Afghanistan Veteran to Tom Holland's Bodyguard: My Story | DEEP
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- Опубліковано 22 жов 2024
- What's it like to be a celebrity bodyguard? Welcome to our brand new series DEEP where we interview fascinating people who have lived unique lives. In this episode, we talked to Craig Ainsworth, former Royal Marine and celebrity bodyguard, who told us about the hardships of Royal Marine training, working with Tom Holland and Zendaya, the secret recruitment process for Interpol at a coffee shop, and how he navigated struggles with mental health.
Thanks to Craig for taking part! Welcome to DEEP - a brand new channel that brings you incredible people with amazing stories from all over the world.
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If you've seen the team's previous work - Minutes With/The Gap/Agree To Disagree...then you know what to expect!
Let us know if there's anyone in particular you think we should speak to - we love bringing you stories and want to hear what you like.
I joined in Jan/64 with 804 squad and after 10 months training joined 42 Commando in Singapore..did my 9 years mostly with Recce troop…left after 9 years to join Police in Devon & few years later emigrated to be a cop in Canada…being a Royal Marine gave me SO much experience and improved my life SO much! Still got my medals and Green Beret..retired in Spain..
Greetings, I joined the Canadian military, became a member of The Royal Canadian Regiment, I did 25 years in the infantry and upon retirement I became police office also. Did 5 years and now retired. Indeed when you transition from military to law enforcement, it’s a great advantage.
👏👏👏Well done indeed!
11 friends in 16 months....good God.
What a strong intelligent man,thank you for sharing your story. You are a hero!!🏆
Absolutely, time well spent listening to this gentleman.
He is THE role model the young should aspire to, not the people he protects.
The most remarkable veteran I’ve ever heard. Superb podcast. I hope his mum’s okay. She did so much to help her son.
I did 4 tours of Op Banner between 1978-1990. One as COP which is gadgety ‘hard routine’ surveillance. I didn’t adjust to civvy st at all. Lived briefly on the Isle of Dogs. Gravitated towards veterans on a downward spiral. Alcohol, violence. But I went to university. Got an Hons degree in philosophy. (A mate in my regiment who could have gone to Sandhurst but signed as a tom to piss his parents off read stuff to me : Dostoyevsky, Coleridge, Shakespeare. He triggered something in me that led me to study.) And that helped me address some inner sense of worthlessness. Not the army’s fault. That came from my upbringing. Still not adjusted or suited to civvy st, I left the UK in 2008 to live and work (forestry maintenance) in rural France. Learning a second language was also attractive to me. I’m retired now. My closest army muckers have either committed suicide or ended up in prison.
I wish this inspirational ambassador for the Royal Marines all the best for the future.
Why did you move to France?
Ex-COP too. Overlapped TAOR with 41 CDO RM back in the day. The standing joke was we showed them how to eat in shite circumstances and they showed us how to wash. Top blokes. Coincidentally, philosophy fascinates me and gave me a framework for life. Possibly a pattern there. Cheers.
@@wills681 In 1987, South Armagh, I was a brick commander BCoy. Top floor of BBK. A company of RM (40 or 42) were on the floor beneath us. I knew a couple of the lads from NIPG. Great to hear from ex-COP. I’m guessing we could write some stories about that gig. Very hard but proper soldiering. Our COP reformed as Recce Pln and went to South Georgia in 1982. After the hostilities obvs. That was a highlight. We were joined by HMS Hecate. Held a sod’s opera in Grytviken church. Absolutely mental. Pusser, RM and the Army. I’ve never laughed so much in my life. Cheers mate. 🤝.
@@RalphBrooker-gn9iv Best wishes. It was a good gig, with 40 years of hindsight!
