Shawn Ryan Show - Episode #214: Jay Cal - SAS Operator Charged with Murder
Host: Shawn Ryan
Guest: Jay Cal
Release Date: July 3, 2025
Location: Dubai
1. Introduction
In episode #214 of the Shawn Ryan Show, host Shawn Ryan welcomes Jay Cal, a decorated Royal Marine and SAS Operator charged with murder following a high-stakes detention operation in Afghanistan. The interview is conducted in Dubai to ensure privacy and safety amidst ongoing investigations in the UK.
2. Jay Cal’s Background and Military Career
Jay Cal shares his early life growing up in Oxford with a single mother and a father who succumbed to alcohol-related issues. Inspired by his late father's legacy—a Royal Marine Commando in WWII—Jay joined the military at 19 to honor his father's memory and to provide a better future for his daughter.
Notable Quote:
"There has to be something involved in that. There has to be, like, because it doesn't go that way." ([00:34])
Over nearly two decades, Jay served with distinction, undertaking 11 combat deployments across hotspots like Afghanistan, Iraq, and North Africa. He specialized in roles such as jump master, tandem master, and became the sole SAS operator to train the next generation of operators with Vigilance Elite.
Notable Quote:
"I've been quite nervous, I think, not because of what I'm going to say, but just because it's like, I just want to do, do it right." ([03:17])
3. Transition to Civilian Life and Entrepreneurship
After leaving the military, Jay faced challenges transitioning to civilian life, grappling with identity and finding purpose. Leveraging his extensive military experience, he founded Everyday Patriot, a company dedicated to promoting genuine patriotism devoid of extremism.
Notable Quote:
"Everyday patriot, kind of a nod to that. It's not merchandise. It's something that I stand by." ([12:04])
Jay emphasizes that patriotism is for everyone, not just military personnel, and seeks to foster national pride through simple, everyday actions.
4. The Detention Operation and Murder Charge
In 2022, during his last operational deployment, Jay led an assault team targeting a known jihadist responsible for multiple assassinations. The operation was meticulously planned and executed professionally. However, after returning from the ground, Jay was accused of murder based on the investigation led by the Royal Military Police (RMP).
Notable Quote:
"There isn't a thing that happened that night that I wouldn't do again." ([09:31])
Despite being cleared after three years, the charges severely impacted Jay and his team, leading to demoralization, strained relationships, and mental health struggles.
5. The Investigation and Its Impact
Jay details the flawed investigation process orchestrated by then-Director of Special Forces, Gwyn Jenkins, aiming to showcase transparency. The RMP's actions were alleged to be politically motivated, undermining the integrity of Sharply trained operators.
Notable Quote:
"He threw us under the bus knowing full well what would happen, because he wanted to be seen to show transparency without any care in the world for how that would affect us." ([311:11])
The investigation led to Jay facing public accusations without due process, causing personal and professional turmoil. Efforts to obtain legal support were thwarted, leaving Jay financially strained and emotionally distressed.
Notable Quote:
"It has ruined people's lives. It's something that needs to be addressed." ([355:15])
6. Current Struggles and Advocacy for Change
Now cleared of all charges, Jay continues to battle the repercussions of the investigation. He has lost friendships, experienced breakdowns, and witnessed colleagues take their lives due to similar pressures. Jay uses his platform to advocate for systemic changes in how military investigations are handled, emphasizing the need for support and transparency without sacrificing the well-being of service members.
Notable Quote:
"We've got to do better as an organization treating our soldiers with the respect and support they deserve." ([356:50])
Jay underscores the importance of addressing mental health, eliminating bureaucratic obstacles, and ensuring that the sacrifices of service members are honored rather than exploited.
7. Conclusion and Call to Action
In a heartfelt closing, Jay expresses gratitude towards those who supported him and reiterates his commitment to preventing similar injustices for future operators. Shawn Ryan commends Jay for his resilience and dedication to bringing truth to light, promising to amplify his message to foster understanding and change.
Notable Quote:
"This is my time now. It's my time to have my say." ([369:12])
Jay's testimony serves as a powerful plea for reform within military investigative processes, highlighting the human cost of administrative failures and the urgent need for compassion and justice.
Additional Notes:
- Advertisements and non-content sections present in the transcript were omitted to maintain focus on the core discussion.
- The episode provides an unfiltered look into the challenges faced by military personnel when navigating unjust accusations and the profound impact on their lives and families.
Listen to the full episode here.