Rusty Firmin - Story of how me and the late John McAleese MM met- Part 10 - SAS the long drag

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  • Опубликовано: 1 фев 2025

Комментарии • 115

  • @johnmellor932
    @johnmellor932 4 года назад +45

    Was great to hear this. Took me back 18 years. Long Drag. Not called that for nothing. Great memories. That was my lowest ebb on Test Week. What no one ever realises is you're exhausted at the start. Not the end. The end is something completley different. I set off at around midnight during a scorching summer. I was sleep deprived having only rested a few hours because I was late on the previous march which ate into my rest period. Woken from a sound sleep in the billet at 9pm for last fresh meal and a briefing. All I could think about was sleep. Sleep sleep sleep. I had serious thoughts about chucking the towel in. On the hills in pitch blackness with the wind howling I could just make out the grass ruffling as if it was down draft from a heli. I went up Jacobs Ladder about 4 in the morning. I felt during this point that I was done, my body was crying out for sleep. I could make out the first RV as the Sun came up. Thats when I started to feel positive and realised if I do this I fulfill my dream. I. Me. Would have passed one of the toughest if not the toughest courses in the world. I came in with an hour and half to spare. I remember seeing the red tail lights of the final RV, thought I was dreaming. Gave my name to the DS, took my bergen off and vomited brown viscous projectile vomit everywhere. Litres of it. Haha. I've never before or since gone to sleep as fast as I did when we got back. Next morning at breakfast was like a scene from The Walking Dead everyone shuffling to the cook house. Great memories. Loved it as hard as it was. Just wanted to share. Be great to hear from others experience of Long Drag.

    • @jamest5149
      @jamest5149 4 года назад +4

      john the John Wayne shuffle after some of the tabs is something to be seen as are the blisters on your feet and back!

    • @johnmellor932
      @johnmellor932 4 года назад +8

      @The Scatman Tremendous feeling to pass Test Week after all that hard work that came before it. Sad that I didn't get in. I'd have loved to have got that beret. But wasn't to be. A lot of folks like me though. Some people try twice and fail twice.

    • @johnmellor932
      @johnmellor932 4 года назад +5

      @The Scatman Tips?? Err..The only way is to lace up and get out there. I've always said the only way to train for selection is to do it on your own time. I fell over a lot at first. But with time it just comes, eventually you can move quickly over rough ground and stay on your feet. Its important to do it with some weight because your hot spots will be different. As in blisters. Eventually when you have put enough time in you'll be able to do long distances and get few if any blisters. That and a bit of luck. I was lucky, although my feet were sore I completed the week without trench foot or blisters, little bit of bergen rub on my sides, but otherwise unscathed. Some lads looked like they had stigmata. I remember an officer he had a big red upside down cross on his back, looked like someone had been at him with sand paper. Thats about all I can give tbh. Its hard to remember after 18 years. That's Summer. I never did Winter but I'm guessing it comes with its own challenges.

    • @johnmellor932
      @johnmellor932 4 года назад +2

      @The Scatman It took me about 12 month. But everyone is different. Depends on your base fitness level and how prone you are to injury. I got injured once.

    • @johnmellor932
      @johnmellor932 4 года назад +11

      @The Scatman I got a stand up failure. Bit complicated. I'm not ashamed to say I wasn't good enough. Its not difficult to raise an eye brow or prickle someones ear because you said or did something you probably shouldn't have. Next minute they decide they don't like you. I've over simplified it a bit but that's what happened.

  • @magnusmowat8024
    @magnusmowat8024 6 месяцев назад +11

    I joined the queens own highlanders territorial at 17 after suffering from osteomyelitis in my ankle which resulted in part of bone removed and fought lie mad to get fit to join and gave it a year and went to camp a few times at fort George but the ankle problem came back and I got discharged but thoroughly enjoyed the good lads I was with so I always wish I had made it longer but hey ho and big huge respect to all who serve and the SAS 👏👌

    • @malcolmspeakman9699
      @malcolmspeakman9699 14 дней назад

      Well done, i am sorry you got discharged, i myself was medically discharged after 18 years service, i lived and loved the army life.

  • @ragandoil
    @ragandoil 4 года назад +7

    20 years enlisted in 66 , I knew i would never have been good enough when i spoke to Bob Reed and Tony Halls , they said you might you never know , was the greatest complement i ever was paid , thank you all of you we sleep sound

  • @christopherjones8798
    @christopherjones8798 4 года назад +5

    I am a former 60th KRRC Rifleman I had the honour of meeting Peter McAleese on two occasions. I have never forgotten his kindness and personal courtesy to me, an old Rifleman. May he Rest In Peace.

