ex-dvr1 said:
Fugly said:
Nice thread, Steven.
Why don't you write a book about it? Maybe you can also write your own reviews as well, and post them on
Amazon with your multiple accounts.
Chopper.
It's odds on he will write about it, as he has done every urban myth that took place regarding drinking in the 70's and 80's in his previous book, but of course he was there for all of it and main instigator everytime
For a start I was at school in the 70's and the stuff I wrote about in my first book was what I did in the 80's ,or what I saw etc etc. I can't help it, if somebody else in different eras or different military units or whatever did something similar. The only thing I added to "Amongst The Marines" was the urban myth about the Sergeant Major's pace stick. And I added that because of a request from an oppo of mine. I explained this in my second book "Always A Marine."
To be honest I wrote my first book when I was 28 and put it in the cupboard for 12 years before I put the finishing touches to it. I honestly never expected it to get published. Following this though, I wrote the sequal in 2005 because I felt it would be worthwhile sharing my experiences and problems with those of a like mind. They ARE my stories, but I have found that a lot of people are able to relate to them through their own experiences, which made them worthwhile writing.
After I left the military I like most of you said goodbye to some great friends, which are second to none in civvy street. My mindset was still in the military for a long time after and I struggled to forge a life amongst a world full of individuals. Consequently I struggled to adapt to civvy street. For a long time after I continued to drink like I did in the marines and my fiery aggression was vented on those who brought trouble my way. There was no shortage of them. The serving and former serviceman can sometimes be a target for those who want to prove themselves to their mates at times.
Those years were not a very good experience and I was glad when I was able to move on with my life and put that behind me.
An unfortunate example of civvies trying to make themselves look tough was shown in the behaviour that led to this poor squaddie ending up in hospital. He lives in the area where I grew up.
If these type of people want to prove themselves, maybe they should join the military.
http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/Mum39s-plea-to-find-son39s.1873325.jp
http://www.hartlepooltoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=1109&ArticleID=1876316
Being able to write my story in a second book was luck, but also doing this helped me to deal with my own demons.
http://archive.thisisthenortheast.co.uk/2005/12/16/214137.html
I know a good number of other people who experienced similar problems, such as excessive drinking, turning to crime, taking their lives or ending up homeless or in jail.
We're trainined to be soldiers, we then live, work and react as soldiers throughout our military careers, but unfortunately there is no training to stop you being one when the time comes to move into civvy street. Thus the adaption may and does cause problems for some.
I personally am a supporter of the Royal British Legion and for those who get the monthly copy of the Royal British Legion Magazine, I was pleased to see in the latest edition that support is starting to become more forthcoming. The Royal British Legion is a great organisation that deserves as much support as it can get in its quest to provide help and support for those serving and ex serving members of the armed forces who need it.
http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/
All the very best
Steve