18: Tom Merriman: Royal Marine PTI, Commando Mindset & Surviving Combat | Combat Fuel Podcast

In this episode of the Combat Fuel Podcast, we sit down with **Tom Merriman** — a **Royal Marine Physical Training Instructor (PTI)**, husband, father of three, and known by many as **The Wando PTI**. Tom shares his experiences serving in the **Royal Marines**, from growing up in Stockport to earning the coveted Green Beret and becoming a Physical Training Instructor. He reflects on the mindset, discipline, and resilience required to train Royal Marines, while also opening up about the realities of operational deployments, leadership, and moments that nearly cost him his life. We explore military culture, physical performance, and what it takes to lead by example in one of the world's most respected fighting forces. Tom also discusses balancing military life with family, the responsibility of developing others, and the lessons that have shaped him both in uniform and at home. In this episode, we cover: - Growing up in Stockport - Joining the **Royal Marines** - Earning the Green Beret - Becoming a **Royal Marine PTI** - Leadership and developing Royal Marines - Operational deployments and surviving combat - Physical training and mental resilience - Balancing military service with family life - Lessons from leadership and adversity - Identity, purpose, and life in the Corps This episode is for anyone interested in **Royal Marines, Commando training, military leadership, physical performance, resilience, and elite mindset**. Guest: **Tom Merriman** Royal Marine PTI | The Wando PTI Instagram: Website: Follow & Support Combat Fuel: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/combatfuel/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/combatfuel Website:  https://www.combatfuel.co.uk Production: This podcast is produced by **TCM.visuals** Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/tcm.visual/ Website:  https://www.thecapturedmoments.co.uk Business & Media Enquiries: hello@combatfuel.co.uk Disclaimer: This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice. Remember to: Like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share this episode to help amplify honest conversations around military service, leadership, resilience, and life in the Royal Marines. # 🎬 YouTube Chapters ``` 00:00 Introduction & Who is Tom Merriman 01:00 Growing Up in Stockport 05:30 Why He Joined the Royal Marines 11:00 Earning the Green Beret 17:00 Becoming a Royal Marine PTI 24:00 Physical Training & Elite Standards 31:00 Operational Deployments & Combat Experiences 39:00 The Incident That Nearly Cost His Life 47:00 Leadership, Discipline & Responsibility 55:00 Family Life in the Military 1:03:00 Building Mental Resilience 1:11:00 Training the Next Generation of Royal Marines 1:20:00 Lessons From Military Service 1:29:00 Final Reflections & Advice ``` Suggested Hashtags #TomMerriman  #CombatFuelPodcast  #RoyalMarines  #RoyalMarinePTI  #Commando  #MilitaryMindset  #Leadership  #MentalResilience  #PhysicalTraining  #GreenBeret