The Unconventional Soldier

CONTENTThe guest today is former Royal Engineer Brad Knight.  On this episode we discuss his service with the Royal Engineers and his specialised role in counter IED search teams during the war in Afghanistan.  Joining the army at 16 years old, he eventually transitioned from a driver to a lead searcher tasked with detecting IEDs. The conversation highlights the high-stakes nature and extreme psychological pressure of the role.  Brad describes the intense cooperation between searchers and EOD teams noting how the tactics were rooted in British military experiences from Northern Ireland. He shares stories of active combat and narrow escapes, illustrating the sobering reality that a single lapse in concentration could result in death or permanent injury. Finally we discuss the complex legacy of a conflict that remains a defining chapter for the soldiers that served there.  Brad's book choice on Desert Island Dits is "Chaos the truth behind the Manson Murders" by Tom O'Neill and Dan Piepenbring. My choice is Brad's Book "Brimstone - A searchers war hunting the Taliban's silent killers.".WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTThis pod is the fifth in a series featuring former Royal Marine, SBS soldier and clearance diver Terry Powell. In this episode he recounts his deployment with the SBS during the 1982 Falklands War. Terry describes the chaotic initial mobilisation, including a discarded high-stakes plan to parachute directly into Stanley, before detailng the strategic shift to clandestine reconnaissance and direct action. Key operations such as Operation Kettle Drum and the assault on Fanning Head are highlighted, illustrating the intense risks and the technological limitations of the era, such as relying on Morse code and rudimentary equipment. The narrative emphasizes the bravery of the task force and the critical, often unrecognized assistance provided by local Falkland Islanders who hosted special forces at great personal peril. Ultimately, Terry provides a granular look at the strategic challenges and the profound sense of camaraderie that defined elite maritime operations during the South Atlantic conflict.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTThis pod is the fourth in a series featuring former Royal Marine, SBS soldier and clearance diver Terry Powell. In this episode Terry recounts his extensive career in specialised underwater operations and military training. He highlights his role in the early development of the Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV), a craft he helped transform into a vital tactical asset through grueling human endurance trials in near-freezing water. The pod details the physical and psychological pressures of oxygen toxicity during deep-sea trials with the US Navy and the necessity of passing conventional command courses for promotion. Terry also shares operational stories from Arctic warfare training in Norway, emphasizing the life-saving importance of pilot expertise and small-unit cohesion in extreme environments. Throughout he reflects on the shift toward professional accountability and the technical complexity of modern maritime sabotage and strategic target analysis.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTThis pod is the third of a series featuring former Royal Marine, SBS soldier and clearance diver Terry Powell. After passing SBS selection Terry underwent diverse and rigorous training, including HALO/HAHO parachuting and advanced paramedic certification. The narrative also highlights his involvement in testing experimental diving equipment and working with US Navy SEALs to refine unconventional warfare tactics. Terry's account emphasizes the evolution of special forces technology including the implementation of the Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV). This a firsthand perspective on the physical and technical demands placed on elite British maritime operatives during the 1980s.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTThis pod is the second of a series featuring former Royal Marine, SBS soldier and clearance diver Terry Powell. In this episode Terry describes the intense selection process and evolving identity of the Special Boat Service (SBS). He details the rigorous physical and psychological trials candidates endure, including underwater navigation, demolitions, and resistance-to-interrogation training. He explains the transition of the unit from a purely Royal Marine entity to a tri-service organization, noting the emotional impact of adopting a unique cap badge separate from the corps. The discussion also addresses the long-term toll of special forces operations, highlighting issues like PTSD, physical injuries, and the dangers of seeking celebrity status. Ultimately, Terry emphasises that mental resilience and personal integrity are among the most vital traits for those operating in such high-stakes environments.