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The Unconventional Soldier

theunconventionalsoldier

"Letting the Guest Tell the Story"

The Unconventional Soldier Podcast explores conflicts from the Second World War, the Cold War, Northern Ireland and the Global War on Terror. Hosted by veterans, it blends personal experience, regimental history, and in-depth analysis of battles, leadership, and military transformation. Episodes feature former soldiers, historians, and defence experts discussing life on operations, lessons learned, and the enduring legacy of British and other Army campaigns. Follow for authentic voices, forgotten conflicts, and sharp insights from those who served.

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Avg 1 hr 11 min
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S7 · E129
Tuesday · 1 hr 42 min
Voices Of Victory: The Brutal Battle For Germany 1945
CONTENT The guest today is Geraint Jones best selling author, screen writer, podcast host and ghost writer. He is also former British infantryman who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. The discussion focuses on his book, Voices of Victory, which compiles eyewitness accounts of British soldiers fighting through Germany during the final months of World War II. Gez emphasizes the importance of oral history and preserving the raw, personal experiences of frontline troops to prevent them from becoming mere data points in strategic records. He highlights the extreme psychological and physical toll of the campaign, noting how replacements often faced intense combat with minimal training. The conversation also explores the lasting impact of combat on veterans, drawing parallels between the trauma experienced by soldiers in WW2 and today's soldiers. The human cost of victory and the necessity of remembering individual stories to understand the true nature of war also features. Gez's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "Shogun" by James Clavell. My choice is Gez's Book "Voices of Victory - Powerful eye witness accounts of the battle to take Germany, Feb 1945 to VE Day ". Gez's podcast Veteran State of Mind is here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/veteran-state-of-mind-network/id1450720132 His web site is here - https://www.geraintjonesmedia.com/ WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.
S7 · E128
September 16 · 1 hr 1 min
After The Army: Identity & Purpose In Civilian Life
CONTENT The guest today is Gemma Gardner, a British Army veteran who moved into performance psychology. After experiencing mental health issues following her medical discharge, she developed the Orus framework, which focuses on the five pillars of awareness, understanding, regulation, identity, and stability. The discussion highlights the psychological difficulties soldiers face when their military identity is stripped away, often leading to a loss of purpose and confidence in civilian life. Gemma emphasizes the importance of proactive transition planning to help veterans navigate life after service and advocates for better education on the cultural differences between military and civilian workplaces. We also discuss how veterans can redefine themselves and find new outlets for their service-oriented values. Gemma's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "Papa Papa Blues - A Memoir Of 80s To 90s Policing And Combat Sports" by CJ Brett. My choice is "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius. WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.
S7 · E127
September 12 · 9 min
The Bayonet Is Obsolete
CONTENT My guests for this podcast are Neale Smiles and Stuart Lyle. Stuart is the Urban Operations Lead at the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, or Dstl, part of the Ministry of Defence. Neale is a former soldier working in the defence industry. For generations, the bayonet has been one of the most enduring symbols of the infantry soldier. But does it still have a meaningful place on the modern battlefield? In this episode, we examine the declining practical value of the bayonet in contemporary infantry combat. Modern rifles, suppressors, body armour and other weapon attachments increasingly make the fixed bayonet cumbersome and of questionable effectiveness, particularly in close-quarter fighting. We explore whether armies should move beyond tradition and instead place greater emphasis on practical hand-to-hand combat skills and purpose-designed fighting knives. We also consider the bayonet’s enduring psychological and cultural importance, from aggression and fighting spirit to its place in infantry identity and training. The bayonet may remain a powerful symbol but has its time as a practical weapon finally passed? Stuart's article on this subject can be found on the think Defence web page here: https://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2026/09/the-bayonet-is-obsolete-the-case-for-change-in-extremely-close-quarters-combat/ "BUY ME A COFFEE" If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here. SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram @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.