@@Mostirrelevant I was living in Gosport, my home town. Urban estate. Drunks. Out-of-control schoolkids: constant vandalism. Constant going outside on your own to defend your property and the property of your neighbours who watched you from behind curtains. I don’t blame them. Police were absolutely useless. The community coppers (volunteers) simply hung out on the beach. I’d have ended up injured, dead or in prison. My then wife was assaulted with a knife. I was constantly on edge. I intended to go to the Scottish highlands. But an ex-mob mate of mine (half-French: we’d done an exchange with French Chasseurs Alpins, 27BIM) found me a job in forestry & wildlife conservation (a big thing for me, my values) in rural France. A 6-month gig, free board and lodging with some wonderful locals, plus free French lessons because I didn’t earn much (I could chose from various course options) ; became extended to 12 months. I met someone. I stayed. Then Brexit and the rise of the far right. I didn’t serve for those pricks. I’m retired now. I get homesick sometimes but not enough to return. Ironically, my girlfriend loves Britain and wants us to move over there. I miss the sea. But shalln’t go back. I have no family. I served the country and was treated like shit when I left. But saying that, the attitude towards teachers, nurses, junior doctors, people who sweep the street. The UK or at least England has become a Tory shithole.
As an ex Marine Corps combat veteran, there is so much I can relate to. I joined the Marines and was commissioned in 1968 because of the challenge and desire to become a better man. Many of my fellow students thought I was crazy. I really like this guy. He is a very insightful gentleman. Eleven of sixteen suicides is appalling and my heart goes out to him and his mates. We lost three pilots of twenty five to suicide after the war and some to alcohol. I couldn’t get very close to my fellow Americans.
As a middle aged man who's spent the last twenty five years in mostly office jobs, I feel like I've missed out on life. My grandfather was a Desert Rat and fought on three fronts, my dad was fourteen years in the Royal Navy and travelled the world for the rest of his life as an engineer, going to all sorts of interesting and potentially dangerous places, he had so many stories to tell. I spent a year overseas in my teens working on sailing yachts and I can honestly say that was the only year of my life that I felt like I lived at all.
If you're in your teens and reading my comment, don't do what I did. Take that leap, be brave, push your limits and become something. You pass this way only once and living with regret for a life not lived is a bitter pill to swallow.
Well said! I've spent the same amount of time travelling/working/surviving/fighting overseas. I am home now but have the same harrowing feeling. That I haven't done enough!
@@ryancork923 I am overseas just now working, so I am very fortunate, but I still have a desire to travel further and see things.
Yes we need more mentoring about careers, achievements, and finance.
A wonderfully articulate young man, who has lead a fascinating life, a survivor of the dark side, he took the high road, fought hard and succeeded to remain kind of heart in showing others the way back into the light. Impressive human and I enjoyed this immensely! 🙏
To me the fascinating nugget is that his mom’s decision to take him to Australia after he got into trouble was such a turning point. Imagine a social program that took this approach to select families with a troubled child.
A lot of clear-eyed balance in many of the answers and stories; I found the course of his life, as laid out in the stories, riveting.
What a genuine honest open guy.
I miss Afghanistan, the old world in helmand province no electricity or running water. I found peace there. I will never forget that place. Those people were real.
I thought his understanding of his possible insecurities against his need to better himself was very insightful .
It’s a good balance that makes you take a step back from time to time and check yourself.
Absolute legend.
I couldn't imagine fighting a war i don't feel is necessary, but i ABSOLUTELY get what he's talking about when he speaks on why he's taken the path he has.
Inspiring and easy to listen to.
More of this fella and more of his attitude all round.
Nice one dude!!
A war that is not necessary is...? Guns for hire? Mercenaries? Yeah. Not a pretty picture. Make no mistake, I am not blaming the soldiers. Like the rest of us, they didn't know...until they got there. What a mind f_ck that has to be.
The reference to wanting the be part of something better and bigger is what our general society is missing. Loved working with the Booties! ‘For the greater good, go I’.
Great to hear someone that removes all the stereo type drama about being Veteran and body guard ,
Thank you for your service , an honest and Frank appraisal of the good and the bad.
What a great interview! Lost a good mate a year ago, ex Royal Marine, natural causes….but I’m always interested in listening to blokes who have been down that path. We, (me and my mate) are 20 years older than this wonderful fella but wow, what an interesting and inspirational man!
