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Born Fearless: From SAS to Mercenary to Pirate Hunter
Meet ‘Big’ Phil Campion. To his fellow operators he’s a private military contractor. To you or me he’s a mercenary, a soldier of fortune, a gun for hire selling violence to the highest bidder. But to Big Phil it’s all just another chapter in a life spent fighting in the shadows.
Abandoned. Run-away. Half-beaten to death. Blown-up. Locked up. And all before the age of twenty. This is the incredible true story of how Phil Campion survived all of that, and went on to complete Commando selection, Para selection, and to join the SAS – before fighting as a mercenary in the world’s toughest war zones. Undertaking deniable operations, freeing hostages and escaping terrorists hell bent on revenge – the dangers and insane risks of life as a private military operator eclipsed even those of waging war in an SAS Sabre Squadron. Big Phil’s story of life on the private military circuit (‘The Circuit’) is a high-octane blend of chasing fast bucks in a Wild West industry, whilst always staying one step ahead of the bad guys.
Abandoned. Run-away. Half-beaten to death. Blown-up. Locked up. And all before the age of twenty. This is the incredible true story of how Phil Campion survived all of that, and went on to complete Commando selection, Para selection, and to join the SAS – before fighting as a mercenary in the world’s toughest war zones. Undertaking deniable operations, freeing hostages and escaping terrorists hell bent on revenge – the dangers and insane risks of life as a private military operator eclipsed even those of waging war in an SAS Sabre Squadron. Big Phil’s story of life on the private military circuit (‘The Circuit’) is a high-octane blend of chasing fast bucks in a Wild West industry, whilst always staying one step ahead of the bad guys.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2011
90 people are currently reading
409 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 52 reviews
April 6, 2015
I borrowed this book from the library and my husband noticed it. he asked me if I was enjoying the book, then commented that he had come across "big"Phil Campion during his time in the military. It was interesting to hear his comments about the author who portrays himself as all but invincible. He is certainly a military veteran and served as a soldier in the regular Armed Forces as well as the elite British special forces, the SAS (Special Air Service) in many hazardous areas of the world. He has since worked as a military operator, and as a mercenary. He remains involved in the private military circuit in a number of capacities and, when he is not working abroad, lives in Southampton, England.
Born Fearless, is Phil Campion’s brutally honest story, from his difficult start in life and his journey into military operations. Campion was abandoned at birth but his adoptive parents were abusive so the author was taken into care and lived in children's homes for most of his childhood. Unsurprisingly, Campion left school as early as he could. He was 16, had no qualifications and opted to join the army. There is little doubt that had he not done this, the author could have put his intellect, bravery and organisational skills to alternative uses on the other side of the law.
I had never read a book like Born Fearless before. Some of the accounts of the dangerous situations the author encountered seemed more like scenes from movie fiction than real life. However, I am reliably informed that Campion would have no need to exaggerate, given the war zones and dangerous parts of the world in which he served in the military and later worked in on the private circuit. Born Fearless is a fascinating account of life on that private circuit by one of those right on the circuit's razor edge. Anyone who follows international affairs to even a basic degree would be aware of the existence of private military operations in places like Afghanistan. But we rarely hear anything about how these operators actually work.
In the book it soon becomes clear that gets easily bored by the regular and the mundane so Campion found his place in the elite forces, culminating in the SAS. This proved a good background to allow him to enter the private military circuit. Born Fearless gives little away about the way the SAS are trained or operate but provides a good account of life on the circuit that Campion joined after leaving the forces. I enjoyed that and found the adventures and exploits exciting. They were all the more fascinating because they were real. At times I did find myself wondering about Campion's sanity. He was operating in a hugely dangerous environment and he loved it!
Born Fearless is a fascinating account of an aspect of life that very few of us will ever see, with action, humour and humanity. If you enjoy either thriller or adventure genre novels, I recommend this book to you: but this one is real.
Born Fearless, is Phil Campion’s brutally honest story, from his difficult start in life and his journey into military operations. Campion was abandoned at birth but his adoptive parents were abusive so the author was taken into care and lived in children's homes for most of his childhood. Unsurprisingly, Campion left school as early as he could. He was 16, had no qualifications and opted to join the army. There is little doubt that had he not done this, the author could have put his intellect, bravery and organisational skills to alternative uses on the other side of the law.
