Jay C

INNER CIRCLE. Choose good people to spend your time with. The real ones stay by your side unconditionally. They standby you at your worst, and keep you grounded when you’re at your best. No white knights and no fair weather friends. Only people that add value to your life and give positivity. Those ones are worth fighting for. Be a Pro~ #gbrsgroup #beapro

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON I don’t know about anyone else, but it feels like the mood inside our Nation is pretty dark at the moment, the energy is negative and the moral is low. Although there’s a temptation to consume the narratives that are being sold through weaponised information, I’m not buying it. I don’t subscribe to a defeatist attitude. It’s unbecoming of the British. It’s not in our nature. As a soldier who’s been sent to war by 2 governments. Then Failed by the its leaders, Ignored by its politicians and betrayed by its officers, one could be forgiven for feeling a little less patriotic. However, it’s not how I feel, I point blank reject, bitter negativity. I love my country, I love it! And that’s unconditional. Our culture, traditions and way of life are beautiful. I’m proud of our United Kingdom. There’s no amount of uniforms, suits or loud speakers that will rock my conviction or sway my opinion. “The lady’s not for turning” Patriotism shouldn’t be built on a foundation of hate. The Treaty of Versailles taught us that. It seems the irony is lost on some. It’s a trap I’m not falling for. The British spirit is unbreakable. As an Island race, we’ve weathered it all. It’s in our blood. First the Romans, then the Anglo-Saxons, the Vikings, the Norman’s and not even the Luftwaffe could break us. The spirit of Trafalgar, Waterloo and Dunkirk lives in us all. It’s this mentality that I have fallen back on during my darkest hours. It’s never abandoned me. One thing I know for a fact, is that when you’re in a foxhole, spirit and character is all you have, and if the bombardment gets louder, you got to dig a little deeper. I’m grateful for my lineage. We owe it to the millions of young men and women who gave their tomorrow for our today, to stay positive. Be unashamedly proud of who we are and be free of fear. We’ve been through worse. We’re British. And if all else fails. Put the kettle on. Be an everyday Patriot.

RELEGATION ZONE The worst case scenario is often our biggest fear. This has applied to many aspects of my life over the years albeit the context and the consequences varied massively. Combat has negatives, but it’s also has positives, perspective is one of them. At one end of the scale, there’s personal emotion. Fear, anger, shame. These feelings are internal and can be controlled. Then there’s the physical element, losing limbs, eyes or worse case death. If we can survive these moments the old cliche, “it’s not life and death” hits a little different. My approach to living is guided by my experiences. I try to apply the same mindset that’s served me well, to all aspects of my daily life. Especially the things I’m passionate about, relationships, football, teaching or business. Being in control and having influence over your desired outcome is what we all strive for. But reality isn’t that way. Things do get taken out of your hands, we do fail, make mistakes and even our best laid plans at times don’t survive first contact. This is inevitable, but doesn’t have to be defining. It’s a matter of attitude and perspective. Regardless of if you’re being mortared in a trench or standing on the terraces, the feeling of helplessness and frustration can feel very real. It’s natural. But one thing I know to be true. Staying united, finding positives in the hopeless, maintaining pride, a sense of humour and above all never let your emotion control you judgement or manifest into negativity against your own. Stay united! No matter what the circumstance, When things get rough the only thing we have our those to our left and right. And if you do go down, you go down together and all of a sudden the worst case scenario isn’t so scary. Hope starts to build, confidence grows and the will to fight back even harder starts to gain momentum. If we can maintain our composure when others lose there’s we will live to fight another day. We may lose the battle but the war is not over. We can always come back stronger. Stay in the fight “I stand up next to a mountain And I chop it down with the edge of my hand”

WICKED GAMES When I joined the Marines it was all So simple. There was only one narrative, one ask, one requirement. Are you willing to fight and die to protect your Nation and the values and traditions you love? In the modern world being a solider is made so much more complicated by media and “opinion”. Everyone’s got an opinion till it’s their life on the line! Sadly now there is an additional enemy to fight. Our own kind, our own leaders, both political and military. It’s a shambles, I have no fear in saying it. They don’t scare me. Cowards. The good honest, tax paying working class people of our Nation unconditionally love our armed forces, they stand behind them, and above all, respect the sacrifices that allow us all to live our daily lives with freedom and liberty. We’re in a period of time where we’re being proud of our heritage is painted in a negative light. This is unacceptable. There’s no title, suit or rank that can cheat the good British person out of pride. It’s our birthright. Today’s soldiers face threats that evolve daily and yet the ask is the same. I have total trust and faith in this current generation of war fighters. As a civilian, We can’t change the spineless politicians, or the currupt military men seeking title and glory, or the ambulance chasing lawyers, but we can support the men and women who have to listen to the negative rhetoric daily, the suppression of culture an the dilution of patriotism. We can all do our bit to support that. I love my county, I love our armed forces and I’m proud to be British. Even if you tell me not to. We’re British, we’re always in the fight. 🇬🇧

