Christian Craighead - SAS Operator | SRS #92
Join Shawn Ryan as he engages in a riveting conversation with Christian Craighead, a former SAS operative with a story of valor and resilience, on the Shawn Ryan Show. This episode unfolds Craighead's remarkable journey from his military-imbued childhood to his defining role during a critical moment in contemporary history. A product of the UK army cadets, Craighead's commitment to the forces was tested early on, as he navigated skepticism and adversity to ultimately earn his place in the elite Special Air Service. His narrative is not just one of rigorous training and tactical prowess, but also of the personal tenacity required to endure the grueling selection process, prevailing as one among a few to successfully emerge from the renowned SAS and SBS joint trial.
Beyond the battlefield, Craighead's bravery and quick thinking during the 2019 Nairobi hotel attack are vividly recounted, showcasing how he single-handedly saved hundreds while exemplifying the SAS creed of who dares, wins. This episode also casts a light on his post-military life, where he has found a profound sense of purpose and faith. Through his children's book, "The Wrong Wolf," Craighead continues to impart his lifelong lessons of integrity and courage. Delve into a trove of wisdom on leadership, doing what's right, and the impact of uncelebrated good deeds, as Christian Craighead shares his deeply personal experiences and insights with host Shawn Ryan, reflecting on a life led by strong moral compass.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jan 15, 2024 episode of the Shawn Ryan Show
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Childhood and upbringing in the UK army system
Christian Craighead's formative years were steeped in the UK's military system, which significantly shaped his early life experiences. As a young boy, he participated in the army cadets, where he acquired valuable skills in field craft and marksmanship that would later form the foundation of his military career. Joining the army at the tender age of 16, Craighead faced skepticism from his family, but his fortitude saw him through various roles, including a company runner in West Belfast and joining the intense training program of Junior Para. His determination led him to pursue his long-held ambition to join the Special Air Service (SAS), overcoming challenges such as an initial failure due to an injury. Craighead's dogged perseverance saw him through the arduous six-month SAS and SBS joint selection process, which boasted a high attrition rate; he emerged as one of the 18 out of about 200 who succeeded.
Rescuing hundreds of civilians during the 2019 Nairobi hotel attack
The 2019 Nairobi hotel attack by Al-Shabaab was a pivotal moment for Christian Craighead, who responded with exemplary courage to save approximately 700 civilians. His training and instinct propelled him towards the crisis scene without official orders. The sound of a woman's scream followed by gunfire marked his cue to plunge into action. Throughout the 18-hour siege, Craighead's decisive actions and immediate response were instrumental in the successful rescue operation. He later assisted Milly, an American lady present during the attack, by providing insights that were vital for her to deal with PTSD, showing that his commitment extended beyond the immediate crisis. Craighead's decisive improvisation during the attack, driven by the "who dares wins" ethos, resulted in him being honored with the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.
Conflicting responses and recognition from the UK authorities
The input text did not furnish information on this topic, thus preventing the creation of a summary. Without further detail on specific instances of conflicting responses or the nature of recognition from UK authorities, a comprehensive account cannot be assembled. More information is required for an accurate portrayal of the interactions between Christian Craighead and the UK authorities, as well as the various recognitions bestowed upon him.
Writing a children's book titled "The Wrong Wolf" with strong moral messages
Christian Craighead's venture into children's literature culminated in the creation of "The Wrong Wolf," a story that encapsulates themes of integrity, courage, and the importance of standing up for the defenseless. The book was inspired by a conversation that led Craighead to reimagine the role of the wolf as a force for good. Collaborating with artist Matt Klein, Craighead's vision came to fruition, producing a narrative that interlaces his personal experiences with universal challenges such as alienation and the fight for justice. "The Wrong Wolf" portrays the transformative journey of a wolf who, despite being cast out, rises to become a protector, subtly teaching children that true worth is often revealed in times of adversity.
Reflecting on Purpose, Faith, Leadership, and Doing the Right Thing
Christian Craighead's discussion with Shawn Ryan delves into the deep-seated topics of purpose and faith, underscored by leadership and moral responsibility. These conversations enshrine the fundamental life lessons Craighead received in his childhood and upheld throughout his military career: to confront bullying, champion the weak, and embody righteousness. He credits these enduring values with guiding him through his 28 years of service, now propelling him toward a new sense of purpose post-military. Craighead's sense of purpose is intertwined with his spirituality, as demonstrated by his reflections on religious exchange with Ryan and his personal anecdotes of divine intervention. Despite facing challenges and loneliness after his time in service, Craighead trusts that even negative experiences shape future leaders. He draws a parallel with the uncredited good deeds in "The Wrong Wolf," reinforcing the notion that acting on one's convictions—no matter the potential consequences—is the essence of a purpose-driven life.
