The Army Bloke

From Sandhurst to Afghanistan: Being a Platoon Commander in War | Sam Perrin

Dan Russell

In this episode, I sit down with Sam Perrin — former Infantry Platoon Commander and later a Special Forces Officer — to break down the reality of leadership, officer training, and operating on the front line.

We cover everything future officers need to understand before AOSB, Sandhurst, or stepping into a platoon for the first time:

🔹 His AOSB experience and early leadership lessons
🔹 What Sandhurst really teaches (and what it doesn’t)
🔹 Life as a new Platoon Commander
🔹 Serving on Op HERRICK 6 – casualties, high-pressure leadership & fighting the Taliban
🔹 How to build trust with your soldiers
🔹 Passing Special Forces Selection
🔹 Sam’s advice to the next generation of Officers & anyone considering SF

If you’re preparing for AOSB, heading to Sandhurst, or simply want to understand what leadership really looks like in the British Army, this is a must-listen.

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