SBS soldier tells his journey to special forces [Ollie Ollerton]

TL;DR

A former military member shares his experiences of serving in war zones and the mindset strategies he used to survive and thrive.

Transcript

so then you get into the marines did you serve while she was in the marines do you have to serve to do the special forces yeah i went i mean i joined the royal marines and um i got through 32 weeks of training this is back in 1989 i joined up 32 weeks of training actually passed out finally and the proudest moment for me was you know seeing my mum ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👪 Joining the military and undergoing intensive training can be a source of immense pride and milestone for individuals and their families.
• 🫱 War zones present shocking and traumatic experiences that can reshape one's perspective on conflict.
• 🤳 Encounters with influential individuals who believe in one's potential can have a profound impact on self-belief and career choices.
• 🎟️ The ability to maintain mental resilience and focus on goals or missions can be crucial for survival and success in challenging situations.
• 🥅 Visualization and goal-setting are mindset strategies that can help individuals stay motivated and overcome obstacles.
• 🍧 Having a clear vision of where one wants to be can serve as a powerful anchor during times of hardship.
• 😚 Without a strong focus on goals or missions, individuals may become victims of their circumstances, losing motivation and direction.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the individual's experience in Northern Ireland change his perspective on war?

The individual describes the impact of witnessing violence and losing comrades, which made him realize the seriousness of the conflict and see the brutal reality of war.

Q: What motivated the individual to join the Special Forces?

After feeling like "cannon fodder" in regular deployments, the encounter with a respected former officer who believed in his potential instilled him with confidence and determination to prove himself in the elite Special Forces.

Q: How did the individual maintain mental resilience during wartime?

The individual explains that he had a natural inclination towards goal-setting and visualization, which helped him remain focused on the mission at hand rather than getting lost in the difficulties of the journey.

Q: What role did mindset play in the individual's experiences at war?

Mindset was crucial for the individual's survival and success in war zones. He emphasizes the importance of having a vision or goal to strive towards, which kept him motivated and prevented him from becoming a victim of his circumstances.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The individual joined the Royal Marines and successfully completed 32 weeks of training, a proud moment for his family.

• Deployed to Northern Ireland, he experienced the shock of war and learned the reality of being in a conflict zone.

• Despite facing challenges and questioning his abilities, a chance encounter with a former officer inspired him to pursue a career in the Special Forces.