I had a lot of free time alone during the pandemic. Honestly it could have been a disaster for my mental health. But by some sort of God's hint, RUclips recommended me a Sartorial Talk's video even though I never once in my life watched menswear video (and thought it was snobbish and pretentious). At first I got in out of boredom, but through many channel (including yours) I slowly gained interest in classic elegance, proper shaving/atitude, healthy eating habits, etc ... and surprisingly what should have been a very bad two years of boredom and loneliness became the most amazing learning opportunity I ever had. I now live a much healthier life than ever, I am happier and I wear sports jackets and leather dress shoes on a daily basis with delight even though everyone around me dress with t-shirt and jeans and kind of thinks I'm kind of weird. To summarize my point : the bit about breaking up your routine from time to time can range from a little side fun to life-changing. Also Ash rest assured that they are some young people taking there elder's advices very seriously and benefiting from those shortcuts that are being laid out in front of them.
LIFE LESSONS (IN MILITARY LIFE). 3:15 - I. Take pride in your appearance. 5:52 - II. Value friendship. 8:21 - III. Learn from the experiences of others. 10:24 - IV. Embrace the diversity of life. 13:30 - V. Expand beyond the mundane. - 16:38 VI. Be proud of your accomplishments.
There is an American Navy Admiral who made a speech to a group of young people several years ago. In his speech he mentioned one simple thing that you could do to make yourself a better person. He stated that the simple act of making your bed every day was the start of discipline of yourself and the ability to handle the world.
Great advice regarding getting out there and embracing life. It took me until 2010 at age 45 to start adventuring in other countries now at age 57 I’ve traveled to many worldwide countries including the USA, Canada, Germany, Egypt, Italy, Spain, Egypt and several more….I’ve loved every minute of it!
I hated football at school and hadn't played it since the early 80s. A few weeks ago I joined a football group and absolutely love it. A few months ago I also started boxing. I've got a tennis lesson today. To have structure and to learn new skills with like-minded people has been a Godsend. I'm doing more in my 50s than ever before. 💪
I'm aiming for a significant hobby change very soon - I realise it may be now or never - being in your 50's really has galvanised my mind to squeeze as much as possible out of acts 2 and 3 of my life!
I must say, those 10085 pattern ammo boots are so awesome, I occasionally wear them with a suit in inclement weather. Here you have it : in Britain even the military boots are striking !
Superb Video again dear Ash. I completely agree with your advice. The Royal Hussars taught me discipline and brought me to many countries including Germany which I also embraced (so much that I still live here 29 years after leaving the Army). Back then I was fortunate to know a young dashing officer who dressed a "cut above the rest" and helped me with my own style. Kind regards Adrian ( Born in Neath, Just down the road from you)
As a counterpoint, for RAF other ranks groundcrew, looking smart in uniform (parades excepted, but even then only reaching the minimum is the norm) is generally seen as something of a negative characteristic at work. It’s a sign that the individual isn’t job focused, but rather places their own aesthetics over effectiveness. Indeed, the level of soiling of a high-vis vest, for example, is almost a badge to distinguish between the lower ranks vs the officer/management levels; there was some pride taken in having the scruffiest vest you could get away with, almost as a badge of dependability and status. These little things can bring a sense of cohesion and belonging to the group- as you gained experience, the degradation in your kit and turnout was proportional to your acceptance and standing within the group. It’s how elites can be formed, and they can serve a useful purpose-: it’s why elite units have special coloured berets, for example, to simultaneously show that the individual is part of the team, and to exclude the others who are not. Quite similar a mindset to tech companies these days, and even in the post-lockdown business world, smart can often appear stuffy and old fashioned. It’s these little cues that make lots of environments, and in particular the forces, such a fascinating study in sociology.