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Clarifications
- The Army Cadets in the UK are youth organizations sponsored by the British Army, providing military-themed training and activities for young people aged 12 to 18. Cadets learn skills like leadership, teamwork, and discipline, often through outdoor and adventurous activities. While not part of the regular armed forces, the cadet program aims to instill values of citizenship and promote an interest in the military among young individuals. Participation in the cadets can offer a pathway to a military career for those who choose to pursue it.
- The Special Air Service (SAS) is a renowned special forces unit in the UK military known for its elite training and covert operations. The SAS selection process is notoriously rigorous, lasting around six months and designed to test candidates physically, mentally, and emotionally. It includes phases like endurance marches, interrogation simulations, and survival exercises in harsh conditions. Successful completion of the selection process is a significant achievement, with only a small percentage of applicants making it through to join the SAS ranks.
- The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC) is a military decoration awarded for acts of gallantry in combat situations, ranking below the Victoria Cross and the George Cross. It was established in 1993 to recognize exemplary bravery by members of the British Armed Forces. Recipients of the CGC demonstrate exceptional courage and selflessness in the face of the enemy, with their actions often involving significant risk to their own lives. The award is highly prestigious and signifies extraordinary bravery and heroism in the line of duty.
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Childhood and upbringing in the UK army system
Christian Craighead opens up about his experiences from childhood to joining the Special Air Service (SAS), detailing how his development within the UK's military system shaped his early life.
Joining the army at age 16 and various military roles
From an early age, Craighead was focused on the military, noting that his childhood was in many ways the beginning of his training. The army cadets, a UK youth organization he joined at the age of 13, played a significant role in his life. The organization equipped him with a uniform and during parade nights, taught him field craft and marksmanship. This period was a turning point that gave him purpose and potentially saved him from crime and drug use, which was common among his peers.
Craighead didn't find joy in his childhood and was eager to leave it behind to join the army, a decision he made as soon as he turned 16, despite skepticism from his family who doubted his success. He recalls his time as a young soldier supporting police operations and being stationed in West Belfast at 17, where his age restricted him to the role of company runner. On his 18th birthday, he immediately took the opportunity to go on patrol.
He then joined the Junior Para, an intense training program designed to forge soldiers into what Craighead describes as "killing machines," focused on combat readiness and aggression for special forces or career military roles. The environment was strictly disciplined, allowing few personal effects and decorating their space with the "10 commandments" of the German paratrooper.
Being selected and serving in the UK SAS
Craighead's ambition to join the SAS was a long-standing one, influenced by media portrayals and described as the "magic dust of the country." His first goal was the Parachute Regiment, which he joined without expressing his ultimate aim for th ...
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Childhood and upbringing in the UK army system
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Clarifications
- The Special Air Service (SAS) is a renowned special forces unit within the British Army, specializing in various roles like counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and special reconnaissance. Established in 1941 during World War II, the SAS is known for its elite training and secretive operations. The unit consists of both regular and reserve components, with a rich history of successful missions and high-risk operations. The SAS works closely with the Special Boat Service (SBS), the Royal Navy's equivalent special forces unit specializing in maritime counter-terrorism.
- The Pathfinders are an elite reconnaissance unit within the British Army, specializing in covert surveillance and intelligence gathering behind enemy lines. They are highly trained soldiers who operate ahead of main forces to gather vital information and pave the way for larger military operations. Pathfinders undergo rigorous selection and training to develop specialized skills in navigation, communication, and reconnaissance. Their missions often involve operating in hostile environments and providing ...
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Rescuing hundreds of civilians during the 2019 Nairobi hotel attack
The host recalls the harrowing events of January 15, 2019, in Nairobi, Kenya, where a terrorist attack orchestrated by Al-Shabaab claimed the lives of 19 civilians. British SAS operator, Christian Craighead, bravely intervened, saving countless lives during the crisis. For his remarkable actions on that day, Craighead was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross—a recognition of his heroism and the lives he saved.
Christian Craighead described how he embarked on a one-man hostage rescue mission, a decision shaped by a lifetime of experiences that prepared him for this critical moment. Reflecting on the day of the attack, Craighead recounted how everything fell into place, enabling him to respond to the emergency. After receiving a call from a friend hiding unarmed inside the D2 Hotel complex, Craighead, guided by his training and instinct, chose to head toward the building without any official orders.
Upon arrival, Craighead was met with the chaos of gunfire, explosions, and the dire situation of innocent people caught in the attack. It was the sound of a woman screaming, followed by gunfire, that drove Craighead to enter the building—to him, it signaled the urgent necessity of his intervention.