  • @welshwarrior5263
    @welshwarrior5263 4 года назад +3

    As a former front line combat veteran, I have total respect to you. Excellent videos and just subscribed to your videos.

  • @northernpatriotmanchester675
    @northernpatriotmanchester675 4 года назад +8

    Nothing but respect for you fellas, whatever you make money wise after your service will never be enough.good luck

  • @euand7343
    @euand7343 4 года назад +12

    Thank you so much for this, I’m 18 and want to push myself in life and get out my comfort zone. Watching these videos help my understand fully the importance in life of enduring and overcoming pain and discomfort.

    • @thomastaylor1644
      @thomastaylor1644 20 дней назад

      You'll need to do more than push yourself or areyou just another wannabe

  • @cannonball9478
    @cannonball9478 4 года назад +8

    Around 20hrs of hard work non stop. I can’t even run 6 miles at the moment. Incredible endurance

  • @vanlifenomad
    @vanlifenomad 4 года назад +2

    Thank you Rusty, Mac, the main points now missed, sense of humor, eye contact, play on phobias lookout!, eyes on you constantly 24/7, looking forward to long drag again this year hopefully if wales let's me in, who seen this one coming crazy days, 54 year old burn out now so 24hrs is a win.

  • @Axispaw1
    @Axispaw1 4 года назад +1

    Loving these videos Rusty. Been a long time lover and follower of our forces in general, but in particular the Marines, SAS/SBS. Spent a lot of years watching and reading about past ops etc and only just came across your channel. Loving it! Reading about the successes of the Iranian Embassy, Battle of Mirbat, Operation Barras and many many more makes me proud of you guys. Glad there are men like you as I could not do it.

  • @fraserconnell21
    @fraserconnell21 4 года назад +3

    Best wishes to you old trooper. I've subbed to keep a tab on your exploits,and by way of a thank you for what you did,digging deep in service of the crown.Personally I think you and your comrades who are still amongst us should all be given a seat in the house of lords!!. Now I mean that so sincerely and our country would be best served by you all being in there than most of those who are already in there. Rant over....best wishes, Fraser.

  • @TheSFExperienceTSFE
    @TheSFExperienceTSFE 4 года назад +4

    Fantastic video log that has defined British history. Thank you Rusty.

  • @davidbutler4363
    @davidbutler4363 4 года назад

    Wha great set of vlogs rusty,wel done you.your a legend.respect sir😁👍👏👏👏

  • @carlb401
    @carlb401 16 дней назад

    Greatest respect to all those that serve for our country.
    Ever since i was about 10 years old all i wanted to do was join the Army, but when i was about 13/ 14 years old i developed a medical condition that was hereditary and i ended up on medication. I did try a few times to join the TA, but once they found out about the medication i was stopped from going any further. I even tried to join the Royal Marine Reserves and was highly commended by the training staff for jumping into the Mersey even though i couldn't swim, i was told i am the sort of person they are looking for. Again i was disqualified due to the medication, so i came off the medication but by the time i stopped having episodes i was too old to be allowed in the forces.

    • @Strength-in-Union
      @Strength-in-Union 22 часа назад

      Aye, that methadone always gets you to fail your Army medical.

  • @micky1311
    @micky1311 3 года назад

    just came about your channel by chance . have now subbed. all the best .

  • @jac6733
    @jac6733 3 года назад +1

    Well done mate 👏👍👌🙌

  • @richardmacpherson7647
    @richardmacpherson7647 4 года назад +3

    Brilliant thank you Rusty.
    Keep them coming.

  • @saltwithlove2269
    @saltwithlove2269 4 года назад +1

    Thank you for your no nonsense , matter of fact style . I have no military experience whatsoever , but , if I had my time again , I am minded to maybe have gone for this - for many young men (and women) , it is a chance to realise their potential . Thank you to you , and your colleagues , for what you have done for our country + community - most of which we will never know of . My respects to you all . Vale .

  • @huchotaimen
    @huchotaimen 4 года назад +3

    These facts are just amazing; it's better than any book. I literally stopped breathing a few times just to hear the next word coming.