Same where I work Everyone wants the stab vest mucky as if they've been in years. Me being ex army prefer my kit clean and boots shinedand of course shaved every day. It's making a difference as others are following suit so keep at it and raise the bar not lower it 👍
Senalarga Shudder Always cold and wet with range stew and nato tea. Like you when I was in Germany I went out to the towns around drank and ate in café and bars. It was also my opportunity to see and do things I wouldn't be able to do normally. The army taught me a lot about myself and people and life in general and has held me in good stead all these years. Thanks for another great video Ash
Great video Ash. One thing I have observed is how skilled Forces people are and how modest. I met another dad recently who takes apart and repairs helicopters and other military vehicles. He stated that it was nothing and that it didn't require much brains. Ha! On the contrary what a skilled and intelligent chap. I have seen many ex forces rise very high and have phenomenal sales careers. One became a CEO. It is easy to see the transition. If you have spent half your life serving your country and being shot at. Selling things or running a business would be a cake walk in comparison.
What a spot on video! I enjoyed it immensely and fully agree with your points. I come from a small town in NC and joined the Army just after my 18th birthday so that my mother would not have to feel responsible in case something happened to me. I served from 1985-1992 and was posted in Germany twice. It was an incredible time to serve and still today have that extended family you speak of. I had my adventures and then came home, but my experiences and training serve me still. Great channel and sharing this video!
So your an Airman Sailor who likes Warsteiner to boot. I spent all my time in the town of Lahr and the pedestrian zone and at the Konditorei having coffee and cake. A disc tech onece and a techno club as well. At night at the Bahn Hof hotel, family run the night watchman from the Hartz mountains and a war vet would teach me German. He invited me to meet his family and show me his tropical fish collection in their small apartment. I will always cherish that time. Great vid Ash! Bis Spater! Starlight
Ah, Warsteiner, that was most definitely a nemesis of mine. I went on the brewery trip to Warsteiner HQ - what a day that turned out to be!!! My time in Germany was a great period in my young life and a very special country. I returned on a business mission about 4-years ago to Berlin and Magdeburg, it all came flooding back and the country has faired very well since I left.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Ash, and giving useful tips regarding those lessons you learned. Greetings from Germany - I am glad you had a good time during your time here.
Time spent in the military helps develop a broad understanding of style as well as a certain type of work ethic built on feeling like you are trying to make the best thing possible and selling it to the right person rather than making the cheapest thing possible and hoping no one notices.
I concur on all points Ash. Be it so, that I am late to the comments on this edition. I have spent the last 36 years in uniform (we don't talk about the 3 year hiatus) and like you, took opportunities, explored, engaged and learnt new and exiting things. I travelled for leisure and as an occupational hazard/ benefit. I became confident and self reliant, reliable and determined. I learned how to dress for the situation and carry myself. I continue to serve and will do so for so long as I am allowed. *Salutes
I am probably unusual in my generation, in not having had any close relatives in the military, and like my father, I had health problems that would have excluded me from conscription. That was just as well because going to school in the 1950s and 60s, I saw the CCF strutting up and down and saluting, etc., and that reminded me of the military discipline of Nazi Germany. It still does not impress me, so it is as well that the military would not have wanted me. Despite that, I have dressed well all my life and I still keep my shoes well polished, without any military training. Apart from other problems, I am autistic and my attitude to relationships is probably unusual, so it is unlikely that I would have thrived in the military.
Fantastic advice born of personal experience. Thank you for sharing it. In particular I found your advice about taking a risk and sticking your neck very helpful as I literally just accepted a new job today after working in the same profession for 12 years in a new field that will stretch me as a professional.
I remember very well at JHQ Rheindahlen those service personnel who clubbed and drank together, never went outside the barracks, who had not even the faintest idea of the most basic German - and at the end of their tour of Germany did not know what the country and its inhabitants were like. What a shame and what a waste. Good of you that you made use of your time.
Serving in the Military I have met the best people, and also the worst. For a lot of those who I served with , it turned out to be form of redemption. If they had not joined up they would have ended in a life of crime, or completely failed in life. Instead of carving our a career, and a trade when they went into civvy street.
Hello Ash, i do enjoy these occasional 'fireside chats' of yours. Discussions on excellent watches and pleasant fragrances are always welcome but your personal view of life conversations are prehaps more thought provoking and enriching. Cheers sir.
