“Stay Loose” – 30 Years – An Infantry Soldiers Story, Somalia, East Timor, Afghanistan, Iraq
ED: If you’re looking for a meaningful and inspiring book, I wholeheartedly recommend “Stay Loose” by Adrian Hodges. Having known Adrian since his early days as a young private soldier in Charlie Company, 1RAR, I can personally attest to his remarkable character and dedication. Even at the start of his career, Adrian was highly respected by his peers and superiors alike.
Over the years, I’ve followed Adrian’s journey as he progressed through the ranks, achieving great success and earning widespread admiration. His story is one of resilience, leadership, and authenticity—qualities that shine through in his writing. On a personal note, I fondly remember the time when Adrian met and married Jo, the love of his life, which marked a truly special chapter in his journey.
The title “Stay Loose” carries a profound significance for those of us who served in Charlie Company, 1RAR. It’s more than just a phrase; it’s a mantra that embodies the spirit of adaptability and perseverance we lived by.
Whether you’re a military history enthusiast, a lover of inspiring stories, or simply looking for an exceptional read, “Stay Loose” is a book that will resonate deeply. If someone asks you what you want for Christmas, tell them a copy of “Stay Loose” is at the top of your list. You won’t be disappointed.
Ray Payne OAM
“Your past doesn’t define you—it teaches you. Every experience is a lesson, not a life sentence.”
In Stay Loose, Adrian Hodges delivers a candid reflection on three decades of service in the Australian Army, from navigating the dangers of war to the challenges beyond the battlefield.
Adrian chronicles both the highs and lows. From his battalion’s deployment to Somalia’s famine-stricken chaos—Australia’s first major overseas operation since the Vietnam War—to participating in the nation’s first lethal firefight in decades, he offers harrowing frontline insights. His memoir covers a military exchange in Malaysia, as well as service in Afghanistan and Iraq, providing an intimate view of the physical and psychological tolls faced by soldiers.
But this memoir isn’t just about combat. Adrian reflects on his struggles after leaving the Army, battling uncertainty and searching for direction. His post-military career led him to work as a court recorder on several high-profile legal cases, including the investigation into the Black Hawk helicopter crash that claimed 18 military lives. He also recounts backpacking through North Africa and the Middle East, contrasting his military service with personal discovery.
Eventually re-enlisting, Adrian’s return to operations and military exchanges weaves themes of brotherhood, resilience, and the strength found in family. Now a private military contractor in the UAE, he explores how his past shaped his future.
Stay Loose is a deeply personal journey of finding humour and catharsis in extraordinary circumstances, proving that past experiences offer lessons, not life sentences.
About the Author – Adrian Hodges
Adrian Hodges was born in 1970 and has been involved in the defence industry for more than thirty-five years. His first military mission was to war-ravaged Somalia, on the Horn of Africa, with his last to Iraq. An Australian by birth, Adrian is now based in the Middle East, where he works as a military contractor for the Presidential Guard, an elite military unit of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.
LIST PRICE: AU$ 34.99 / NZ$ 39.99
PRICE MAY VARY BY RETAILER
- Publisher : Big Sky Publishing (2 April 2025)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 312 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1923300180
- ISBN-13 : 978-1923300187
Available from: Amazon.com.au – booktopia – Dymocks – Mightyape – The Nile – QBD books