I had never read a book like Born Fearless before. Some of the accounts of the dangerous situations the author encountered seemed more like scenes from movie fiction than real life. However, I am reliably informed that Campion would have no need to exaggerate, given the war zones and dangerous parts of the world in which he served in the military and later worked in on the private circuit. Born Fearless is a fascinating account of life on that private circuit by one of those right on the circuit's razor edge. Anyone who follows international affairs to even a basic degree would be aware of the existence of private military operations in places like Afghanistan. But we rarely hear anything about how these operators actually work.
In the book it soon becomes clear that gets easily bored by the regular and the mundane so Campion found his place in the elite forces, culminating in the SAS. This proved a good background to allow him to enter the private military circuit. Born Fearless gives little away about the way the SAS are trained or operate but provides a good account of life on the circuit that Campion joined after leaving the forces. I enjoyed that and found the adventures and exploits exciting. They were all the more fascinating because they were real. At times I did find myself wondering about Campion's sanity. He was operating in a hugely dangerous environment and he loved it!
Born Fearless is a fascinating account of an aspect of life that very few of us will ever see, with action, humour and humanity. If you enjoy either thriller or adventure genre novels, I recommend this book to you: but this one is real.
October 22, 2020
Biographies/memoirs are a difficult genre to rate because the writing cannot be compared to general fiction or literary fiction. The author needs to tell their story in their way and this story would not have worked without such things as swearing, cheeky jokes or military and street lingo.
Phil tells his story his own way which is a 'stories down the pub' style...and I really enjoyed it.
This was totally enhanced by listening to Phil narrate his own story and I would recommend the audio version as you will get so much more out of it.
Phil is straight to the point, confrontational, controversial and utterly hilarious.
I laughed so much reading this - it is a black humour that belies the gravity of the situations he has found himself in and I really appreciated that.
He gave a fascinating insight into military/mercenary life whilst keeping it real and relatable.
I'm missing Phil already..
Phil tells his story his own way which is a 'stories down the pub' style...and I really enjoyed it.
This was totally enhanced by listening to Phil narrate his own story and I would recommend the audio version as you will get so much more out of it.
Phil is straight to the point, confrontational, controversial and utterly hilarious.
I laughed so much reading this - it is a black humour that belies the gravity of the situations he has found himself in and I really appreciated that.
He gave a fascinating insight into military/mercenary life whilst keeping it real and relatable.
I'm missing Phil already..
April 27, 2017
Not my style
What really did it for me was when Phil apparently thanked Tony Blaire for taking us to war, and giving him a job for life. That and his inability to mature beyond the mental age of a teenage hooligan. My childhood wasn't great either, but you move on, or at least that's what I did. Needs must old boy. I get the feeling that Phil may have let his advisers, or maybe a ghostwriter, get away with too much artistic licence. Sorry Phil, I appreciate your contribution to the war effort forced upon us by other overly ambitious people, but to thank them for it? That's a bridge too far for me, I'm afraid.
What really did it for me was when Phil apparently thanked Tony Blaire for taking us to war, and giving him a job for life. That and his inability to mature beyond the mental age of a teenage hooligan. My childhood wasn't great either, but you move on, or at least that's what I did. Needs must old boy. I get the feeling that Phil may have let his advisers, or maybe a ghostwriter, get away with too much artistic licence. Sorry Phil, I appreciate your contribution to the war effort forced upon us by other overly ambitious people, but to thank them for it? That's a bridge too far for me, I'm afraid.
August 3, 2012
interesting true story of a former soldier and SAS member who went into the private contractor circuit in some of the worst trouble spots in the world, very frank account that pulls no punches. If you're looking for any insight to any SAS missions, think again, he doesn't give much away here, (as you might expect). I thoroughly enjoyed it, a good read.
December 4, 2023
An interesting read however I didn’t particularly like the writing style or the demeaning way the author spoke about others. To be fair though he operated in stressful situations under extreme conditions so maybe he feels he has earned the right to disparage those he feels haven’t made the grade
December 27, 2011
Anyone who follows international affairs to even a basic degree would be aware of the existence of private military operations in places like Afghanistan. But we don't hear a lot about how these operators actually work. Born Fearless is a fascinating account of life on that private circuit by one of those right on the circuit's razor edge.
Phil Campion had a brutal upbringing. I think it is fair to think Campion could have easily gone down a much darker path but as a youngster he ended up in the army. Clearly one to get easily bored by the regular, the mundane, Campion found his place in the elite forces, culminating in the SAS. This proved a good background to enter the private military circuit.
This account provides a good account of life on that circuit as well as what lead up to it. That bit I enjoyed. What I didn't enjoy as much was Campion's regular reminding the reader of his 'years in the military.' Phil - I know you were in the army and respect you for it. But I didn't need reminding of it so frequently.
