SAS Legend Tells The Truth: Simon Jefferies
After 8 years and three tours as a special forces soldier, Simon Jeffries bagged himself a well paid job in the city. He had seemingly made the transition from battlefield to boardroom very successfully. But he felt trapped in this new life cycle, and wanted to break out of the comfort bubble. Simon shares his stories of the gruelling SAS selection, his life at war, and finding a new purpose in coaching others.
Eventful Lives - Episode: 119 - Simon Jefferies
Simon Jefferies Episode 👉 pod.fo/e/159e1a
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What a class act this fella is. Best of the best. Mentally like an anvil. Great interview. Dodge with some great questions there.
Yeah he certainly is a class act and glad you enjoyed the episode Paul 👍🏼👍🏼
@@DodgeWoodall j
@@DodgeWoodall j8i
Walter f*cking Mitty
@@oldmate99 hi mate did you serv in the forces then You must have done to make a comment like that
I have never heard a podcast from a more inspiring,intelligent and respectful person .
How much more fascinating are the people Dodge interviews than any 'celebrity'. All day long. This channel was a right find! Pure gold. Another superb guest, too. What a bloke.
Raising three children in the modern world was tougher than 4 years as an infantryman in the US Marines. I agree with this bloke 100%
6 and half regular 6 reserve in the navy was so much easier than being a parent of 3 with the current financial cost of living crisis in the UK!
@@jameslove3861 And the woke teachers brainwashing kids. Internet. Cost of living
I wish I had experience of both I was leaving school in 90 or 91 as soon as I was 16 to join the Royal Marines my parents talked me out of it then the 3 apprenticeships I applied for I got offered all 3 and started partying and raving every weekend earning good money but to this day I still regret not trying to become a Royal Marine Commando exactly 30 years later
What a wank comment
Imagine going though the selection and then years in the Special forces and still being so humble. I liked how he spoke about and respected the regular infantry guys.
They're at war with their own people.
Imagine getting up eveyday going to work for 30 years keeping the family and house intact and sometimes going to work with bread and butter as he has no money to spare. Thats a warrior to me.
I'm glad he recognised the fact the infantry had the hardest time out there. Respect.
🤝
Was lucky enough to train with the SAS fifteen years ago. Three days at Hereford. Singularly the coolest thing I ever did and the lessons I learned changed my life and career. Amazing blokes
Did your training change other people's lives as opposed to your own
@@roblong3684 In a sporting sense it did, hugely.
These special forces guys are always so humble and easy to listen to. Great podcast this, more if these would be great 👌
Nice one 👍🏼👍🏼
Spot on Simon, the biggest thing you miss when you leave is the man to the left and right of you, nothing has ever replicated that and never will 🇬🇧
Can't get enough of SAS stories .
Lots more to come Seamus 👌🏼
Agreed, I'm from Canada and I love hearing about different Special Forces and Special Operations stories from around the world! I have such great respect for the SAS and SBS( just like I do for Canada's own JTF2 and the Polish Grom, the U.S. Navy SEALs and Delta Force, etc). Awesome podcast! I really enjoyed it!
He wasn't SAS.
@@JR-ju3kj Aww not of the SASR, most feared in Vietnam also in Iraq 2 days before invasion hitting AA and doing recon. always closest units to Baghdad during whole war. Everyone saids SAS started all SF. But Australian's in WW2 Asia Pacific were start of Australia SAS. long missions deep behind enemy lines Special Z Force and Sparrow Force WW2. That jungle warfare made them the mst feared in Vietnam teaching US Navy seals while in Battle. Britain brag of teaching them in a cosy safe country during training, but was deep behind enemy lines that Aussies SAS taught them.
@@nedkelly9688 The Chindits (Windgates army), Merrills Marauders ect were all special forces and bloody good ones but there was a void after WW2 until the British SAS was reinvented during the Malayan campaign in the 50s. That's when the modern special forces started ticking boxes
This fella is the complete opposite of what we think an SAS operator is. But thankfully they’re all like him! Thoughtful, 100% aware, total team player, calculated and fearless because he’s so prepared. If everyone took 50% of his ethos into everyday life (being committed, disciplined, none titled and selfless) then we’d be all good
Really, Steven Billy Mitchell and Colin Armstrong (aka Andy McNab and Chris Armstrong). Wrote books full of BS, trashed their teammate who got killed! Failed the mission! RIP Vince Phillips, these two w@nkers made a lot of money trashing your name and honour and betraying the code!
