CONTENT

The guest today is Patrick Bury a former Royal Irish Regiment officer who joined the army in 2005 and spent five years in uniform, including a tour in Sangin, Helmand in 2008. We discuss the complexities of COIN warfare and the leadership and ethical challenges during this type of operation. We examine the phenomenon of 'warrior culture,' accountability in military leadership, the corrosive effect of combat on soldiers and the need, or otherwise, for moral soldiering by liberal democracies fighting an enemy who are not hindered by such ideals.

Paddy, is now an academic and a Senior Associate Professor in Security at University of Bath and a UK Research and Innovation Future Leaders Fellow specialising in CT and warfare. His areas of expertise include: counter-terrorism transformation and capacity building; military operations; British Army Reserve; military logistics; the Second World War; NATO; Irish military service. He regularly provides expertise on security matters to both global and national media.

His book choice on Desert Island Dits is "A Rumor Of War" by Philip Caputo. My choice is "Ground Truth: The Moral Component In Contemporary British Warfare". We also discuss "Black Heart" by Jim Frederick and "On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society" by Dave Grossman.

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.

CONTENT

The guest today is Chris Cocks who was on pod 72 when we discussed his service in the Rhodesian Light Infantry and his book "Fire Force - One Man's War In The Rhodesian Light Infantry". On this episode we discuss life after he finished his service and his sequel to Fire Force "Survival Course - Rhodesian Denouement And The War Of Self".

The conversation focuses on Chris's transition from military to civilian life and his role as a farm manager while also serving as a reservist in the police anti-terrorist unit (PATU). He elaborates on the guerrilla warfare conducted by the enemy, his patrol duties, the challenges faced with limited and outdated equipmen and the moral complexities encountered in combat scenarios. The episode delves into Chris's post-war struggles with PTSD and substance abuse, his journey through rehabilitation, and his reflective thoughts on the war's lasting impact. Personal anecdotes, including ambushes, interactions with former guerrillas, and the societal divide in Rhodesia all providing a vivid account of Chris's experiences. The podcast also emphasizes the importance of mental health support for veterans.

No Desert Island Dits this episode as Chris has been on before but my recommendation is Chris's book "Survival Course - Rhodesian Denouement And The War Of Self".

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.

CONTENT

The guest today is Loz Moore a former officer in the British Army. Loz was on podcast 62 when we discussed his operational tours with the infantry in Afghanistan, Iraq and NI. On this episode we discuss transitioning from military life to civilian careers and delve into the challenges of resettlement faced by veterans. We talk of our different experiences from my transition after 22 years of service and Loz’s abrupt transition due to medical retirement. The discussion emphasizes the importance of planning, self-awareness, and seeking help when needed. We also highlight the role of organizations in providing purpose and community post-service. The episode aims to offer valuable insights and practical advice for veterans navigating their own transition back to civilian life.

No Desert Island dits this episode as Loz has been on before but we do discuss "Storm of Steel" by Ernst Junger, "Devil's Guard" by George Robert Elford and "Memoirs of an Infantry Officer" by Siegfried Sassoon.

You can contact Loz by email: cockleshell22@gmail.com. Cockleshell 22 website is at: https://cockleshell22.com and Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Cockleshell22/

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.