Hi all, been off for a while doing a Close Protection officers course in Cape town ( beautiful but dangerous place).   This week I hang up my green beret and combat boots after 22 years in the Royal marines....what a strange feeling, its like leaving your family...   ....but as they say all things must change and evolve......     .....Its been a great life to have seen so much of the world and done so much 3 wars, 6 or 7 Irelands and god knows how many exercises in so many different countries.....   I've seen so much good and bad in this world, but just as you think god has abandoned us a random act of kindness in the most bizarre of places renews your faith in humanity and it comes in all shapes and forms......   .....but it has always been a privilage to serve my country and to walk and sometimes carry and be carried by my brothers.   ......It is always and will always be my privilage to have known and to have served with real heroes (RIP lads see you in the final RV)   Well waiting now for my SIA license and then we'll see what replies I get, maybe back to the sand box or in a suit well see what the Close Protection World has in store for me and maybe be away in a week or so.   Just want to say have a good Christmas and happy newyear if I don't get a chance to talk to anyone have a good one and all   John                                                                                                                                                                               

Same to you john best of luck with the new caree,r have a great xmas and new year yourself hope to see you at a meet soon john                                                                                                                                                                              

Best of luck hun, you are a great guy and we will miss you!!! Just make sure you come back safe and sound. xxxxxx                                                                                                                                                                              

Grab the opportunities as they come :> A new life and new fun to be found. It might not be easy but good luck and don't look back                                                                                                                                                                              

Congrats John ....sure we will see you round at the odd rally tho ..... Or should I say thats an order lol                                                                                                                                                                               

All the best to you in your new career, and a BIG THANKYOU for the service you have given the country, without our forces where would we be now.                                                                                                                                                                               

Can't give enough respect to the RMs', probably the best "Elite" fighting force in the world.                                                                                                                                                                               

All the best to you in your new career John and have a great Christmas and new year                                                                                                                                                                              

I know our lives wouldnt be like they are if it wasn't for our Forces, my respect goes out to you and your ex-colleagues, thanks for keeping us safe... as for you personally, best of luck with your new life, new career, and future and wish you the very best of luck, because nice peeps like you deserve the very best,   love Nut xxx                                                                                                                                                                             

Hi there 'pinger' can't believe it's here for you already!!!! There must be a raft of emotions raising their heads for you.  I wish you all the luck in the world with this next chapter in your intersting life.   Stay safe and most importantly enjoy yourself lovie.  Hope we manage a rematch of the pinging kind one day   massive big  Katie xx                                                                                                                                                                             

Cheers guys n gals your best wishes for the future are most appreciated and returned to you all also                                                                                                                                                                             

All the very best utmost respect from me                                                                                                                                                                              

best of luck john. huge change leaving the forces.                                                                                                                                                                              

All the very best John. Keep in touch wherever you may be. I know its difficult and a bit frightening leaving the forces family but you've a whole new exciting future ahead, and i hope its everything you want it to be. See you at some rallies next year, thats an order! DC x                                                                                                                                                                             

Don't worry about that DC I won't give up biking even if I'm in suit looking after a businessman or other, the cut off denim will be in my kit bag waiting for a chance even if its a hire bike lol......... 4 wheels is getting there in the traffic rush.....2 wheels is just in the blood.....and staying, you'll be seeing me at the rallys lol

as a former Pads Brat I know what you mean John & knowing you the way I do I am sure that you will adapt no matter what you do ... 

 its scary starting a new career no matter what it is ... especially at your age 

***runs away quickly & hides***                                                                                                                                                                              

aaawwwwch, pull the claws out slowly lol                                                                                                                                                                             

best of luck johnny am sure youre the kind of person that will get on and find a way     recon you could get along in in any walk of life                                                                                                                                                                             

Hi again all,

I'd like to thank you all for the words of support and all the PM's. Seriously guys no thanks for my service is required, it has been fun and a privilege to serve the country, it's good to see so many people proud of their armed forces and the country so thankyou to you all for being the backbone for us in the forces makes it all worth while and any sacrifice easier knowing there are still decent and proud people behind us at home. So cheers to you all

Jb soon to be Mr Jb lol

Good luck john,hope all goes well for you, Alex