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Warrior Training - the making of an Australian SAS Soldier
All men are not created equal... What makes a warrior? In this action-packed book, acclaimed SAS soldier Keith Fennell recounts his development as a soldier and as a man, revealing the challenges he overcame in order to perform at the highest level.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 13, 2013
NOTE: There is a Kindle edition that contains both this and the one he wrote of his actual experiences in the SASR.
I came across this book while conducting research for my current WIP "Truth+Lies" which will feature an ex-SAS guy and a guy who claims to be.
There is apparently an unwritten rule in the Australian SAS not to write books about their exploits. In fact, some say they don't even tell anyone except their immediate family that they are a part of the elite unit, preferring to be vague about their roles. "If you say you're SAS, you probably aren't."
While serving, their faces are usually covered in photographs and Christian names or nicknames are all they're referred to by.
As far as I can tell, only two ex SAS members have written first-hand accounts of their time with the special forces, Terry O'Farrell's Behind Enemy Lines: An Australian SAS Solider in Vietnam covering the Vietnam conflict and Keith's books.
The first book he wrote Warrior Brothers - My Life In the Australian SAS tells of what happened on active duty mainly in Afghanistan. This later book backtracks, covering his training and also his transition back to civilian life after the other book "finishes".
Both aspects are well worth reading. I gather this book was submitted to the Regiment prior to publishing and got their stamp of approval.
Probably because it almost acts as a recruiting filter and will either inspire or deter others who may be interested in following his footsteps. They're pretty big footsteps, too. At 21, he was one of the youngest ever to be selected and performed above average in all the tests. From what he writes, this was because being fit and strong had been a large part of his life from early childhood. He also possesses a few other ingredients he sees as crucial: self-belief and determination to reach his goals.
Since leaving the service he's finally managed to find a place in civilian society by turning these strengths into new goals. He's done Arts and Creative Writing courses at Wollongong Uni which must have not only helped him write the books, but also formulate the motivational talks he gives to groups as diverse as the Auckland Warriors NRL team and corporate business.
He also encourages his children to do the best they can, is involved in his local surf club, preparing those who want to go to State Carnivals and just generally gets out there and tries to extend himself and everyone he comes across to make the most of their physical potential.
The book has been written in an easy to read style and is imparted in a sufficiently humble tone that you don't get the impression that it was Keith Fennell's army, but he was just one of many like him.
This humility alone would have made the book get the stamp of approval from the powers-that-be. They would have also been happy that he didn't attempt to expose faults in the system even though they are sure to exist.
Warrior Training is a positive look at a Regiment the author loved, still loves and feels deserves respect.
There were a few quotes that resonated:
One story resonated of some men quitting because they were given a seemingly impossible command to run back to base when they were all dead on their feet. The remaining ones who grudgingly obeyed to the best of their ability were picked up by transport less than half a kilometre down the road. In other words, 500 metres was the difference between those who made it through and those that didn't.
"No such word as can't." and "Giving up is not an option." All cliches, that helped the author survive and prevail, but they really apply to everyone.
I came across this book while conducting research for my current WIP "Truth+Lies" which will feature an ex-SAS guy and a guy who claims to be.
There is apparently an unwritten rule in the Australian SAS not to write books about their exploits. In fact, some say they don't even tell anyone except their immediate family that they are a part of the elite unit, preferring to be vague about their roles. "If you say you're SAS, you probably aren't."
While serving, their faces are usually covered in photographs and Christian names or nicknames are all they're referred to by.
As far as I can tell, only two ex SAS members have written first-hand accounts of their time with the special forces, Terry O'Farrell's Behind Enemy Lines: An Australian SAS Solider in Vietnam covering the Vietnam conflict and Keith's books.
The first book he wrote Warrior Brothers - My Life In the Australian SAS tells of what happened on active duty mainly in Afghanistan. This later book backtracks, covering his training and also his transition back to civilian life after the other book "finishes".
Both aspects are well worth reading. I gather this book was submitted to the Regiment prior to publishing and got their stamp of approval.
Probably because it almost acts as a recruiting filter and will either inspire or deter others who may be interested in following his footsteps. They're pretty big footsteps, too. At 21, he was one of the youngest ever to be selected and performed above average in all the tests. From what he writes, this was because being fit and strong had been a large part of his life from early childhood. He also possesses a few other ingredients he sees as crucial: self-belief and determination to reach his goals.
Since leaving the service he's finally managed to find a place in civilian society by turning these strengths into new goals. He's done Arts and Creative Writing courses at Wollongong Uni which must have not only helped him write the books, but also formulate the motivational talks he gives to groups as diverse as the Auckland Warriors NRL team and corporate business.
He also encourages his children to do the best they can, is involved in his local surf club, preparing those who want to go to State Carnivals and just generally gets out there and tries to extend himself and everyone he comes across to make the most of their physical potential.
The book has been written in an easy to read style and is imparted in a sufficiently humble tone that you don't get the impression that it was Keith Fennell's army, but he was just one of many like him.
