Mark “Billy” Billingham joined the Parachute Regiment in 1983 and served until 1991 holding an array of positions, including Patrol Commander for operational tours in many worldwide locations and training instructor for the Regiments as a military specialist. He joined the SAS in 1991 as a Mountain Troop specialist and has been responsible for planning and executing strategic operations and training at the highest level in numerous locations (Iraq, Afghanistan, South America and Africa) and has led countless hostage rescues. Billingham is a certified SF and Counter Terrorist Sniper Instructor, Advanced Evasive Driving Instructor, Tracking/Jungle Warfare/Navigation Instructor, Demolition/Sabotage Instructor, Ski Mountaineering/Rock Climbing/Abseiling/Ice climbing Instructor, Combat Survival/RTI Instructor, Counter Terrorist Instructor (all options) and has worked as a Patrol Medic/Trauma Life Support agent for five hospital attachments. He spent 27 years in the SAS, during his time in the elite unit he received an MBE for leading the mission in Iraq to rescue a British hostage. He also won the Queen's Commendation for Bravery after capturing an IRA sniper by using himself as bait. Billingham was one of the highest ranks in the SAS - Warrant Officer Class 1. After his military career, he became a bodyguard and looked after people such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Sir Michael Caine, Jude Law, Hulk Hogan, Kate Moss, Russell Crowe and Tom Cruise.