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

🐦 X: https://x.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