From Commando raids to Caribbean sails, cliff faces to corporate mindset shifts—Jim Oakley’s career has been anything but ordinary.

With 23 years in the Royal Marines, Jim didn’t just survive elite military life—he thrived. But what happens when the green lid comes off? For Jim, it meant replacing combat zones with climbing ropes, swapping battle briefs for leadership expeditions, and turning “adventure” into his full-time business.

In this episode, Jim gets brutally honest about:

• Life inside the Royal Marines (and what civvies always get wrong)
• The adrenaline-fuelled transition from military to adventure instructing
• Why pushing people past their comfort zone is the key to growth
• What climbing, diving, and ropes courses teach you about yourself
• Advice for veterans feeling stuck, burnt out, or a bit too “comfortable”

💀 This isn’t a man who settled for a desk job. Jim lives life like it’s a training exercise—with purpose, energy, and more than a few rope burns.

The Takeaways

• Jim's sense of adventure began in his youth, influenced by his mother.
• Joining the Royal Marines was a pivotal decision for Jim, sparked by the Falklands War.
• Leadership in the Marines taught Jim the importance of leading by example.
• Jim organized various adventure training activities to motivate recruits.
• Transitioning to civilian life required careful planning and acquiring new qualifications.
• Adventure training provides valuable life skills and experiences for participants.
• Jim's freelance work in outdoor activities allowed him to maintain independence.
• Staying active is crucial for longevity and overall well-being.
• Motivation can be challenging, but simple exercises can make a difference.
• Jim encourages others to explore adventure training opportunities. Motion is a lotion; staying active is crucial.
• It's easy to fall out of shape if you don't keep moving.
• Reflecting on good times can help during tough moments.
• Cadet training provides valuable insights into military life.
• Planning ahead can lead to better travel experiences.
• Living simply can reduce financial burdens.
• Engaging in team sports can prepare you for military life.
• Always look for opportunities to grow and learn.
• Traveling can enrich your life and broaden your perspective.
• Life is not a dress rehearsal; make the most of it.

Sound Bites

• "I can't get out of bed. I'm stuck."
• "You just got to keep going."
• "Motion is a lotion."
• "It's only eight weeks of your life."
• "There's always good times at the end of it."
• "Just go to the recruiting office."
• "This is only the time you're on the planet."
• "Just plan it."
• "Sweden has 274,000 islands."

Check out Jim's adventures:

Jim Oakley Adventures

Don't forget to get your Great Guns Kit at www.great-guns.com

#GiveItBeans #KeepMoving #GoGreatGuns #GreatGunsPodcast

#VeteranStories #LifeAfterService #ResilienceUnfiltered #RoyalMarines

#Adventures #JimOakleyAdventures #AdventureTraining