ANZAC DAY Let me be crystal clear on this. I have nothing but respect and admiration for my warrior brothers from Australia and New Zealand. My support is fully unconditional. I will always stand by my mates through thick or thin. And under no circumstance will this ever change. The lads that I’ve served with, shed the same blood, shed the same tears and took the same lives as we did. They stood in the same trench’s and obeyed the same whistle. Those boys are among the most finest fighting men I’ve ever had the honour to serve with, or had the honour to grace the battlefield alongside. I personally, was educated and informed in ways of warfare by both SASR and 2CDO during my career. The men of the 3 SQN The Third Herd especially. The boys welcomed me with love and respect. In Afghanistan we stood shoulder to shoulder. Not only in combat and but at the bar and during the ramp ceremonies or repatriations of our dead mates. The Aussie and Kiwi fighting man is at bare minimum and without question, equal to, and above in some cases, above the level of any operator I’ve had the privilege to serve alongside. A true credit to their Nations. The bond between the U.K. and our ANZAC brothers is generational, it’s timeless. Their skill, tenacity and ferocious capability is a true testimony, to their patriotic nature. From the beaches of Gallipoli to the fields of Afghanistan I’m proud to have served by your side. Good on ya! 🇦🇺🇳🇿🇬🇧

ST GEORGE’S DAY To be an Englishman is a beautiful privilege. It’s a birthright that makes me deeply proud. Our history, culture and traditions fill me with pride. I’d still happily lay my life down for my flag. My love is unashamedly unconditional. A lot is said about our country these days. It’s become fashionable to not be patriotic. When I hear people saying “it’s fallen” or criticising my home, a country that many of my friends sacrificed life and limb to defend, it disgusts me. It’s insulting. This negative, defeatist, toxic attitude is for the weak minded and faint of heart. If we had this mindset at Dunkirk or during the blitz, evil would have prevailed. There’s no lack of fight and spirit in the English and there never has been. The blood of the English warrior class runs deep into our soil. It’s in our DNA. It’s the fabric of who we are. We may lack equipment and numbers but only an arrogant fool would underestimate English grit. The French learned this the hard way when they got smashed to bits at Agincourt. A working class Englishman is a fearsome thing when armed with a cause. No level of title, rank or armour provides sanctuary. Our Flags are not weapons, they are symbols to defend, to raleigh round, to protect and to serve. They are a physical representation of unity and history. I’ll never be ashamed of loving our flag. I don’t care who it offends. I’m English, and I’m proud. And there’s nothing wrong with that. I want to thank every member of His Majesties Armed Forces for their service. The county is deeply proud of you and the people will always stand behind you. I’d also like to pay tribute to my Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish brothers and sisters, who share our United Kingdom. Your National pride and patriotism makes me proud to be from Great Britain. Be an Everyday Patriot. “Keep St George in my heart, Keep me English “

BASICS Nothing fancy, nothing elaborate. Simple and repeatable reps. Muscle memory forged in low stress training environments will always pay out when it matters. With thanks a respect to the RAF PJI’s #commando #royalmarines #airborne #royalairforce

SHOT PLACEMENT PID is paramount. No skillset super-seeds it. When Lethal force is necessary, it’s the individuals personal responsibility to apply the correct shot placement. Many variables exist, some technical others physical. They must be understood and trained. Only Repitition provides instinctive performance. Every single round that leaves our barrel must be accounted for. Situation or circumstance are irrelevant. There’s no room for guess work or excuses. Be surgical.

SOLDIER C Bottom line up front, if I could go back in time and serve my country again, I would. There’s go greater honour than serving your Flag in combat. I’m saddened to hear of the recent arrest and charging of Ben Roberts-Smith (SASR). I’ve never met the man, but people I trust have, and say he’s the kind of man you want going through the door with you. That’s good enough for me! I also don’t know the facts and more crucially the context of his situation. ONLY those there at that time do! No one else. Not senior officers in nice offices, not Lawyers and certainly not journalists. The persecution of our warfighters is a disgrace, but it’s compounded by the fact we’re treated “guilty before being proven innocent”. The perpetrators, who manipulate WORD’s like morals, ethics and legality to fit their professional and political agendas are the same cowards that depend on ACTION from warriors, to shelter them and their family from evil. The effect is dangerous, it undermines trust and breeds hesitation. This “lawfare” on the domestic front will 100% lead to deaths of our soldiers in a time of warfare. The politicians will have blood on their hands. The media will always publish their stories to make their money. But the story they don’t tell is the effect on the families of those directly affected. The children, wives and parents. The stress, pain, embarrassment and fear are unimaginable. Divorce, suicide and mental breakdown are all real factors. “Support” is just a word. Privately it will be offered but very few are willing to stick their head above the parapet and voice it. Untill the outcome has been decided and it’s safe to do so. Then they come out the woodwork. It’s disgusting. Silence is complicity. War is a nasty, violent business. It’s not for the faint hearted. It’s been glamourised by beards, velcro and sexy media. It’s all bullshit. The sole purpose of a fighting unit is to close with and kill the King’s enemies at close quarters. If that’s something you can’t comprehend then keep your opinions to your self, your mouth shut and be thankful for the protection a freedom you’re provided. GSTK