This humility alone would have made the book get the stamp of approval from the powers-that-be. They would have also been happy that he didn't attempt to expose faults in the system even though they are sure to exist.
Warrior Training is a positive look at a Regiment the author loved, still loves and feels deserves respect.
There were a few quotes that resonated:
I don't gauge my success by comparing myself to others. Those who do are often left bitter and fail to reach their potential. I compete with myself, because then the potential for growth is infinite; I am not bordered by those above and below.And another
My experiences, training and relationships have shaped my life, but the way I reflect on these things allows me to grow and progress with confidence. Not everything I attempt works out, but I give everything I attempt the same level of commitment."
Life is full of pessimists, people who say something can't be done. And even if they're right and you fail - so what? Those who embrace their dreams and come up short have not truly failed. Failure belongs to those who didn't have the courage to step over the starting line."This advice is doled out between harrowing tales of gruelling physical trials and almost inhumane treatment over 72 hours of simulated enemy interrogation.
One story resonated of some men quitting because they were given a seemingly impossible command to run back to base when they were all dead on their feet. The remaining ones who grudgingly obeyed to the best of their ability were picked up by transport less than half a kilometre down the road. In other words, 500 metres was the difference between those who made it through and those that didn't.
"No such word as can't." and "Giving up is not an option." All cliches, that helped the author survive and prevail, but they really apply to everyone.
August 19, 2018
A fascinating insight into the process of applying for the SAS. Some of the stories throughout the book make it very hard to put down! At times I found it went into details that weren’t really relevant to the overall book but all in all I found it to be a full on detailed description of the life of a SAS soldier.
Ps: There was one quote seemed to really stand out for me in this book!
“We are all motivated to achieve different things in life.... I am competitive by nature, but I don’t gauge my success by comparing myself to others. Thinking about what someone else earns, owns, is doing or has done is negative. It makes you dissatisfied, destroys you self-esteem and prevents you from reaching your potential. Irrespective of what others around me are doing, I set my own goals and try to be relentless in my quest to achieve them.”
Ps: There was one quote seemed to really stand out for me in this book!
“We are all motivated to achieve different things in life.... I am competitive by nature, but I don’t gauge my success by comparing myself to others. Thinking about what someone else earns, owns, is doing or has done is negative. It makes you dissatisfied, destroys you self-esteem and prevents you from reaching your potential. Irrespective of what others around me are doing, I set my own goals and try to be relentless in my quest to achieve them.”
October 5, 2016
Gave this five stars because it's simply an amazing read. The author writes well about his journey towards being a member of the SAS regiment, and what the selection trials are like. How well they select only the strongest, most enduring and deep thinking soldiers who can operate alone and step into leadership too when required.
I found it an inspiring read too, compelling me to try harder and never give up on my ambitions.
I found it an inspiring read too, compelling me to try harder and never give up on my ambitions.
September 10, 2018
A good read.
November 9, 2019
Great read. Bringing everything to life and an insight to the modern soldier.
October 26, 2020
Really well written and engaging story of the journey of an Aussie SAS soldier. Brilliant. I gave a copy to my Dad.
March 2, 2023
Third read through
Great book. Some good laughs in there. Interesting to hear how Keith handled the transition from the SAS to family man.
Great book. Some good laughs in there. Interesting to hear how Keith handled the transition from the SAS to family man.
October 19, 2025
One of the best biographies I've read so far. His style of writing was very enjoyable and his insights, and thoughts. I hope I can take some of the lessons and motivation from this book with me.
August 11, 2013
I found this book very hard to put down. It is the personal account of a Special Forces soldier in Australia. This is his story of his preparation, training and drive to becoming an elite soldier. Mr. Fennel recounts his memories and shares the amazing journey he made. The amount of mental and physical strength as well as motivation and belief in self is astounding and reading about the lengths and depths these men go to is truly astounding. A well written, entertaining and highly informative read.
November 29, 2009
This book provides a great insight into what Keith had to endure to be accepted into the SAS, which blows you away. You also obtain a broader appreciation for his purpose and drive in life as he shares some of his travels and adventures. Keith has clearly written this book to help him progress to a new life.
November 10, 2009
I could not put this book down. I am in awe of the physical strength and determination of SAS Soldiers and the book inspired and motivated me mentally. This book is even better than Fennell's first book - Warrior Brothers. I recommend it to anyone, not just those interested in war.
January 7, 2010
This book made me realise how much more that we can do physically and mentally in every day life. We all have a greater capability but don't use it to our full potential every day. Keith's story inspired me.
January 3, 2014
I love Keith's writing style, he might as well be sitting next to you at the bar telling you the story. His descriptions of some of the guys that I have personally met are just spot on. Great story telling and a realistic interpretation of just how hard the training schedule is.
October 8, 2010
Good book, gives a great insight to the mind of an Australian SAS soldier during selection.
January 13, 2011
This book is thought provoking and left me awestruck! The mental and physical strength of these men are extraordinary! It's a great read, and I highly recommend it :)
May 28, 2011
Interesting.. Not bad.
March 4, 2015
Absolutely amazing book
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews