The Strength From Within Podcast

Ep 08 Op Telic 8 20 years on: Erik Rawdon

Send us Fan Mail Erik Rawdon served a full career in the 2nd Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment, leaving the Army as a WO1. During Op Telic 8 in 2006, Erik was a young L/Cpl and he took part in some fierce fighting and he played his part in numerous strike operations. It is great to hear about this tour through the eyes of a young JNCO. There is also some sound advice for all those in positions of command. Thanks Erik. Support the show

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Ep 07 Op Telic 8 20 years on: Maj Stu Nicholson

Send us Fan Mail Maj Stu Nicholson talks to us about being a Company Commander in Combat. Stu was my Boss for a period of time during one of the most memorable times of my career. It was clear to me then how passionate he was about his people. Stu is a man who is a fantastic leader. During Telic 8 he was a Company commander who took his men on a very kinetic and history generating journey. Some great stories about great men doing a great job. Thanks Stu. Support the show

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Ep 06 Op Telic 8 20 years on: Tom "Tompo" Power

Send us Fan Mail The 2nd Battalion of the Royal Anglian Regiment deployed on Operation Telic 8 in the summer of 2006. In honour of the 20 year anniversary here is the first of a couple of Podcasts telling the stories of those that were there. Tom Power (Tompo) was a private Soldier during this tour and he tells his story in a very honest and passionate manor. Some great stories of war fighting and reflection. Support the show

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Ep 05 Martin Melia Fire Support Company Commander and a full career as an Infantry Officer

Send us Fan Mail I really enjoyed this chat with Martin. Martin Melia commissioned into the Royal Anglian Regiment in 1999, serving initially with the Second Battalion as a Rifle Platoon Commander, Company 2IC, and Battalion Training Officer. Then later as a Company Commander in the First Battalion with D (Fire Support) Company. In addition to his time at Regimental Duty, Martin has served in a diverse number of roles and organisations including: The Army Foundation College (Harrogate), HQ 16 Air Assualt Brigade, The Army Training Regiment (Bassingbourn), The Air Warfare Centre, The Permanent Joint Headquarters, Joint Forces Intelligence Group, and MOD Main Building. During a career spanning 25 years, Martin deployed on several operational tours to: Sierra Leone, Northern Ireland (twice), Afghanistan (three times), Kosovo, and also served in other operational roles in East and West Africa, and Ukraine. Since leaving the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2023, Martin has worked exclusively in the UK drone industry, setting up his own defence and security consultancy company in late 2024. Support the show

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Ep 04 Jon Summerson From Infantry Section Commander to Royal British Legion

Send us Fan Mail In this episode I talk to John about his time in The British Army and then his experiences post service. We go into depth about what the Royal British Legion can offer, serving and veteran Soldiers and their families. John was someone I really looked up to in the early days and it was great hearing about some of the courses and tours he had completed. If you do need help then call this number: 0808802808 Or email this discreet address: info@britishlegion.org.uk Support the show

Ep 03 Alex Harrison Shot in the Head during Close Combat - The Journey from violent Injury to Recovery

Send us Fan Mail Alex Harrison was attached to 1 Royal Anglian during the Summer of 2007 on Op Herrick 6. One of 8 Soldiers from the Grenadier Guards on attachment. During an early Morning Raid Alex was shot at close range in the head loosing his right eye and embarking of a journey of recovery and battles with mental health issues. In this episode Alex talks about the events of that day, the demons he has had to fight since and finding the positives in his life. A very moving and honest conversion and it is very clear Alex wants his journey to be of benefit to others. Some strong language is used at times but thats allowed, He's been shot in the head. Support the show

Ep 02 Pt 02 Sam Perrin Infantry Platoon Leadership in Combat

Send us Fan Mail In part 2 Sam and Steve Discuss, raw close combat, Bravery and Sam gives fantastic advice to new platoon Commanders. Sam commissioned from Sandhurst in 2005 and then completed the Platoon Commanders Battle Course. He arrived at 1 Royal Anglian and took command of 10 Platoon C (Essex ) Company on day one of TESSEX which was a large test exercise conducted prior to being operationally signed off, this meant he got three weeks in the field with the blokes straight away. Sam then moved on to a full year of Pre Deployment Training (PDT) including 6 arduous weeks in Kenya which culminated in deploying on Operation Herrick 6 in April of 2007 for 6 months. 10 Platoon deployed with 40 blokes and flew home with 24. Sam Finished platoon command and successfully attempted UKSF selection serving in 22 SAS as a troop commander for 3 years. Sam went on to deploy on numerous sensitive Operations and Exercises all over the globe during his time with Special Forces but ultimately Sam considers Herrick 6 to comfortably be the most enjoyable, rewarding and formative 6 months of his life. Sam left the Army in 2013 and has had a successful transition out of the army via the University of Oxford business school and into 11 years at BT Group in various large leadership and commercial roles. In part 1 of this 2 part episode, Sam and Steve talk in depth about Leadership in Combat and their personal journeys throughout an arduous 6 months in Afghanistan. Glossary of terms:FOB Pre-H Fires - H Hour is the time an attack starts. Pre H means the use of fire support weapons such as mortars and artillery Wadi - a dried up river bed RAMC - Royal Army Medical Corps TIC - Troops in Contact Rog - Rear Operations group (Those that did not deploy) PE - Plastic Explosives CQB - Close Quarter Battle IED - Improvised explosive device OC - Officer Commanding FLOT - Forward line of own troops FLET - Forward line of enemy troops LMG - light machine gun CSM - Company Sergeant Major Support the show

Ep 02 Pt 01 Sam Perrin Infantry Platoon Leadership in Combat

Send us Fan Mail Sam commissioned from Sandhurst in 2005 and then completed the Platoon Commanders Battle Course. He arrived at 1 Royal Anglian and took command of 10 Platoon C (Essex ) Company on day one of TESSEX which was a large test exercise conducted prior to being operationally signed off, this meant he got three weeks in the field with the blokes straight away. Sam then moved on to a full year of Pre Deployment Training (PDT) including 6 arduous weeks in Kenya which culminated in deploying on Operation Herrick 6 in April of 2007 for 6 months. 10 Platoon deployed with 40 blokes and flew home with 24. Sam Finished platoon command and successfully attempted UKSF selection serving in 22 SAS as a troop commander for 3 years. Sam went on to deploy on numerous sensitive Operations and Exercises all over the globe during his time with Special Forces but ultimately Sam considers Herrick 6 to comfortably be the most enjoyable, rewarding and formative 6 months of his life. Sam left the Army in 2013 and has had a successful transition out of the army via the University of Oxford business school and into 11 years at BT Group in various large leadership and commercial roles. In part 1 of this 2 part episode, Sam and Steve talk in depth about Leadership in Combat and their personal journeys throughout an arduous 6 months in Afghanistan. Support the show

Ep 01 Dan Russell From Infantry Platoon Commander to Leadership Development Coach

Send us Fan Mail Dan is originally from Plymouth. After deciding against university, he spent a year living and working in Australia and Canada as a Sales Manager. In September 2016, he joined the Army and was commissioned into 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment. Dan commanded 10 Platoon, C Essex Company, and deployed on Operation TORAL 7 in Afghanistan. He later trained infantry soldiers at ITC Catterick before deploying on a series of short-term training teams (STTTs) and working closely with the Defence Attaché in Ghana to facilitate British training for Ghanaian forces. He finished his military career with the Battalion in Cyprus. Dan was honoured with a CGS Commendation and mentioned in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2022. Now, he runs a coaching business helping aspiring officers prepare physically and mentally for the challenges of military leadership and their selection process for RMAS. Support the show