Kurt Finch

Age: 37

Occupation: Runs an outdoor laser combat business

What made you join the Legion?
I’d spent my last 10 years in business, working my way up the corporate ladder and doing an MBA. I needed to get out and the idea of joining the Legion was a romantic one. I told my wife I had to do it and fortunately she supported me.

What was good about the experience?
It reconnected me with my love of adventure. It also got me out of the rut of having to have a job and work for someone else. Since taking part I’ve set up my own business and I’m loving it.

What was bad about the experience?
I’d have liked the training to be more tactically focused. I also felt that some of the recruits were playing up to the cameras.

What did you learn from the experience?
It made me realise what I really want to do with my life – work in the outdoors, and for myself.

Any regrets?
A lot. I wish I’d been truer to myself. I held back from criticising some of the recruits – in a real life army situation I would have made sure the slackers were treated more harshly.

What would you do differently?
I’d do my own thing more – once or twice I listened to others and held back for tactical reasons.

What do you think of the Legion's approach to team-building?
Some of the training wasn’t well thought through. There were some stupid mistakes like marching us in brand new boots that hadn’t been broken in. It caused unnecessary blistering and pain.

Any advice for anyone thinking of joining the Legion?
Don’t do it! I have an extensive military background but couldn’t have coped for five years in the legion.

Did you get a sense of achievement from taking part and has it lasted?
Yes – it’s had a major effect on my life. I look back on this experience as a real turning point in my life.

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