In this riveting episode I welcome Mick Hawkes, a former British 22 SAS operator, to discuss his military experiences and the transition to his current mission of enhancing rural security. This episode offers a deep dive into the complexities of covert operations, the mindset required for high-stakes missions, and actionable advice for improving security in the agricultural sector.

This episode highlights Mick's dedication to leveraging his military expertise to enhance community safety.

"Michael Hawkes QCB," stands for Queen's Commendation for Bravery, an honour he received for his covert operations in Northern Ireland.

This prestigious award was given for his exceptional service during his undercover work. He elaborates on the nature of his work, emphasising the complexities and dangers involved in such missions. Mick reflects on the challenges faced during operations, highlighting the importance of situational awareness and self-protection.

He spoke about his time in Northern Ireland, illustrating the skills he developed that are now applicable to his current work. He notes that during his covert operations, he often had to blend into rural environments, which has given him unique insights into the vulnerabilities of farms and rural properties.

After leaving the military, Mick found himself living on a farm in a posh area, which sparked his interest in the agricultural industry. Initially focused on personal safety and situational awareness training, he soon recognised a significant gap in security culture within the farming community. Farmers are often easy targets for criminals due to a lack of security measures and awareness.

To address this issue, Mick has developed a series of courses aimed at agricultural colleges, focusing on rural situational awareness and farm security. He believes that by teaching young farmers about the tactics used by criminals, they can better protect themselves and their properties.

## Captured in Bosnia: A Lesson in Composure - The Incident

The conversation shifts to a specific incident during Mick's time in Bosnia, where he and a colleague, Billy Billingham, were captured. Mick recounts the experience, noting that while they were detained, they maintained a level of composure that allowed them to gather intelligence on their captors. He describes how Billy, who attempted to communicate in Serbo-Croat, was repeatedly dragged in for questioning, while Mick chose a different tactic for his success.

He shares that this mentality of resilience and calmness in the face of adversity is something he has passed on to his children, who are also in the military.

## Active Shooter Training: Practical Advice ### Run, Hide, Fight

Mick explains their approach to active shooter training, which involves teaching everyone in a company—from the CEO to the janitor—about their options in a crisis. He outlines the three primary responses: run, hide, and fight. While running and hiding are preferable, he stresses that sometimes fighting back is necessary. He cites examples from real-life situations, such as the Bondi Stabbing incident, where individuals who chose to confront the attacker had a better chance of survival.

Mick shares a story about a company in America that sought his advice on security measures. He identified safe havens, where employees could hide during an active shooter situation. By marking these locations with clear signage, he aimed to reduce panic and provide a straightforward solution.

### Military Experiences

We talked about the differences between various special forces units, specifically comparing the SAS to Delta Force. Mick shares his experiences working with Delta - to find out more you’ll have to listen to the end!


You can find Mick at https://www.hawkesandco.uk/

On Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-hawkes-qcb-550351216/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app



And on Insta at https://www.instagram.com/mhawkes40/

I am Damian Porter , Former NZ Special Forces Operator, Subject Matter Expert from www.hownottodieguy.com and www.eatwellmovewell.net

And you are listening to my STRAIGHT TALK MIND AND MUSCLE PODCAST sponsored by www.mystait.com

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