. Their solution ended up being the one accepted by the international community and ended a war. Result? 0 books, speeches or interviews given (even though the broad outline mentioned above was declassified ages ago) by any of the group since. None have even come forward publicly.

[@globallandrovers]

@@AndersHansen791 yes the unsung heroes like the operatives of 77 Brigade.

[@AndersHansen791]

@@globallandrovers yes don’t know much about them but they look like they do interesting stuff. Where im from we are not quite personnel-rich enough to have a whole psyops brigade but it would be cool!

[@grahamskilling2147]

@@globallandroversand what about the rest of the Premier League?

[@ΝίκοςΓεωργαλής-ε7ψ]

excellent cinematography at the cliff, lovely fireside chat and an inspiring mindset and perspective on life

[@4gmovies]

Owning your path is a wonderful trait. I met an ML whilst playing cricket. He had that quiet sense of control and calmness. Huge respect.

[@thenaturaledge]

The same feeling I got whilst climbing with Tommy. Thanks for watching mate

[@monguzzle]

I found this fascinating. Tommy’s calm, extremely measured discussion about the demands of his role is the kind of thing I wish there had been more of 20+ years ago. This was a beautifully presented film. More please!

[@thenaturaledge]

Thanks for watching mate

[@MikeH401]

Worked with Tom and he certainly is a very professional leader.

[@bartbrons7325]

This was unbelievable. Thank you for making this interview and posting this.

[@thenaturaledge]

Cheers buddy!

[@anthonysmith7280]

Great vid guys, really apprciate you guys pulling this together. I was a lead climber in the 1St SFG, 3Rd BN for a periord of time. Great skill sets that need to be continually developed. You guys continue to take this to the next level. Keep on hammering . stay safe . and be well out there gents ......

[@thenaturaledge]

Good stuff mate, nice to see you can relate to it. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment, all the feedback helps. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@markwoods4574]

My Late Grandfather was one of the first volunteers of the British Army’s Commandos, he was a member of First Special Service Brigade SOE Commando they later became 1 Commando. We as a family have been trying to get his service record but to no avail, a contact from the WW2 Commando Association has informed me in late 1944 he was temporarily transferred to 2nd Regiment SAS on there European Front for there raids in certain parts still occupied France 🇫🇷, Holland 🇳🇱 and Belgium 🇧🇪 and obviously Nazi Germany .

[@darrenlane3168]

I travelled from Baghdad to Q West in 2005 with an ML as the TL. We were a low profile C/S, great comms from him, calling ERV’s, PRV’s all the way up. We had a cheeky vehicle break down which on Tampa in 06 wasn’t what anyone wanted. Dealt with no dramas. Once we were safely in the FOB, I remarked ‘Good job, Jim, how many times have you been here, mate?’ He replied ‘first time, bud’ 😮 fair play. Total professionals.

[@thenaturaledge]

That’s a mega dit! I wouldn’t expect anything less. Thanks for watching mate 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@Rosco0754]

Erinys?

[@DieselpunkMachine]

Yesterday I GHC, VF and 3E. LJV.

[@iceandale7621]

Mr Green was a legend

[@darrenlane3168]

‘The real Jim Green’ 👍🏻

[@Kuljanjua]

Having a pint next to a fireplace in a pub has sold this to me!

[@thenaturaledge]

Couldn’t do it anywhere else. The walls are covered in memories from all kinds of units that have trained there

[@Kuljanjua]

@@thenaturaledge Top notch mate , always good to see how far people can go, interesting interview

[@teddyboy228]

What a great post. The man himself is a real role model for anyone in RM looking to have a crack at ML side of things.

[@thenaturaledge]

Thanks for watching buddy 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@TjLambo-f3g]

I served as an infantryman for a few year's. I thought I was tough as nails, meat eating grunt. And for the most part we all were. But my last unit was a Pathfinder, Airborne Ranger unit. And I learned very quickly that I wasn't tough. And I knew fck all.

[@thenaturaledge]

Yep, it makes you realise that achieving anything within those units is essentially a minimum standard, have to live and breathe it on a daily basis.

