Phil Campion
Phil Campion is a British former soldier, author, television personality, and security consultant. He is best known for his service in the Special Air Service (SAS), his work in private military contracting, and his bestselling memoir Born Fearless. Campion has appeared in documentaries, podcasts, and public speaking events discussing military leadership, resilience, and modern conflict.
Early life
Campion was born in the United Kingdom and spent much of his childhood in the foster care system, later describing his upbringing as turbulent and formative. Leaving school at 16 with no qualifications, he entered a Youth Training Scheme before pursuing his ambition to join the British Army.
Military career
British Army
Campion enlisted in the Royal Hampshire Regiment and later passed both the Royal Marines Commando Course and the Parachute Regiment’s P Company selection, earning the green beret and maroon beret respectively.
Special Air Service
Campion successfully completed selection for the 22nd Special Air Service Regiment (22 SAS), becoming one of the few soldiers to have passed both Commando and Parachute Regiment selection prior to joining the SAS. He served in multiple conflict zones worldwide and participated in operations across the Middle East, Africa, and the Balkans.
Campion left the British Army in his early thirties with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Operation Barras
In 2000, Campion took part in Operation Barras, the British Special Forces mission to rescue members of the Royal Irish Regiment who had been taken hostage by the West Side Boys militia during the Sierra Leone Civil War. Campion has discussed the operation publicly in interviews and documentaries, describing the planning, coordination, and execution of the assault carried out jointly by the Special Air Service and the Parachute Regiment.
Campion's participation in the operation has since been featured in documentary reconstructions, including the series Special Forces: Most Daring Missions, in which actors portray his actions during the assault.
Private military contracting
After leaving the SAS, Campion worked extensively in the private military sector, operating in high‑risk environments and providing security services for commercial and governmental clients.
Writing career
Campion's first book, Born Fearless: From SAS to Mercenary to Pirate Hunter – My Life as a Shadow Warrior was published in 2011 by Quercus. He has since written additional works on leadership and resilience, including contributions to the SAS Who Dares Wins brand.
Media appearances
Campion has appeared on television, radio, and online media discussing military life, mental resilience, and modern security challenges. Notable appearances include:
Eventful Lives Podcast, discussing SAS selection, Somali pirates, and high‑risk missions.
Champions Speakers Interview, covering leadership, stress management, and his military career.
Public speaking
Campion is a sought‑after motivational speaker, delivering talks on leadership, teamwork, mental toughness, and overcoming adversity.
Personal life
Campion lives in Southampton with his partner and children.