S6 · E126
August 26 · 1 hr 8 min
Sweden's Cold War Stay-Behind Operations
CONTENT The guest today is Dr Johan Wennstrom an intelligence historian and writer on statecraft, from the Cold War underground to today’s crises. He is the author of “The Stay Behinds: Sweden’s Cold War Guardians” a national bestseller in Sweden recently translated into English and also writes on Substack as “Our Man In Stockholm” (https://johanwennstrom.substack.com/). On this episode we discuss the secretive history of Sweden’s "stay-behind" network established in 1949. This clandestine organization was composed primarily of civilians, such as farmers and factory workers, trained to act as a resistance movement in the event of a Soviet occupation. Operating through a strictly compartmentalized cell structure, members were prepared to conduct activities as intelligence gathering and establishing escape rat lines while under direct Swedish command. The discussion highlights that despite Sweden’s official non-aligned status, the government maintained secret ties with Western intelligence to ensure national survival. Johan provides an overview of Sweden’s "Total Defense" doctrine at the time, illustrating the strategic preparations made to prepare for a Soviet Invasion during the Cold War. Johan's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" by John Le Carre. My choice is his book “The Stay Behinds: Sweden’s Cold War Guardians”. We also discuss "A Private Spy - The Letters Of John Le Carre" edited by Tim Cornwell. WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.
S6 · E125
August 12 · 1 hr
The Brutal Reality Of A Private Military Contractor's War In Syria
CONTENT Listener information - On this episode we discuss the realities of life in a war zone and suicide. My guest is Graham Paul Roberts, a former Welsh Guardsman and private military contractor who served in numerous global conflict zones in the military and as a PMC. He describes his journey from a premature birth and childhood bullying to training Syrian forces during the civil war. We discuss the psychological toll of war, including his struggle with complex PTSD and the hallucinations that haunted him upon returning home. Through his memoir, Echoes in Silence, he reflects on a pivotal realisation regarding the actions of the forces he trained and his subsequent path toward recovery. Today, Graham has found a new sense of purpose as a teacher in North Wales, where he uses his experiences to foster resilience and confidence in students with additional learning needs. He emphasizes the importance of seeking mental health support, crediting his recovery to professional intervention and the unwavering support of his family. Graham's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "B20" by Andy McNab. My choice is Graham's Book "Echoes in The Silence - A True Story Of War, Trauma & Resilience". WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.
S6 · E124
July 29 · 1 hr 29 min
Operation Market Garden: The Psychological Failures Behind Montgomery’s Biggest Gamble
CONTENT The guest today is Dr. Gary Buck, a psychologist and military historian, who uses psychological frameworks to analyze the planning failures of Operation Market Garden. Gary applies the OODA loop and Myers-Briggs personality types to examine why high-level commanders like Montgomery, Browning, and Urquhart made critical errors during the 1944 mission. He suggests that extreme stress and organisational pressure caused leaders to abandon their typical caution for risky, uncharacteristic gambles. The discussion highlights how cognitive biases and personal ambitions led to an overly optimistic plan that relied on luck and ignored stiffening German resistance. Ultimately, the discussion provides a psychological autopsy of how human decision-making processes can derail complex military operations. Gary's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "Hogfather" by Terry Pratchett. My choice is Gary's Book "A risk too far - A psychological autopsy of the planning for Arnhem". WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.
S6 · E123
July 26 · 30 min
The Need For British Army Cold War Stay-Behind Patrols
CONTENT I was saddened to hear this week of the death of Major General Tony Stone CB. The Unconventional Soldier Podcast was created to preserve the history of the Special OP Troop, now known as 4/73 (Special Observation Post) Battery, the British Army's long-range Surveillance and Target Acquisition patrols unit. Tony Stone founded the unit in 1982 and remained one of its strongest supporters throughout both his military career and his retirement. Even towards the end of last year, he was still taking the time to meet successful students coming off the patrols selection course, reflecting his lifelong commitment to the unit and its people. In this episode, we discuss one of the Cold War's most remarkable military concepts: the plan to counter a potential Warsaw Pact invasion of West Germany using stay-behind patrols. We explore how specially selected soldiers would occupy concealed underground observation posts, allowing enemy forces to pass overhead before directing artillery fire onto them. We also discuss the demanding selection process, the unique mindset and technical skills required, and the specialist equipment, MEXE hides and observation posts that made these operations possible. This episode is dedicated to Tony's memory. It is an edited extract from a much longer interview we recorded together in 2020, preserving his firsthand account of the creation of one of the British Army's most unique and secretive capabilities. WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.
