After serving as part of the Air Force Reserve Duty’s 308th Rescue Squadron for a year, Willis retired from the army and began to forge a new career as an actor. From there, he spent almost ten years in the Air Force Para- Rescue Team, earning a Sikorsky Rescue Award in recognition of his bravery in the process. After completing his training, he joined the 3rd Ranger Battalion, where he served for five years.

As part of his initial training, he went through both the Advanced Individual Training and the Ranger Indoctrination Program (R.I.P) and the Basic Airborne School. The early exposure to the military lifestyle clearly had an effect, and after completing his high school education, Willis signed up to devote his life (or at least, the early part of it) to serving his country. Wil Willis - Hostįormer army ranger Wil Willis was born into a military family in 1975 and spent his formative years moving from army base to army base as part of his father’s work. If you haven’t get caught it, get yourself up to speed with our guide to the cast. Now in its seventh season, Forged in Fire’s popularity seems in no danger of waning anytime soon. After rigorous tests and grueling challenges, the contestant’s efforts are judged by a lineup of Master Smiths - a fearsome feat that’s seen grown men weep. Conceived by host Wil Willis in 2015, the show offers contestants the opportunity to win $10,000 (along with being named champion bladesmith) by putting their talents well and truly to the test. If you want a hefty dose of excitement with your reality TV, you’ll struggle to do better than Forged in Fire.

Forged in fire contestants