Elite UK Para Sniper Hugh Keir | Surviving the Siege of Musa Qala | Gallantry Award

About This Episode
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.
Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter
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.
Gallantry Award
Chapters
- 00:00Introduction
- 00:28Introduction to Combat Story
- 00:47Meet Hugh Heyer: UK Parachute Regiment Sniper
- 03:43Growing Up in Wales
- 09:17Joining the Military
- 26:00Training Challenges and Selection
- 33:18Bloody Sunday and Personal Connections
- 34:46Marching Season in Ireland
- 37:34Experiences in Iraq
- 42:40Sniper Training and Promotion
- 49:20First Firefight in Afghanistan
- 58:08The Siege of Musa Qala
- 01:07:31Facing Ammunition Shortages
- 01:09:35Enduring Relentless Attacks
- 01:11:01Casualties and Morale
- 01:15:31Negotiating with the Taliban
- 01:16:18The Unexpected Evacuation
- 01:18:43Reflecting on the Siege
- 01:25:57Gallantry Award and Strike Operations
- 01:35:28Starting the H-Hour Podcast
- 01:38:39Sentimental Keepsakes and Final Reflections
- 01:40:42Conclusion and Podcast Promotion


