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: [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.

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: [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.

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: [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.

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: [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.

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: [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.