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.

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.

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.