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTThis pod is the first of a series featuring former Royal Marine, SBS soldier and clearance diver Terry Powell. Terry joined the Corps in 1972 and after basic training was posted to 45 Comando RM before passing selection for the SBS in 1979. He remained in the unit until 1998, including a deployment on operations to the Falklands on Operation CORPORATE in 1982. Terry was then seconded to the fleet diving group as a clearance diver where he remained until 1991. During this time, he deployed to the first Gulf War and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, while operating as a member of Fleet Diving Unit B supervising diving operations from Gemini craft to clear enemy mines and EOD. Later that year, he returned as a project director on support squadron before moving on to be security and projects director in 1994, where he remained until 1998. On this first episode we discuss his early life and joining the Corps.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTMy guest today is former infantry officer Richard Westley OBE MC who recounts his extensive career in the British Army, starting with his motivation to join the Royal Welsh Fusiliers after Sandhurst in 1984.  Richard commanded soldiers on operations at every rank from Second Lieutenant to Colonel in environments as disparate as northern Ireland, Albania, Afghanistan, Cote d’Ivoire and the Balkans.  He discusses his formative experiences in Northern Ireland, emphasizing the difficulties faced by young officers and the critical need to earn the respect of seasoned Welsh infantry soldiers.   In 1995 surrounded by the advancing Bosnian Serb Army in the exposed enclave of Gorazde his company fought to prevent the fall of the Town and saved its people from the fate of neighbouring Srebrenica. For his part in this he was awarded the Military Cross.In 2007 he deployed with his battle group to Helmand province in Afghanistan where they occupied Gereshk, driving back the Taliban and securing the erstwhile financial capital of the Province.  Setting the conditions for the development of the town. He was appointed an OBE for this tour. Richard retired from the Army in 2010 having been responsible for all pre-deployment training for UK forces bound for Iraq and Afghanistan for the previous 3 years.Richard's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "The Catcher In The Rye" by JD Salinger. My choice is Ben Barry's book "The Rise And Fall Of The British Army 1975 - 2025".WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTThe guest today is former soldier Jonny Ball who served in the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment and the Intelligence Corps deploying on operations in Northern Ireland and Afghanistan before being medically discharged in 2024. An expert at election law, campaigns and community engagement. He worked for a decade in politics and ran elections for some of the best known names in UK politics. He also hosts the Veterans In Politics podcast. Jonny is a co-founder of the service charity UK Afghanistan Veterans Community and is heavily involved in veterans affairs including being the MD of Mission Community a brand of Mission Motorsport- The Forces Motorsport Charity. Injured in a motorcycle accident in 2019 he has participated in the Invictus Games and has since become involved in the Invictus Birmingham 2027 Focus Group. All of which we discuss on the pod.Jonny's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "Escape From Kabul: The Inside Story" by Levison Wood and Geraint Jones.Links:Afghanistan Veterans Community - https://www.ukafghanveteranscommunity.org/Mission Community - https://www.missioncommunity.org/Veterans In Politics Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/3bjq2Pk96oZxEB0LRA8CUlWHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTThe guest today is former soldier and author James Lee. James was my guest on podcast 38 where we discussed his first book about his tour in Afghanistan called "Licking The Taliban’s Flip Flop" and also on pod 84 where we discussed his second volume "Sleeping in The ditch With Slobodan Milosevic" about his tour in Bosnia and Croatia in the 90s. on this episode we discuss his new book "Achtung Pig!" the final installment of his military memoir "The Hurry Up And Wait Trilogy". The discussion centers on James’s experiences as a young soldier posted to the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) in Germany following the collapse of the Soviet Union. We touch on the profound drinking culture and the nostalgia surrounding iconic BAOR equipment and personalities like Wolfgang and his bratty wagon. James contrasts the life in Germany with his challenging first tour tour during in Northern Ireland (OP Banner). Get in touch with James at:Author Websitehttps://www.jamesleeauthor.co.uk/Book Storehttps://james-lee.sumupstore.com/Flying Websitehttps://www.buddysaviation.club/WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTThis weeks guest is Mick Cook a former helicopter crewman in the Royal Navy, The conversation begins with Mick's enlistment in 1971 as a junior naval air mechanic and details the culture shock and rigorous nature of his initial basic training. Mick talks about working on aircraft carriers and other deployments before we discuss his flying operations and  experiences during the Falklands War. He describes anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions, the demanding flight conditions in the South Atlantic, and the emotional impact of combat and casualties. Mick's narrative also highlights the flexibility and vital role of helicopter crews during the conflict, transitioning from ASW to vital troop and cargo transportation.Mick's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "The Hunt for Red October" by Tom Clancy.