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Synopsis
Blogging from the Battlefield, a brand new book being released today is a snapshot of life during a busy six-month tour of duty for 11 Light Brigade in Afghanistan. It is a compilation of some of the thoughts, feelings and observations from a diverse range of British contributors from right across the rank range and from each service deployed.
The book was born out of the social media experimentation that a Territorial Army soldier and career public relations professional, Major Paul Smyth, developed while 'called up' on operations. What started as a one-month mobilisation to Kosovo ended up at just less than three years of service. During that time he fought to bring the UK military's communications into the twenty-first century, introducing the work of the services in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan to audiences all over the world via media channels that have never been used by the military on operations before, and embracing the world of social media.
Blogging from the Battlefield is a result of that approach to harness technology and engage with audiences everywhere. The book mirrors the content of the most successful new media project ever deployed on operations by the British military.
With over 90,000 hits per month the blog has had a huge effect on the way the British military communicates. In an age where events can be broadcast within seconds, the information highway is becoming a new front line.
To help mark the 90th Anniversary of The Royal British Legion all the proceeds from the book will be going to the charity. The Royal British Legion is the leading UK charity providing direct, practical support to the British Armed Forces and their families. The past ten years of conflict have increased the need for that help, both today and for the years to come.
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