Customer Reviews
Not bad & a good weekend read. - By: Mr. R. J. Yeates, 08 Aug 2008 
This book was recommended by a mate, also an ex squadde.
At first I was chuckling away, sympathising over all the pain, hardship & the "bull" you have to put up with, it brought it all crashing back.
(Stag sucks, Catterick is indeed the arse end of nowhere & sadistic short people with bad moustache's do prosperin the Army)
As the book wore on I couldn't help but think "for the love of god, stop moaning will you"
The guy is constantly moaning, christ, what did he expect, Summer camp?
Allin all not a bad read, with some genuine humourin there that some may like & it will certainly pass a wet weekend while reminiscing about the good ole' days.
Good work Soldier!
The sharp end of Squaddie culture - By: R Strunk (ex DWR), 27 Aug 2007 
This is a great military story about the reality of everyday life for a professional soldierin the British Army. I loved the fact that it's written entirely from the perspective of a junior rankin the line Infantry. McLaughlin served for three very busy years as a Riflemanin one of our toughest & most respected units - the Royal Green Jackets. The book takes you through basic training, battalion lifein Britain, an emergency `Spearhead deployment' to Iraqin the summer of 2003, & a typical NI tour.
Squaddie has a nice little historical perspective going on, because McLaughlin served at a pivotal momentin two major conflicts - one that was just beginning (Iraq) & one that was finally ending (Northern Ireland). It's also an extremely accurate account of modern-day Infantry training at Catterick, & the lifestyle a soldier can expect to lead when he makes it to his battalion.
I think that some of the books critics have really missed the point; it's specifically about what it's like to be a Private soldier for a couple of years - NOT what it's like being an SAS trooper or Infantry CO for 20years or a lifetime! As an ex-Infanteer myself (DWR), it was good to hear a familiar voice talking with clarity & honesty, about the ups & downs of Squaddie life & culture.
Worst soldiers account written - By: Mr. Sp Nelson, 25 Aug 2007 
I find it quite hard to believe that this book was ever published. It is written by a soldier with only 3 years experience, 6 months of which wasin basic training.
I have no doubt that the author wasin the army but his accounts are sketchy & very very narrow minded to the other corps & regiments within the army. Example he says he went out on TELIC 2in summer when everyone else including myself on TELIC 2 startedin spring. He lets on that the green jackets were the only infantry regiment there & were the only people allowed into the city which is rubbish. Im my 7 months I never once saw a green jacket, the leading infantry were KOSBs & King Os.
One good readin the book was his hardshipsin getting into the army but after all that I plead with you to throw the book away.
Squaddie - By: Mr. J. W. Howarth, 14 Aug 2007 This book really gives a good description of lifein a British infantry regiment. It brought back memories of beingin Belfast & and on active service.
It is also a really good read & does an excellent job covering a difficult subject.
AN INTERSTING BLOKE - By: Tommy Atkins, 13 Aug 2007 
This book is a good easy read, McLaughlin's timein the army will be well recognised by anyone who has served or is still serving. Some funny stories. McLaughlin should be congratulated on his determination to follow through on his commitment to joining the services first as a Royal & then as an infantryman.