S6 · E122
July 15 · 1 hr 31 min
Fire Mission Falklands: A 148 Battery Commando's War
CONTENT In this episode I speak with Steve "Tommo" Thomas, whose remarkable military career took him from being a sailor in the Royal Navy to some of the British Army's most demanding specialist units. After passing both the commando course and P Company, Tommo served with 148 Commando Forward Observation Battery, where he directed naval gunfire and artillery during the Falklands War in some of the campaign's most challenging conditions. The conversation explores his journey through Commando and Parachute selection, his experiences operating alongside elite forces, and his later service with the Stay Behind Special OP Troop in Germany. Designed to operate deep behind Warsaw Pact lines during the Cold War, the unit specialised in long-range surveillance, reconnaissance and target acquisition. Tommo also reflects on the realities of life in Britain's specialist military units, the evolution of surveillance and targeting techniques, the equipment they relied upon, and the mindset required to operate in some of the world's most demanding environments. This is a fascinating first-hand account of an extraordinary career spanning the Falklands War, the Cold War and the world of covert reconnaissance and surveillance. His book choice on Desert Islands Dits is anything by the authors Wilbur Smith or Clive Cussler. My choice is "Falklands Commando" by Hugh McManners. WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.
S6 · E121
June 28 · 1 hr 19 min
Beyond PTSD: The Hidden Psychology Of Why Veterans Struggle
CONTENT The guest today is Matthew Addison-Black, a former officer in the Royal Gurkha Rifles, discussing his military career and current psychological research. He explains the history and rigorous selection process of the Gurkhas, highlighting the immense socioeconomic transformation these soldiers experience. The conversation explores military mental health, specifically distinguishing between the fear-based symptoms of PTSD and the value-based wounds of moral injury. Matthew introduces the concept of identity fusion, where a soldier’s sense of self becomes inseparable from their unit, making the transition to civilian life exceptionally difficult. He advocates for deeper self-reflection and specialized support to help veterans navigate the loss of purpose and identity following their service. Matthew's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "The Far Pavilions" by MM Kaye. My choice is "On The Psychology Of Military Incompetence" by Norman Dixon. His company web site is here About Matthew Addison-Black | Veritas High Performance WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.
S6 · E120
June 15 · 53 min
Holland's Hidden Heroes: Dutch Resistance & Allied Airman In The Polders
CONTENT The guest today is Lilian van Mourik who has been on the podcast before when we discussed the recovery of wartime Stirling bomber BK716. On this one we feature her efforts to preserve the unique wartime history of the Dutch polders through her podcast Holland's hidden heroes and touring business Polder Pathways. She describes how the massive reclamation projects that turned sea into land fundamentally altered the environment and the lives of those in isolated fishing villages. These resilient communities also resisted German occupiers by hiding Allied airmen in swampy reed beds while maintaining a defiant local identity. The discussion also highlights the strong remembrance culture in the Netherlands, illustrated by the enduring bonds between British veterans and the families who honor their sacrifices. Lilian also explores the technical and social challenges of living below sea level, connecting past engineering feats to modern concerns about national defense and climate change. Ultimately, our talk serves as a narrative of how a man-made landscape shaped human courage and a lasting legacy of gratitude. Lilian's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "The Camino” by Anya Niewierra. Follow Lilian on Facebook at Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast | Almere | Facebook Listen to Holland's Hidden Heroes on Spotify Holland's Hidden Heroes Podcast | Podcast on Spotify Find Polder Pathways here www.polderpathways.com – 'cause stories matter Connect on LinkedIn here Polder Pathways | LinkedIn WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.
