Interview with Recruit 19 - Adam
Category: Press Pack ArticleName - Adam
Age - 34
Occupation - PMP Recruitment warehouse supervisor / Part time commercial actor/model
From - Cardiff
Recruit Number - 19
Background
Despite being a good Catholic boy, Adam began selling drugs at 16. As he got older, he became a full-time drug dealer. He enjoyed the lifestyle that came with earning this kind of money and life was good, until at 24 years old, he received a conviction for intent to supply drugs. He was sentenced to five years in prison, of which he served two and a half.
In the ten years since his conviction, he has lived an honest life and has worked hard in his job as a warehouse supervisor. He wants to make his daughter proud of him, so she will never judge him for his past.
Tell me about your experience on SAS?
It was the best and worst experience of my life. I was anxious every time we were in the RV’s wondering what the hell they are going to put us through next. There was nowhere to hide, I was sleep deprived, hungry, wet, emotional. But in the same breath, I got to see amazing scenery from top of the hills/mountains we climbed. I got the chance to do things I would never have had the chance to do before. I met people I would never have crossed paths with and I learnt things from them. It was an experience I will cherish forever.
Did you find it difficult? Was it more difficult than expected?
Yes it was much more difficult than expected. When you watch from your living room, you don’t take into consideration that you only see snippets of the course. I assumed we would be going to a hot country, which would have suited me but being cold, wet, hungry and tired 24/7 is not the best combination! And I’m always hungry!!
Chemical warfare attack, how did you find that?
That task was brutal. I didn’t expect to be fully expose to the gas. But to be fair it’s SAS, so expect the unexpected.
Have you ever done anything like that?
No, not intentionally. I have been gassed by the police when I was younger and involved in a fight, so I knew it burns like hell. I had previous exposure to it in an unconventional way.
What made you sign up?
It’s a once in a life time experience! I wanted the chance to do the hardest course on TV and challenge myself. It’s a privilege to take part on a course that normal civilians wouldn’t usually get the opportunity to do. I just wanted to show that you can do whatever you put your mind to. I want to be a role model and show whatever wrong I have done in the past, I can move on from that to do better things in life. I shouldn’t be held back from my past life. I’m a product of that and not everyone knows of my past life, so wanted to share my story. It was a release for me.
What training did you do in preparation for course?
Because gyms were closed for most of the time during lockdown, I just did home workouts in the garden and I did 5k runs a couple times a week.
Would you like to join Special Forces now you’ve had this experience?
Maybe if I was younger with no responsibilities. I couldn’t do it now and leave my daughter for months on end, not knowing if I’m coming home alive or in a box. You’ve got to respect what the DS has been through in the SAS and come back on the other side.
Best part of the series for me?
I loved abseiling from the top of the oil rig. It felt like James Bond and was an amazing experience.
Hardest part of series?
I hate the cold, so every challenge when we were going get wet. I ended up with two wet kits on day two and getting into a wet kit is grim.
What was the hardest part of series?
When we had to write a letter to our loved ones. The thought of not ever seeing my daughter again just put me in an emotional state and I struggled to write and read without crying.
What’s your biggest fear and has this experience helped you get over it?
I’m quite fearless, apart when it comes to giant spiders but thank god there were none in Scotland. All jokes aside, my biggest fear was failure and letting my loved ones down (especially my daughter) but I learnt you can’t win every battle and as long as I know I try my best in everything I do, I’m with peace with that.
How did you find sharing with women?
I found it cool sharing my space with woman. I’ve been around enough of them in my life time. They were treated the same and to be honest, some of them were a force to be reckoned with. It was funny all going toilet next to each other though.
Would I do again?
If you would have asked me straight after the course, I would have said “hell no” now I’d say, YES, I would 100% do it again, I’d go back tomorrow.
What you think you learnt about yourself?
I’m not 21 anymore!! I’m even more stubborn than I thought - I will keep going no matter what. I can force myself mentally to do anything. I’m more motivated when working in a team than doing things myself as I didn’t want to let the person/team down.
Has being on series changed your life in anyway?
Most definitely. My mindset is so much more positive now, in every aspect. I met a group of people who I probably would have never crossed paths with before and since the course I have put myself out there and have taken on new challenges. I ran 100 miles in a month to raise money for mental health charities, with some of the recruits to help others. I actually enjoy running now as well and am so much fitter now as a whole. I’m more willing to be comfortable being uncomfortable.