[@lesflynn4455]

I've read stuff about the pathfinders. There's nothing funny about their selection course or training. I'm not qualified l to say a word but I'll thank you for the work you've done.

[@sailingyoumeandjosapea6770]

I was in 289 commando n the 90s and met a pathfinder he’d been for a 20 mile run said it like it was a 6 ! I looked up what they did and yeah wow ! We was a VHR unit TA Commando it’s was hard but we practiced climbing over things too like up over a house top just using our combined strength lots of fun that was I’m 58 a bit scared of heights now tbh

[@adventure247]

The day at Foggin with the MLs is always a great experience, such professionalism and humour. Commando qualities in abundance and great teachers... when they aren't making you wet and cold! Awesome video, worth the wait.

[@thenaturaledge]

Couldn't agree more! That’s a tough day when you’re in recruit training but something that sticks with you forever.

[@adventure247]

@@thenaturaledge Usually the confidence check or the Roller Carnage as they called it

[@andresousa2704]

In Portugal we also have this unit! It's called DAE It only has 10 to 15 men at a time because it's the elite of the elite... It's very secretive and almost no one knows the missions they do because no one talks. They do everything and the selection is absolutely brutal and also the intelectual skills have to be very high. These guys cannot just be brutal but very intelligent as well and finding a soldier with both capabilities is very hard

[@thenaturaledge]

I never knew this, thanks for watching 👊🏼

[@andyg6967]

What wars have Portugal been in lately,they even managed to bottle out of WW2.

[@malcolmmcfarlane7565]

​@@andyg6967they are probably undertaking operations in former colonies at the request of the governments there, so Mozambique and Angola for example. In ww2 they had a fascist military dictatorship, so they were politically more aligned with the Nazis, although the people were not. They did get into ww1 and were hammered, so withdrew.

[@malcolmmcfarlane7565]

They fought counter insurgency Wars in Angola and Mozambique

[@andresousa2704]

@@andyg6967 We fought in WW2 but very very little... We had our own "Vietnam" in Africa that was absolutely brutal and a lot of men died and lasted 20 years until it ended in 1975 with the end of our dictatorship. After that we have been in every war fighting along side the Americans in Desert Storm, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan and recently Central African Republic

[@notreallydavid]

Marvellous shots on the peaks and ridges. Wouldn't want to be there myself, but have to express admiration for and gratitude to those who do - and who take the pictures.

[@craigwilliams6123]

Just an incredible interview which oozed professionalism, an incredible branch within the Corps. I had a Colours Hannah take me through CTC in the late 80s, simply inspirational - he also appears as a Cpl in that BBC doc from the mid 80s. I was fortunate to spend time in both Poole and Hereford as an S3 (now SFCs) and had the time of my life though not once did I think I could pass the course, but it was an honour to be amongst all those men. Met a few guys since leaving including a WO ML plus a guy who did ML2s and then went SAS Selection now serving as a Sniper - all humble men but men you would absolutely want in your corner.

[@andrewallan3415]

Bungy, you would have passed on looks and personality alone lad...

[@hackedoff736]

Freddy on drinking ability though Bungy.

[@teddyboy228]

That Bungy who worked with Frank and Ski 91/92---

[@peetsnort]

Whats so depressing is there magnificent men are led by malevolent politicians

[@christiantripodi7496]

Know Tommy well. Genuine, and incredibly modest. He and Steve Howarth have done great things with Jottnar.

[@thenaturaledge]

They have indeed 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@robc8892]

Behind the lines is a great great watch.

[@lukeysharp94]

Brilliant watch. Highly suggest to watch "How to make a Royal Marines officer" if you haven't done so already

[@SWEATBOXGYM]

A rare glimpse into the mind of the elite of the elite. Great insightful interview.

[@JamesHartnell]

Great interview - MLs, tough breed - 'Behind the Lines' is probably my favourite British Military docu.

[@thenaturaledge]

We used that series to do research, a great watch and our filmmaker knows a couple of the characters featured.

[@JamesHartnell]

@@thenaturaledge Good stuff - I was Mountain Rescue and it was brilliant to see the Bell Stretcher, which we still use today, get a run out when the bloke got bashed by the waves in Ep 1. Train Hard, Fight Easy.

[@jimjoelliejack]

Many a Bootneck has climbed those beautiful cliffs in Bosigran, Sennan and west Penrith, the greats like John Zeke Deacon, Mike Banks, Joe Barry, Eric Stone Rawdon Goodier et al. I learnt to climb there in the Marines in the late 70s, I returned in the mid 90s with a non climbing friend, I dragged him up commando ridge and Alison’s rib, I remember belaying him on to a lofty exposed ledge, he sat next to me in the warm summer sunshine and started to gently cry, he was struck by the beauty of that fantastic place, he fell in love with the area and uped sticks from Coventry and moved to Cornwall. Alas he passed away last year, I will always remember that moment in time till the day I die. Thanks for posting the video it brings back great memories for me.👍

[@thenaturaledge]

That’s a very cool story and thanks for sharing mate. All the best 💪

[@deggers1st]

Mega interview. Strong message. ‘The struggle itself towards the heights is enough to fill a man’s heart’ - Albert Camus

[@thenaturaledge]

Thank you mate!

[@carldowd406]

I first came across MLs and The Cadre as a young Para in the 70s with an invited visit to their Base at St Just, brilliant weekend. I also worked with two or 3 Ex MLs as a senior Inst at JSMTC (S)..., All top guys... And I would often climb with some of them whilst working with them during another specialisation... Top guys! Great sense of humour, good climbers, motivated and very quick learners... 👍👍

[@thenaturaledge]

Great story Carl! Love that this video has brought some memories out of some folk. Thanks for watching mate. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@daviskites]

Great video Simon - thank you

[@thenaturaledge]

Cheers buddy

[@telephonic]

Amazing video, thank you.

[@thenaturaledge]

Glad you liked it!

[@davidsays682]

Absorbed everything I could find online about MLs a few years ago when I was going through a very dark time myself. Honestly just taking them as an example of how to do things within difficult circumstances gave me a lot of courage and inspiration to keep working on myself in that period and come out the other side of it in a better situation. As an mildly interesting aside my last three initials are MLS which I thought was quite cool when I discovered it and my abbreviated initials are DS (one for the SF people).

[@thomasshepard6030]

My father in law’s brother was a royal marine commando during WW2 he was dropped behind enemy lines many times to destroy German radar stations and ammunition dumps he survived the war and emigrated to New Zealand 🇳🇿 and never came back to Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 again

[@tykehotep2865]

That was bloody interesting,, i know nothing of the military experience but it always surprises me how controlled quiet and calm these blokes seem,

[@thenaturaledge]

Thanks for watching mate and especially for taking the time to comment 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼👊🏼

[@tonyhaitch8385]

Knew a ML who also went on to Poole and did an attachment to Hereford. Basically said the course was unnecessarily long run by people with inflated egos. SF selection was harder because it covered everything and you had to be good at everything to pass.

[@allanfenwick8249]

Immensely proud of all the quiet and professional effort from these very few. ML are the absolute best of the best, no one else can compare. Great video to highlight the immense amount of training and effort these lads go through. Proud is not the word.....

[@thenaturaledge]

Much appreciated!

[@treblerebel2362]

As a Royal Green Jacket I had the honor to be trained by these guys up in Fort William ( Kinlochlaven). Best and hardest thing I ever done. The ML instructors where tterly processional and humble with it also.

[@thenaturaledge]

Agreed, super switched on and humble with it. Fair play to them and to you for getting stuck in with the training on such an arduous area.

[@seanjoseph8637]

We are going to need these people soon.

[@Chili-Tom]

Glad to see the content coming out again mate. 6 months was to long, keep it coming. Quality stuff.

[@thenaturaledge]

Thanks mate, glad to hear back 👊🏼

[@jw8648]

What a great 22 mins that was to provide the public with a small snippet of the ML World. I remember one in particular, Taff Hunter ML2 - 42 commando. What a legend!

[@thenaturaledge]

L Coy legend according to James who films for us. 👊🏼

[@MagWatchTime]

Awesome interview, what legends these guys are, the BBC documentary is brilliant and highly recommend.

[@thenaturaledge]

Yes mate, we watched it as a bit of research. James, our filmmaker knows a couple of the characters in it personally!

[@MarkARhodie]

My dad passed this course in the 1950s-60s, back then it was called CL, Cliff Leader, now-a-days it's called ML Mountain Leader. He said he was trained to climb 90% of cliffs around the world on a quarter moon light.

[@ianmangham4570]

😅

[@jason0129]

Really enjoyed watching this. Such a brilliant perspective on dealing with challenges and hardship. I’ve sent this through to my team as there’s so much to learn from this.

[@thenaturaledge]

That’s good to hear Jason! Plenty on our channel to digest. Cheers 🍻

[@Tagomago12]

My father in law was in the cadets just before ww 2 started, he was 1 of the first to do parachute training at Ringway airport . He went through north Africa, Malta all the way up through Italy. I miss his humour.

[@KingOfBanks]

What an excellent interview. Elite performers handing out valuable, scalable (pardon the pun) advice. Love it.

[@thenaturaledge]

Great to hear it mate, thanks for watching

[@douglasspencer745]

There was a great tv series made in 1985 about the Artic warfare cadre called Behind the Lines

[@thenaturaledge]

We feature it in this!

[@Stu1664RM]

The blokes from that course were some proper corps legends.

[@frenchfree]

A RSM of 22 SAS. walked into a bar in Chamonix, French alps, inhabited by British alpinists. He turned to his staff sergeant and said "if there is trouble, this is the place to come, they are already trained, just need to know how to handle a weapon ".

[@attievanwyk3561]

No such thing as 22SAS.....keep smoking dude.

[@ianjenkins1905]

@@vudusid8717 It's actually sounded out as two two SAS, but understand your argument against @attievanwyk3561,

[@bruy88]

He’s right though. They’re generally incredibly fit, able to endure extreme hardship and just “get on with it” in an often very dangerous environment, ready to look after their climbing partner at all costs, good at assessing risk, ready to take calculated risks. And they do that voluntarily, to explore the boundaries of their capabilities and just for “fun”!

[@lesflynn4455]

@@attievanwyk3561 🤣

[@rhysdavies3375]

Lol. Stop taking drugs.

[@alexkerr8770]

All respect from a ex para reg and pathfinder

[@thenaturaledge]

Thanks for watching buddy. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@donovandavidsonAlton]

Fantastic insight thanks

[@rikh0101]

Would just like to add that Tommy's brand Jottnar really is top draw outdoor clothing. It performs so well and incorporates the very best technology and technical fabrics. It really is a standout brand to me and nothing else comes close. Mountaineering often is about being comfortable in uncomfortable situations, but Jottnar layers definitely help

[@alexbaker5778]

Fantastic video - thanks for putting together such top quality content!

[@thenaturaledge]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for watching Alex! 🍻

[@petrolhead001]

A great video Simon, thank you.

[@thenaturaledge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@atae7185]

A lot of MLs go to Poole and they all say that ML training is by far a harder course than SF.

[@sgt7]

Nice to hear a deeper analysis of the roots of discipline other than the simple white knuckle it approach.

[@thenaturaledge]

Glad you liked it!

[@ontheadventuretrails-scotl9389]

Known Tommy for many years from when he wore the maroon machine! Very good lad, was always going to do epic shit in life and be successful. Now he’s smashing it with his business Jottnar. All the best mucker. Dave M 🍻

[@kevindolling9456]

Total respect, and thank you for your service to us and our country.

[@thenaturaledge]

Thanks for watching Kevin 👍

[@mvmmurray]

Really liked the interview, we all need to be challenged to grow and find some degree of greatness. Thanks

[@thenaturaledge]

Yeah, it’s a good nudge for us all eh. Thanks for watching mate

[@edwardroycroft7413]

Great video. 👍 BBC did a good 7 part Documentary on MLs called Behind the Lines.

[@thenaturaledge]

Yes mate, watched it for some research!

[@paulsaunders6536]

A lot of my contemporaries were in that film, both as candidates and instructors.

[@Jeff-jo5ie]

Jan Parker and Mac McClean, legendary MLs back in the 80s

[@philipstevens730]

Fantastic insight into motivation. 10:46 “If it feeds into the sense of who you are, or who you want to be, that will pull you through.” So well said. Great video.

[@thenaturaledge]

Pure gold from Tommy.

[@dannyotter7247]

Truly great and inspiring content guys, some in a very British way (down the pub) not drawing attention to yourselves. I do really enjoy the YT world of USSF with all the production values razzmatazz that’s comes with it, and I don’t detract from what they and how they achieve - but why have way bigger budgets, pools of resources and facilities to call upon - the way it has always been, and I think that is very telling how UKSF etc and even regulars operate a bit differently, less diss and bluster and ‘crack on’. Falklands and WWII are great examples of this, lack of kit and incorrect kit for the environment but the job still needs to get done - so TAB/Yomp a marathon in south Atlantic weather with as much ammo and water as you can, then get stuck into a firefighter against established fortifications, no real CAS and minimal large IDF support, job down and then time for inter service banter about who actually got to Stanley first :-)

[@palpafilms]

I’m glad you noticed the setting, it’s something I was aiming for with this production. It definitely doesn’t need a glitzy podcast studio and fits the nature of Tommy well. Thanks for watching and leaving such a good comment mate. James

[@dannyotter7247]

@@palpafilms Location, use of camera and camera angles, sounds (e.g. sea waves) for me all helped to accentuate what was being said and intimated. Obviously it’s difficult to explain the complexities like kit load, time imperative, noise discipline, light discipline even in Cornwall, never mind Norway or Finland. And that self discipline to manage tiredness, hunger, cold/heat etc - even the likes of 10th mountain group suffered heat casualties in the Hindu Kush even during SAR (Op Red Wings). And in many ways it’s easier than doing say Everest or K2, the routes are checked, you have staging points and O2 caches en route etc, resup isn’t guaranteed for the like of ML. I think that sort of picture around self reliance, selfishness and self awareness was conveyed, but in a British ‘matter of factness’ :-)

[@davidcole2899]

Let me say this soon as you walk in to the army recruitment office sign up pass out your All SF, don't matter what reg unit outfit if you go on to be a chef a cook a officer rm para, sas sbs or just rg army YOUR ALL special forces,, it takes a lot to go from civil to that man, crack on ,, my family from the bore wars to the zulu, war to Pegasus bridge and dd landings , fk me need a cupa now

[@You.are.boring.me.now2024]

None of these units are "better" than the others, they all have their specialities, some more "glamorous" than the others. None of these people, as good and as brave as they were/are , could have done my role in the British military and there is no way I could do their job.

[@RichardMoss-ck9ot]

Great video-as with anything regarding the Natural Edge-something always resonates with me

[@thenaturaledge]

Awesome, thank you Richard 👍

[@user-kb9xc3jr8v]

Superb, ML’s were supremely fit and proffesional in my experience and really kept standards in the Corps high.

[@trushmere5940]

Brilliant insights and a really nicely produced video Simon

[@thenaturaledge]

Thank you mate. Cheers for watching 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@Mack_Dingo]

That roof flying at 0:41 was insane it like levitated for a second

[@RossCooksey-he7dr]

Great video, really inspirational guys! Missed your YT content the last few months but if this is what your working on then 👍🏼💪🏼 Top work!!

[@thenaturaledge]

Thanks for being patient mate, KZbin is no joke when it comes to making good content. It’s a tough old game!

[@ronm3671]

Nothing better than a pint after a hard slog lads😃 Great to see you again Simon 🫡

[@thenaturaledge]

Absolutely, thanks for watching Ron 👊🏼

[@javadihugo]

I think a TNE podcast would probably be one of the best.

[@waynemongo]

I was VC Special Infiltration Squad. I thought we were tough!

[@iksander70]

I was expecting a flash bang noddy show but these guys are proper! CR is a great route

[@thenaturaledge]

It’s one of the coolest routes out there for sure.

[@macchirpy]

RM mountain and artic warfare cardre TV programme back in the 1980s, had an SAS guy on the course. Even he was put in his place on the course.

[@thenaturaledge]

We referenced that in our research mate, great series.

[@teddyboy228]

from memory, the chap was former SBS-when he got the ribbing on the Survival Phase he and his group disappeared for the rest of the 'exercise'

[@jwaltonuk]

A truly wonderful watch

[@thenaturaledge]

Thanks for watching mate

[@tree01house]

I have two uncles that served, WWII. One in OSS, the other in SOE. I've attended courses on both sides of pond, ask me a question, I'll do my best to answer.

[@sirdavepercyware-armitagei695]

Absolutely the best of the best, The MLs are the ultimate commandos and off course SB and SAS but the ML course seems to be the most demanding military course ever. Great video Simon, big fan of yours and huge respect to you Royal 🙌

[@thenaturaledge]

Thanks mate, appreciate the kind words and of course for watching. 👊🏼

[@sirdavepercyware-armitagei695]

I was just a Rubber Dagger mate, but I work in security and most of my oppos are ex bootnecks or honking para’s! Are you doing any talks anytime soon? I really like what you’re doing and I personally think that your humility given what you’ve achieved is a superb quality. Lee up the great content 👍🙌

[@thenaturaledge]

No talks pencilled in a for a while mate, keep an eye on the social media though, updates will be there if we do end up doing any this year. Appreciate the support 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@davideddy2672]

My Great Uncle Eddie Flanagan was in the first commandoes - never spoke of it much, a huge man, a gentle giant … Just a few years ago I was living in another former Commando training area, Cullen in North East Scotland. My father’s family of a good many generations were originally from Zennor/St. Just.

[@RalphBrooker-gn9iv]

Feared this might be clickbait. But RM 45 Cdo ML. Different gravy. Glad they’re getting some credit. Few know of them. In the combat arms we often speak of ‘hard routine’. These men lead ‘hard lives’. To them ‘hard routine’ is a bit of time off. Remarkable men.

[@mrjohnbaseley]

My thoughts go to when these well sorted people complete the course, become a ML, serve for 7 years, then the identity and belonging to a highly regarded group they held so dear goes away on discharge- then what? This is where the real things start. Do you value yourself on who you are or what you do..? Absolute admiration on all of what is required. Brilliant editing and storytelling,\\ Well done.

[@thenaturaledge]

Thanks for watching and the comment mate. I guess in this instance, Tommy turned his attention to building Jöttnar as a brand and of course, mountaineering.

[@garydelgaudio5364]

Just humble he evaluated an a applied,,,an new why he was their ,,,no trophies,,no Medal,, no fear ,,an I thought SEALS were tough ,,,,

[@andy8862]

Former slime here. All the specialist branches are true warriors.. But also let's not forget the guards and the rifles in general. They win you wars. Bless em all

[@thenaturaledge]

True, so many of those troops had a real, rough, proper warfighting time in those PB’s and fobs back in the day.

[@Stu1664RM]

Worked with you lot down in Ashford. One of many courses. lol Guards are ok, would be better if they got off the Bloody ships when told! Rifles…. Great unwashed

[@collyateoo7766]

Brilliant ma8 thanks for sharing your story and life all I can say is thank you special people

[@NickGoldsmith776]

Enjoyed this ☺️

[@TheSubpremeState]

Life is hard for everyone and it gets harder and harder till you complete the hardest task. I seen my uncle suffer every illness. Get dementia and see his brother die and break his hip when he was a skeleton at that point. I know the state of mind he was in for years just waiting to die. I am preparing for the worst rather than "enjoying" myself. If you're constantly in pain you overcome pain.

[@Hew.Jarsol]

Amazing. WW2 Commandos are the foundation of all of the worlds SF units of today. They started even before the SAS. They trained everyone at Achnacarry Scotland. The USA copied them too.

[@thenaturaledge]

Thanks for watching mate

[@christerlundgren3805]

Climb with bergam, weapon in pitchdark was..... Challenging, to say it mildly 😂 Well, its a part of the job. Done a few during my six years.

[@heatpump8566]

Stumbled across this. Absolutely amazing

[@thenaturaledge]

Hey thanks for watching mate.

[@StephenButlerOne]

My CSM was ML and a hard hard man, but a lovely man. I was 16/17 and I was talking to him in a room, and he was telling me he joined at 16 and it was his 22nd anniversary. He was quiet upset(down) as he was saying it was lonely the 8 years or so as all he oppos had gone, and he hated being behind a desk. He says they (RM) were pushing him out unless he went RSM. For me at 16 he looked old as hell, but only 38, younger hsn I am now. Anyway if you see this, I wish you all the best CSM Barny Barnacle. You made a big impression on a 16/17 yo me. All the best from the Scouse car thief 😂 10 uears later i moved to a small village and there was one ex booty already here. we got tslking andthr colours that took him througjh SNCO course was my same CSM. He went one to say he sounded liek a totally different person, and he was hsrd as nails and wouldn't give yo usn inch. Thry was terrified of him. I dont why he took to me, given thr first tiem we met i was reporting bsck to camp after borrowing and crashing a friends car wheile on leave drink at 16/17. The head officer on duty in thr poice station thst nigjt was an ex RM cpt, and OMG did he rip me a new one snd beasted me all night. Im sire not legal in a uk police station! Between thr teo of them they made it sll go away, and they saif they was doing this for me, as this should of hsd me out and destroy my life. (I was in basic, they must of thougjt id ne thr next jsson norn lol). Ejst the did was probably a better way to deal with a dunb kids fuck up, than jsiling me, kigging me out and dumping me on the dole with no direction. I never did remember that ex officers name, bit if this rings a bell 1996/7. Thsnk you. You are bith good men. Anyhow, me an barny clicked, and was on speaking terms while st lympstone. Which was rather funny as even the cpl and sgt wouslnt tslk to him. He did say he hated trainer ranks. I never delved into that one with him. He told some great tale, tales, and told me not to bother eith being sn ML as im to scrawny. He was build like a barrel. Thid has brought back some memories form over 25 years past. Oh i fance a chicken snd cheese burgure from dutchies. I wonder if je is still about. And if he still takes post dated cheques. I eonder who he was bunging to get his pitch.

[@Stu1664RM]

Barney was a good bloke. Knew him as a Sgt. sounds like he was struggling at the end. Hope he’s ok

[@Kx0195]

What an incredible video. Cinematography, content, music had everything. So well put together.

[@palpafilms]

Cheers mate, 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@barefooted001]

So much useful mindset in this

[@thenaturaledge]

Glad you think so mate

[@albertbell7120]

My old mate Joe Burnett was a commando dropped into Arnhem … he’s gone now but never forgotten … only found out he was in the commando’s when we found a book with a photo of him … he was presented a medal from the French sorry can’t remember the name. 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@calvinforsure]

I think that's a pretty insightful and accurate statement about the idea that if something is part of your identity, the pain, suffering and sacrifice is both bearable and worth it. I know from less extreme challenges I take on myself well into my 30s, when many ppl are getting fat and boring it's deeper than just motivated. It goes right to core of what will be on my gravestone and what my grandkids will say about me. It's my art form. Furthermore , when people talk about art, this dudes art form will never be seen or witnessed by anyone who wasn't there. it's incredibly fleeting and finite. I dedicated my life to an art form no-one will ever see or witness apart from a few birds in the woods and God.

[@mike197601]

Really glad we've got these people in the forces...obviously hard as fuck but humble too. Softly spoken etc but you'd not want to be facing that type of person as an enemy soldier.

[@austenpowers]

Awesome and inspiring interview. Thanks 🦾

[@thenaturaledge]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cosmicpsyops4529]

This ain't sh*t until you've earned your Humvee drivers license.

[@PilgirmsMaster]

Like the comment on the ACC 😂👍 the SAS never really bothered with the marine climbing course as the did the German mountain guide's course which was a far superior course with over a year of extreme mountaineering and the bonus of learning the German language....the marine's are decent bloke's and most would not BS about the SAS or the SBS..

[@carldowd406]

We had many Troop guys on our Winter courses at JSMTC Scotland during the 80s. Always hungry and I enjoyed taking them up grade V routes...

[@richardshields4804]

Great interview. Can i ask what the name of that Jottnar jacket is? Thanks.

[@RahimLadhajuma]

Absolutely loved the video 👌🏼

[@thenaturaledge]

Glad you enjoyed it!