S6 · E119
June 3 · 1 hr 21 min
Commanding The SAS During The Malayan Emergency
CONTENT The guest today is Rupert Hague-Holmes and we discuss the life of Lieutenant General Sir George Lea, a pivotal figure in British military history who played a central role in the survival of the SAS. The conversation explores Lea’s transition from a non-academic, athletic youth into a distinguished leader who commanded parachute battalions during the Second World War and spearheaded counterinsurgency efforts in Malaya and Borneo. Rupert highlights Lea's unique leadership style, characterised by a refusal to tolerate low standards and a willingness to share the same risks as his men, including combat tree-jumping in the jungle. Rupert argues that Lea was essential in professionalising the Special Air Service, implementing rigorous selection processes and operational infrastructures that remain in use today. Despite his significant influence and diplomatic success in handling sensitive global conflicts, Lea is portrayed as a modest man whose legacy was largely shaped by his integrity and quiet dedication to service. Rupert's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "Arnhem 1944 The Airborne Battle" by Martin Middlebrook. My choice is Rupert's book on Lea "The Soldiers' General". WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.
S6 · E118
May 27 · 1 hr 10 min
When Loyalty Goes Wrong: Inside Toxic Police & Military Culture
CONTENT The guest today is Graham Goulden a much sought after international speaker, leadership and violence prevention trainer. For thirty years he was a Scottish police officer specialising in criminal investigation, drug investigation, training, and crime prevention. For the last eight years of his career, he was a Chief Inspector and a key member of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit. It was during this time that Graham was able to put right what had become an occurring issue for him during his policing career. Often, when interviewing people who had witnessed abuse and violence, Graham was met with the words, “I knew something was going to happen”. Graham is a passionate advocate of the bystander approach to help develop personal and organisational leadership to help create safe and supportive learning environments, workplaces, and performance teams. On this pod we discuss how toxic cultures and rigid hierarchies often suppress "good people" from intervening when they witness misconduct, errors, or poor well-being among their peers. By utilizing behavioural science, Graeme advocates for a shift from passive observation to proactive intervention, aiming to save careers and prevent harm before it escalates to a reportable offense. The conversation highlights how redefining loyalty and fostering emotional intelligence in leadership can transform institutional environments. Ultimately, the source emphasizes that cultural change is driven by empowering staff to support one another and challenge harmful behaviours in the moment. Graham's book choices on Desert Islands Dits are "Why We Act - Turning Bystanders Into Moral Rebels" (Known as "The Bystander Effect" in the UK) by Catherine Sanderson and "The Lucifer Effect - How Good People turn Evil" by Philip Zimbardo. WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.
S6 · E117
May 13 · 59 min
Digital Fires Revolution: How Software Is Speeding Up The Battlespace
CONTENT My guests today are Neale Smiles and Ian Garnett. Regular listener will know Neale from previous podcasts where we have discussed defence and technology issues. Ian, is a former New Zealand Army officer who transitioned from a career in the army to become a successful defence technology entrepreneur. He discusses his extensive military background, including specialised training in digital fire control systems and his experience with large-scale live-firing exercises. After leaving the forces, he developed a sophisticated, software-based system that modernises the sensor-to-shooter link, allowing for rapid, silent and fully digital communication between observers and weapon platforms. The discussion highlights the challenges small firms face in the defence industry, the importance of interoperability within NATO, and how software-driven innovation is currently reshaping modern warfare. Growing success has seen his technology integrated into several international militaries, proving that agile start-ups can outperform established defence giants. Ian's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "Rommel, Gunner Who?" by Spike Milligan. WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.