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTThe guests today are Neale Smiles a former soldier now working in the defence industry and Wilf Owen also a former soldier and author of the book "Euclid's Army: Preparing Land Forces for Warfare Today." The conversation focuses on modern military doctrine, training, and equipment for Western armies, particularly challenging traditional assumptions about land warfare. Key topics include the necessity of rigorous training to build soldier resilience and the evolving role of the infantryman as a "sensor" on the modern battlespace. We explore other issues such as the affordability and future utility of main battle tanks, deficiencies in current close combat fire support, and the crucial, yet often overlooked, logistical challenges posed by field hospital deployment.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTThe guest today is former British Army officer Rob McAllister who discusses his military career with a focus on his challenging early life with dyslexia and his eventual decision to join the Royal Logistic Corps, after a period of academic and professional frustration. The conversation centres on his deployment to Afghanistan as a young second lieutenant commanding Combat Logistic Patrols, a role for which he received minimal preparation and was often responsible for large convoys of many vehicles and up to 120 soldiers resupplying British operating bases. Rob recounts the evolution of threats from direct contacts to IEDs , the inadequacies of early equipment and vehicles, and the immense responsibility placed on young officers and NCOs. He concludes with reflections on leadership, risk management, and the crucial importance of cultural awareness gained from his experiences.Rob's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "The Changing of the Guard: the British Army since 9/11" by Simon Akam. The team's choices are "Defeat Into Victory" by Field Marshal Viscount Slim and "War" by Sebastian Junger.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTThe guest today is Barry Nisbet who joined the Canadian Forces in 1997. He completed RCR battle school graduating at the top of his class and was posted to the 1 Royal Canadian Regiment in Petawawa. In 2003 he completed U.S. Army Ranger School. He deployed to Kosovo in 1999 and Bosnia in 2003 as a rifleman. His first tour to Afghanistan was to Kabul in 2005. In 2006 he deployed to Kandahar as a sniper, call sign 63C, taking part in Operation Medusa. He received the Chief of Defence Staff Commendation for professionalism and leadership while rendering first aid to a severely injured soldier, 1 RCR Battle Group, Joint Task Force Afghanistan, 11 January 2007. Barry taught on multiple basic sniper courses in Petawawa training soldiers from the 1st and 3rd RCR Battalions and Canadian Special Operations Regiment. He returned to Afghanistan in 2010 as a Sniper Detachment Commander, call sign 66A, this was his 5th and final deployment before retiring as a Sergeant in 2012.We discuss his path to becoming a sniper including the demanding sniper selection and training course and his experience as the first Canadian corporal to pass US Army Ranger School. Barry talks about the evolving tactics and operational realities of sniper teams in Afghanistan and reflects on the personal impact of combat. We finish off discussing the book he wrote with two other snipers Gordon Cullen and Mir Bahmanyar "Send It: Canada's Snipers at War in Afghanistan."Barry's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "The SAS Survival Handbook" by John "Lofty" Wiseman. My choice is Barry's Book "Send It: Canada's Snipers at War in Afghanistan."Barry's website is at: Author, Sniper, Veteran - Co-Author of Send itInstagram: Author Sniper Veteran (@senditbook) • Instagram photos and videosPhotos courtesy of Barry Nisbet.