The Secret Unit Better Than Special Forces

[@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

[@druckerman247]

M.R.E FOOT.

[@muldoun45]

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

[@termonostruman]

127.º Curso de Comandos Portugueses

[@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.😂😂😂

[@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.

[@ΝίκοςΓεωργαλής-ε7ψ]

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

[@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?

[@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

[@speleokeir]

Whenever I'm trying something for the first time I try and find someone more experienced to learn from who genuinely knows what they're doing. One thing I've noticed is that the people who are REALLY good seldom boast or brag, but when they DO speak everyone else shuts up and listens. These are the sort of people I look out for. Tommy's the perfect example. On a personal level a couple of guys I've met have been that way. One was in my mountaining club at uni. The other was in caving, my mate Rick Stanton. Rick's one of the best cave divers in the world and was the lead diver in the 2018 Thai cave rescue. He never says much. I remember chatting to him in the pub one summer after he'd been away in France. I asked if he'd done any caving whilst there. Him "A bit." Me: "Anything good?" Him "Shrugs". I found out later he'd done an incredible dive in the Ressel resurgence which took over 24 hrs and extended the known passage by a considerable distance, further than any of the top divers in Europe had manged including a German team with a huge budget (one of the guys was a millionaire) whereas Rick and his partner Jason Mallinson (also one of the Thai cave rescue lead divers) were using a mix of secondhand and borrowed gear, plus stuff they'd made themselves (Rick made his own rebreather, his dive vest was made from a rubber car mat, and he and his mates nicked an industrial bin of the type you see outside takeaways which they used as a dive habitat😆) Typically Rick never even mentioned any of this and I found out from another friend who rented a room from him.

[@ronstallworth9421]

Tommy is the definition of a quiet professional.

[@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. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@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 💪

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@Luke-Hike]

Currently on half term. Thanks for the motivation to run today! Great video

[@thenaturaledge]

Nice one mate, thanks for watching.

[@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.

[@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 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@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 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼👊🏼

[@bartbrons7325]

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

[@thenaturaledge]

Cheers buddy!

[@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

[@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---

[@KarenAnn-dm4ks]

I’m an older lady who moved from the UK to America…life has taken more from me than I could have expected so, I started watching SF and other such available resources for personal development. Implementation is key. Physical, mental and EI are essential elements but rarely understood or used until one comes to a certain point. I am grateful for the opportunity to change and grow.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 .

[@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

[@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’ 👍🏻

[@SWEATBOXGYM]

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

[@bigbadwolf992]

Great interview, as a woman watching this, I could tell instantly by his demeanour that this chap is a different breed. This video is a great inspiration and reminds me that with the 1% mindset anything is achievable.. I fully agree and have lived a life doing "hard things" and I plan on doing so for as long as my mind will let me, the body follows the mind. I should like to visit the 'Star Inn pub' one day. What a place to sip a pint!

[@thenaturaledge]

It’s an incredible pub, you can feel the history in the place.

[@daviskites]

Great video Simon - thank you

[@thenaturaledge]

Cheers buddy

[@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!

[@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

[@MikeH401]

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

[@thenaturaledge]

One of the good ones for sure

[@telephonic]

Amazing video, thank you.

[@thenaturaledge]

Glad you liked it!

[@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 🍻

[@thenobleandmightybeaver4411]

Wow, what a fantastic piece. Well done.

[@thenaturaledge]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@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

[@williamnield7133]

Quality video as always. I got my CPC on the 23rd just praying I have no problems with the medical!

[@thenaturaledge]

Good luck Will, let me know how you get on

[@christiantripodi7496]

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

[@thenaturaledge]

They have indeed 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@HereForTheStories]

Really great discussion, loved the reference to identify and the acknowledgment of growth through challenge alongside the need to develop the skill to breakdown problems and realise YOU can overcome themS

[@thenaturaledge]

Exactly that pal, thanks for watching and leaving the comment. We love hearing the feedback and love that you find value in what we do.

[@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 👊🏼

[@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

[@alexbaker5778]

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

[@thenaturaledge]

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

[@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. 👊🏼

[@peterjohnson9291]

Beautiful scenery. Cornwall is where part of my family emigrated to Australia 170 years ago.

[@thenaturaledge]

It really is!

[@seanjoseph8637]

We are going to need these people soon.

[@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.

[@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.

[@ellliiott]

Awesome video, seriously putting in the effrot with production quality. Inspired!

[@thenaturaledge]

Thanks a ton!

[@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!

[@donovandavidsonAlton]

Fantastic insight thanks

[@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.

[@benridgers3466]

Outstanding content! Thank you!

[@thenaturaledge]

Cheers for watching Ben 👍

[@RichardMoss-ck9ot]

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

[@thenaturaledge]

Awesome, thank you Richard 👍

[@trushmere5940]

Brilliant insights and a really nicely produced video Simon

[@thenaturaledge]

Thank you mate. Cheers for watching 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@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?

[@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]

😅

[@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).

