Aug 10, 2026
On todays episode of True-Blue Conversations, I am joined by
former Australian
Special Forces SASR veteran Dr Dan Cooper. After underperforming at
school, Dan
joined the Army and posted to 3 RAR, deploying to Timor in 1999. A
short time later,
Dan attempted SASR selection in 2001 and completed the selection
course.
After Reo and 9-11, Dan (qualifying as a water operator) deployed
straight away on
the 2nd rotation to Afghanistan in 2002. Dan served in all 3 Sabre
SQNs and OSS
during his career. Between 2002 and 2016, Dan conducted dozens of
operations in
Afghanistan and other parts of the world. In 2008, Dan started what
would grow into
the SASR Human Performance program and the foundation program for
SOCOMD
and the Army to develop their Human Performance and gained an
undergrad degree
in Sports Science a double masters in Strength and Conditioning and
conducted
research into cognitive and physiological performance.
After qualifying for a research scholarship, Dan has gone on to
further studies and
has completed a PhD on the Human Factors to improve transfer of
training and
performance in high-threat combat environments.
On leaving SASR, Dan spent 2 years working with the QLD Reds
high-performance
program. Dan now uses his experience and research to develop a
Critical response
performance and innovation initiative to provide free education,
training, and
development to front-line performers/organisations.
Between 2010 and 2022 Dan completed a range of activities including
a 250km multi
day ultra in the Aussie desert, several 100km ultra’s, coveted at
the Cross-fit
regionals and masters games, the Yukon Arctic Ultra 750km foot
race, a 24hr
obstacle course race, the Iditarod trail invitational 550km and
1600km foot race and
currently looking into an attempt at a solo South Polo
expedition.
This is a raw, powerful and deeply honest conversation about
sacrifice, resilience
and the realities of life as an elite Australian Special Forces
operator.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Dr Dan Cooper
Editor: Kyle Watkins