Book description
From the harsh realities of basic training to post-war chaos in Iraq
and knife-edge tension in Northern Ireland, Squaddie takes us
to a place not advertised in army recruitment brochures. It exposes
the grim reality of everyday soldiering for the 'grunts on the ground'.
After the tragic death of his brother, and in the dark days
following 9/11, McLaughlin felt compelled to fulfil his lifelong
ambition to serve in the army. He followed his late brother into the
elite Royal Green Jackets and passed the arduous Combat Infantryman's
Course at the age of 31. Thereafter, McLaughlin found himself
submerged in a world of casual violence.
Squaddie is a snapshot of infantry soldiering in the
twenty-first century. It takes us into the heart of an ancient
institution that is struggling to retain its tough traditions in a
rapidly changing world. All of the fears and anxieties that the modern
soldier carries as his burden are laid bare, as well as the occasional
joys and triumphs that can make him feel like he is doing the best job
in the world.
This is an account of army life by someone who has been there and
done it.
Steven McLaughlin served in the British Army for three years and is
an accomplished sportsman. A former bouncer for some of Blackpool's most
violent clubs, he holds a black belt in Shotokan Karate and is an
expert-level Master Scuba Diver. He has also been awarded an associate
diploma in acting from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
(Lamda) and is a member of the Society of Authors.
Squaddie
is his first book.