What were you packing back then
I remember the day I left the Army after 10 years they say it's like the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders, well, the day I left it was just that, that relief, that freedom but tinged with a sadness that my family was behind me and they would just carry on without me,
then the booze them the depression, we all know the story from here on.
I’m a North Londoner who grew up in the 60’s and 70’s with Irish parents. I’d love to see stories from people and there would be thousands and thousands of them who had the problem of feeling English and at the same time Irish during the Troubles. I now live in Australia and I’m still not quite sure if I’m English, Irish or Australian, probably a bit of each but which bit?
Does it really matter?
Irish is running through your veins! Be proud of your heritage. Your parents were part of the colossal Irish migration. You are British by birth. Enjoy and embrace all your influences. Best wishes. Come home to Ireland sometime and be amongst your own. Irish born overseas is nothing remarkable in Ireland. We've all grown up and respect the uniqueness of the relationship between all the peoples of the British Isles. Best wishes. Keep safe.
embrace all 3😉
Wow! What a very interesting interview! Grounded, Humble, honest, engaging very powerful! Thank you!
Man this guys awesome. Helping people is one of the best ways to feel better yourself. It can seem so hard and impossible when you're trapped in your room with endless negative thoughts for company, but tey to focus on someone else not yourself and do what you can to help them. I don't know if I know of a better way ❤
Fantastic interview could listen to him all day
Wow this hit like I didn't expect, great interviewee, very inspiring 👏👏
Didn’t expect this to hit me like it did. (Positive way) from a vet to another thank you brother.
Kia Kaha Mate 🌹🙏 please share with others eh
As a person who is not in the military, I am aware that we all owe everything to people like this who have the strength and courage to do things that most of us could never conceive of. Thank you.
There's a flipside to that. A massive flipside and one that people involved in these things dont care to discuss, usually for fear of being painted in a bad light or seen as less patriotic.
By joining the army, you're not actually fighting FOR freedom and security, you're basically just a useful entity and machine tool operator. That's essentially it.
All the fluff, propaganda, sexiness, illusion, fitness and mystique is a sideshow mirage. An alluring one i grant you, but once you unpack all the bullshit, by serving in the military you're essentially a tool for imperialism and colonialism. That's literally it.
The world isnt "safer" because adults join an army. It's less safe. And the statistics support that overwhelmingly.
Alot is made out in society that we should all "support our troops" or "support the military", "support the veterans". When has the government ever supported veterans and looked after them? Like ever? Anyone who thinks a western capitalist government well versed in terror tactics the world over for hundreds of years is suddenly going to grow some sort of ethical consciousness and look after the people it sends in to do the killing and maiming is living in a fantasy land. The only justifiable war that was fought was in 1939-1945....that's a long time ago now.
Wasn’t what I expected, was good! Very pleasant and humble guy intelligent too! He said We are accountable for our Words and Deeds most people have heard that. What stood out He mentioned something you don’t normally hear, that We are Accountable for our Thoughts as well! Because our thoughts become our Words and words determine our actions good or bad! Enjoyed it!
Thank you for watching!
Wow. Well done. Excellent interview. Thankyou Craig, for your service while in as well as after. Powerful example of humility. Certainly helped this vet. God Bless!
Intelligent and articulate Royal Marine. Well done!
Amazing interview and thank you for your service
PTSD was first recognised in men who’d been to war. Of course it’s been around forever (and women statistically suffer more). I can’t imagine the trauma you and your colleagues have been through. Mental health is health- and needs to be funded- and as you say it’s social relationships that are the key- as a social worker I find that true.
I work with refugee women, many from Afghanistan - the story I hear is different from yours, but I wasn’t there like you were, and I get to hear their life stories in a very different way.
Interesting that a lot of your story resonates, I’ve often wondered why I simply can’t stop the desire to learn and to find a sense of service in what I do. I think it’s something built inside many people who join up, there is a reason to escape, or a sense of adventure that needs filling.
