This guy actually loves it. He acts super professional, which he is. But when ever he mentions things kicking off you can clearly see he lives for the drama. Legendary
Shawns mentioned before how a lot if not most tier one guys have a love for adrenaline rushes and living on the edge. I can see how combat is the epitome of that and how exhilarating it must be to engage in it at a high level. A warrior fulfilling their purpose im sure is satisfying on some level.
Great segment. As a Brit I can tell you these men are highly respected here in the UK. The SAS are shrouded in secrecy & I cannot remember in my lifetime of anything leaked about the unit. Respect to my fellow brothers & sister over the pond who have some amazing special military units themselves
There was a moment where photos were leaked on facebook (allegedly by troopers within the regiment themselves) of them in Iraq, and they accidentally leaked their weapon systems and the fact that they had dogs. Sounds unimportant but back then no information at all was disclosed about UKSF equipment and dog usage etc, so these photos were the first ever to be revealed to the public. It happened in 2017 and it's also assumed some were SBS soldiers because it showed a trooper with a commando knife. Not the biggest leak but a leak nonetheless
I prefer the Green Berets to Seals. Seals are not secretive anymore. They write books, leak tactical info to our enemies by being advisors to movies and video gaming. USASF's motto on the other hand is "The Quiet Professionals."
It's true SEALS are known to write books lol etc. It mostly is true because you can join the SEAL teams straight off civ street, whereas other spec ops may require previous military service before applying. This itself is a filter, not to say joining the SEAL teams is easy. But they do deserve a voice, and don't forget there are delta guys on here too (pat mcnamara, tactical hyve instructor, shawn ryan podcast interviewees (at least 3), shrek, that one former delta who got fat but did some tv shows including where he did live fire drills with spetsnaz alphas down range (cant remember name). One of the most popular spec ops tv series SEAL Team has a former Ranger/Delta as an advisor and actor (Tyler Gray). I dont think most of them actually leak vital info as it's vetted first, they just trying to make their way in civvy life@@romulayanuaria9556
idk but in the future let guests speak and dont speak over them. Very annoying to watch podcasters do this and listen to podcast and not being able to hear the words. Also disrespectful.
How are they Legends? lol. Your fortune cookie 1 liner said so much. Just shows the level of thought from Today's Younger Generation. Back to Your Video games kid.
@@jt.8144 Christian Craighead pretty much single-handedly thwarted a terrorist attack in Nairobi. He was off duty, and rallied a little bit of help, but lead the whole thing and made it happen. He saved quite a bit of people and for that, most would consider him a bit of a legend. Shawn Ryan might not have that on his resume, but I'm sure he's done some legendary sh** that he's not sharing. Former SEAL went GBRS for the CIA. Definitely a dude at the top of his game at one point, and could probably still be pretty dangerous if he needed to be. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Q1kGEv8HLks.html for more on Christian.
Frankly, that statement alone gave me even more respect for him. Very few Brits I’ve ever interacted with are willing to concede that point. Most are too invested in being “right” about gun control, while painting themselves as civilized and Americans as barbaric.
Unassuming, understated and not prone to hyperbole, not obsessed with gear and being tacticool, sensible advice given. The antithesis of many US folks we see on social media. Also wrote a children's book, here's to much success for him as an author. Great podcast Shawn, and nice jacket.
I got a... I've seen too many of these in my day vibe from it tbh. Like he didn't really even want to pick it up until shawn said you can get a full grip on that.
He looked at that Sig like a finish carpenter looking at a new tool. A professional appreciates quality but doesn’t get giddy as he’s checking out the fit and features.
Christian Craighead’s low profile De Beers EDC: 1. Flashlight, SureFire Stiletto 2. Pocket knife, preferably OTF knives 3. Mid Size Pistol, 3 mags 4. Comms, in this sitch a Phone 5. Powerbank 6. Automatic watch, his is a Panerai
As a retired NYC police officer who was raised in the South Bronx and lived my entire career in the Bronx, and can relate to Christian, when he says, "Be aware of your surroundings" and any rights that you give up, you'll never get them back. I can't count the times that people told me that they were caught off guard, either behind the counter, walking into the apartment or just walking down the streets. And I also can't count the times people told me that they wished they'd had a gun. But, due to New York Cities anti-gun laws, law abiding citizens are unable to have a firearm. Of course, those laws don't anything to stop criminals from having guns, as criminals don't obey laws. I did 3 years in the Marine Corps, 20 years with the NYC Police Dept., a stint with the NYANG, security at the Plaza hotel in Manhattan, Security at West Point Military Academy, I'm 72 years old and still train and carry.
