About this episode

Mark Wales, a former SAS soldier, shares his experiences in combat and discusses the complexities of military life and the Afghanistan conflict.

Mark Wales is a former SAS soldier who served multiple deployments in Afghanistan, including intense combat operations that tested the limits of human endurance. In this profound conversation, Wales opens up about the psychological realities of combat, the bonds forged between soldiers under fire, and the complex moral terrain of modern warfare. He discusses the transition from military to civilian life, the systemic failures that prolonged the Afghanistan conflict, and his perspective on the controversial Ben Roberts-Smith case. Wales offers unflinching insights into fear management, the brotherhood of arms, and what ANZAC Day truly means to those who've served. • The psychological impact of combat and managing fear under fire • How military training prepares soldiers for high-stress combat situations • The unique bonds formed between soldiers in the theatre • Chain of command structure and leadership in combat zones • Australia's handling of veteran affairs compared to other nations • The systemic issues that prolonged the Afghanistan conflict • Perspective on the Ben Roberts-Smith case and war crimes prosecutions Join my exclusive Mentored+…

More episodes of Straight Talk with Mark Bouris

• How Did We Get Here? Australia’s Economic Reality Explained by Chris Joye · April 27, 2026 · 1h 16m
• Ben Roberts-Smith Arrest: Law Expert Reveals What’s Really Going On · April 14, 2026 · 1h 3m
• Hamish Blake on What Matters Most in life, Kyle & Jackie O, & working with Andy Lee · April 8, 2026 · 1h 8m
• Bob Katter on Taking Down Prime Ministers, 50 years in politics & Australia Selling Itself Out · March 31, 2026 · 1h 24m
• CIA Whistleblower Speaks Out "This is how the US & Iran war will end" · March 25, 2026 · 1h 6m
• Michael Clarke: Australia’s Most Polarising Cricket Captain on Controversies, Loss & Leadership · March 18, 2026 · 1h 0m

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Straight Talk with Mark Bouris podcast page.