S6 · E116
April 27 · 1 hr 21 min
A Bloody Siege: Musa Qal'eh - Afghanistan 2006
CONTENT My guest is retired Lt Col Derek Plews, a man whose career has spanned journalism, the MOD press office, and 37 years of military service as a reservist including operations in Afghanistan Now, he has turned his focus to a critical chapter of the war in that theatre: the siege of Musa Qal'ah in 2006. In his book, "Shamrock Among the Poppies - Musa Qal'ah 2006 a bloody siege and the failures behind it" Derek gives a voice to the 87 soldiers—predominantly from the Royal Irish Regiment—who found themselves surrounded, outnumbered, and fighting for survival in a crumbling mud-brick compound. In this episode, we discuss the controversial platoon house strategy, the political optics that often overrode military logic, and the harrowing reality of a garrison facing multiple Taliban assaults a day over 5 weeks. We also examine the messy negotiated withdrawal and the profound mental toll this high-intensity warfare took on the soldiers who returned. Derek's book choices on Desert Islands Dits are "Sand and steel - A new history of D-Day" by Peter Caddick Adams and "First day of the Somme" by Martin Middlebrook. My choice is Derek's Book "Shamrock Among the Poppies". WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.
S6 · E115
April 13 · 1 hr 30 min
The True Cost Of Combat Operations In Afghanistan & Iraq
CONTENT The guest on this episode is Chris Oldfield, a former Royal Engineer. We discuss his military career and high-intensity operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he witnessed significant casualties whilst dealing with the persistent threat of improvised explosive devices. Chris also discusses his PTSD and recovery. Now living in Finland, he educates students on trauma and the true human costs of conflict. Chris's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "Now It Can Be Told" by Philip Gibbs. My choice is "Rain of Ruin: Tokyo, Hiroshima and the Surrender of Japan" by Richard Overy. We also discuss "Zen And The Art Of Happiness" by Chris Prentiss and "War Is A Racket" by General Smedley D Butler. WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.
S6 · E114
March 29 · 25 min
The Homeless Veteran Problem
CONTENT This pod was originally recorded in the discussion I had with Brad Knight on episode 111 when we discussed his involvement in Royal Engineer Search Teams operations in Afghanistan. I decided to cut it as a separate episode as a subject in its own right. On this one we discuss the systemic failures contributing to veteran homelessness in the United Kingdom despite the existence of the Armed Forces Covenant. Brad shares his personal struggle with housing instability following a divorce, highlighting how local councils and certain military charities failed to provide affordable or timely support. He critiques the government for outsourcing its responsibilities to charitable organizations that sometimes profit from veterans' misfortunes rather than offering genuine aid. We also discuss the lack of centralized support for mental health and the potential need for a representative union to advocate for fair treatment and pay. The discussion aims to raise awareness and challenge the disjointed systems that leave former service members vulnerable. WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.
S6 · E113
March 12 · 1 hr 20 min
Into The Minefields: Navy Clearance Divers - Operation GRANBY
CONTENT The guest today is Royal Navy diver Stu. We discuss his early career in the navy before he volunteered to be a clearance diver and he describes the rigorous selection and training required for the role. We then move on to operations in the first Gulf war (Operation GRANBY) where his experiences included clearing Iraqi mines and conducting harbour searches under environmentally hazardous conditions. He describes the psychological demands of underwater operations, the improvisation required in combat zones, and the physical toll of the profession. The episode highlights the camaraderie and dark humour shared between international diving units during the war, the calculated risks of the job and the long-term health concerns faced by veterans. Be aware the discussion talks about death in a war environment. Stu's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "The Collected Works of HP Lovecraft" by HP Lovecraft. WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.
S6 · E112
February 26 · 1 hr 34 min
Royal Engineers: Defeating The Taliban Bomb Makers
CONTENT The 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 CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.
S6 · E111
February 19 · 1 hr 24 min
Terry Powell DCM: SBS In The Falklands War - Part 5
CONTENT This 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 CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.
S6 · E110
February 12 · 52 min
Terry Powell DCM: SBS Swimmer Delivery Vehicle Ops - Part 4
CONTENT This 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 CHOICES Most 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 MEDIA Instagram @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.

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