X Platoon by Steve Heaney MC

by Steve Heaney

For three decades one of the most secretive units in the British military has not been the SAS or it has been a mystery force known variously as the Shadow Wing, the Black Unit or X Platoon. Officially there was no X Platoon. The sixty men in its elite number were culled from units across the Armed Forces, at which point they simply ceased to exist. X Platoon had no budget, no weaponry, no vehicles and no kit - apart from what its men could beg, borrow or steal from other military units. For the first time ever a highly decorated veteran of this shadow force - who served as its Platoon Sergeant - reveals its history. From anti-narcotics operations in the Guatemalan jungles, to hunting war criminals in the war-torn hills of the Balkans, from being sent to war against the Russian military to calling in the largest parachute-borne force since the Second World War, Steve Heaney was at the cutting edge of X Platoon operations. The first non-officer in the British Army ever to win the Military Cross, he reveals the extraordinary missions undertaken by this tiny force of elite operators.

Genres: Nonfiction, Military Fiction, Autobiography

Paperback

First published September 24, 2015

Reviews

[Steve Woods · Rating 2 out of 5]

First half was interesting second half a bit too much gung ho rubbish!

[Mark Sohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was flirting with the military (Might have to re-write that) I saw a few lads with the Pathfinders DZ flash; they aren't nearly as secret as they once were-but Steve Heaney's book shines a light on this group. All I knew is that they recce'd landing sites for larger forces and took a sneaky peek at the enemy to guide and shape the main force attack. Heaney's book takes us from his Middlesborough upbringing to his time in the 'regular' Paras to Selection and Operations with the tip of the spear. These men undergo a Selection Hell almost identical to that of the other Special Forces and just reading it made me feel ill. Following that, Heaney went to the Belize/Guatamalan border to conduct the unit's first ever 'live' operation-an absolutely riveting read by an extraordinarily driven man. This isn't the usual military memoir from a man that needed to be shouted at to tie his bootlaces, this is the story of a tiny unit operating behind enemy lines in the same fashion as the more famous SAS or SBS units. Absolutely awe-inspiring and a must for any modern military enthusiast (Or anyone thinking of joining the Airborne forces).

[John Poulain · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first picked this up I wasn't particularly hopeful, the title and amount that the blurb relied upon "Secret Forces" and "Secret Unit" made it seem slightly too self aggrandising to be real. Especially since I'd never heard of the "X Platoon" and given the book was published it seemed unlikely to be a massive reveal.

The book is about the Pathfinders however, a unit that was referred to sometimes as X Platoon, Steve Heaney was one of the first Paras to be put through the selection process, and served in a number of behind enemy lines actions. The writing is highly entertaining and filled with humourous metaphors as well as a thinly veiled hatred of British Army bureaucracy.

Chapters are very short and contribute to the book hurtling along at a fast pace, there's one chapter towards the end which ends on a cliffhanger that is resolved by essentially a blurb for his previous book "Operation Mayhem" that is a little frustrating but its written well enough that I'm up for reading that as well.

[Tony Hodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read a lot of this type of book, I bought X Platoon from Amazon and wondered if it would be any different to the usual read which I massively enjoy. The answer is an unreserved YES! The author Steve Heaney MC writes with an authority that is only possible if you've actually experienced, first hand, the subject matter. He has an easy writing style which makes the pages turn very quickly. I'm sure his far more experienced (in writing), co-author Damien Lewis contributed massively to this effect.

Several highlights for me. Firstly, military jargon is used, BUT always with a description or definition for those who may not be familiar with the terminology. Secondly, the periods of conflict written about are all in living memory for me. I found myself gaining new insights into things I thought I knew about. Steve's experience in the Balkans being a case in point!

Finally, what came across is the depth of character and determination Steve Heaney applied to even be considered for selection in the Pathfinders - a clear measure of the man. It's therefore no surprise that those qualities are reflected in each page of the book. Highly recommended and therefore 5 stars all the way. BUY IT!

