Former Army Commando Officer & Minister for Veterans Affairs Johnny Mercer joins me for an honest, unfiltered conversation about war, leadership, and what really shapes you as a young officer.
From passing the Commando Course to surviving Taliban contact after being split from his patrol, this episode goes deep into the reality of soldiering.

We discuss:

• Why Johnny joined the British Army
• Completing the Commando Course
• Deploying on three operational tours of Afghanistan
• Facing the Taliban in close combat
• The moment he was cut off from his patrol and relying on a gunship to survive
• Losing soldiers, leadership pressure, and the cost of command
• Why he went into politics and fought for veterans
• The moral component of leadership, humility, and standards
• His message for the next generation of officers and soldiers

Whether you're preparing for AOSB, heading to Sandhurst, or simply interested in military leadership, this is one of the most powerful and insightful episodes we’ve recorded.

🎙️ About the Podcast

Lessons in Leadership explores what it really takes to lead — in the military, in training, and in life. Featuring soldiers, officers, veterans, and leaders with real experience on the ground.

Connect with Dan (The Army Bloke)

Instagram: @thearmybloke
TikTok: @thearmybloke
YouTube: The Army Bloke
LinkedIn: Dan Russell

In this episode, I sit down with Sam Perrin — former Infantry Platoon Commander and later a Special Forces Officer — to break down the reality of leadership, officer training, and operating on the front line.

We cover everything future officers need to understand before AOSB, Sandhurst, or stepping into a platoon for the first time:

🔹 His AOSB experience and early leadership lessons
🔹 What Sandhurst really teaches (and what it doesn’t)
🔹 Life as a new Platoon Commander
🔹 Serving on Op HERRICK 6 – casualties, high-pressure leadership & fighting the Taliban
🔹 How to build trust with your soldiers
🔹 Passing Special Forces Selection
🔹 Sam’s advice to the next generation of Officers & anyone considering SF

If you’re preparing for AOSB, heading to Sandhurst, or simply want to understand what leadership really looks like in the British Army, this is a must-listen.

📌 Connect with me

Instagram: @thearmybloke
YouTube: The Army Bloke

🎙 Lessons in Leadership – Episode 1

In this first episode, I sit down with Harry Mackarness, a former British Army Officer who commissioned into the Paras, had to transfer to the Light Dragoons, and has since become a voice for resilience and mental health.

We talk about:
• Why he joined the Army
• The reality of training at Sandhurst and Catterick
• What it means to lead soldiers today
• How injury and mental health challenges shaped his career
• Why the Army still matters for young people in 2025

Preparation for AOSB & Sandhurst 👉 https://linktr.ee/thearmybloke