H-Hour #234 Michael Hawkes QCB – 22 SAS and founder Hawkes and Co

Mick Hawkes, a security manager, owner of hawkesandco.uk, author and former member of 22 SAS, discusses his career and experiences in the military and special forces. He talks about his motivation for writing a book and the importance of helping others who face challenges. Mick also shares his thoughts on the evolution of British special forces and security services units. He discusses the role of women in special forces and the challenges they may face in passing selection. Mick reflects on his own experience with SAS selection and the importance of luck and support from units. He also shares his views on the portrayal of special forces on TV shows and the opportunities it has created for former special forces personnel. The rural crime units are underfunded and overwhelmed, leading to a lack of response to rural crimes. Farmers often experience thefts and vandalism without any police intervention. Criminals take advantage of the lack of security improvements and target farms repeatedly. The farming industry needs more support from organisations like the NFU to combat rural crime. The police are understaffed and face challenges in responding to crimes in rural areas. There is a need for better collaboration between the police and organisations like the NFU to improve security and support farmers. The conversation covers various topics related to military experiences, including being captured, the challenges of memory recall, the importance of rules of engagement, and the impact of the British Army in Northern Ireland. The guest also discusses his company, Hawkes & Co, which focuses on providing security services with integrity and authenticity. The conversation concludes with a mention of the guest's upcoming book, 'Life on the Edge.'. Mick's experience includes 24 years in the military including 12 years in 22 SAS (Including 6 years Covert operations). 2 years as a military advisor to the British Secret Intelligence Services in London (MI5 for Covert operations). Plus 2-+ years in corporate security operating out of Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Colombia, Sudan, Libya and West Africa. https://www.hawkesandco.uk/Send us Fan MailThis episode is sponsored by Sin Eaters Guild - sineatersguild.co.ukSupport the show Free H-Hour giveaways and exclusive access to guests. https://patreon.com/hkpodcastsH-Hour on Substack: https://hughkeir.substack.comH-Hour on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWSj4p05MUbVlHmFu3yH-Hour on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HHourPodcast