@@pollutionhead legs
@@delver1857 You generally can't get away with lying about being SAS on podcasts you will always get found out very quickly since the community is so small.
When talking about what you have done in your special forces service a lot of us have to be extremely careful as to what you say because you could end up with a healthy dose of prison due to the official secrets act which can be up to 25 years if they see depending on what you let slip and what naughty stuff you say that the government don't want to be generally known
Wasn't he ex SBS ?
Stumbled across this interview this morning at 2am S.African time... so very enlightening and with weight given the path that was taken to get to Simons' present thought process. Speaks so eloquently in sharing the message.. and also well pointed questions to extract his knowledge delivered in an extremely humble manner. Thank you
Gread vid! As a Dutch retired veteran of about the same age as Simon, I recognize so many things he comes up with and ways to cope with it. This guy I think has really found his purpose in life. He will succeed, sure about that!
He is probably the most inspiring person right now
A riveting interview with an absolute legend. He came across as intelligent, articulate, humble and authentic. Someone I would definitely enjoy spending some time chatting with. Great interview 👍🏻👍🏻
Absolutely brilliant… last 10/15mins struck home for me big time!
Simon's comment about the friction between who you are and what you're doing really resonated. Just one nugget amongst a fabulous thoughtful interview. Thanks guys.
Recent events show its not massive numbers that count but the quality. How fortunate we are to have and have had such quality blokes in the UK forces.
Great interview,I used to work with a former SAS. Bloke a complete gentleman
What a great philosaphor Simon is. What he says is so fundamentally true and obvious, that we all forget what makes us happy and successful in our own heads.
I spent a long day with members of C Sqn SBS during a continuation training maritime CT exercise on an oil rig in the North Sea. They were great guys, all shapes and sizes, very articulate, intelligent, humble, funny, but, at the same time, possessed a quiet self-assurance of confidence that made them very easy for others to underestimate. They told us about the Selection process (which by then, was just about at the point of it being joint SF Selection (SAS and SBS hopefuls) let us fire their weapons (sig munitions) MP5 and Sig P226/9 I think and gave us our respective roles during the ex`. I also had a mate who was former 22 (G Sqn, Air Troop) and he too is a very, very nice man and skinny as a rake! It's a shame that the escape and evasion/resistance to interrogation phase of UKSF Selection wasn't mentioned. I think this aspect is also quite challenging with many candidates falling this last hurdle prior to being 'badged'. From what I hear, this last phase is incredibly challenging coming as close as is possible to being tortured in a simulated environment. For some, the pressures of 36 hours of stress positions, hunger, sleep deprivation, exhaustion, disorientation and reactions to interrogation (after 7 days on the run evading a hunter force living off the land) simply break very good performers on the course prior to that phase. The personnel who make up the DS who conduct that phase are very, very good at their job! As for Afghanistan, Western style democracy has always been very successfully rebuffed throughout history. As always, UKSF are the blueprint for all SF that now currently exist. We should also remember that those who make the grade and serve in SF are human beings, people like you and me who are all subject to the ups and downs of life like us all! It was very good to hear that Simon's post military career was a success story especially after so many initial setbacks. For many, a happy ending is not always the outcome even for former SF soldiers. As a middle-aged man of 53, with a fair amount of life baggage that is becoming heavier with age and as a trained counselor myself, I could really relate to the latter part of this interview. Garry H RAF Retired South Carolina
You ever done the 5 miler of death
@@ronaldlymm7248 You mean 'stood toe to toe drinking in the same bar with the fookin paras and the fookin marines'?
@@maratonlegendelenemirei3352 that’s the one 😎
I also wondered why the escape/interrogation phase wasn’t mentioned. I wonder if anybody is able to advise on the possible reason(s) for this?
