World War 3

I didn’t join the Army because I was patriotic or wanted to fight for Queen and Country. I joined because it was the only way I knew I could leave Port Talbot and get a decent job with career prospects. My destiny at that time was dark because the path I was on only had one outcome, and that outcome was not good for me. I swore my oath and signed my allegiance to the Queen wearing a boy’s suit with customised boots covered in the peace symbol, which for me – represented ban the bomb.

I decided to become an instructor in Nuclear, Biological and Chemical warfare. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy; however, it included topics I’d always wanted to learn more about. Being in a gas chamber wasn’t so bad, especially when it was cold outside or blowing a hoolie. I learned to eat hard-boiled eggs and have some semblance of a conversation whilst being subjected to the effects of CS (tear) gas.

I’ve always been fascinated and intrigued by Einstein and the Atom bomb. When I received my first promotion in the Army, my boss told me that I had to be an instructor in something. Most people I knew became First Aid instructors. I considered this but thought it would be a bit messy, and quite honestly, I didn’t fancy having to be in such close proximity to so many strangers.

The course was very physical, and there was a ton to learn, and I loved it. I didn’t go on to do the advanced instructor’s course because I was told that I would have to witness a goat being subjected to a chemical agent and dying as a consequence. Experiencing this would have been too upsetting for me, and there was too much potential for me to have an emotional episode.

I read a lot of books on the Atom bomb as a kid and still do today. Back when I was around ten years old, I thought about what would spark World War 3 – and I always thought it would be because some countries would press the red button. Thankfully this hasn’t happened, and I hope it never does.