Why Did He Call Commando Training the WORST Training? |Col. M. M. Nehru | The Slade Show Episode 65

Colonel M. M. Nehru (Retd.) | SSB Selection, NDA Training, Indian Army & No Frills Academy Can an SSB assessor make a mistake while judging a candidate's potential? What does NDA training really feel like? And what happens when an officer stands up for what he believes is right, even when it means facing criticism from a senior? In this 65 episode of The Slade Show, we sit down with Colonel M. M. Nehru (Retd.), a former Indian Army officer, NDA instructor, SSB Interviewing Officer and Deputy President at 17 SSB Bengaluru, and the founder of No Frills Academy. From the realities of military training and the psychology of SSB assessment to leadership, difficult decisions and the meaning of success, this conversation explores the experiences and beliefs that shape a person's life. About Colonel M. M. Nehru (Retd.) Colonel Mani Mohan Nehru (Retd.) is a former Indian Army officer who served as an instructor at the National Defence Academy (NDA) and commanded 23 Punjab, a unit associated with the Battle of Laungewala. During 2010–2011, he served as an Interviewing Officer (IO) and Deputy President at 17 SSB Bengaluru. After his military career, he established No Frills Academy in 2014 to help defence aspirants prepare for officer selection and develop their personalities. His experience spans military leadership, training, officer assessment, fitness and personality development. He is also the author of The Practical Guide to Become an Officer. What You'll Discover in This Episode Can an SSB assessor wrongly reject a candidate? The reality of the first week at NDA. Why Colonel Nehru described the commando course as the worst course. The decision to protect a boxer from unnecessary punishment, despite criticism from a senior officer. The story behind defeating General Madhok 6–0, 6–0 in tennis. Commanding 23 Punjab and the legacy of Laungewala. His transition from Army officer to SSB Interviewing Officer. Lessons from No Frills Academy and the students he has mentored. Destiny, karma, God and the role of belief in life. The real meaning of success beyond rank and recognition. Three life lessons drawn from his experiences. The closing question: Looking back at your entire life, which decision defines you the most—and what price did you pay for it that others never got to see? Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 02:14 – Can an SSB Assessor Be Wrong? 07:06 – First Week at NDA: The Reality of Training 10:40 – “Commando Course Is the Worst Course” 16:50 – Standing Up for What Is Right 24:36 – The 6–0, 6–0 Tennis Match Against General Madhok 27:00 – Commanding 23 Punjab: The Legacy of Laungewala 28:46 – From Army Officer to SSB Assessor 31:48 – No Frills Academy: Learning from Students 38:48 – Destiny, Karma and God 40:46 – The Real Meaning of Success 44:14 – Three Life Lessons 54:54 – Behind the Scenes If you're preparing for the SSB interview, NDA, or Indian Armed Forces selection, this conversation offers perspectives on assessment, training, discipline and personal development. Subscribe to The Slade Show for conversations with military veterans, leaders, athletes and people whose experiences challenge the way we think. If this episode gave you a new perspective, LIKE the video, SHARE it with an aspirant, and SUBSCRIBE for more. #ColonelMMNehru #SSBInterview #NDA #IndianArmy #NoFrillsAcademy #TheSladeShow EPISODE 65 721 subscribers