Bestsclling author Michael Asher reveals what he went through.to join Britain's elite Parachute Regiment and then the SAS. From the agonies of selection and 'P' Company to action in Northern Ireland at. the height of the troubles, this is a unique account. Despite his education and background, Michael Asher joined as a private soldier and had to survive the inverted snobbery of his fellow soldiers as well as the instructors. ……

Author's Note

Part One: The Paras

I The Maroon Machine 3

2 Martial Arts 30

3 First Blood 58

4 A Common Soldier 72

5 Airborne-easy 80

6 Valkyries 91

7 Shock Tactics 98

8 Contact 110

9 Violent Streets 123

10 Secret Squirrel 133

11 Home from the Wars 152

12 We Cease to be Amazed 163

Part Two: The SAS

13 A Different Army 179

14 Winged Dagger 189

15 Combat Survival 211

16 A Warrior Elite 224

Part Three: The SPG

17 Green Hills of Ulster 235

18 High-risk Profile 255

Epilogue 273