INFILTRATION It’s often actions on the X that get the most attention. It’s made to look glamorous on social media and by Hollywood. Although actions on target undoubtedly carry a high level of consequence both physically, operationally and reputationally, it’s a misconception that just shooting and CQB makes you a complete operator. In reality, the most complex part of operations can simply be getting to target. The level of training, time, skill, personnel, assets and risk it requires to be an effective fighting force, can never be underestimated. While some units employ a specific type of infil, others must have contingency for all eventualities. This generalist approach requires an incredible amount of diligence and professionalism on an Individual level. Having a high degree of skill in amphibious, airborne or mobility, demands dedication. The mission will dictate what makes the most tactical sense. Each method offers capabilities but also limitations. Weapon to target match must be correct. Contingency planning is key, rehearsals essential. For Helo op’s are you on or off the X? What’s the bump plan, load plan, actions on crash etc For Para, are HAHO/HALO? Utilising what platform? altitude? Distance, winds. Actions on lost jumper or malfunction etc For mobility, What profile of vehicle are you employing? soft skin or protected? What’s the Actions on RTA? actions on mechanical failure, checkpoints or contact? Having a one dimensional perspective, that it’s all about sexy CQB is naive. When you add additional patrol skills like, breaching, JTAC, med, dogs, snipers etc, to the equation, things start to build up fast, the pressure mounts. The demands on individuals at the highest level are extraordinary. Each man must maintain currency and competency on all fronts, no excuses. The team and mission depend on it. That’s the life, that’s the job. That’s the reality.

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME I know football isn’t for everyone, but for some it’s everything. I have a deep emotional connection to it. It was what me and my dad did. When I lost him in 2005, I lost not only a father but my friend. It was at that point my passion for the game intensified, I went all in. It made me feel closer to him in some way. I spent the next year following my club all over England, all the way to the cup final. It was special. I then followed my country to Germany for the world cup. With nothing more than the England shirt on my back and a heart full of hope. The dream wasn’t to be. And shortly after I joined the Marines. The next 18 years of combat saw football take a backseat. I was supporting my colours, but in a different way. Since I’ve been retired and living in London my love affair has reignited. In some ways I guess it replacing something I no longer have. A greater cause, a common goal. As much as I love the game, it’s always been about more. It’s about the culture, the fashion, the music and the people. It’s an identity. I’m not there for violence, that belongs on the battlefield! Football is tribal, it’s divisive. But it also unites. It brings people together. And in today’s world that’s a good thing. It teaches a lot, and all though the colour of our shirt or our accents may differ, often the values are the same. I’ve always struggled to find my place in the world, I make mistakes I fuck things up. Depression, ego and expectation are constant adversaries. I’m doing my best and I don’t always get it right, but I can say with a full heart that there’s two places i find truly peaceful. In the trenches and on the terraces. Nothing makes me happier or prouder than watching my daughter play. Her team have been through something truly horrible recently, but I have faith that the game will give the girls the strength, unity and courage to find something positive. In 96 I fell in love, In 2006 it was football that gave me purpose and direction. In 2026 it’s helping me, and my family to heal once again. It’s a beautiful game.

EARLY YEARS When young Marines aspiring or trained, reach out, it never fails to humble me. However, I’m flattered and embarrassed when I’m asked for advice. If it’s tactical, then I’m comfortable. If it’s a training requirement it’s a hard yes and always free, It’s a privilege and an honour. But when it comes to mentality it can get more complicated. It’s personal. All you need to become a Commando is a pull up bar and a pair of running trainers. Don’t be fooled into spending money on 1 to 1 “coaching programmes” you can’t cheat the process. Earn your own resilience, it can’t be brought and it can’t be given. You have to earn it, just like you earn your beret! Nobody is going to be there at 3am on Dartmoor on a cold February morning when you’re putting wet kit on. Self motivation and obsession. That’s it. Thats the entry fee! My advice to any young Commando would be always focus on being a good Marine, make it your obsession, but don’t be sacred to be a Bootneck! War has changed, however some skills are timeless. Culture matters, Hard skills matter, be good in the field, all over weapon handling, navigationally competent, fit and don’t be a monk! And don’t wish your time in the Corp away too early. Learn as much as you can and enjoy it. Try not to compare careers to anyone else. It won’t serve you well. Don’t underestimate the strength of bonding with your Oppo’s. It’s important. Soldiers are not “tactical athletes” we are warfighters and the bonds built ashore carry through to combat. The odd skirmish never hurt anyone. Where I finished was not where I started. I left home at 15, by 22 I’d survived two tours of Sangin and by 25, I was a father and I’d passed selection. Hard work, mistakes and self belief, underpinned any progression I ever managed. The Marines gave me everything. It saved my life and gave me a future. My Green Beret is my proudest Military achievement. If I could trade all I’ve done, to step off the train at CTC with a shaved head and badly fitting suit, I’d do it in a heartbeat. We worked hard, played hard, won often and lost alot. That’s the life. Thats the process. And I loved every second of it. That was our Generation.