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTIn today’s episode, I’m joined by Andy, a former officer of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. Who deployed to Kosovo with the RUC as part of the UN international peacekeeping mission. His unique perspective offers a window into what it was like to move from a domestic conflict in the UK to an international operation in the Balkans, and the challenges of maintaining law, order, and stability in the aftermath of war. If you are interested in more episodes about the RUC Andy appeared on podcast 44 when he discussed his time in the force and service in the RUC specialist surveillance unit E4A.By the late 1990s, the Balkans had descended into some of the worst violence Europe had witnessed since 1945. Years of ethnic and political tension culminated in the Kosovo conflict, which broke out in February 1998 and continued until June 1999. The fighting pitted the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia—then in control of Kosovo—against the Kosovo Liberation Army, an ethnic Albanian separatist force. The war was characterised by atrocities including ethnic cleansing, large-scale killings, and the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands. Scenes of burning villages and endless refugee columns dominated international news, prompting NATO intervention and ultimately leading to the withdrawal of Yugoslav troops.However, the end of open hostilities marked the start of a new and complex phase. A vast international peacekeeping and reconstruction effort followed, with NATO’s KFOR, the United Nations, and numerous aid agencies attempting to restore order and stability. Those deployed—soldiers, police, and civilian workers alike—faced shattered infrastructure, volatile armed groups, traumatised populations, and the constant fear that violence could flare again at any moment.Andy's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "A Time to Stand; The Epic of The Alamo" by Walter Lord. My choice is "How Can Man Die Better - The Secrets of Isandlwana Revealed" by Mike Snook.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTMy guest is former Army Reserve infantry soldier Matt Okuhara, whose story highlights the often-overlooked role of Britain’s reservists in war. After joining the TA while working in banking, Matt was mobilised for Operation TELIC 4 and deployed to Basra, Iraq. He shares the realities of pre-deployment training, patrolling under constant threat of IEDs and militia attacks, and the contact that changed everything.We also discuss the challenges of returning to civilian life, the loss of comrades, and how he channelled his experiences into writing Basra and Back: The Memoir of an Infantryman in the Iraq War.On Desert Island Dits, Matt chooses A Thousand Shall Fall by Murray Peden, while I select his own book, Basra and Back.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company.Warrior photo credit - Reuters/Pool/Mark RichardsBook photo credit - Author. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTMy guest today is Colin Freeman, a journalist of 30 years of experience. Colin began his career on local papers before becoming a chief foreign correspondent for the Sunday Telegraph. His extensive career has taken him to numerous war zones and global hotspots, including Iraq, Afghanistan, the Arab Spring revolutions and the Ebola crisis in West Africa. Colin also covered the Somali piracy crisis, during which he was kidnapped and held at gunpoint for six weeks. More recently, he has been covering the war in Ukraine for the past three years as a freelancer for the Daily Telegraph. It was during this time that he conceived the idea for his book, "The Mad and the Brave: The Untold Story of Ukraine's Foreign Legion".In this episode, we discuss the fascinating and often harrowing world of foreign volunteers fighting in Ukraine. Colin's book explores the diverse motivations that drive these individuals to drop their civilian lives and join a conflict unlike anything seen since World War II. We discuss everything from those defending democracy and seeking personal redemption to the Walter Mittys totally unprepared for the realities of war. Colin shares insights into the challenges of reporting from Ukraine, including the reporters embedded system  and the inherent dangers of the front lines. He also reveals the chaos and disorganization within the International Legion during its early days, the issues of unqualified individuals and vetting failures, and how these internal challenges sometimes posed a greater threat than the enemy.We also discuss the accounts of torture and psychological manipulation faced by foreign volunteers in Russian captivity. Colin reflects on the difficult readjustment process for returning fighters, highlighting issues like PTSD, the lack of understanding from civilians, and the absence of official support systems for those who fight without government backing. We explore the complex paradox of foreign volunteers risking their lives while some Ukrainians leave the country, and discuss the perceived impact of their actions on the war. Finally, Colin offers his perspective on the future of the war in Ukraine and suggests changes he believes could maximize the Legion's effectiveness.His book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "An Evil Cradling" by Brian Keenan. My choice is Colin's Book "The Mad and the Brave: The Untold Story of Ukraine's Foreign Legion".WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company.Photo credit: Ukrainian International Support Legion Morale 3D PVC Patch - Foreign Solidarity Ukraine - Etsy UK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTOn this episode Kev and I discuss the Army's training