We all need a friend like Junior…! 👍
A really good speech,very down to earth& honest! A very interesting & unassuming character!
Agreed - Craig was a pleasure to spend time with!
@@PEOPLEAREDEEP And from my experience ( of living in London& the US) the most effective & efficient people are unassuming characters! ..The element of surprise is key,along with a calm& observant mind & the ability to think quickly on ur Toes!
Got to watch the quiet ones…!
@@PEOPLEAREDEEP Indeed& as Craig pointed out the US mindset& Country are totally different worlds!
Thank you Craig, very generous and insightful chat, had an impact.
Oh wow, well done Junior ❤
Great video and very revealing. It is not all brass buttons and shiny boots. This bloke is a survivor, childhood, military veteran, and then back into the urban jungle that is civvy street.
Loved this interview!
I get the impression, based on my dad's stories of bar fights with the SAS compared to your description of the Royal Marines, that there is a strong distinction between the conduct standards of the SAS and the Royal Marines.
I got asked once by a para capt why you lot (RM) get all these jobs and we do not. I replied we do not go around beating up the locals to prove how hard we are. he paused, thought and had a Eureka moment.
There's loads of RM now in 22 SAS
@@paulwilliams2663our Navy seals are better
@@chrissheppard5068Paras are thugs. Royal Marines Commandos (a disproportionate number, at least) are psychopaths
Such an articulate man
I really enjoyed this. Excellent stuff and good luck, Royal.
This is a great channel, glad I’ve found it.
Thank you so much! We’re glad you’re here…
Super interesting guy and a joy to listen to his stories.
This guy has great energy.
excellent and inspiring interview!
Great content!! can't wait to see what's coming next! 🥳🥳🥳🥳
11 people in 16 months is shocking
Huge respect… and love for this gent🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🇳🇿
Brilliant chat! some man
Please do an interview with the British Mercenary Recruiter John Banks. Last time Italked to him he was living in Black Water. He is famous for recruiting mercenaries for the Zaire/Angola war and other ops. He's quite well known in the merc business (1970's-80's)
Great suggestion. Will investigate
I guess he would have met Mad Mike Hoare in the Congo. A crazy bastard I heard
Great interview, like most of these guys you have interviewed, i got in to a little trouble when young, then got directed towards the military .. unlike them after pull ups and push ups and a quasi IQ test i got rejected (more than a few month in borstal apparently gets you an arms ban in the 80's) which led me on an odyssey of destruction and violence, screaming at society, that obviously got me prison time, where i really learnt to fight. do i feel negative what could have been because of that Saturday afternoon, when that recruitment officer screwed up my papers and tossed them across the table at me declaring he "couldn't touch me for 5 years", you bet ya, but iv had an interesting life since, ups and downs that's finally lead me in to the film and TV industry where iv worked on and with some big A stars, surrounded by some very talented young people, who i envy all the more on their direction in life. It took me a particular low point in my 20's to end up doing a runner from the law and be on the run for 5 years, to see the world, be away from the compony i kept, to change me. which makes me think how we should help a lot of these angry young men today, all it needs is to take them out of their surroundings and show them a bigger horizon, its why I'm a full believer in national service, i know the army don't want to be taking on the misfits of society but if only they did, the raw talent that gets thrown down the drain every year filling prisons and causing trouble.
Great comment
Awesome guy Bless him thanks so much sharing part of youre life just awesome❤❤❤
An excellent interview, from a special man. I Salute you for your service.
What a very interesting bloke. Bet he can tell some decent stories over a pint
This was a brilliant video but can you please add chapters so we can skip the spoilers at the start.
Great suggestion - will do this moving forwards!
So many channels do this. Quite confusing.
That was so interesting thank you...liked and subscribed 👍
Thank you we really appreciate it!
Well said at the end mate, great interview
Well done Tom!
Fantastic listening to this man!
Great Interview!!
Well done Junior, well done!!!👍🤜👏👏
Great stuff. I'd like to see an interview with Steve Kirsch please.