[@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. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@livegigtv]

Double respect 💪

[@heatpump8566]

Stumbled across this. Absolutely amazing

[@thenaturaledge]

Hey thanks for watching mate.

[@kevindolling9456]

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

[@thenaturaledge]

Thanks for watching Kevin 👍

[@collyateoo7766]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@ejjrl1ify]

A fascinating insight into what makes these guys tick. Fantastic upload. Oh and Jottnar is top drawer.

[@thenaturaledge]

They have some really good kit, made by people that know what’s required. Cheers for watching 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@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

[@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 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@austenpowers]

Awesome and inspiring interview. Thanks 🦾

[@thenaturaledge]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@barefooted001]

So much useful mindset in this

[@thenaturaledge]

Glad you think so mate

[@jwaltonuk]

A truly wonderful watch

[@thenaturaledge]

Thanks for watching mate

[@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.

[@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.

[@fELONsBelongInJail]

​@@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.

[@fELONsBelongInJail]

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

[@NickGoldsmith776]

Enjoyed this ☺️

[@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.

[@user-kb9xc3jr8v]

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

[@tor6372]

I was already a mountaineer when I joined Norwegian military, but we didn't have such a Mountain Leader (ML) course. If I was a Brit, the ML branch would been the very top of my wish list. I got absolute respect for these ML guys, it's not only sea cliffs, but mountains, snow and ice too. Top notch Arctic troops this, I am very glad UK RM have this asset and that we are on the same side. :)

[@thenaturaledge]

Thanks for watching mate, I enjoyed my time working alongside the Norwegians. 💪

[@tor6372]

@@thenaturaledge I enjoyed watching this a lot, if we had ML's I might have taken a military career. After my year as Arctic ranger was up, I had a career as climber. Late 1800s, it was Brits in Alpine Club that introduced us to mountaineering, in 1908 the Norwegian Alpine Club arrived. That club was almost as posh as the Alpine Club UK. :) William Cecil Slingsby have many of the 1st ascents in Norway, he was an honorary member of our alpine club and trekking association, he was a major pioneer over here.

[@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.

[@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.

[@barryfullick7981]

Outside their regiment, the Greens were known to be a pretty casual bunch where army ceremonial was not held in the highest esteem, hence they were sometimes referred to as the Royal Slack Jackets, and considered to be more like a commando outfit than a part of the regular army. I had the privilege of being acquainted with a small number of them through my work. The kind of guys you'd be glad to have on your side if you found yourself in a fight.

[@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

[@MikeH401]

The MAWC is not secret and has been around for over 40 years, recruiting from the RMs. A long training course which produces outstanding soldiers.

[@RahimLadhajuma]

Absolutely loved the video 👌🏼

[@thenaturaledge]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Kx0195]

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

[@palpafilms]

Cheers mate, 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@chrispow011]

Thought you'd be involved in this, smashing it mate..👍​@palpafilms

[@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'

[@RichardWilliams-kf5vw]

@@teddyboy228I think he’s referring to one of the original candidates who I think dropped out. He was Australian SASR.

[@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

[@edwindude9893]

The ML branch. My best time in the corps working will them as an RO.

[@thenaturaledge]

Good stuff royal 👊🏼

[@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 🍻

[@rdjhardy]

Great video. 👍🏻

[@ronm3671]

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

[@thenaturaledge]

Absolutely, thanks for watching Ron 👊🏼

[@jakealcock5905]

Great video! I'm looking at doing ML as my PSQ.

[@thenaturaledge]

Good luck!

[@mickylad3287]

Great video very inspiring ❤

[@thenaturaledge]

Glad you enjoyed it Micky lad!

[@markwoods4574]

Looking back on this KZbin video nearly 12 months later it’s come to attention and I don’t know why I didn’t realise it at the time, Commando’s from both the Army and Royal Marines as well as the Special Service Brigade whom my Late Grandfather was part of have not been given the gratitude that they deserve from WW2 , I’m not disputing what the SAS & SRS did but the Commando’s were doing that years before them and when amfibus landing’s took place it was Commando’s who had started doing this from the start of Commando operations in Norway in 1940/1941 in Varsgo after the ill fated Channel Islands raid. As a Grandson of a decorated Commando They get all the accolades from me !!!!!!!!!

[@columbmurray]

I served in the Royal Marines SAS in the 60s in Scotland.

[@columbmurray]

Saturdays And Sundays that is. 😄

[@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.

[@Mack_Dingo]

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

[@thenaturaledge]

Plenty of explosives for sure 🤣

[@MrSimonfoz]

We have the best specialist troops in the world no doubt. I served in the Corps, 2 Para the Pathfinder Platoon for 19 years in total. No better feeling than being the best in the world.

[@thenaturaledge]

🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 amen Simon 👊🏼

[@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.

[@johnlewis8101]

Great watch guys

[@thenaturaledge]

Thanks John 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@alexstruenorth]

As soon as I saw the title i was thinking Mountain Leaders 👌🏼

[@thenaturaledge]

He knows it 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