Today we hear a Combat Story from our brothers across the pond with a veteran and sniper from the UK’s elite Parachute Regiment or Paras, Hugh Keir. Hugh deployed to Iraq twice, Afghanistan three times, in addition to Northern Ireland and the Falklands.
Hugh survived the infamous siege of Musa Qala (you’ll be fascinated to hear about this experience and it will make you appreciate just how brutal fighting can be at times) where he and his unit were infiled into a brutal fighting position in Afghanistan completely surrounded by the Taliban. He was also recognized with a gallantry award for his actions in Helmand Province in 200 in just one of his several Afghan deployments.
Since leaving the military, Hugh has worked as a Close Protection Officer in the Middle East and in the UK, and is the host of the H-Hour Podcast, a long form conversation hosted with guests that have included politicians, actors, psychologists, UFC fighters, authors, campaigners, veterans, and more.
I hope you enjoy this deep dive from our close partners over in the UK as much as I did.
Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter
Find Hugh Keir Online:
🔗 Hugh’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/hughkeir
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/hughkeir
📘 Learn more about Hugh: https://charliecharlieone.com/about-h-hour/
Find Ryan Online:
🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:
🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory
🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/
📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory
📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial
📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus
🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes:
00:00 Introduction 00:28 Introduction to Combat Story 00:47 Meet Hugh Heyer: UK Parachute Regiment Sniper 03:43 Growing Up in Wales 09:17 Joining the Military 26:00 Training Challenges and Selection 33:18 Bloody Sunday and Personal Connections 34:46 Marching Season in Ireland 37:34 Experiences in Iraq 42:40 Sniper Training and Promotion 49:20 First Firefight in Afghanistan 58:08 The Siege of Musa Qala 01:07:31 Facing Ammunition Shortages 01:09:35 Enduring Relentless Attacks 01:11:01 Casualties and Morale 01:15:31 Negotiating with the Taliban 01:16:18 The Unexpected Evacuation 01:18:43 Reflecting on the Siege 01:25:57 Gallantry Award and Strike Operations 01:35:28 Starting the H-Hour Podcast 01:38:39 Sentimental Keepsakes and Final Reflections 01:40:42 Conclusion and Podcast Promotion