Kriss Akabusi shares his journey from an army signaller to a British Olympic athlete. He joined the army as a data telephonist and embraced the cutting-edge technology of the time. Initially stationed in Germany with the 22 Signals, he found the transition from a care home to military life smoother than expected. Despite his dedication to the Signals, Kriss's talent on the track led him to the Army Physical Training Corps in 1982. He emphasises the influence of role models in the army and candidly discusses his lack of understanding about the army's function, particularly in light of the Falklands Conflict. His decision to leave the army turned him into a key figure in UK sports. He won medals for Great Britain from 1983 – 1992, and still holds the British record over 400m hurdles at 47.82 seconds. Kriss reflects on the significance of joining the army and openly shares his thoughts on young British soldiers in current conflicts. His story is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of military service.

Bob Gill shares his remarkable journey of military service, starting with his commission into the Manchester Regiment in 1945, before later transferring to the Royal Ulster Rifles. His service took him from post-war Europe and the Berlin Airlift to the frontlines of the Korean War in 1950, where his experiences would leave an indelible mark. During the Korean War, Bob took part in critical campaigns, including the Third Battle of Seoul. Reflecting on the conflict, he believes the losses could have been significantly reduced if not for a complacent British attitude toward the severity of the situation. He vividly recounts the harrowing retreat from 'Happy Valley,' where his unit faced overwhelming Chinese forces. Amid the chaos, his jeep broke down, and he narrowly escaped by seeking refuge in a tank. Bob also worked closely with Korean porters, forging strong relationships as they navigated the rugged terrain to transport essential equipment. Throughout his time in Korea, Bob observed evident rivalries and differences in combat tactics between the British and American forces. After returning home from Korea, Bob's military service left a lasting impact on him, shaped by his personal sacrifices, the camaraderie he shared with his fellow soldiers, as well as his firsthand experiences of the brutal realities of war. He also reflects on how the horrors of conflict persist in the world today, serving as a stark reminder of the enduring cost of war.

By the age of 14, Esther Hayes was approaching Grade 8 standard on the flute and piano. Three years in the band of the TA led her to pursue a full-time military musician career, and after completing basic training at ATR Winchester she spent her first year at Kneller Hall. Esther shares memories from her subsequent assignment to the Band of the Royal Corps of Signals, followed by a return to Kneller Hall for three more gruelling years of hard work to become a bandmaster. She went on to make history as the first female bandmaster of the Paras, and she talks about her experience of what was then a heavily male-dominated environment. After several years with the Paras, Esther returned to Kneller Hall, spending a couple of years in post as a Training Design Warrant Officer before joining the Household Cavalry and further developing her skills by learning to ride a horse whilst playing the flute. She goes on to talk about an operational role in Afghanistan, a stint in the Band of the Queen’s Division, and another return to Kneller Hall, this time to facilitate the training of the student bandmasters joining the ranks: a full-circle moment, but by no means the end of her incredible career.