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.

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Email us: [email protected]. 

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 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: [email protected]. 

This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected]. 

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 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: [email protected]. 

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 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: [email protected]. 

This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected]. 

This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected]. 

This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENT

This 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 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: [email protected]. 

This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENT

This 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 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: [email protected]. 

This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENT

This 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 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: [email protected]. 

This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.