Squaddie - Steven McLaughlin

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 elder brother, Steven McLaughlin felt compelled to fulfil his lifelong ambition to serve in the army, where he found himself submerged in a world of casual violence. Squaddie is a snapshot of infantry soldiering in the 21st century, taking 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.