I too served and completed my first career in the air force (airborne weapons systems and then transferred to avionics). I then completed a career as a multi-manager for a large international corporation and retired from that. The last career I completed was in municipal government and then I retired early. The most important takeaways from my life in the military was to never ever give up and always complete what you started. Now I spend my time collecting, enjoying my hobbies and fly fishing.
Coming from a military background, I wholeheartedly agree with you. Like you, I am now the one encouraging others to grab opportunity when it comes, these are the golden moments in life. Thank you for sharing your experience and encouraging others.
You carry yourself very well, have a friendly, yet commanding presence, and I think you could portray James Bond very well. Very much enjoying your vids.
Hi Ash, I also served in the military but in the U.S. Army from 1983 - 1995 and in West Germany during the cold war and later in desert storm. I always valued my time in the military, and the experiences were positive for the most part. I enjoyed my training with the British Army in Northern Germany as well. I genuinely feel that all males should serve in the military for a few years of their life early on. I came across your channel last week, and I am so glad that the first video involved shoe maintenance, as it motivated me to watch more and subscribe. Your information is quality and cheerful with the various subjects. I enjoyed the different video's so much. Thank you.
Don't forget about the fact how to shave and make the Bedding and folding of the uniforms in din A 4 format during my own service in the 90s 8/SanRgt.5 Bundeswehr Medical Personnel
As much as I look forward to watching your videos on style, I'd love to see more videos like this where you share your personal experience and wisdom. That said- very smart jacket by the way.
First class advice here. The first thing the young learn is NOT to listen to people who`ve been through it all before, as they know it all......just as i did.
@@TheChapsGuide It is members only. The 1st Monday of the Month I am in the Mess for a meet up with friends . If you pop in ask for Col Davies or Major Lyndon Davies. We are usually there from 1900hrs.
Being ex army, must say you explained military life spot on. But I do have a question, was their much banter between you and your father due to him being in the army and you going into the RAF ? Always enjoy your post"s 👍
There has never been any friction from Pop about the Army/RAF, his time in uniform was so long ago (1949-52) that it was way back in his distant past when I took up the colours in 1986. I only really joined the RAF because I was an Air CAdet as a kid, I have often wondered how things would have turned out for me if I had joined the Army Cadets instead. I often worked with the Army in joint operations, I even served in an Army unit in Belgium for 2-years and I found the transition to be quite easy and without too much animosity. Same with the Navy, with whom I worked on a joint unit in SHAPE Belgium. They had perhaps the strangest heritage and working practices and the largest divide between offers and ORs. Whereas in the RAF, I always found our officers to be quite decent chaps, especially the aircrew, who were entirely selected on merit and their 'class' or family history bore no relevance to their RAF career, whereas I encountered many Army officers, who cruised on the wake of their father (the colonel's) reputation. But I imagine these things have changed a lot these days. Things may be hotting up again soon, at 52 I may be a touch too old to return to uniform, but I've been getting in shape and could just about pass the BFT and CFT if I had to. But then again, if they re-establish the Home Guard I will be ready!!
@@TheChapsGuide When I left the mob in the early nineties,there was a Dads Army Organisation called the Home Service Force. Anybody who had served at least 2 years in the regular\ reservists could volunteer, between 21, and 60 of age. It had a wide range of ex veterans, and war time task was guarding Key Points ( remember Brave Defender) They were disbanded at roughly the same time as the Royal Observer Corps, and Royal Naval Auxiliary Service. Might be reactivated ? PS. SSTV , RAF Common Core Skills video on RUclips, if you want to keep your skills up to speed
Love the channel. I was very touched by your comment about going for the drink. About five years ago I was at an examiner's meeting at Leeds Beckett University. I met a colleague at the meeting whom I had known for a number of years. A great guy, sharp as a tack, whom I had immediately warmed to when I had first met him. He was a real live wire, a great professional, and had a brain the size of Ireland. After the meeting, in which he was in fantastic spirits, he said "who you like to have a drink and a chinwag?" I would have loved to have done so, but I thought that I had better head back home. So, I made me excuses and left. All the way to the station I thought "I should have said 'yes'. What did it matter getting home early? Never mind, I can always see him at the next meeting." Well I never did. Not long afterwards committed suicide and left a young wife and two young children in the process. His job, despite all appearances to the contrary, was literally killing him. Would my drink with him have made a difference as to what happened? Not a tuppence-worth. All the same, I still regret not spending that little bit of time. It would have cost me so little. The point is that you never know when you will saying "goodbye," so make the most of every occasion that presents itself. Keep up the great work old chap.