  • @aviationiceman9549
    @aviationiceman9549 4 года назад +1

    The first and only time I ever met John was on a CQB course at Eastmere, in true fashion he told us “ youz lot can run for miles but youz haven’t got the strength to pull your arses through a fook”ing window “ that’s when I started running less and hit the gym to lift weights !!!!! Respect for Ulster 🇬🇬🇬🇧

  • @markharris1546
    @markharris1546 19 дней назад +1

    I was in training with John's son they were both legends 💯🙏👍🫡🫡😞

  • @mongoose621
    @mongoose621 4 года назад +2

    That story about the decoy Bedofrd Rusty, I was talking to some mates about Dislocation of Expectation just the other other day and told them a story with the exact same scenario. Morale destroyer but also a great training tool.

  • @davidbutler4363
    @davidbutler4363 4 года назад +1

    Brilliant rusty😁👍👏👏👏

  • @johncox503
    @johncox503 4 года назад

    Thanks rusty good luck mate your doing. A good job all the best

  • @karenbevan7761
    @karenbevan7761 4 года назад

    Great stuff Rusty 👍

  • @johncox503
    @johncox503 4 года назад +2

    God bless big john and you rusty

  • @rogerhudson9732
    @rogerhudson9732 7 дней назад

    Two Bedford lorries, you didn't want to go in the one called the 'twat wagon'. In 21SAS I knew someone booted for marking a map (carry a toothpick to point). We used to do every weekend for two months by which time you knew every feature from Talybont res. to Fan Frynich and back. The winter selection at the start of 1978 was a harf winter, the weekend we were sheltered in the wood at Torpantau was the weekend Maj.Kealey died. I didn't realise RF hadn't been in 22 for very long before Operation Nimrod.

  • @jac6733
    @jac6733 3 года назад

    Your donev great rusty, hard to get your bareings in the mist ,brilliant stuff 😉😀

  • @911MDD
    @911MDD 4 года назад +2

    Fascinating. What a ball breaker for John but he made it in the end.👍

    • @RustyFirminSASTV
      @RustyFirminSASTV  4 года назад +1

      Yes but he did 6 months later

    • @nigelsnell9770
      @nigelsnell9770 4 года назад

      Hi Rusty, did Scotty (Macca) have an injury before 77, cos I'm sure he was there in 76, if I remember rightly, he had a Jaguar with what looked like parachute harnesses as seat belts !. Another lad, can't remember his name had a hearse, used to sleep in the back when he was out on the raz'.

  • @lynchetts
    @lynchetts 2 года назад

    I came off two days before long drag but nice to hear it was more of the same :)

  • @Johntwoflags
    @Johntwoflags 14 дней назад

    Can tell it the 70s. Bedford trucks. Thanks rusty. God bless.

  • @jamesmcmurrough3811
    @jamesmcmurrough3811 4 года назад +3

    How did you prepare for pre selection and the course its self phys wise?

    • @RustyFirminSASTV
      @RustyFirminSASTV  4 года назад +2

      It’s in an earlier video I did last week take a look

  • @michaelmccann4724
    @michaelmccann4724 8 месяцев назад

    Rip John you are all the best and all in my heart you’re the best I will always have your side and backs

  • @LostMines
    @LostMines 4 года назад

    this is absolutely brilliant is there a part 11 ??? .Al

    • @RustyFirminSASTV
      @RustyFirminSASTV  4 года назад

      What is

    • @LostMines
      @LostMines 4 года назад

      @@RustyFirminSASTV your channel it's absolutely brilliant and also very interesting. Al

    • @RustyFirminSASTV
      @RustyFirminSASTV  4 года назад

      More today

    • @LostMines
      @LostMines 4 года назад

      @@RustyFirminSASTV your channel should most definitely have more subscribers, I will give a shout-out on my channel for sure

    • @RustyFirminSASTV
      @RustyFirminSASTV  4 года назад

      Thanks it’s only a few weeks old

  • @romeo9017
    @romeo9017 4 года назад +2

    Respect - we are the pilgrims Master..

  • @garethhughes2498
    @garethhughes2498 4 года назад +3

    Rusty, out of interest, do a lot of lads get RTU'd once badged after the 6 months selection prior to the end of their 2 year probation period, or once you get the beret you are more or less there for good?
    Also, as you mentioned in one of your previous videos, G squadron is predominantly a Guards squadron, so did all Guarsdmen get automatically drafted into that one? If so was there more tick tock than the other Sabre squadrons?
    Thanks in advance

    • @100178020959
      @100178020959 4 года назад

      No G squadron operates the same as others it has to, to be successful.

