Page 94 - Light Dragoons 2022 CREST

The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
For those who have known me for a while, you will know that it has been regularly joked that I am destined for fame
and my signature will be worth millions. Well lads, it turns out in the summer of 2021 got my first taste of stardom.
The BBC first contacted the Army Foundation College, Harrogate, at the end of 2020. Blue Peter was planning on run- ning an armed forces special. The present- ers were to be set various challenges, one of which was to see if the presenters keep up with a junior soldier. The army media along with the top corridor held a meeting early January. One of those present was my platoon commander. He was from the PT corps and was tasked with the risk assess- ments for that period. At the end of the meeting the question was asked “We need someone to present the show. Any idea who?” to which my platoon commander replied, “I know just the man.” Or so the story goes. He did however completely for- get to inform me that any of this took place and soon moved on. The government then enforced lockdown 3.0 and the project was shelved.
Once the country opened up again in the early summer, I received an email titled “Op Blue Peter.” At first, I thought it was some sort of command task set up by AFC(H). I didn’t even know that Blue Peter was still on TV! In the email it gave me instruction to administrate a 3-day pro- gram. At no point did it state I was going to be on TV. The program was due to start in a week’s time.
When the time came, I met the army media guys at the guard room who then introduced me to a producer, wearing a Blue Peter badge. That’s when I realised they were here to film an episode for TV. I thought, ok I will just stand around behind the camera. Then the producer said,
“Would mind standing in front of that sign and introducing me to the camp?”
“Ok, Hi I’m Sgt Tynan welcome to the Army Foundation College, Harrogate.”
“That was great!” he said.
Blue Peter
Before I knew what was going on, I had the audio guy with his hand up my shirt fit- ting me with a microphone, four cameras surrounding me and a lighting girl wafting a light shield in my face! I thought, well a cameo appearance never hurt anybody. The producer then handed me a booklet. In true, diplomatic Tynan fashion I looked at him and said,
“What’s this?”
“It’s your script, Here’s your next line.”
I burst out laughing. “I haven’t got time to learn that mate.” While handing him the script back. “Just show me where to stand.”
“But what are you going to say?”
“I don’t know yet, but I’ll think of some- thing.” I replied.
After filming the first few scenes, the pro- ducer gave me the nickname “One Take Tynan” because the presenters kept forget- ting their lines and then had to re-shoot their scenes. As I never learnt mine and flaming cuffed it all, I did everything in one shoot!
The second and third day of filming was in the field on exercise. I spent most of this time in more of a producer role. Researching the best areas for filming, thinking of the most interesting lessons for TV and putting names to task.
During day one, a member of the crew staged the theft of Mwasky’s helmet (The female presenter). The producer came to me and told me he had it, and he arranged for Mwasky to report the loss to me. He said, “make sure you really give her it.”
I said, “Mate you need to understand what you’re asking me to do here.”
“Don’t worry. They’re just presenters - they aren’t superstars. Just make sure the cameras are with you.”
Ok I thought. You asked for it.
For the next hour or so I literally had a camera circling me everywhere I walked. I imagine that’s what it’s like to be famous and walking around in Los Angeles. Anticipating a tap on the shoulder at any moment. As soon as it came, I went full throttle on her. Finger pointing and screaming in her face. After a few minutes of the bollocking the army media officer jumped in claiming that was enough. I quickly apologised and asked her if she believed it was real? “Oh my god yes. If the cameras weren’t here, I would have run!!” Needless to say, the bollocking never made the final cut of a children’s television show.
I introduced the presenters to rations. I told the presenters if they were going to come on exercise with us they were going to do it properly. I banned them from the support van with all the crisps and sandwiches. I did catch them a few times sneaking up to the van throughout the night claiming they were just ‘changing their microphone batteries’. I had the army media team stag on the van to ensure they always came back empty handed.
On the final day, the big finish was the mile and half weighted run, which I ran with them. As we came across the finish line all the JNCOs from Harrogate were wait- ing for the presenters behind the cameras. They all began to pester the presenters for their Blue Peter badge. You have never seen so many adults tapping into their inner childhood. It was a touch cringe if I’m honest.
After the program aired, there hasn’t been a day go by without someone asking me about it. I’ve had dinner with a Brigadier, been recognised by a General and the Defence Minister while walking around platoon lines. I’ve received a Colonel’s Commendation but, perhaps most bizarrely, a few of my ex-girlfriends now follow me on Instagram! I got to keep my Blue Peter badge after filming which I’ve framed along with my Commendation. However, best of all I get bragging rights in the bar. I told you lads, one day I’d be famous...
JT
Sgt Tynan with the presenters
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