A sad and tragic story, but clearly makes the point that we should take every opportunity to make and nourish friendships as we pass through life. Thank you so much for sharing this story, much appreciated. Ash
I had a lot of free time alone during the pandemic. Honestly it could have been a disaster for my mental health. But by some sort of God's hint, RUclips recommended me a Sartorial Talk's video even though I never once in my life watched menswear video (and thought it was snobbish and pretentious).
At first I got in out of boredom, but through many channel (including yours) I slowly gained interest in classic elegance, proper shaving/atitude, healthy eating habits, etc ... and surprisingly what should have been a very bad two years of boredom and loneliness became the most amazing learning opportunity I ever had. I now live a much healthier life than ever, I am happier and I wear sports jackets and leather dress shoes on a daily basis with delight even though everyone around me dress with t-shirt and jeans and kind of thinks I'm kind of weird.
To summarize my point : the bit about breaking up your routine from time to time can range from a little side fun to life-changing.
Also Ash rest assured that they are some young people taking there elder's advices very seriously and benefiting from those shortcuts that are being laid out in front of them.
Good for you!
LIFE LESSONS (IN MILITARY LIFE). 3:15 - I. Take pride in your appearance. 5:52 - II. Value friendship. 8:21 - III. Learn from the experiences of others. 10:24 - IV. Embrace the diversity of life. 13:30 - V. Expand beyond the mundane. - 16:38 VI. Be proud of your accomplishments.
There is an American Navy Admiral who made a speech to a group of young people several years ago. In his speech he mentioned one simple thing that you could do to make yourself a better person. He stated that the simple act of making your bed every day was the start of discipline of yourself and the ability to handle the world.
Admiral William McRaven I believe you are referring to. A great scholar of leadership indeed.
Still do .. since primary school age of 8! My wife & friends don't get it.
Great advice regarding getting out there and embracing life. It took me until 2010 at age 45 to start adventuring in other countries now at age 57 I’ve traveled to many worldwide countries including the USA, Canada, Germany, Egypt, Italy, Spain, Egypt and several more….I’ve loved every minute of it!
Apologies for the the 2nd Egypt!
I hated football at school and hadn't played it since the early 80s. A few weeks ago I joined a football group and absolutely love it. A few months ago I also started boxing. I've got a tennis lesson today. To have structure and to learn new skills with like-minded people has been a Godsend. I'm doing more in my 50s than ever before. 💪
I'm aiming for a significant hobby change very soon - I realise it may be now or never - being in your 50's really has galvanised my mind to squeeze as much as possible out of acts 2 and 3 of my life!
I think this might be my favourite episode. Good advice from an old sweat.
I must say, those 10085 pattern ammo boots are so awesome, I occasionally wear them with a suit in inclement weather. Here you have it : in Britain even the military boots are striking !
Superb Video again dear Ash. I completely agree with your advice. The Royal Hussars taught me discipline and brought me to many countries including Germany which I also embraced (so much that I still live here 29 years after leaving the Army). Back then I was fortunate to know a young dashing officer who dressed a "cut above the rest" and helped me with my own style.
