Bobby Abedeen

Age: 29

Occupation: IT consultant, specialising in telecoms

What made you join the Legion?
I had a bad car crash some time before deciding to join. I wrote off a Merc and nearly died. It made me reappraise my life and the world of work I inhabit. Coupled with that, I had always wanted to do military stuff as a youngster and the programme fitted in with my new world view as an adventurer.

What was good about the experience?
It was a great test of one’s ego. It made me realise that I’m confident and comfortable in my own shell. Here in the West so many people yearn for celebrity. In the Middle East, I think people are more comfortable with their place in the social order – to succeed in this challenge you had to let your ego take a back seat.

What was bad about the experience?
When people started leaving it got very lonely. It was a shock, and felt very ominous, when one or two people left so soon.

What did you learn from the experience?
I learnt a lot about myself. The desert is empty, melancholy and desolate and you have to look inwards. This was a maturing experience and made me realise that I’m a strong human being.

Any regrets?
No.

What would you do differently?
Nothing.

What do you think of the Legion's approach to team-building?
I think we built our own team. Bear helped us to do so – he’s a clever guy and gauged the situation very well.

Any advice for anyone thinking of joining the Legion?
Consider what you’re doing very seriously. It might make you, but equally it might break you and it could be very damaging.

Did you get a sense of achievement from taking part and has it lasted?
Yes, and it’s endured. I now know more powerfully what I’d always sensed – that I’m a strong individual.

Dean Gardner >