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Steven Kelly: From Military Commando to Survival Expert and Media Personality

In Public figure, Uncategorized
April 07, 2025

Introduction

Steven Kelly, a British Army veteran with over two decades of service in the elite 29 Commando Regiment, has seamlessly transitioned from military life to becoming a renowned survival expert and media personality. His extensive experience in some of the world’s most challenging environments has not only honed his survival skills but also positioned him as a sought-after instructor and television figure.​Snapchat+6Steven Kelly | South West Survival+6South West Survival+6


Military Career and Survival Expertise

Kelly’s military journey spans 22 years in the British Army’s 29 Commando Regiment, a unit known for its rigorous selection process and demanding operations. Throughout his service, he operated in diverse and harsh terrains, including the deserts of Afghanistan, the Arctic Circle’s snowfields, and dense jungles. These experiences equipped him with unparalleled survival skills, ranging from navigation using celestial bodies to enduring extreme weather conditions. ​South West SurvivalDure Magazine


Transition to Television and Media

Leveraging his military-honed skills, Kelly ventured into the realm of reality television to showcase real-world survival scenarios. He gained prominence through appearances on shows like Naked and Afraid and Naked Alone and Racing to Get Home. In these programs, participants are stripped of modern conveniences and must rely solely on their survival instincts. Kelly’s adeptness at sourcing food and water, building shelters, and navigating treacherous terrains under pressure captivated audiences and highlighted his exceptional capabilities. ​South West Survival+1Steven Kelly | South West Survival+1Steven Kelly | South West Survival+2Steven Kelly | South West Survival+2South West Survival+2


Founding of South West Survival

Post-military life saw Kelly channeling his passion for survival into founding South West Survival, a UK-based bushcraft and survival training company. Through this venture, he imparts essential survival skills to a broad audience, including outdoor enthusiasts, corporate teams, and individuals keen on self-reliance. The courses cover a spectrum of topics, such as fire-starting techniques, shelter construction, water purification methods, and foraging for edible plants. Kelly emphasizes not just the technical aspects but also the psychological resilience required to thrive in the wild. ​South West Survival+3Mid-day+3Steven Kelly | South West Survival+3Steven Kelly | South West Survival


Advocacy for Bushcraft Education in Youth

Recognizing the multifaceted benefits of bushcraft education, Kelly advocates for introducing survival skills to children and adolescents. He believes that such training fosters social skills, problem-solving abilities, confidence, and physical fitness. By engaging young individuals in hands-on outdoor activities, they develop a deeper connection with nature and acquire life skills that extend beyond the wilderness. ​South West Survival+6Mid-day+6Steven Kelly | South West Survival+6


Conclusion

Steven Kelly’s evolution from a dedicated military serviceman to a prominent survival instructor and media figure underscores his commitment to sharing invaluable knowledge. Through television appearances and the establishment of South West Survival, he continues to inspire and educate individuals on the art and science of survival, emphasizing adaptability, resilience, and respect for nature.​