Kind regards
Adrian ( Born in Neath, Just down the road from you)
As a counterpoint, for RAF other ranks groundcrew, looking smart in uniform (parades excepted, but even then only reaching the minimum is the norm) is generally seen as something of a negative characteristic at work. It’s a sign that the individual isn’t job focused, but rather places their own aesthetics over effectiveness. Indeed, the level of soiling of a high-vis vest, for example, is almost a badge to distinguish between the lower ranks vs the officer/management levels; there was some pride taken in having the scruffiest vest you could get away with, almost as a badge of dependability and status. These little things can bring a sense of cohesion and belonging to the group- as you gained experience, the degradation in your kit and turnout was proportional to your acceptance and standing within the group. It’s how elites can be formed, and they can serve a useful purpose-: it’s why elite units have special coloured berets, for example, to simultaneously show that the individual is part of the team, and to exclude the others who are not. Quite similar a mindset to tech companies these days, and even in the post-lockdown business world, smart can often appear stuffy and old fashioned.
It’s these little cues that make lots of environments, and in particular the forces, such a fascinating study in sociology.
Same where I work Everyone wants the stab vest mucky as if they've been in years.
Me being ex army prefer my kit clean and boots shinedand of course shaved every day.
It's making a difference as others are following suit so keep at it and raise the bar not lower it 👍
Senalarga Shudder Always cold and wet with range stew and nato tea.
Like you when I was in Germany I went out to the towns around drank and ate in café and bars.
It was also my opportunity to see and do things I wouldn't be able to do normally.
The army taught me a lot about myself and people and life in general and has held me in good stead all these years.
Thanks for another great video Ash
Great advice!
Great video Ash. One thing I have observed is how skilled Forces people are and how modest. I met another dad recently who takes apart and repairs helicopters and other military vehicles. He stated that it was nothing and that it didn't require much brains. Ha! On the contrary what a skilled and intelligent chap. I have seen many ex forces rise very high and have phenomenal sales careers. One became a CEO. It is easy to see the transition. If you have spent half your life serving your country and being shot at. Selling things or running a business would be a cake walk in comparison.
Respect to you sir.
What a spot on video! I enjoyed it immensely and fully agree with your points. I come from a small town in NC and joined the Army just after my 18th birthday so that my mother would not have to feel responsible in case something happened to me. I served from 1985-1992 and was posted in Germany twice. It was an incredible time to serve and still today have that extended family you speak of. I had my adventures and then came home, but my experiences and training serve me still. Great channel and sharing this video!
So your an Airman Sailor who likes Warsteiner to boot. I spent all my time in the town of Lahr and the pedestrian zone and at the Konditorei having coffee and cake. A disc tech onece and a techno club as well. At night at the Bahn Hof hotel, family run the night watchman from the Hartz mountains and a war vet would teach me German. He invited me to meet his family and show me his tropical fish collection in their small apartment. I will always cherish that time. Great vid Ash!
Bis Spater!
Starlight
Ah, Warsteiner, that was most definitely a nemesis of mine. I went on the brewery trip to Warsteiner HQ - what a day that turned out to be!!!
My time in Germany was a great period in my young life and a very special country. I returned on a business mission about 4-years ago to Berlin and Magdeburg, it all came flooding back and the country has faired very well since I left.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Ash, and giving useful tips regarding those lessons you learned. Greetings from Germany - I am glad you had a good time during your time here.
My pleasure!
Time spent in the military helps develop a broad understanding of style as well as a certain type of work ethic built on feeling like you are trying to make the best thing possible and selling it to the right person rather than making the cheapest thing possible and hoping no one notices.
Thanks for starting my Saturday so well - as usual!
I concur on all points Ash. Be it so, that I am late to the comments on this edition. I have spent the last 36 years in uniform (we don't talk about the 3 year hiatus) and like you, took opportunities, explored, engaged and learnt new and exiting things.
I travelled for leisure and as an occupational hazard/ benefit. I became confident and self reliant, reliable and determined. I learned how to dress for the situation and carry myself.
I continue to serve and will do so for so long as I am allowed.
*Salutes
Thank you for your service sir. *Salute!!
I am probably unusual in my generation, in not having had any close relatives in the military, and like my father, I had health problems that would have excluded me from conscription. That was just as well because going to school in the 1950s and 60s, I saw the CCF strutting up and down and saluting, etc., and that reminded me of the military discipline of Nazi Germany. It still does not impress me, so it is as well that the military would not have wanted me. Despite that, I have dressed well all my life and I still keep my shoes well polished, without any military training. Apart from other problems, I am autistic and my attitude to relationships is probably unusual, so it is unlikely that I would have thrived in the military.