During the conversation, the host, Shawn Ryan, inquired if Craighead had engaged with anyone upon entering the building, to which Craighead responded with humor, referencing a video that surfaced depicting someone resembling him in action. Craighead humbly deflected the focus on his solitary efforts, emphasizing that it became a collective effort with other remarkable individuals. The crisis concluded the following morning after approximately 18 hours, when all threats were neutralized.
Craighead highlighted the essence of taking action and doing the right thing, without waiting for permission, em ...
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Rescuing hundreds of civilians during the 2019 Nairobi hotel attack
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Clarifications
- Al-Shabaab is a militant Islamist group based in East Africa, primarily operating in Somalia. The group has been responsible for numerous attacks in the region, targeting civilians, government officials, and security forces. Al-Shabaab has affiliations with Al-Qaeda and has been designated as a terrorist organization by various countries and international bodies. Their activities often involve insurgency, terrorism, and guerrilla warfare tactics to achieve their extremist goals.
- The British SAS (Special Air Service) is a renowned special forces unit of the British Army, known for their elite training and expertise in counter-terrorism, reconnaissance, and direct action missions. SAS operators are highly skilled soldiers who undergo rigorous training to handle high-risk operations with precision and efficiency. They are often deployed in covert missions behind enemy lines and are recognized for their bravery and exceptional combat abilities. The SAS has a long history dating back to World War II, where they conducted daring operations in various theaters of war, earning a reputation for their courage and effectiveness.
- The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC) is a prestigious military decoration in the British Armed Forces, awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry during active operations against the enemy. It was established in 1993 to recognize bravery without regard to rank, replacing previous gallantry awards like the Distinguished Condu ...
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Conflicting responses and recognition from the UK authorities
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Writing a children's book titled "The Wrong Wolf" with strong moral messages
Christian Craighead emerges as an unexpected children's book author with "The Wrong Wolf," a tale that imparts significant moral teachings to its young audience.
Shawn Ryan lauds "The Wrong Wolf," recognizing it not merely as a story but as a reflection of Craighead's core values. It amplifies themes of standing up for beliefs and defending those who cannot fend for themselves, delving deep into the essence of integrity and courage.
Unexpectedly propelled into the realm of children's literature, it was during a gym session and a podcast that sparked Craighead's imagination. Upon hearing a conversation on 'sheepdogs' and 'wolves,' he envisions a nuanced narrative where the proverbial wolf could be the hero, shifting from a potential path of destruction to one of protection and righteousness.
This vivid daydream swiftly moved from mere thoughts to a tangible project—within a day, Craighead had conjured up the entire visual journey of the book. Joining forces with artist Matt Klein, who brought prior experience in children's publishing, the artwork for "The Wrong Wolf" came to life, mirroring Craighead's initial vision every step of the way.
Craighead's book threads elements from disparate patches of his life—from his service in the military to his experience in Kenya, and even shadows of his childhood. Despite its autobiographical echoes, the book's soul resides in its universality, with scenarios that resonate across a spectrum of readers.
"The Wrong Wolf" follows a lone wolf who feels out of place and desperately tries to integrate into a different tribe. Throughout the narrative, the wolf encounters challenges that test his resolve, depicting a journey of self-proving through acts of ...
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Writing a children's book titled "The Wrong Wolf" with strong moral messages
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Clarifications
- The transition of the wolf from a potential path of destruction to one of protection and righteousness symbolizes a shift in behavior from harmful or negative actions to positive and morally upright behavior. This transformation highlights the wolf's journey towards embracing virtues like courage, integrity, and defending the vulnerable. It showcases a narrative arc where the wolf evolves from a potentially harmful character to one who chooses to stand up for what is right and protect others. This change in the wolf's behavior reflects a deeper message about personal growth, redemption, and the power of choosing a noble path.
- The autobiographical echoes in the book suggest that the author drew inspiration from personal experiences, such as military service, time in Kenya, and childhood memories. These personal elements are subtly woven into the narrative but are presented in a way that resonates with a broad audience. This blending of personal history with universal themes adds depth and authenticity to the storytelling.
- Noble actions going unrecognized initially but eventually earning merit means that even if good deeds are not acknowledged or appreciated immediately, their val ...
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Reflecting on Purpose, Faith, Leadership, and Doing the Right Thing
Throughout their in-depth conversation, Christian Craighead and Shawn Ryan delve into profound subjects, including purpose and faith, highlighting the intrinsic value of leadership and the moral compulsion to do what's right.
