Going 'Below Deck' with Dave Bradberry

No one will ever accuse David Alonson Bradberry of having a dull life. Former Marine, once a porn actor and now reality television star, Bradberry has been immersed in the exotic since joining the military straight out of high school. His tenure took him around the planet, where he safeguarded classified info and protected people like President Clinton and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. After stints working at the Pentagon and for the Committee on Homeland Security, he hightailed it to Hollywood, shooting a couple hardcore flicks for ActiveDuty.com along the way.

For the past three years, Bradberry's been sailing the high seas on Bravo's "Below Deck," a reality series that chronicles crew life aboard a multi-million dollar yacht during charter season. When he's not shooting, Bradberry, who is pursuing his master's degree at The New York Film Academy, spends time with his fianc�, adult film start Trevor Knight.

As we get stoked for the "Below Deck season finale tonight at 10 p.m. ET, EDGE checked in with Bradberry about his jaunts around the world, crewing a super-yacht and life in the military before the end of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

You've traveled all over the world, including to Italy, Liberia and Japan. Any favorite spots?

I love traveling, but I couldn't possibly name a favorite. I've been lucky enough to enjoy the luxury of traveling around the world multiple times now and the Marine Corps paved the way. I grew up in extremely humble beginnings, but when I was stationed in war-torn Liberia in 2005, I saw what true poverty was. I grew more in that year than any before or after and now appreciate the journey more and less the destination.

Do you encourage others to travel? How does it change people?

Traveling validated that's there's a great big world outside of small-town America, with too many cultures to count. But ultimately, our differences only highlight our similarities.

Travel is humbling, diversifying, and educational. Travel more, travel often!

You served with the Marines through 2008, when "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was still in effect. What was it like serving during those years?

The policy never adversely affected me personally. I grew up in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, in extremely conservative environments, so discretion came easily. I was fortunate - I "went out with the guys" and played matchmaker for my squad mates. In turn, I was usually accepted once my fellow Marines realized I wasn't planning on sneaking into their bunks at night.

Did you feel a conflict between sense of duty and the military's refusal to accept your sexuality? How did you deal with it?

I was in high school during 9/11 and while the Marine Corps seemed like the fastest ticket out of small-town America, I did have a great sense of obligation to my country. My blossoming sexuality was never really a factor. I suppose I just fit in.

What are your toughest duties on the "Below Deck" yacht? Is it difficult dealing with the people who charter it?

A third deckhand's job is easy: Follow orders. There seems to always be something to do... clean, buff, swab, shine. As long as you're working when you're supposed to and consistently respectful, the job is simple. Usually on a yacht, the difficult people are those that begin drinking upon boarding. But my favorite experience on the show was when Trevor proposed to me on my birthday - pretty unforgettable!

In Season One you famously "came out" about your past in the porn industry and Trevor's current involvement in it. Any regrets?

I feel like it would have been a mistake to have tried to hide something that sensational in this day in age. Trevor and I are adults and made the choice to create adult entertainment, which many enjoy. Now that we're a little older it's somewhat limited our choices, but we're not the type to linger in "what might have been." We're always looking towards the future, truthfully and without baggage.

Speaking of the future, any places you're dying to visit in 2016?

I've never been to Australia and I couldn't think of a more perfect place for a honeymoon! As of now, the land down under is at the top of my list.