Well done Royal
A deeply impressive man!
Losing 11 friends in 16 months, that's tragic 😢
I’m just a DS, not CP, maybe someday.
This is interesting, I was taught old school - take that thought, put it in a bottle, put it on a shelf, lock it away and get on with your life.
That served me well in life but I don’t drink or take drugs, to me that’s at the root of most mental health issues.
Great mother mate! She really loves you.
Nice work really cool content
Thanks! There’ll be more each week - let us know which direction you’d like us to go in!
What a champ.
You can see he went "back" when talking about the evil people do.
So much I can relate to in this interview. I never got to do what I call a proper tour and for me the monkey on my back will always be that I feel like I didn’t get tested. Didn’t fulfill my potential. But on the flip side, I’ve seen a lot of the guys I knew that did and they’re changed. Not for the better. Lost more than a few friends to Iraq and Afghanistan. And when you’re out you’re out. It’s right to worry about the non serving as they get forgotten even by close friends. It’s not deliberate, you’re just not in the family anymore and you pick up years later when you’re on level ground. Meaning both non serving. It’s a very strange and difficult entity to live in or explain to civvis. The love I have for my brethren I would lay down my life for. My family on the other hand. That would be decided on merit
Good vid!
👍
What a great guy, would so wish to know someone like that...
42 Commando. Yay! M Company, oh well never mind, at least it wasn't K Company.
Just seen the little advert and was watching minuits with for three hours last night! And credidet lad bible! Subbing on that alone love from nottingham
Thank you for watching!
Thank you! Great channel.
Thanks for watching!
Shout out to Junior 🫡
really insightful
What a great guy
Thankyou for your service...amazing bravery...I wish we could let every soldier know how gratefold we are that they do what they do fighting. A lot of soldiers get P.T.S.D. but instead of getting help they take it out on their wives and families....therefore losing their families which is not helpful to them...I would encourage them to get help asap if they develop ptsd. I personally would not feel guilty over the death of one paedophile, even the lot of them.
I worked alongside Royal Marines (I was Tanks) and they were good lads. Though never understood why they always had their sleeves rolled up!! Hoofing
top man nice one
Subscribed
Thank you!
Really good
Think of Interpol as the, eh, the International.......ummmm.......Police.
Yes, I WILL think of them as that.
But a great video with a really interesting subject.
He looks like a film star
Superb
Marines in plymouth,,never boring😊
I have an american colleague, who will go to the sink (where we wash plates, cutlery etc) and wash his own plate and not wash the other two plates that are sitting there. I know they are not his, but if it was me, I would clean them all. That's the difference between the Americans and the british.
WHY ! Are people like this not our Leaders ?
Because being a politician is a completely different skill set than being a soldier. Like being an engineer is a completely different skill set than being a race car driver.
Because you have to be part narcissistic to be a politician.
These guys have a reputation to defend unlike politicians
Because they are not Satanists
Whooops you have blown your cover. :-)
He talks about issues with people who have served. Everybody has their limit. UK mental health services are totally inadequate, same as social care.
Give the guy a glass of water next time.
I understand and am slightly jealous of the camaradere that the soldiers can attain, but to fight for a government that doesn't care for them or the people, I wouldn't do it.
Remember back in the late seventies the west supported , armed and trained the fundamentalists ; the people they now castigate for being fundamentalists
Wow…✌️
11:02. Truth
Being one of the Super-Rich is MY idea of Hell - not least because it must be nigh on impossible to make friends with 'normal' people, whose motives you are going to mistrust, and who will feel uncomfortable around your wealth. It must often be a very lonely experience in that sense. Thanks - but no thanks!
Who is Tom Holland ?
I think he's an actor.
Need to get that barnet cut lofty!
The lord of the rings look ain’t cutting it you honking turbo mega beefer!!
All the best Royal.
Nosher lol
BZ’s Royal.
Mums eh….. they kick ass
He looks like a Lord of the Rings character. One does not simply walk in to Mordor.