for Operation Banner, the nearly four-decade deployment of British forces to Northern Ireland starting in 1969. Initially intended as a temporary measure to aid the civil power, the British military was unprepared for the complexities of the conflict, lacking specific training and relying on outdated counter-insurgency tactics from former colonies. The conversation highlights key events like the introduction of the "yellow card" rules of engagement, the disastrous reintroduction of internment, and Bloody Sunday, all of which significantly alienated the Catholic population and bolstered the PIRA. It also details the evolution of British Army training and tactics, emphasising the shift towards intelligence-led operations, the development of specialist units, and sophisticated countermeasures against IEDs. Finally, the discussion underscores the importance of continuous learning, adaptation, and the unique challenges of a domestic counter-insurgency, acknowledging both successes and failures, and the lasting legacy of the conflict on military doctrine and operations.The book choice on Desert Island Dits is "Death in Derry: Martin McGuinness and the Derry IRA's war against the British" by Jonathan Trigg.Reference publication: Operation BANNER - An Analysis of Military Operations In Northern Ireland, Army Code 71842, July 2006.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTMy guest today is retired Brigadier Matt Maer DSO MBE, who served for 27 years in the British Army and was my guest on pod 91 where we discussed 1 PWRR’s tour of operations on Operation TELIC 4.  If you haven’t already I would give that one listen when you have the time. On this episode, we discuss the Battle of Danny Boy in Iraq during May 2004. He provides historical context, explaining the rise of the Mahdi Army and the significance of the Danny Boy road junction, which was near the site of a prior incident where six British Royal Military Police soldiers were murdered. The discussion then details the complex, multi-faceted engagement of the battle itself, highlighting the bravery and discipline of British soldiers in taking prisoners and the unusual order to recover enemy dead for identification, leading to a decade-long legal inquiry. Despite the emotional and financial toll, the inquiry ultimately vindicated the soldiers, affirming their professionalism and concluding that the allegations of misconduct were baseless lies.No Desert Island Dits on this episode as Matt was a guest previously.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTMy guest today is Jack Bowsher, author of "Thunder Run: Meiktila 1945: The Greatest Combined Arms Manoeuvre Battle of WW2. Jack argues this battle was a pivotal Allied victory, predicting modern combined arms maneuver warfare, including tank and air support, in an unexpected jungle and dry plains environment. He highlights Slim's strategic brilliance in adapting to the terrain and Japanese tactics, emphasizing the transformation of the British and Indian armies into a highly effective fighting force capable of aggressive, deep operations behind enemy lines. The discussion also touches on the diverse composition and significant contributions of the Indian and African soldiers in the campaign, and why this crucial chapter of the war has been largely forgotten in Western narratives.Jack's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "Defeat Into Victory" by Field Marshall Viscount Slim. My choice is Jack's book.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTThe guest today is John Tulloch a former officer in the New Zealand and British Armies. Every so often I look at the download statistics for a podcast episode and get surprised at how low some of them are considering the subject matter. This episode with John, who fought in Vietnam with the NZ army, is one of them. I have re edited the episode and cut it down so it concentrates purely on his time in SE Asia I’ve also cleaned up the sound for a better listener experience. John's military career began when he was commissioned into the Royal New Zealand Artillery (RNZA) in 1966. John developed his jungle warfare expertise whilst serving in Vietnam from July 1968 to July 1969 as an FOO nowadays referred to as a fire support team commander.The discussion offers an in-depth look into New Zealand's involvement in the Vietnam War, It highlights the controversial nature of the conflict for New Zealand, contrasting their alliance with the US and Australia to their previous ties with the UK. The discussion covers critical aspects such as pre-deployment training, the effectiveness of weaponry and communication in the jungle, and the vital role of artillery and close air support, especially during key battles like Long Tan. Furthermore, we explore the unique challenges of jungle warfare, the nature of the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army adversaries, and the post-war reception of returning soldiers, and the delayed recognition of their service and health issues like Agent Orange exposure.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.