It's not really impressive. He signed the official secrets act as all UK special forces members do. It would be illegal for him to disclose any information relating to UK special operations.
@@JoBlakeLisbonYes, you are right. The law prevents him. But there is much more to it than that. Whereas with each DEVGRU there is a book deal, members of the original special forces (ie UK SAS, SBS and now SRR), feel that confidentially for their organisation guarantees the safety and integrity of all operators. If it is published - and the establishment like some publicity - they know that, for the security of all, the MOD will vet it first. A different approach from the US one, but a much better in the long run.
Wise words about being aware of your surroundings. Can't remember where I heard/read/saw this but it was along the lines of: "Don't go where stupid people go, and do stupid things at stupid times of the day.'
@@jamesr792 Not exactly. While the SAS is coined as the first modern SOF unit, it's not exactly a true claim or statement. The first modern special operations unit, was the LRDG. It carried out operations which are known as modern special reconnaissance and direct action mission sets. It was a unit under British command, but was primarily New Zealand solders who filled the ranks, and handled the training and new form of doctrine created. The unit was later open to British and Rhodesian soldiers. The SAS was formed after, and learned from the LRDG's mistakes and successes, adapting the special operations doctrine. Special operations has been around for 1000s of years. Specialized smaller units have been a concept for 1000s of years.
@@DeadEyeKiwi That’s fair. When I said “they” invented the co copy of special operations I meant the British, rather than just the SAS, and while I should have said so, I meant “special operations as we know it”
It really amazes me, that person who is legit hero, went against odds and risked his life, and just in general - selected and operated in one of the best units in the world ---- that person appears so nice, somewhat awkward and even somewhat insecure, if that makes sense!! I don't mean that as in insult, by any means - just mind boggling that someone who is on another level physically and mentally, appears almost nervous in front of camera! Guess it shows we are all human, even operators...! Chris - we love you!
Iam an 18yr old from Uganda a small country bordering Kenya(where all the action went down).Mr Craighead demonstrated a high level of professionalism during the attack and he showed us our weaknesses in security and because of him,i will join the military and train to be like him for the better of our region.Thanks Mr Shawn for putting into place such interviews.
I massively appreciate this episode, I wanted to hear from this guy for a while, I again appreciate the SAS,SBS,PARAS and all our other lads who protect us back home in the UK. A fantastic episode and I send my thanks for everything you do to keep the world safe from harm by putting yourself in places many of us can't even dream of.
The reality is the Paras aren't special forces, but they'd like to think they are. More like very fit Infantry with a rapid means of deployment and a good funding line. My Unit beat the Paras at a patrol competition and a shooting competition, proving they're good but not that good. But to be fair my Unit then transitioned in to the Army Special Forces Bde (Ranger Regiment), so....yep. I guess it chould be SAS, SRR, SBS and Ranger Regt and the Brtish Army (to cover the rest).
I so cannot wait for the full episode. No doubt it's gonna be an awesome watch. I love watching ex special forces operators talking through their lives their careers all the while being careful & mindful not to go into too much detail due to obvious reasons which I admire. U can tell people like Chris thrive off combat that they enjoy it get excited about it especially when things kick off but also remain super professional throughout. These guys are the best of the best man with the perfect motto Who Dares Wins
Anytime you ask a "former operator" what is his everyday carry and his answer is "I'd rather not go into that" means approach at your own risk. Great video.
@@RagingOatmeal You never want to let trade craft known to your adversary there by betraying those still active. Keep your foes guessing and you will keep them of balance. Giving you the advantage of surprise.
@@RagingOatmeal It could be things they are not authorized to carry or it could be kit that is part of technology that is classified. In my eyes, I don't want the enemy knowing that I or my team may be carrying.
Love what he said at the end because it's coming from a person with experience...any rights you give up, you're never gonna get them back. Americans absolutely must take note.
As must we in South Africa. We are one of the only countries in Africa where EDC is legal and concealed carry a requirement. We're fighting the same fight with the same enemy as you guys in the U.S. so we are very much a kindred people
4:32 this is what makes the SAS guys the best, over and over again they just make it work regardless of what they have. for the purposes of this channel this guy is the one we have all been waiting for, but there are a few other SAS guys who are willing to talk on RU-vid who should be on the list - Foxy, Big Phil, Billy B, Staz etc.