  • @simonchaddock3694
    @simonchaddock3694 4 года назад +4

    Is it just me or can any one else see a bit of paul mcartney in this man his eyes and voice

  • @daveuk2560
    @daveuk2560 4 года назад

    Just the name pen- y-fan brings a smile to my face good ole days, wasnt a smile back then i tell ya

    • @RustyFirminSASTV
      @RustyFirminSASTV  4 года назад

      It was a smile to me and fond memories.
      We’re you SAS then?

  • @cheekboy7247
    @cheekboy7247 4 года назад +1

    Great video Rusty. What was your patrol skill? Were you in boat troop?
    Is Pete Winner alive and well?

    • @RustyFirminSASTV
      @RustyFirminSASTV  4 года назад +3

      Pete’s fine I’ll. e speaking to him soon.
      Skills I was a linguist, patrol medic, demolitionist name but a few

    • @RustyFirminSASTV
      @RustyFirminSASTV  4 года назад +1

      Mobility troop

  • @donharrold1375
    @donharrold1375 3 года назад

    Do you have to run with the 55 lbs or can you march quickly?

  • @georgebuller1914
    @georgebuller1914 4 года назад +1

    7-21: 'Lofty' - Lofty Wiseman?

  • @stevengee3668
    @stevengee3668 4 года назад

    made of steel rusty proud of men like you

  • @garryharriman7349
    @garryharriman7349 4 года назад +2

    You have such good recall, Rusty. You're not rusty at all, Rusty!

    • @RustyFirminSASTV
      @RustyFirminSASTV  4 года назад

      No I’m me but I was There easy-

    • @garryharriman7349
      @garryharriman7349 4 года назад +1

      @@RustyFirminSASTV Rusty. This was a very informative insight into the selection of several decades ago (probably unchanged fundamentally since the formation of 22 SAS. With regard to pin pointing your exact location on the map the DS on the hills phase, I actually thought that was a further test if nav accuracy. It makes sense, however, that it is to ensure candidates don't mark a map. Lastly, with regard to the maintenance of Burgen weight, if a candiaite can not make up weight with natural materials, then how is that achieved when you will naturally shed weight between RVs from consumption of foid and water?

    • @nige3801
      @nige3801 2 года назад

      @@garryharriman7349 they will chuck a big rock in your bergen to make weight and probably give you a gypsy

  • @kevinhoughton9134
    @kevinhoughton9134 4 года назад +1

    Very enjoyable once again. What would you have eaten for breakfast to fuel you for these distances Rusty?

    • @RustyFirminSASTV
      @RustyFirminSASTV  4 года назад +2

      Full English and a bat ha loads of tea.

    • @kevinhoughton9134
      @kevinhoughton9134 4 года назад

      @@RustyFirminSASTV HA HA, nice one, when's the next vlog mate?

  • @budte
    @budte 3 года назад +1

    I applied to join the Infantry when I was 16 (and a handful) which required a couple of references including one from my ex-army father. And so ended my military career. Haha. At 23 I didn't realise I could make another application and so considered joining the Foreign Legion, but couldn't bring myself to fight for anyone else.

  • @gangstar8652
    @gangstar8652 4 года назад

    Ok Rusty.
    I had the pleasure of knowing Jonny Mac.
    He used to catch the bus out to withington to see my Nan, Jon to see someone you probably know also, Tosh Axxn?
    You know Jim Lxxxs, is it Jim Yxxxg?
    Jon preistly? You obviously know Bob Curry.

  • @davidlynch2006
    @davidlynch2006 Год назад

    Love you buddy

  • @johncox503
    @johncox503 4 года назад

    Rusty why do you and Eddie don't do one togher

  • @robertkirk4387
    @robertkirk4387 4 года назад

    upgrade your microphone please I have external speakers and I still cannot hear you. sorry mate

  • @stevegallacher88
    @stevegallacher88 Год назад +1

    May God bless you Rusty. Jesus is Lord.

  • @quovadis5908
    @quovadis5908 20 дней назад

    Re: Fan Dance and Lonf Drag -- There is a huge difference with those on SAS selection and others. What many don't realise is that "The Fan Dance" route is used by many parts of the UK armed forces -- eg: Pathfinder, infantry courses and some TA (as was could do it). Getting over Pen y Fan and back is very hard, but not impossible. There is even now a race organised by former SAS / SBS for people to do.
    Others do the long range marches on the same terrain as the long drag, to learn map reading and to develop other skills. BUT, those seeking entry to the SAS do these when they are worn out, by that I mean dead on their feet tired, carrying significant weight and timed. I saw a video of a US Ranger who did "The Fan Dance" race and completed in 4hrs 15 mins --- but was not carrying weight and had slept well the night before in a hotel bed.
    My hat is off to those who commit themselves to selection, they are tired, joints in pain, toenails coming off and even their blisters have blisters. There is not a comparison to folks on a Sergeants course or from the TA who come and do the route. I admire those who succeed and also those who give it their best but don't. Another thing some don't know is that there are those who complete all the selection week tests but who still do not pass.
    Huge respect for all. I respect those who've gone over the route in a race or an exercise, don't get me wrong. But HUGE respect to those who do these timed, carrying the weight and who have not slept or had downtime.