Super advice. I've embedded this particular video into my blog. Thank you.
Fantastic advice born of personal experience. Thank you for sharing it. In particular I found your advice about taking a risk and sticking your neck very helpful as I literally just accepted a new job today after working in the same profession for 12 years in a new field that will stretch me as a professional.
Good luck
I hope the new endeavour turns out to be a great opportunity
How is it going?
Ash Good advice all the regrets I have are the chances I didn't take. All my good memories are from the chances I took. Cheers Ron
I remember very well at JHQ Rheindahlen those service personnel who clubbed and drank together, never went outside the barracks, who had not even the faintest idea of the most basic German - and at the end of their tour of Germany did not know what the country and its inhabitants were like. What a shame and what a waste.
Good of you that you made use of your time.
Serving in the Military I have met the best people, and also the worst.
For a lot of those who I served with , it turned out to be form of redemption.
If they had not joined up they would have ended in a life of crime, or completely failed in life.
Instead of carving our a career, and a trade when they went into civvy street.
Atten, wait for it, SHUN!
Hello Ash, i do enjoy these occasional 'fireside chats' of yours.
Discussions on excellent watches and pleasant fragrances are always welcome but your personal view of life conversations are prehaps more thought provoking and enriching. Cheers sir.
Much appreciated!
Great advice, sir. I have taken your advice on board. Thank you very much for your great content.
I'm ex RAF myself and this is all brilliant advice
Great advice Ash, never say no😀
I too served and completed my first career in the air force (airborne weapons systems and then transferred to avionics). I then completed a career as a multi-manager for a large international corporation and retired from that. The last career I completed was in municipal government and then I retired early. The most important takeaways from my life in the military was to never ever give up and always complete what you started. Now I spend my time collecting, enjoying my hobbies and fly fishing.
I got here by your watch videos, now I am transforming to a chap :)
Keep heading towards chap nirvana!!
I skied in my teens and was fun in the swiss alpes my friend
Greal life lessons, cheers friend.
Coming from a military background, I wholeheartedly agree with you. Like you, I am now the one encouraging others to grab opportunity when it comes, these are the golden moments in life. Thank you for sharing your experience and encouraging others.
Salute to you sir!
Thanks Ash, great advises with examples!
Glad it was helpful!
I couldn't help being impressed by your row of medals at the UN speech.
Nothing special sir, just stuff for sticking around for some time.
Long life and prosperity
You carry yourself very well, have a friendly, yet commanding presence, and I think you could portray James Bond very well. Very much enjoying your vids.
Hi Ash, I also served in the military but in the U.S. Army from 1983 - 1995 and in West Germany during the cold war and later in desert storm. I always valued my time in the military, and the experiences were positive for the most part. I enjoyed my training with the British Army in Northern Germany as well. I genuinely feel that all males should serve in the military for a few years of their life early on.
I came across your channel last week, and I am so glad that the first video involved shoe maintenance, as it motivated me to watch more and subscribe. Your information is quality and cheerful with the various subjects. I enjoyed the different video's so much. Thank you.
Welcome to the club
Don't forget about the fact how to shave and make the Bedding and folding of the uniforms in din A 4 format during my own service in the 90s 8/SanRgt.5 Bundeswehr Medical Personnel
As much as I look forward to watching your videos on style, I'd love to see more videos like this where you share your personal experience and wisdom. That said- very smart jacket by the way.
Ex military myself, looking forward to watching this after work.
Well spoken Sir!
First class advice here. The first thing the young learn is NOT to listen to people who`ve been through it all before, as they know it all......just as i did.
Thank you for this, very interesting and informative. I think a lot of young men would benefit from your experience and advice. Keep at it!
If you are ever in Cardiff on 1st Monday of the Month you are welcome to join me and like minded people at the United Services Mess.
