The Hurt Locker - What’s it really like to cut the red wire

Brigadier (Retd) Gareth Collett is a former senior British Army officer whose 35-year career spanned multiple global conflict zones, including Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, and several lesser-known theatres of operation. Rising to become the head of the United Kingdom’s bomb disposal profession, he led some of the world’s most skilled teams in confronting the evolving threats of explosive violence. 

After retiring from the Army in 2018, Gareth continued his commitment to global safety and stability as the United Nations’ Chief Technical Advisor on weapons abatement. Over four years, he worked extensively across fragile environments to reduce the risks posed by mines, improvised explosive devices, and unstable munitions. Today, he serves as an Executive Director at the University of Wales, where he focuses on rebuilding national capability in the energetics industry—supporting the safe innovation, production, and management of explosive materials. 

Gareth’s lifelong dedication to saving lives was shaped by the aftermath of the Hyde Park and Regent’s Park bombings. This personal motivation continues to drive his extensive voluntary work. He provides specialist advice to organisations such as Action on Armed Violence and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and contributes to war crimes investigations involving explosive violence. As both a PTSD and cancer survivor, he also supports the Felix Fund, Help for Heroes, Fight Bladder Cancer, and the British Association of Urological Surgeons. 

Married, with two grown-up daughters, Gareth remains grounded by his favourite hobby—woodworking—when he manages to steal a quiet moment away from his tireless advocacy.