Gareth Collett’s career path was profoundly influenced by the IRA bombings in Hyde Park and Regent’s Park on July 20, 1982, which resulted in the loss of 11 military personnel and seven horses. The shocking incident spurred a 16-year-old Gareth to pursue a future in bomb disposal, driven by his disbelief at the senseless violence and a desire to assist in such situations.
Over the course of 34 years, Brigadier Collett, now 59, has undertaken missions in various conflict zones, including Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo. His experiences have led to the defusing of 75,000 explosive devices, saving countless lives but also resulting in him suffering from PTSD.
In reflecting on his journey, Gareth, a retired Brigadier, has penned a fictional book titled “Blasted Religion,” drawing from his own experiences as a bomb disposal expert. The writing process served as a therapeutic outlet for him. He aspires to document his life story in the future, pending clearance under the Official Secrets Act.
Having hailed from a military lineage, with both grandfathers and his father serving in past wars, Gareth always harbored a desire to join the Army. However, his focus on bomb disposal stemmed from a personal commitment to saving lives rather than taking them.
His specialized training in ordnance at the Army School of Ammunition equipped him with the skills needed for bomb disposal operations, emphasizing the importance of meticulous assessment and decision-making to render explosive devices safe.
While the fictional portrayal of bomb disposal on television differs from the actual risks faced in the field, Gareth underscores the complexities and challenges involved. He highlights the unnerving reality of facing deadly devices alone during real missions, emphasizing the critical role of training and focus in ensuring safety.
Gareth’s experiences in various conflict zones, particularly in Iraq, presented unique challenges due to the unpredictable nature of the threats faced. His expertise in bomb disposal extended to leading multinational teams and conducting forensic investigations to trace the origins of terrorism financing.
Despite his accolades and contributions to national security, Gareth’s journey has not been without personal struggles. Battling PTSD and grappling with the loss of colleagues, he eventually found solace and support through mental health services tailored for veterans.
Now serving as an Executive Director at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Gareth imparts his knowledge in explosives to future professionals, emphasizing safety and research in the field. His research into the correlation between exposure to explosives and bladder cancer has shed light on health risks faced by bomb disposal personnel.
As Gareth continues to advocate for the welfare of veterans and research into related health issues, his dedication to his craft and commitment to public safety remain unwavering.