Young Author Reveals How One Year of Military Service Changed His Life

MELBOURNE, Australia, July 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- It was in February of 2009 when eighteen-year-old Rhys Hagan arrived at the Australian Army Recruit Training Centre in New South Wales. He would begin an eighty-day basic training course only to move on to another seventy-two-day infantry course which would qualify him to join a battalion as a rifleman.

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"When you hear 'Basic Training' you probably picture a senior officer yelling in some kids face, or a group of soldiers on parade practicing marching drills," Hagan said. "And you'd be right, but there's more to it than that. Being particular and meticulous is obviously important to ensure you stay alive when push comes to shove. You take plenty of skills with you into the rest if your life along with an appreciation for what those in the armed forces do every day."

Aside from the practical skills drilled into recruits during training, they also take part in many lessons concerning the ethics of combat. Multiple sessions are scheduled with Padres and high-ranking officers to examine the Laws Of Armed Combat (LOAC) and the Rules Of Engagement (ROE).

"The key subjects of these sessions are critical thinking and assessing a threat for yourself before pulling the trigger." Hagan comments, "While I've never served overseas, I rest easy knowing those who have and are serving are well trained to handle such extreme situations. It's not about how aggressive you can be—it's about how well you can control your aggression. It's not about following orders blindly—it's about thinking for yourself while honouring the position of your superiors."

Hagan credits a great deal of his inspiration for writing to his time in the army. With many of his characters having a military background, his inside knowledge allows him to give his work more authenticity.

"What I learned in the army has helped me add content to my work, sure. But the discipline and determination I learned have helped me get through the often gruelling task of completing a novel. I'm very proud of Hunting Taylor Brown and plan on writing a few more like it."

Hagan's debut novel, Hunting Taylor Brown, is available from all major online retailers with the eBook currently available for pre-purchase.

Contact:
Rhys Hagan
+61434011878

SOURCE Rhys Hagan

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