Elite UK Para Sniper Hugh Keir | Surviving the Siege of Musa Qala | Gallantry Award
Release Date: 01/25/2025
Combat Story
The Second Battle of Fallujah — also known as Operation Phantom Fury — was one of the most intense urban combat engagements fought by U.S. forces since Vietnam. In this gripping documentary, real Marines, soldiers, and corpsmen recount the chaos, courage, and sacrifice that defined Fallujah, Iraq, in November 2004. This is not a scripted Hollywood war story. These are the firsthand voices of men who fought house to house, clearing buildings block by block in what became a defining moment of the Iraq War. Through raw interviews and authentic battlefield audio, this film captures the human...
info_outlineCombat Story
This is an invite to watch the Premiere of a Combat Story special episode titled Dauntless Courage focused entirely on combat stories taking place during the Battle of Fallujah II. To join the premiere later today, go to YouTube at and click notify me. The Premiere starts on Nov 8 at 8pm EST / 5pm PST. Ryan and AJ will be in the chat watching the video live with everyone, including other Marines who fought in Fallujah!
info_outlineCombat Story
In this incredible episode, Mark Wales, a former Australian SAS officer, opens up about his military journey. From his initial days in the Australian infantry to transitioning into the elite Special Forces, Mark reflects on his most pivotal experiences, including dangerous combat missions and the mental and physical toll of war. He shares intimate details about his service, his motivation to join Special Forces, and the challenges of losing friends in combat. Mark's story isn't just about the highs of military life; it's also about the realities, the struggles with PTSD, and the transition...
info_outlineCombat Story
Sponsored by Veterans Help Group — supporting veterans navigating VA benefits. In this incredible, unconventional story, Nate reveals how he discovered his life's purpose by taking a radical leap of faith. In 2004, feeling adrift and disturbed by the ongoing genocide in Darfur, Sudan, Nate knew he had to do something. Rejected by countless NGOs due to his lack of a college degree and "special skills," he refused to accept "no" for an answer. With nothing but determination and a bold elevator pitch, he bought a plane ticket to Chad and found a way onto a UN flight to the refugee camps....
info_outlineCombat Story
🎖️ From Marine Sniper to Army Special Operations Veteran | Erick Miyares’ Unbelievable Combat Story 🇺🇸. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Erick Miyares — a retired Special Operations soldier who began his journey in the U.S. Marine Corps and went on to serve in the Army’s 7th Special Forces Group and an Army Special Missions Unit under U.S. SOCOM. Eric takes us deep into the realities of war, from the jungles of Central and South America to the battlefields of Afghanistan and Iraq. He opens up about taking a life, losing brothers, living with...
info_outlineCombat Story
Marine Raider LtCol Ivan Ingraham (USMC, Ret.) takes us deep inside one of the most intense firefights of the Afghanistan War — when his convoy rolled into the Green Zone and an RPG bounced off the hood of his Humvee before exploding behind him. In this unforgettable episode of Combat Story, Ivan shares what it really feels like when all hell breaks loose. From the chaos of a full-blown ambush to the calm, deliberate decisions that saved his Marines’ lives, this story captures the courage, clarity, and leadership forged only through combat. Ivan spent 24 years in the Marine Corps, serving...
info_outlineCombat Story
In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Fugit — former Army attack helicopter pilot, CIA Directorate of Operations officer, and host of Combat Story and Restricted Handling for an inside look at a life spent on the front lines of America’s wars and intelligence operations. Ryan shares raw and insightful stories from his time flying AH-64 Apache helicopters in Afghanistan and from his years conducting global operations with the CIA’s Directorate of Operations. From the intensity of combat to the complexity of modern intelligence work, Ryan reflects on the lessons, challenges, and defining...
info_outlineCombat Story
✈️ A-10 Fighter Pilot Combat Story – Kim “Killer Chick” Campbell In this episode, we sit down with Col. Kim “KC” Campbell (USAF, Ret.), a decorated A-10 Warthog pilot and true combat veteran. Known by her legendary call sign “Killer Chick,” Kim shares her incredible story of surviving a surface-to-air missile strike over Baghdad and pulling off a harrowing emergency landing that few pilots could ever attempt. This is a raw, inspiring deep dive into leadership, resilience, and what it takes to fly and fight in one of the most iconic aircraft in U.S. Air Force history. 🎥...
info_outlineCombat Story
In remembrance of the attacks on September 11th, 2001, we have a special guest on the show, and for the first time in our Combat Story community, we’d like to introduce Darin Kinder — Former Secret Service Agent • 9/11 Survivor. Darin Kinder brings a rare blend of courage, clarity, and conviction from years spent navigating the world’s most high-pressure moments. As a former Secret Service Agent and survivor of the 9/11 attacks, he uses his story to help individuals and leaders live with bold purpose and unwavering resilience. Author of Bury Me in a Dirty Suit: Discovering Man’s...
info_outlineCombat Story
🌍 Welcome to the RH Podcast! In this special preview, host Ryan Fugit sits down with Glenn Corn — a veteran of 34 years in the CIA, State Department, and U.S. Army. Glenn has served as a multi-time Chief of Station and senior intelligence officer, bringing decades of experience from the frontlines of national security and diplomacy. 🚨 Want to get the full episode? This is just the beginning. Catch the rest of the conversation exclusively at 👉 or head to our Don’t miss Glenn and Ryan's full take on geopolitics, foreign policy, and the realities of intelligence work — insights...
info_outlineToday 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.
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.
Check out our Combat Story Newsletter at www.combatstory.com/newsletter
Find Hugh Keir Online:
🔗 Hugh’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/hughkeir
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/hughkeir
📘 Learn more about Hugh: https://charliecharlieone.com/about-h-hour/
Find Ryan Online:
🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:
🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory
🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/
📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory
📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial
📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus
🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes:
00:00 Introduction
00:28 Introduction to Combat Story
00:47 Meet Hugh Heyer: UK Parachute Regiment Sniper
03:43 Growing Up in Wales
09:17 Joining the Military
26:00 Training Challenges and Selection
33:18 Bloody Sunday and Personal Connections
34:46 Marching Season in Ireland
37:34 Experiences in Iraq
42:40 Sniper Training and Promotion
49:20 First Firefight in Afghanistan
58:08 The Siege of Musa Qala
01:07:31 Facing Ammunition Shortages
01:09:35 Enduring Relentless Attacks
01:11:01 Casualties and Morale
01:15:31 Negotiating with the Taliban
01:16:18 The Unexpected Evacuation
01:18:43 Reflecting on the Siege
01:25:57 Gallantry Award and Strike Operations
01:35:28 Starting the H-Hour Podcast
01:38:39 Sentimental Keepsakes and Final Reflections
01:40:42 Conclusion and Podcast Promotion