Christian Craighead begins by presenting Shawn Ryan with a Bible, which sets the tone for a later discussion on faith. They exchange gifts with religious significance, with Ryan giving Craighead a rosary for protection. This exchange underscores the foundational role of faith in their lives, particularly in the face of challenges back in the UK.
Craighead is introspective about his life's purpose, pondering whether he has completed his "rounds" and fulfilled his role. Reflecting on his upbringing, he recalls learning from an early age to not tolerate bullies, to stand up for the defenseless, and to always strive to do the right thing. These lessons have shaped his approach to life, driving him to react against threats or injustices with a calculated response rather than a temper-driven one.
The lessons of his youth still resonate with him; Craighead espouses the timeless advice of not allowing others to push you around and the importance of standing up for oneself and others. These principles, instilled in him from childhood, have greatly influenced his actions throughout his life.
Craighead also emphasizes the significance of the purpose he found in the army cadets, particularly during solitary times, such as after the passing of his grandmother. The core values taught by his grandmother—respectfulness and politeness—remain the pillars of his character development, influencing his behavior even in simple societal interactions like offering seats to those in need. These teachings are reflective of the broader values of leadership and doing what is considered right.
During the conversation, the importance of resolving conflicts, especially with loved ones, is highlighted due to the finality of each encounter. Craighead attributes much of who he is to his grandmother, acknowledging that she played a vital role in shaping his character and is a daily remembrance in his life.
As Craighead grapples with his post-military life after 28 years of service, he admits to struggling with loneliness and an earnest search for purpose. Although uncertain about his future, both he and Ryan discuss the idea that Craighead's life's purpose may emanate from his heart and be guided by his experiences and character as a leader.
On the matter of his faith, Craighead shares a personal experience of feeling close to God after a combat situation, describing it as a moment of heightened focus and cleanliness, akin to a spa day. He reminisces about the profound sense of achievement following a successful mission in combat and relates it to a spiritual encounter with God during critical moments of his life.
Craighead recounts an intriguing en ...
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Reflecting on Purpose, Faith, Leadership, and Doing the Right Thing
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Clarifications
- The exchange of religious gifts between Christian Craighead and Shawn Ryan symbolizes the importance of faith in their lives and the mutual respect they share for each other's beliefs. It underscores a gesture of support and protection, reflecting a deep connection and understanding between the two individuals. The act of exchanging these gifts serves as a tangible representation of their shared values and the role that faith plays in guiding their actions and decisions. This exchange highlights the spiritual bond and camaraderie that exists between Craighead and Ryan, emphasizing the significance of faith in shaping their perspectives and interactions.
- Craighead's interpretation of encountering an angel or divine messenger during the Nairobi hotel attack reflects his belief in the presence of spiritual beings in moments of crisis. This interpretation suggests that he views the encounter as more than a mere coincidence, attributing deeper significance to the event. It underscores his faith and the idea that certain events may hold symbolic or divine meaning beyond their surface appearance. Craighead's perspective on this encounter highlights his spiritual sensitivity and openness to interpreting life events through a lens of faith and purpose.
- The Officer Academy Sandhurst is a prestigious military training institution in the United Kingdom. It is renowned for developing leadership skills and preparing individuals for command roles in the British Army. Graduates of Sandhurst often go on to hold significant leadership positions within the military, where they apply the principles and values instilled during their training at the academy. Sandhurst's rigorous programs focus on honing decision-making abilities, fostering resilience, and cultivating the ...
Counterarguments
- Faith as a foundational role is subjective and may not apply to everyone, as individuals derive strength and guidance from a variety of sources, including secular philosophies or other religions.
- The idea of not tolerating bullies and standing up for the defenseless, while noble, can sometimes lead to confrontational approaches that may not always be the most effective or safe way to handle such situations.
- The influence of childhood lessons on adult behavior is significant, but people also continue to grow and change throughout their lives, influenced by a wide range of experiences beyond their upbringing.
- The notion that one's purpose is found through specific activities, such as military service, may not resonate with everyone, as people find purpose in diverse ways and through various means.
- The values of respectfulness and politeness are important, but they are not the only values that can shape character, and different cultures may prioritize different values.
- The emphasis on resolving conflicts due to the finality of each encounter might overlook the complexity of some relationships where resolution may not be possible or healthy.
- The idea that negative events guide individuals toward a significant point can be comforting, but it may also oversimplify the random and often chaotic nature of life's challeng ...
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1-Page Summary- Childhood and upbringing in the UK army system
- Rescuing hundreds of civilians during the 2019 Nairobi hotel attack
- Conflicting responses and recognition from the UK authorities
- Writing a children's book titled "The Wrong Wolf" with strong moral messages
- Reflecting on Purpose, Faith, Leadership, and Doing the Right Thing
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