  • @neilmilner7074
    @neilmilner7074 4 года назад

    I remember Mac on a RUclips vid with Eddie Stone, Tell a story of a guy with Bergen burns on his back and you rubbing white spirit into the burns Rusty, you obviously forgot to tell him to tape em up instead.I have to say me and my pal were pissing ourselves at the devilment of the thing. 🤙

  • @kevinadamson7571
    @kevinadamson7571 4 года назад +1

    The 8 thumbs down were from the Walter Mittys who failed the kit inspection on day 1 .

    • @gutz323
      @gutz323 3 года назад

      Nah! The thumbs down are the people who don't like the name mentioned of a charged paedophile who was on the run from the British police for the last few years of his life.

  • @angelisone
    @angelisone 5 месяцев назад +1

    Rusty didn't know that John loves kids. John has very dark secret that his 1st knew about.
    But then I think Rusty didn't want to say bad things about his friend. John's nuthead wife committed suicide dues to lack funds.

  • @NE-locksmith
    @NE-locksmith 4 года назад +2

    I remember reading snappers book 'soldier I' he described John Mac as "a tough of s Scot as they come"

    • @nige3801
      @nige3801 2 года назад

      That incident in Hong Kong when he was flogged

    • @joedimaggio3146
      @joedimaggio3146 Год назад +1

      @@nige3801 what was that?

    • @nige3801
      @nige3801 Год назад

      @@joedimaggio3146 snapper got in a fight and used a knuckle duster to finish it quickly. He was over with the regiment training Hong Kong police and the authorities were furious he was carrying such a weapon on a night out. He was sentenced to the barbaric punishment of a large stick broken across his backside, many times. He apparently needed all his strength and resolve to get through it, the pain was outrageous . It is described in the book soldier I and he was hospitalised for two weeks.

    • @joedimaggio3146
      @joedimaggio3146 Год назад +1

      @@nige3801 cheers mate, will give it a read

  • @coops9871
    @coops9871 4 года назад +1

    Start and finish point of long drag is talybont resevoir

  • @alastairwest5200
    @alastairwest5200 4 года назад +1

    My mate's ex III Para & is more than capable of passing selection, he just hasn't done the course...

    • @alastairwest5200
      @alastairwest5200 4 года назад +1

      @Raj Maj Lots of Para Reg lads are also successful, along with Royal Signals, Royal Engineers, Royal Marines, Physical training instructors and RAF Regiment - the list is endless...

    • @alastairwest5200
      @alastairwest5200 4 года назад +1

      @Raj Maj He might need to brush up on his map reading skills, beyond that it's up to the DS whether his face fits or not...

  • @garryharriman7349
    @garryharriman7349 4 года назад +2

    It's just a shame that all you lads in UKSF don't push yourself just that little bit further to don the coveted blue berret of the RAF. You still did good though! Garry Harriman. RAF, 1987-2006! 🇬🇧

  • @thetiredtomcat
    @thetiredtomcat 16 дней назад

    I know stuff about McAleese from a family friend who served with him. I’ll never tell no one

  • @mac1975
    @mac1975 4 года назад

    AALF

  • @rapid1019
    @rapid1019 4 года назад

    Only thing missing from that flag is Northern Ireland

    • @iamsoldierf8316
      @iamsoldierf8316 4 года назад +2

      Rapid 101 ssssshhhhhhh the regiment were never really there. Lolol. 😂

  • @Mehall-q5f
    @Mehall-q5f 18 дней назад +1

    How about you tell everyone what John was on the run for when he died 😂 that poor little girl dont think he is a hero he is a disgrace and no reg man would speak his name again

  • @stevegallacher88
    @stevegallacher88 Год назад

    May God bless you Rusty. Jesus is Lord.

  • @stevegallacher88
    @stevegallacher88 Год назад

    May God bless you Rusty. Jesus is Lord.