SEAL TEAM 6 are the best of the best. NOBODY even comes close to them. They got the biggest guns, are jacked💪🏻💪🏻 (SEALs workout all day long), they can swim & love to shoot. Hollywood has made so many films on SEALs. The SEALs especially Team 6 are the elite of the elite. Rob O'Neill took out Bin Laden. The SEALs were picked for that job for a good reason. Tim Kennedy once said: "I don't ever want to get in a gun fight with a bunch of Navy SEALs anywhere near the water." On a side note: All the hot chicks for whatever reason love the SEALs😉
@@bloodhoundgang1642Yeah he always comes across very level headed and an interesting bloke that has his cross to bare. Compared to a certain celebrity sbs tv personality who's painful to listen to.....
"It's still a good lesson for people in the United States of America that, remember that any rights that you give up, you're never going to get them back."
Looking forward to the interview with Christian. He's a true hero in every sense of the word. What he did that day in Nairobi was a reflection his exemplary character and dedication to what he is: an SAS soldier. Hopefully he will act as a role model to many young men around the globe. Thank you Christian and thank you Shawn for this very important interview with this special man.
I am also a Brit but live north of Austin, Texas. First thing I did when I moved here was get a license to carry and stack the armory. He's right, never give up yours rights. The American constitution must be protected at all costs.
Texas requires a permit to carry? I live in a Constitutional carry state where no permit is needed to conceal carry. I never cared about a permit even before it became law.
@@arktactical6112doesn’t require one, just gives you more legal standing if you ever have to use it. Also allows you to take one more places and ignore more “no firearm” signs 😂
It differs by state. As long as you have a US ID for Florida I believe you can own a firearm there, but if they have any form of licensing, I would recommend you get that as well. You'll meet a few like minded people and have some fun.@@thepatriotsrage661
Hey shawn,congrats on a thousand days and fatherhood. I just watched your interview with chris,its awesome to watch the difference over the last few years.
Complete professional, none of this playing up to the media bull 💩, as a former tier 2 myself……this guy is it!!! One of my heroes, never mind tour rock stars or athletes.
His face when he handles the gun is amazing. UK trained, UK bred. Picks it up knowing it's a killing tool. There's a clear division in his mind between military aggression and normal life. No war cosplay.
Yesterday the last surviving original member of the SAS passed away. Mike Saddler bought astral navigation skills to the desert raiders, but a lot more. He was one if 2 escsped SAS troopers to cross the Sahara and link up with US forces from Torch landings. His postwar career as an MI6 officer is not published but he played a part in the Falklands war denying additional deadly French anti ship missiles to the Argentinian air force.
I've been waiting for Shawn to have a guest from the SAS on, this is going to be awesome. And who does he get first, Obi Wan Nairobi. I am pumped for this episode.
These guys have been putting in work since the 1940’s. When you look at how highly skilled the Army SMU (or CAG or Delta Ninjas or whatever the hell they come up with this year) is and than figure their training pipeline and organizational structure is based on UK SAS Selection it shows you how long the UK has recognized the necessity of having such skilled shooters in the “break glass in case of war” box.
Chris,Thankyou for your comments on keeping your phone charged. I preach that to all close to me ,family, friends etc etc. And it's for all the exact same scenarios that you listed! I never leave the house without a cord and plug 🔌 at minimum! Thank you Shawn for another winning interview!
Great advice. I would highly recommend against a smart watch as well. Unless you want it dying when you really need it or someone being able to track you at all times. Old school replaceable battery, digital watch for me.
Shawn Ryan I am a 1 week old new subscriber to your channel ,But holy crud this is the kind of content we all love man ! Keep up these BADASS interviews ! I just had to say that .These story’s we get from these vets truly lived the Black Hawk Down & more 🫡
When I was in the Briitsh military most of us wanted to the opportunity to test ourselves and honestly I think at least in the UK it attracts a certain type of character, I was never in a SF unit but I did love the excitement and found life outside of the military beyond tedius and boring in comparison, it took me a long time to adjust to a normal life after the craziness of the military. Many folk over here who leave the military find life indescribably dull after the military and rejoin. Ant Middleton and others are examples of this, I persevered and didn't rejoin but did want to for a very long time.
The most awkward moment of every Shawn Ryan video: The moment Shawn "gives" the guest a Sig and, every time, that same confused awkward response from the guest: "Thanks?"
Its a great piece on practical item's anyone can legally carry.... especially in the UK,, no cool tactical brands just items that get the job done. Funnily first item not a gun,knife or weapon but a torch, power banks and watch so simple, everyone should carry these.
SAS are definitely one of the most resourceful units on earth! So when you hear him say he carries a flashlight he means a weapon, everything is a weapon for men that are meant to be hammers!
Just to correct something, here in the UK you can own guns. You just cant carry for PP. The only exception is Northern Ireland who do have CCW thus you can carry for PP. The gun laws here are not as strict as many think, once you have a licence. Over 100,000 people in the UK have a Firearms licence(FAC) and about 4 times that have Shotgun licence (SGC). The main restriction is you cant own centrefire semi auto rifles or pistols easily. You can however own ba rifles, straight pull rifles, shot guns (any type), lever action, semi auto rim fire, some revolvers, black powder pistols and rifles. We have no restrictions on stocks, magazines, suppressors etc. (although the latter are controlled) There is no waiting period. Private sales are permitted. A nice bonus is our min barrel length is 12". Min OAL 24". So possible to have some really nice short rifles. If you really want to own a 1911 or similar it is still possible but the legislation makes it pretty pointless due to the storage and usage restrictions. (section 7 firearm)
Absolutely. 👍 Technically you can own any firearm in the U.K….its getting the licence that’s the tricky bit. The more salient point is that we are not allowed to carry ANYTHING (by design or intent) to defend ourselves, that’s classed as an offensive weapon.
As an American in the rural midwest, this is just so odd to me. We have firearms all over the place. One always stays in my truck, one I carry, a basement full of them. They've never shot anyone and I hope I never have to either. It's crazy to me that you can't defend your life or your families with a firearm in other countries (heck, even some US cities)
I suspect Chris lives in my town as I see him on Instagram frequenting my favorite watering holes…hope to run into him someday soon and buy him a pint!! What a legend.
You've got the crem dela crem on now Shawn hes the dogs bollocks. He wont give us the "what we need answers" as hes to professional yet no doubts he'll give us something more then we've gotten before as you are one of his. 💯 this will be one of the most viewed podcasts ever 💯
Recently visited the UK and France. As an American visiting over there. Christian is absolutely spot on with being aware of your surroundings. I was on a bike tour in London. It was the week before coronation, so it was very busy in London. I decided to take the rear of the pack for my own piece of mind. One of the participants on the tour had a malfunction with the chain on there bike. The rider was a young girl from Switzerland, maybe 13-15 years old. I stopped and stayed with her trying to get the chain back on her bike. It was probably 10 mins before the rest of the group realized we were missing. Her dad was extremely thankful that I stayed with her. Look for opportunities to serve others. Love you all!
Be aware of your surroundings is the one piece of advice I've been giving my daughter since she was a little girl. We still talk about that now, in her late 30's.
Hope you enjoyed your time in my motherland 🇬🇧. 👍🏻 London is a bit lively and a lot of low level crime (thefts) definitely have an issue with stabbings but overall, the UK is pretty benign. We're actually a pretty placid society (that's years of indoctrination for you!)
Either this guy is genius level smart (literally), or he has seen some heavy stuff. There's something "un-normal" about the way he is holding himself and interacting. Amazing to watch and listen to. Cant imagine his level of expertise and training. Seems to be incredibly respected within the SOF community, all the popular names are huge fans of this dude.
Think he is on edge because in the SAS videos and speaking about their work is seriously frowned upon. And I mean seriously frowned upon. The fact he keeps eyeing the camera I think is him just being hyper aware.
@@Senseigainzhe’s not medicated, he’s extremely guarded about what he says, and very nervous about the questions he’s going to be asked, and quite a shy guy.
He is always like this. He has quite a twitchy, hyper alert way about him. Actually a lot of British guys are a bit like that but he is on the top end of that spectrum.
9:24 "Just be aware of your surroundings." Jocko Willink says the same thing and 98% of the time simply being aware & vigilant can help one avoid trouble. Far too many people nowadays bury their heads deep into their cellphones and some become easy targets for criminals. Be aware of your surroundings always!
From day one in the British military this is hammered into you, in fact throughout my military career I would regularly get asked, what was the car we just passed? What was the person wearing we saw 10 minutes ago etc.
Observation - Mr. Craighead chooses his words very carefully. Sean picks up on this and follows the lead. The careful word/phrase selection is important in these settings in order to assure to avoid future issues.
Imagine being a former SAS operative and not being able to carry a firearm to protect you & your loved ones in your own home. Please remember his parting advice everyone... you never get rights that you willingly surrender back again!
The US vs UK difference here is huge, the interviewer far more interested in gear and firearms yet the SAS operator far more focused on what he needs and the capabilities he has.
Two gentlemen, that would be in my top five if someone made me pick. Top five operators. And two of them are sitting down having a conversation about life. I cannot wait I literally cannot wait SMH until this interview hits RU-vid
One thing right off the bat I notice is he is super intense. God Damn, it has to be exhausting to always be “ready”. I am sure he doesn’t even realize he is this intense but to the casual civilian, his eyes are laser focused like a god damn machine.
It's really not exhausting, if you're wired that way. I will say that it is nice to be in a group where you're not the only one who is ready. You can "fall back" a bit, when others that you trust, are around.
The irony is, in the UK he cant carry any of this opnely. Not a pocket knife, not a retractable blade (HIGHLY illegal in the UK). No firearms, nothing. Literlly just a flashlight
Love this show. Would love to see you interview that Ranger from Tacoma in 2nd batt who fought off that gang with him and his buddies. I met that guy once at a bar in Tacoma. Pretty cool
Even with a friend - he didn’t like putting his arm in someone’s control. He’s hyper hyper aware and sensitive to any threat, and it’s stayed with him. That look in the eye was not meant in this context, but to somebody else he isn’t familiar with, it’s ‘I’ll kill you right here if you try anything.’ (Probably with his flashlight). Absolute killing machines the British SF are.
I can’t remember his name but he is a Vietnam vet that they called “Maggot” and he was a tunnel rat. I would love for you to interview him if he is still around. He talked about wearing the ears of the people he killed around his neck like a necklace. That interview would be incredible! Those Vietnam vets went through hell.
Sean you are aware that Panerai just made a special navy seal model and team guys can get them at a special price less than dealer cost engraved with buds class only 62 will be offered for 1962
One thing about the UK that a lot of people forget, even people within the UK that often talk about the restrictive laws is that 'body armour' doesn't really have any restrictions and you can generally wear it freely with caveats being perhaps not always at work or in very specific places depending on what exactly it is. Armour is also a big spectrum it doesn't have to be hulking 7.62 rated plates it can be stab and/or slash proof garments or just impact resistant. Firearms are very uncommon in the UK but knives unfortunately are extremely common. Whilst I don't wear them everywhere I've carried 'slash sleeves' for years, they're weightless, flat, can wear them under clothes or in a bag or jacket, no inconvenience at all. Fact is you can wear a stab vest around all day but that's quite a big deal and honestly not really necessary. If you ever do go hand-to-hand with someone with a blade it'll be your forearms that get cut to ribbons attaining the grapple, they're so easy to protect though. Sleeves are really common in the emergency services.
I'm assuming that you have at least some experience in hand to hand combat and you're aware of your surroundings. Unfortunately most people aren't though. The average everyday person that takes the bus or metro to work and is stressed with the daily pressures of work, school etc barely looks after their physical well being let alone prepare for a dangerous scenario. The police in countries like the UK where guns have been banned need to do a better job of apprehending criminals and the courts need to hand out harsher sentences. Another tragic thing I hear from the UK is acid attacks and the victims are usually unsuspecting people on public transport. But the knife crime situation in the UK sounds terrifying.
@@IAMJEFFREY-cw9ns 3 replies and you are all I see? I'm guessing the trolls have been out attacking either you or myself lol. In reality I think acid attacks are exceptionally rare, perhaps even rarer than firearms incidences but the whole acid thing does at the same time seem more common here than anywhere else in Europe. Perhaps we just don't hear about it though, regardless of how widely you garner your news from different sources, a lot of what goes on elsewhere in the world will still be cherry picked and unreported after all. In places where people are all moving and interacting closely knives honestly are as dangerous and like a gun can end you just as quickly. Horrible things. Our knife laws and self-defense laws in general are pretty strict too, technically speaking if you're carrying a damp roll of toilet paper for the express purposes of self-defense you can be arrested and charged.
Knifes are not extremely common and if anyone is caught with one, they will likely face a prison sentence if believed to be carrying for a non-legitiamte purpose. There is no need for a stab-vest unless you're a police officer.
Its an embarrassment the way he has been treated by our own countries Military he is a true jedi and deserves full credit.i dont blame him i would bugger off to america exactly the same .
Once you've had that vail of civility lifted and you see the world for what it can be and realise your own nation is importing people who don't have a vail....why would you want to be unarmed and counting on people less equipped to handle a bad situation.
