Which begs the question: “What exactly is a trunk monkey?”
In Steiner’s words it refers to a rear gunner in an armed vehicle
and is a term used among military personnel in Iraq. Steiner
perfected this role and made short work of approaching
enemies with his SAW. But how does Trunk Monkeys differ
from the multitude of other likeminded books of heroics and
adventure?
“Trunk Monkeys doesn’t ignore the facts and shows the
good and the bad. I hope it gives an insight into what it was
like to operate in a post-conflict environment like Iraq. We all
saw the news reports about “Route Irish” (a notorious 7.5-mile
stretch of highway in Baghdad known for its suicide bombers
and drive-by shootings) and IEDs, but these reports never gave
an idea of what it was like to live under the constant threat of
death. I hope in some way I have conveyed this feeling of dread
that we all shared. Every day that I climbed inside my vehicle,
it felt as if I was climbing into a coffin.”
Steiner looks out of the rain-lashed window as if lost in
thought. Was the hard cash worth it? Were the endless scenes
of death and destruction worth it? The day he left Iraq for the
UK, ISIS was only thirty-five miles to the west. “For all our
airstrikes and firepower that we sold to the Iraqis, none of
these things are slowing the enemy - an enemy we created
and allowed to flourish by destabilising the region. I hope if
nothing else that Trunk Monkeys gives you an idea of how what
is happening today has gotten to this point and the problems
that we will face to stem the flow of extremism. I would bet
my life savings on the fact that airstrikes and weapons won’t be
anywhere near enough. Indeed, we are all going to get sucked
in again because the only way to stop what’s
happening is by committing ground troops.”
Steiner throws his head back and drains his
glass. “We need to send in our military. It’s time
to wipe them out.”
IS ST
2001, over 400 British soldiers have perished and over 3,000 if
you group all deaths of ISAF (International Security Assistance
Force) personnel.”
Steiner reflects on the past where he could earn $145,000
and more a year but now you can halve that – not good at all
when every day could be your last. “Ten years ago when we
owned Iraq and called the shots, there were thousands of us
running around the country. And now? The Iraqi government
call the tune and most PSD teams are locals. Until the next
invasion, the need for people like me will be on the decrease.
The few companies that still employ people for PSD in hostile
environment missions demand a minimum of six years in the
army and at least two operational tours. You also need an SIA
(Security Industry Authority) Close Protection licence. With that
being said, infantry and basic medical skills are needed and not
“spooks” or SF. Just solid infantry skills and mental robustness.”
pmcimagazine.com