Where is that? I'm only an hour away from Cardiff.
@@TheChapsGuide Wharton Street, CARDIFF.
@@barriedavies7739 I've checked out the website, looks good. I'm surprised that I have not heard of it before. Do you have to be a member to visit?
@@TheChapsGuide It is members only. The 1st Monday of the Month I am in the Mess for a meet up with friends . If you pop in ask for Col Davies or Major Lyndon Davies. We are usually there from 1900hrs.
Being ex army, must say you explained military life spot on.
But I do have a question, was their much banter between you and your father due to him being in the army and you going into the RAF ?
Always enjoy your post"s 👍
There has never been any friction from Pop about the Army/RAF, his time in uniform was so long ago (1949-52) that it was way back in his distant past when I took up the colours in 1986. I only really joined the RAF because I was an Air CAdet as a kid, I have often wondered how things would have turned out for me if I had joined the Army Cadets instead.
I often worked with the Army in joint operations, I even served in an Army unit in Belgium for 2-years and I found the transition to be quite easy and without too much animosity. Same with the Navy, with whom I worked on a joint unit in SHAPE Belgium. They had perhaps the strangest heritage and working practices and the largest divide between offers and ORs. Whereas in the RAF, I always found our officers to be quite decent chaps, especially the aircrew, who were entirely selected on merit and their 'class' or family history bore no relevance to their RAF career, whereas I encountered many Army officers, who cruised on the wake of their father (the colonel's) reputation. But I imagine these things have changed a lot these days.
Things may be hotting up again soon, at 52 I may be a touch too old to return to uniform, but I've been getting in shape and could just about pass the BFT and CFT if I had to. But then again, if they re-establish the Home Guard I will be ready!!
@@TheChapsGuide Ever thought of becoming a CFAV, or Civilian Cadet Instructor?
@@skylongskylong1982 I'm a bit long in the tooth now, but I may soon have to return to the colours when the next Cold War goes warm.
@@TheChapsGuide When I left the mob in the early nineties,there was a Dads Army Organisation called the Home Service Force.
Anybody who had served at least 2 years in the regular\ reservists could volunteer, between 21, and 60 of age.
It had a wide range of ex veterans, and war time task was guarding Key Points ( remember Brave Defender)
They were disbanded at roughly the same time as the Royal Observer Corps, and Royal Naval Auxiliary Service.
Might be reactivated ?
PS. SSTV , RAF Common Core Skills video on RUclips, if you want to keep your skills up to speed
Nice
Brother You Should Try Out As a Narrator for Audible. Good Voice and Story Teller.
Ash, quick question. Why is the paratrooper at 5:00 wearing a green patch behind the cap badge? Excellent work as always.
He is wearing the green patch behind his badge because he still under training.
@@barriedavies7739 Thanks!
Is being a Crab Fat military/? Hmmmmm
Love the channel. I was very touched by your comment about going for the drink.
About five years ago I was at an examiner's meeting at Leeds Beckett University. I met a colleague at the meeting whom I had known for a number of years. A great guy, sharp as a tack, whom I had immediately warmed to when I had first met him. He was a real live wire, a great professional, and had a brain the size of Ireland.
After the meeting, in which he was in fantastic spirits, he said "who you like to have a drink and a chinwag?" I would have loved to have done so, but I thought that I had better head back home. So, I made me excuses and left. All the way to the station I thought "I should have said 'yes'. What did it matter getting home early? Never mind, I can always see him at the next meeting."
Well I never did. Not long afterwards committed suicide and left a young wife and two young children in the process. His job, despite all appearances to the contrary, was literally killing him.
Would my drink with him have made a difference as to what happened? Not a tuppence-worth. All the same, I still regret not spending that little bit of time. It would have cost me so little.
The point is that you never know when you will saying "goodbye," so make the most of every occasion that presents itself.
Keep up the great work old chap.
A sad and tragic story, but clearly makes the point that we should take every opportunity to make and nourish friendships as we pass through life. Thank you so much for sharing this story, much appreciated. Ash