I worked on the Dockside in the late 70s and 80s in Grimsby England ,on the East Coast. One day a Dinghy came in with 5/6 Guys on it, It was the middle of winter snowing and bloody freezing. As they came to the quayside I shouted, Throw your rope up because they were 10/15 bellow the dockside, I tied it on the Capstan, They came up and all they had on was sleeveless wet suites, I had a quick word with them, A three Ton Bedford arrived and they loaded thier Boat onto a trailer (RiB), They said they were on their way back to Poole, Later I found out they were SBS and had been on exercise in the North Sea, Practising in case of a terrorist attack on oil rigs. What the SBS was not told , Was that they had substituted the Rig staff with SAS , as it goes and there is a book out about this, The SBS kicked the SAS arse. Mr Thatcher had order the Army to make Contingency's for a terrorist attack on Oil rigs. Not glorifying the SAS or SBS just happy these professional's are on Our side, And I would like to thank them for their Service and dedication.
What an incredible inspirational and humble guy. Wish you every success
This man , so humble and honest, his assessment of himself and his military life
I have so much respect for these guys. They are rightly regarded as the creme de la creme. The other thing is how modest they are. The level of skill in their soldiering is awesome. The determination and level of committment is awesome.
They are criminals who are exempt
Another great one dodge, I’m properly working through them:) This guy is so humble.
Extremely intelligent guy is Simon. I’ve been hugely successful and yet depressed because I wasn’t feeling fulfilled in life.
Thanks dodge, Simon is so open and so articulate, very well at defining and answering things without the need for swearing, my upmost respect for him, and I wish him well for his future goals
because he was a marine and not a para😆
So much of that interview resonates with my life and philosophy, We need to go into ourselves and be honest there before we can have the strength to be honest in how you project yourself . Always take constraint before you answer a difficult question, don't let your emotions take control of you. Think before you speak or act
Fascinating interview. Maximum respect for all who serve our country, especially the special forces guys
Such a humble down to earth but very professional bloke. Really enjoyed this 👍🏼
The humblest SF man I have heard.
No Moses beard with a sea of tattoos, a skin tight black top with matching baseball cap … talking constantly in heavy jargon.
I loved Simon's point about making sure you actually enjoy the process, if you are going to obsessively pursue a goal. Sounds simple, but maybe we sometimes overlook that?
Great podcast. Weirdly enough I heard a SF guy on JRE explaining a very similar explanation of why fewer guys get PTS. They’re always the ones out hunting the target, with all the best assets at their disposal whereas your average infantryman is often a sitting target waiting to be attacked. Makes perfect sense when you think about it. Loving the guests Dodge!
Appreciate your words Simon and loads more exciting guests coming on in 2023 💪🏼👍🏼
Not sure whether that is true, obviously depends on data. But those involved in things like Task Force Black where they are kicking doors in every night the anecdotal evidence is many of them aren't well. The other thing is, how many were adapt at keeping it low key to save their jobs.
It makes a lot of sense too because for most of history war was fought in battles with lots of rest and travel in between, but living in the battlefield for months if not years on end was unheard of. The fear of potentially being attacked at any moment for such a long period of time would have a big impact on somebody's mental health.
@@declanshanahan3888 this is true I’ve seen many operators on the Shawn Ryan show talk about the problems they had during and after their service
@@LionXV1 yes it’s insane to think WW2 soldiers had on average 42 days of combat per year in WW2 240 in Vietnam and then some in the wars on terror spent 1,200 days in combat that is insane
Sometimes KZhead suggestion algo does a good thing. Got one of your podcasts pop up a couple of days ago Dodge, watched and enjoyed that (Phil Campion). Then saw this as next suggestion and been blown away really - Simon appears to be a very humble and intelligent chap, very well interviewed on your part. The theme about trying to align what you do with who you truly are (and of course, working out who you truly are in the first place!) is not something you’d expect of a “military hard man” . Excellent video mate, really enjoyed .
This guy is very honest, really great to see.
Thank you for this. What he had just outlined and explained had put it in simple context and very helpful.
At least he gave praise to the lads who go out every day and don't know if the will get back to camp in one piece.Respect for that.
Excellent job by both men, insightful questions and thoughtful answers. Dodge is a top-notch interviewer. Curious, focused , stays on track but able to pivot.
