Life After Covert Ops | Agent Handler 'Bernie'

Introduction

In a captivating episode of the podcast, former Royal Marine Commando turned covert ops agent Bernie shares his experiences and insights from a life dedicated to intelligence work and agent handling. With a distinguished career that spans from the dangerous streets of Northern Ireland to the chaotic terrains of Iraq and Afghanistan, Bernie sheds light on a side of life that many seldom see.

The Journey Begins

Bernie kicks off the discussion by reflecting on the many challenges he faced in a world often shrouded in secrecy. His time spent working with various agencies in the Middle East accentuates the delicate balance between gathering intelligence and ensuring the safety of civilians and military personnel. He emphasizes that the end goal is to save lives rather than take them, shedding light on the purpose behind clandestine operations that many may misinterpret.

Close Calls and Harrowing Experiences

As Bernie recounts his experiences, he opens up about the close calls he has faced during his career. One notable example involves a suicide bombing at a hotel where he was responsible for security—a reminder of the ever-present danger in his line of work. He discusses the preparation and planning that takes place behind the scenes and the crucial role of secondary devices in terrorism tactics, illustrating how intelligence operations strive to protect first responders and minimize casualties.

Life in Conflict Zones

Bernie goes on to describe what it’s like to be embedded with media teams in hostile environments, ensuring their safety while capturing the realities of war. He shares that much of the thrill of his work came from the constant sense of danger and the adrenaline that comes with being in conflict zones. Yet, he acknowledges that this excitement is often accompanied by a heavy toll and reflects on the psychological aspects of service life—both during and after deployment.

Transition to Writing

As the conversation shifts, Bernie reveals how his diverse experiences have inspired him to become an author. His transition from military service to writing has allowed him to share authentic stories and insights into the world of covert operations. He expresses a desire to write engaging narratives based on factual experiences, ensuring that readers not only enjoy a compelling fiction but also gain an understanding of the realities behind the operations.

The Role of Community Support

Before concluding, Bernie touches upon the importance of community support for veterans adjusting to civilian life. He highlights that many service members face unique challenges and stresses the need for understanding and support to navigate post-service life successfully. Through his writing and volunteer efforts, he aims to raise awareness and provide assistance to those who have served.

With his series of books, Bernie hopes to bridge the gap between fiction and reality, giving readers an inside look at the operations, camaraderie, and complexities of life as an agent handler.

As Bernie wraps up the conversation, both he and the host express gratitude for the shared experiences and the lessons learned from years spent in service. The podcast serves as a reminder of the unique journeys of those who serve, the struggles they often face, and the importance of storytelling in understanding their lives.

Keyword

• Covert Ops
• Intelligence
• Life Stories
• Agent Handling
• Northern Ireland
• Iraq
• Afghanistan
• Writing
• Community Support
• Secondary Devices

FAQ

1. Who is Bernie?
Bernie is a former Royal Marine Commando who transitioned into covert operations and agent handling, with extensive experience in conflict zones.

2. What topics does Bernie discuss in the podcast?
He discusses his experiences in covert operations, the dangers he faced, close calls during his career, and his transition into writing.

3. Why did Bernie start writing?
Bernie started writing to share authentic stories from his experiences and to bridge the gap between fiction and reality for readers.

4. What type of writing does Bernie focus on?
He focuses on military adventure fiction that is grounded in factual experiences from his life and career in covert ops.

5. How does Bernie view community support for veterans?
He emphasizes the importance of community support for veterans as they adjust to civilian life, advocating for understanding and assistance in navigating their unique challenges.