John McAleese is the face that many would associate with the British Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment, who, on the 5th of May 1980, was on the balcony of the Iranian Embassy in London, about to blast open the window. That day was to make the SAS a household word around the world. The SAS rescued 19 hostages in the Iranian Embassy Siege, and their secrecy as a group was blown. The SAS became a name feared by many, terrorists and soldiers alike. And this group of a rare breed of men pioneered many of the techniques that are copied by special units around the world and one of the most admired units by airsoft wannabes.

John, nowadays, is the Training Director of the Tactical Firearms Academy (TFA), a specialist division of Global Tactical Training. Most of the training is done in Germany, which John will explain later on in this article. TFA offers training in shooting techniques and tactics at the highest level with a growing clientele base from the military, PSD, law enforcement, and civilian markets (such as the airsoft market). He was also a co-host of the BBC’s “SAS: Are You Tough Enough” which has shown some of the tough SAS Team selection process.

With his new position as Training Director of TFA, we were able to get in touch with him through our friends at UK Tactical, a famous online tactical gear retailing company here in the United Kingdom. Here’s an excerpt of our chat with The Mac, who to our amazement, is a man of few words:

Popular Airsoft: Hi John. Thank you very much and an honor for us for allowing this interview. Can youtell us what made you join the SAS and for how long your career was?

John McAleese: Basically, it was the only road forward for me. I wanted to try to be one of the best. I spent a little over 16 years with the Regiment.

Would you consider the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege as the highlight of your career in the SAS? Whatabout the men who were part of the assault group?

As a personal highlight, no, as I did other things which I can not talk about. For the regiment, yes it was, as this (incident) brought all the guys into the public domain.

Previous to being the Training Director of TFA, what else were you into?

Since leaving the Forces, all my work has been involved around security—whether on the training side or as part of a team ensuring client/s safety worldwide.

I read an article about you with the Stirling Airsoft Services, how did you get involve in airsoft?

I was contacted by a mate who was helping out some lads on a weekend. He asked me to come along to help.

How do you compare airsoft with the real world of law enforcement / counter terrorism, aside fromthe obvious you-can-get-killed-with-the-real-thing thing?

There is no comparison. Airsoft can be a good training aid for moving onto the weapon side of security, but that’s it. Unfortunately, there is no substitute for live fire.

Do you see airsoft becoming a training method for military and law enforcement?

As I have said before, airsoft can be used as a training aid, as part of an ongoing training regime. But never confuse it with proper professional training. If you are thinking of going into the high risk security business, please seek professional assistance as taught by TFA.

Do you think airsoft is a good place to start for those who want to be trained in real steel use andtactics?

No. Do not let guys think you can just go along to a weekend or two, and then become skilled in the ways of a soldier. There is a massive difference, as some have found out to their cost.

Can you explain to us more about TFA?

TFA in a nutshell is a training company for people who wish to enhance skills already learned, or to acquire some skills they will nee in their chosen profession, namely, the high-risk security field. TFA conducts most of its training in Germany, why in another country rather than in the UK? TFA can carry out training anywhere in the world if need be. The reason Germany is used at the moment is basically because it is relatively close and has very good facilities all around.

How can our readers get in touch with you in order to avail of TFA’s services?

Contact can be made by anyone through the TFA Website, www.tactical-firearms-academy.co.uk.

Any message you would like to give our readers?

Yeah. Airsoft as a pastime or hobby can be a great way of meeting new friends and enjoying yourselves. But do remember the safety rules.