Kind words Michael and welcome on board 🙏👍🏼
Not the first time I’ve heard a British SF operator give the insight that in many ways regular units in the FOBs had it rough in comparison to the everyday work SF we’re doing. Interesting statement on the reality of modern warfare
Im really impressed with your podcasts Dodge Woodall. A big thank you.
Great interview with challenging questions and sincere answers. Thanks for your Service Mate !!👍👍👍
Great episode and what an interesting guy! Really enjoying your interview style too Dodge, look forward to the next one! 🙂
what a top bloke, very articulate, incredibly interesting and extremely humble ! Thank you for sharing
Fascinating interview 👏🏻
Loving the interviews you are doing, really interesting looking into the lives of people you admire but know very little about. keep them up :)
Thank you Simon for confirming something that no one likes to admit. That there is no noble cause for being in those countries. That it's all about money, oil and politics. Countries like the UK and the USA should be sorting out the problems in their own countries.
Really enjoy the interviews with these kind of guys. Top work Dodge 👍
Nice one Neil and loads more to come 💥👌🏼
Dodge you are so natural at giving interviews.. Ask the right questions every time... Great work.
One of my favourite podcasts can relate so much to this. Thanks
Love your interview style Dodge 👏
Such a truthful and humble account. Thank you
What a fabulous guy thanks for your open mind set really enjoyed listening
Great interveiw.....hes right ..validating yourself instead of waiting for external validation is deffo a way to happier mote furfilling life! Thanks Dodge great questions!!!!❤
Just listened to this and it was a great listen. You don't hear much on SAS especially on selection. Great work
Thanku, both of u, beginning to end, excellent. And thanks for your service Digger
What a great interview. Really enjoyed listening to Simon and hearing some very interesting stories. Fantastic questions along the way Dodge
Good man Andrew 💥
Great. Really liked your outlook on identifying what the problem is and reasons for wanting change.
What a class guy; he skillfully dodged the question of how many people he killed. He never admitted to killing anybody. He is quite right about it being politics. He describes the military life excently.
Respectfully that question should never be asked, we can’t comprehend the ptsd that question could trigger etc
You never ask a soldier that question. Never. Soldiers don’t go to war to kill people.
Absolutely brilliant
Absolutely fascinated with special forces and finally hearing from it from the horses mouth what an insight! The way they live there life’s physically and mentally top notch and utterly ruthless when need be 💪👍
Loved that chat, especially the stuff about people feeling stuck, detached from their life etc. Very relevant to the modern society. ❤
Awesome stuff Royal!
Brilliant guy and story. Thanks very much.
Great convo…..he’s just straight talking no bs n honest… really deserves to be happy 👍😎👍
Quite often I look at the title of a podcast and think it’s not for me. I have to say this quite fascinating, a very humble and honest description of army life. Great insight thanks Simon and D 👍👍
Glad you enjoyed it Keith 💥
Brilliant podcast Dodge / Simon. Really enjoyed the last 10 minutes about growth / fixed mindsets. I think it's so important to have those honest conversations with yourself IF you're looking to develop as a person / company. It's something that I have been working on throughout the last 14 years of my journey.
Glad you enjoyed it and lots more to come in ‘23 👍🏼👍🏼
...Outstanding Interview...Much Respects out to you Both...'Thank You'...and all the Best...~ Jigger
Unfortunately Afghanistan wasn't a massive Failure mate .... they the (rich men) made their money from it for 20 years and than just moved on to their next project just like history repeating itself over and over again ....... unfortunately soldiers are only numbers to them . Great interview 👍
Then they moved them over to live amongst our poorest communities.
They moved into Ukraine!
Men in suits with ties are more dangerous then men in uniform with guns
Absolutely spot on, the government and arms suppliers, now the next lot (pharmaceuticals) are getting their money from the opium imports
Afghanistan, Iraq, wherever the next one is will be the same guaranteed. Spot on.
God bless X What a man!!! Salute to you sir 🤝
Give the Janitor the same respect you do to the CEO!
Great interview! This guy has a great mindset.
Love these SAS stories, I’m hoping to join the army this year and just starting out on my military journey.
Here's the attention you crave for doing nothing.
