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SAS Communicator | Ben Gallagher | Special Forces (UKSF) Veteran

Military Veterans Podcast

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Part 2: Ben sought to re-attempt UK Special Forces Selection, driven by his aspiration to join the Special Forces as an SF Communicator, supporting the Special Air Service (SAS). He recounts his journey, detailing how he successfully completed the initial phase 1 of Selection (Hills phase) prior to the Communicator phase. Subsequently, he navigated later phases, including the SF Parachute course (which encompasses HALO), ultimately achieving success in the Selection process. Regrettably, Ben’s career was abruptly terminated by an unfortunate incident that resulted in severe blast and fragment injuries to his upper torso and both arms. He shares his recovery journey, encompassing both physical and mental well-being.

Ben enlisted in the British Army in 2005, joining the Royal Corps of Signals. During the course of 16 years of service, Ben attained the rank of Sergeant (Sgt).

Chapters:
00:00 - Special Forces Selection (SF Communications)
13:38 - A Squadron, 22 SAS
25:45 - Shooting Incident
32:22 - Recovery Journey
42:23 - Mental Health
55:27 - Transition Back to Civilian Life
1:03:48 - British Rowing Athlete
1:09:39 - Final Thoughts & Advice

Music created by Gavin Watson

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20 Comments

@zulugaming-n1o 1 year ago

Met this guy in rehab whilst I was recovering from a major RTC. There were a few sf blokes in their too. Humble blokes.

@patrickbateman9197 1 year ago

This is the most powerful and relevant video I've ever seen.

Ben describes his mental health crisis progression perfectly, as that's exactly how it happens.

Ben mate — if you read this. You're not alone. Don't forget what you achieved and it's OK to be not OK.

@michaelanddawnhilton8229 1 year ago

Good to see 18 Sigs & 264 getting some light cast on them rather than just the Jeds

@RacquelGarcia-z3v 1 year ago

Incredible resilience, it’s a reminder of the mental and physical battles so many veterans face after the uniform.

@PeterWalker-r2u 1 year ago

Inspirational journey of taking every opportunity and those that don’t work out then move on quickly. I too have been through CBT and EMDR with great success although fortunate not to suffer PTSD. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help, it saved my livelihood if not my life. Thanks Ben for sharing your story.

@Lifebeginsat42 8 months ago

What a story, I really wasn’t expecting the ending. It showed an hour still remaining on the video and he’d already explained his Sas career. I was wondering what else could possibly take an hour to talk through?
But Wow, That last hour was an amazing listen. The real story of Ben seems to be his grit and strength of character and incredibly honest. So pleased he didn’t end it all as he clearly still has a lot to give. He doesn’t seem bitter about the incident, that bodes well for the future. Wish you well Ben

@thermometredupochard 1 year ago (edited)

Thank you for sharing your life story and talking about careers post military service

@MP-po6fj 11 months ago

Respedt to Ben tough journey he had.

@dominicharvey1590 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing Ben, very brave to do this. All the best for your future 😊❤🙏

@punisher264 1 year ago

Ben i remember u from Sqn mate. Won't put my name up on here but we were same Trp

@KevSwallow 3 months ago

Ex scaley missen . Ex 14 in't, ex 244, ex 226, and now ex army. It amazes me that back in my time there were regular postings but now needs selection. Truth there were two 264 guys on my det commanders course and I came second. I served at 14 int palace barracks I was also 321 EOD at lisanelley barracks Omagh. What I'm trying to say is why do you need a high Vis vest these days to even take a shit. Respect Sir Certa cito brother ❤️

@seanwakey88 1 year ago

i serviced with ben in afghan in recce platoon sound bloke

@kippamip 1 year ago

The Army and the MOD don't do aftercare very well. It's a difficult time coming from an environment where it's all or nothing, to getting the mindset of it's not life or death. After 3 tours I left the army completely in 07. after feeling that I had not achieved what I wanted, in 2011/12 I tried 23 selection at the age of 33. Worse decision I made as I wasn't at the standard I was when I was full time, and neither was the mindset there anymore, plus juggling a civi job whilst trying to pass selection was difficult.
I've had problems since around 2015 that I have been trying to manage myself, and it's difficult, I also do not like medication, and want to keep myself away from it.
The least the mod could do is send someone from time to time to check your doing ok in life.
But unfortunately it's left to charities.
Having not been MD'd I have no backup, so unfortunately the daily grind has to continue, and finding time for yourself unfortunately doesn't happen as family comes first, and that means working to get the money you need.

@directingstaff8525 1 year ago

Hills phase is not the same for everyone. 4kph v 3kph. 264/18 sigs is 2 weeks hills

@zakariyamunir2172 1 year ago

💪

@richarddepledge960 1 year ago

wow.
Not got time to fully watch this. Will def do. Very lucky to survive this.
Good bloke.
I served with UKSF (R) 23 for 14 years. Its not uncommon for things to go tits because SF dont mess about. Its usually all live rounds. Blanks and simulators are rare.
I worked in Iraq with a few ex 264 H signallers. Great guys and good operators. H simply cannot operate without them. Never get the air time or credit they deserve.

@JB-td9fz 1 year ago

Don't the badged 22 ad SB lads go through the hills at a quicker pace +???!!

@geoffgraham4116 5 months ago

sfc/18 sig/264 is not a badged course in respect to SF. 264 are support staff.

@SuperBobbster 1 month ago

He is remarkably polite given he got shot 7 times by one of his colleagues on a training ex where there should have been no live rounds and there were civvies in the scenario too. The Blade that shot him got sentenced and fined £5000. All open source.

@egg399. 1 year ago (edited)

Has Ben looked at a carnivore ketogenic diet? Great for reducing inflammation, healing, feeding your brain with essential fatty acids and aiding performance. certa cito