Dodge Woodall #306. Two Special Forces Legends in Death Zone - Alistair Carns & Staz
Jun 11, 2025
Join Alistair Carns, Labour Minister for Veterans and Special Forces veteran, alongside Staz, as they discuss their groundbreaking 7-day ascent of Mount Everest. They share riveting tales of overcoming near-death challenges, avalanches, and the emotional burdens of military life. The conversation emphasizes teamwork, innovative training, and their mission to raise awareness for veterans' causes. Discover the pivotal role of Sherpas and the essential gear needed for extreme conditions, all while shedding light on their journey from battlefield to political advocacy.
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From Royal Marine To MP
- Alistair Carns served 24 years in the military, spent 14 years in specialist elements, and rose to full colonel before entering politics.
- He left ahead of promotion to brigadier to pursue faster change for veterans via politics.
Counting Casualties Before Deployment
- Alistair Carns described accepting many casualties and telling his team two wouldn't return from deployment.
- He was later proven right, illustrating the constant lethal risk on tour.
Government-Owned Veteran Support
- The UK government launched Op Valour to make government responsible for veteran support with £50m over three years.
- This builds regional and national delivery where charities previously filled the gap.