[J MCLEOD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent description of the soldiers we are lucky to have

This brings to light the toughness and bravery required during "peacetime" soldiering. It is in sharp contrast to many memoirs that consist mainly of proud accounts of drunken excursions and female conquests.
A pleasure to read..
Niggles - the maps for the Belize and Kosovo operations are on the wrong pages and should be exchanged. The text for illustrations could have been on the same page as the pictures.

[Linzi Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real hero, legend, role model.

The life this guy has had is incredible and inspirational. The sheer mental strength to not only pass selection but to become the best in his field is just so under appreciated.
These guys are the real hero's in life and the reality is they get paid a pittance.

All front line military, especially the elite forces have my upmost respect.
I couldn't do it!

[Bailie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

First half was so good but sadly the book took a nose-dive towards the second half. However, during the last 20 pages it picked back up again.

I loved the focus on the whole platoon being one big family with the hardships and missions they faced coming in at a close second.

It was evenly balanced although some things were left vague and unfinished which bothered me a bit.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I commend the comments below, especially Mark's. They describe the book perfectly. I've read quite a few military memoirs and this one has the tone absolutely right. The descriptions, both of training and also operations, are highly detailed. One has to admire the sheer pluck of these guys.

[Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

There isn't a whole lot of action, but that is the hallmark of successful patrolling: insertion, observation and extraction without being discovered. The descriptions are detailed, especially Selection. I enjoyed reading the book but the descriptions on the front and back cover could mislead others expecting it to be a thriller type of novel when that is not what it is.

[Katie Bagguley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Really good read about a unit not shouted about. From the authors beginnings through to all of the training. It only took me 2 nights to read it all which shows how good it was.

[Ant Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of this world

Heaney has told a story in such a way that I had tears flowing down my cheeks. What a humble hero,we need more !Joe him and the word will be a safer p!ace. Thank you for sharing.

[Mr David Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great descriptions of training

I especially liked the descriptions and struggles through training and on operations just reading it could make you feel exhausted.
One of these books once you start reading your loathed to put it down

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting account of a remarkable individual’s selection and training for one of the lesser-known units of the British army.

[Kas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a detailed and pleasant trip to an elite unit and very interesting to read.

[DAVID PLUMMER · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

A very well written book, makes the reader think he is there with the author. He really deserved the MC he was awarded.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read, highly recommend this book.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF

[Steve Dempsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic insight into the effort and training needed to be part of this elite unit. Also a good insight into the conditions and areas of conflict they operate in

[Bradley Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable book. Recommend the audiobook version which is read by the author.

[Mr N P Leversuch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting book. It shows how a rebellious teenager, given the correct motivation can achieve amazing feats of endurance and resilience.
The selection demands were portrayed in stark gruelling detail that highlights the extraordinary demands that the human body and spirit can resist and overcome given the right blend of human qualities – qualities that only a few people possess.
Highly recommended, buy it!

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very readable. Well written account of life within the pathfinders. The pathfinders being an elite unit whose role is to go forward & evaluate the opposition. The sharp point of the assault.

[Michael Daly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve Heaney's story and account of his journey in the British Army is revealing and humble. His rise through the standard infantry ranks to an elite member of the X-Platoon or Pathfinders is an interesting and sometimes comical read. He portrays himself in an honest way as the lad from Sunderland who works hard and puts himself through the backbreaking physical training and mental testing of the A-list selection, thriving to become an elite soldier.

He makes it and joins the Pathfinders. The story then goes on to describe some of the exercises and missions his Pathfinders undertake in various parts of the world.

These missions are often dangerous, where one mistake could lead to death and harrowing when in Kosovo they see the torture and killing by the Serbian Nationalist on non-Serbs.

A good honest read from a guy who is highly trained and yet humble.

[Matthew Okuhara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magic Moments - similar to the SAS or UK Special Forces memoirs, this book tells a really interesting story about the Parachute Regiment's pathfinders...