@@fadtidmbdmb violation
@@jeddy_bravo hahahhaa
@@fadtidmbdmb Thanks snowflake 😘🏳️🌈
@@costa6765 you are welcome bullet sponge
Great guy, a real gent! good interview dodge.
hello again dodge alsolutely spot on, n I love the way ya asked the right questions n got Simon explaining how its easier to be an s.o.s, than it is living a normal civi life, really opened my mind to how we find happiness, very good pc top man
My favourite interview!
Fantastic interview! Good questions and you let him answer unlike so many other interviewers. Top notch.
Cheers 88 👍🏼👍🏼
What an amazing interview 👏 this has really opened my eyes, especially towards the end, and I'm 65 now
Brilliant, interesting interview
Great, talk, thank you, thought provoking ❤
Subscribed 👌 love these SAS stories
Excellent 👌 thanks for the great podcast 👍
Great interview, great questions and even better answers
Thanks Bill 😊
Wonderful interview
Another good one Dodge, always pleased to see a new video from you pop up! Cheers
Much appreciated mate 👍🏼👍🏼
Great Interview Very Down to Earth Real life Moments ups down Struggles Transitioning Bounce Back up these guys roll a Good Conversation.. Keep focus Riding that Wave who knows what next set brings you.. Cheers
These special forces guys are soo humble. Great podcast
Thanks Adam 🙏
That's an excellent point: it's not the physically demanding aspect but the arbitrarily assigned struggles and lack of physical comfort that breaks recruits.
Excellent. Listen to the end.
Genuinely interesting video. Simon comes over so laid back and kindly, but I'm certain if needed he could change in a split second, and cause some serious damage!
Good honest account of SF.... and a big 👍 up to the regular soldiers on the ground......
Wow, long time listener, this is exactly what I needed to hear. Reached out to Simon as this literally is my life that he describes, that he helps with his coaching. hopeful for change. thanks Dodge, you guys are really changing lives as well as providing incredible stories. thank you so very much.
My pleasure mate and well done for reaching out to Simon 🙏
Such an amazing podcast!
His talk from just before 1hr and 102minutes was a real eye opener. Great speaking.
With him mentioning signals. Just confirmed a guy I worked with was ex SAS. Always said he was never confirmed or denied he was. Talking about haarp one time. He mentioned that he worked with some kind of radio system that went right through mountains. He was in signals but you have to be special forces or high up in signals to be privvy to something like that. I've got to say he's one of the best people I've ever met in my life. It was a honour to have met him. He's was old school staff. He was one of funniest and serious person when he had to be serious. Learnt lot from that man. I even called him dad. How much respect I had for him. He ended up with bowel cancer. So don't know if he's still about or not. As he use to say never let the b*starts drag you down. If he isn't here anymore I know he would have fought to his dying breath.
Anyone can say they were in the SAS mate. Much like everyone who lives within 50 miles of London were best mates with the Krays🙄🤣🤣🤣
@@NH-bz9jvYou've been watching too much James English.
Enjoyed this one. 👌
This man is amazing on all levels. Sadly, soldiers are purely cannon fodder for the elite and I admire every single one of them past and present.
Great interview , asking the questions I've always wanted to ask myself.
Glad you enjoyed this episode 🫡
SAS as good as its get! The greatest in the whole world . Be Proud if you make the grade !!! Keep Calm and call the SAS :)
Fantastic interview, my boys on the same path ! As a father of a marine I never worry about the route he takes, as my boy says his with the lads they support each other………. We’re so lucky to have a military so respected globally ! All the best Simon on your future path ……
Awesome podcast mate, really impressed by your conversational skills. Great timing, smooth topical transitions, on point open-ended questions and sound usage of motivational interviewing. Can definitely relate to Simon's near death free fall incident, it's certainly an out of it experience being in an unintended free fall! Keep charging mate, love it!
Kind words Ben and nice one for the feedback 🙏👍🏼
Christ, we really do produce the best soldiers in the world... what a chap. Top work again Dodge, love your work mate... great channel and pod series.
Good man Lee 👍🏼👍🏼
Great interview, all really interesting 🙏
Cheers Steve 👍🏼💪🏼