At times I also found myself wondering about Campion's sanity. He was operating in a hair-raising, dangerous environment. And he loved it but without becoming an utter psycho, for which I respect him even more.
This is a fascinating account of an aspect of life that very few of us will ever see (or probably want to!), with action, humour and humanity. It should have quite wide appeal.
Phil Campion had a brutal upbringing. I think it is fair to think Campion could have easily gone down a much darker path but as a youngster he ended up in the army. Clearly one to get easily bored by the regular, the mundane, Campion found his place in the elite forces, culminating in the SAS. This proved a good background to enter the private military circuit.
This account provides a good account of life on that circuit as well as what lead up to it. That bit I enjoyed. What I didn't enjoy as much was Campion's regular reminding the reader of his 'years in the military.' Phil - I know you were in the army and respect you for it. But I didn't need reminding of it so frequently.
At times I also found myself wondering about Campion's sanity. He was operating in a hair-raising, dangerous environment. And he loved it but without becoming an utter psycho, for which I respect him even more.
This is a fascinating account of an aspect of life that very few of us will ever see (or probably want to!), with action, humour and humanity. It should have quite wide appeal.
April 14, 2013
An inside account of what "the curcuit" is like. To me, it proved that contractors of Big Phil's caliber deserve respect, no matter what one may think of any particular war.
January 31, 2021
No non-sense common sense guy. Seems like a good bloke.
September 29, 2023
I really enjoyed this very different memoir from an ex-special forces soldier. Rather than the usual blow by blow telling of hard times growing up and going through military training leading up to an account of special forces selection, we get only a few anecdotes of these times. Most of the book focuses on the author's time as a private military contractor working on a number of very different contracts. This is the first book I've read focusing on that so I found it most interesting. The writing is often humourous and having the author narrating his own story adds to this. All in all, a most enjoyable listen.
March 6, 2018
Fantastic Read
Kept my interest throughout. Held my breathe a few times. Thank God for people like Big Phil Campion and the other SAS operatives. It was great to have such a personal insight into how these fantastic people do so much to keep us safe. Also reminded me of those we loved and lost in the line of duty. If you enjoy books about the SAS and the circuit you won't get much better than this. I highly recommend it. Thank you Phil for all you have done and still do and thank you for giving us this insight into your world Awesome.
Kept my interest throughout. Held my breathe a few times. Thank God for people like Big Phil Campion and the other SAS operatives. It was great to have such a personal insight into how these fantastic people do so much to keep us safe. Also reminded me of those we loved and lost in the line of duty. If you enjoy books about the SAS and the circuit you won't get much better than this. I highly recommend it. Thank you Phil for all you have done and still do and thank you for giving us this insight into your world Awesome.
October 17, 2020
“Born Fearless is a rough and tough biography from a larger than life ex-SAS and private security contractor. Big Phil talks about some of the incredible contracts and military experiences he’s endured around the world, the luck and expertise he applies to keeping others safe or working between the gaps of diplomatic activity. It’s a fascinating read that grips you from the start right through”
April 20, 2021
Great read
The elite soldiers do the tough jobs and the author describes his ops in an entertaining way. Front line troops are the cream of the army and to wear the cap badge is a huge achievement
The elite soldiers do the tough jobs and the author describes his ops in an entertaining way. Front line troops are the cream of the army and to wear the cap badge is a huge achievement
August 1, 2025
great read.
Really enjoyed this book by Phil Campion, what a remarkable life story from his terrible childhood to getting badged and all his exploits in between,definitely a life lived at the sharp end and what an amazing character 🫡 !
Really enjoyed this book by Phil Campion, what a remarkable life story from his terrible childhood to getting badged and all his exploits in between,definitely a life lived at the sharp end and what an amazing character 🫡 !
October 26, 2017
Good read
Really engaging read. Big Phil gives a great account of his life. Never using his hard upbringing as an excuse but as motivation.
Really engaging read. Big Phil gives a great account of his life. Never using his hard upbringing as an excuse but as motivation.
November 26, 2017
Real and true.
A very good read. When you realise what really goes on out there you can give them the full respect all deserve. Well done and thank you.
A very good read. When you realise what really goes on out there you can give them the full respect all deserve. Well done and thank you.
January 14, 2018
Brilliant
Could not put this book down excellent author very gripping from start to finish very brave man should be well proud of himself
Could not put this book down excellent author very gripping from start to finish very brave man should be well proud of himself
May 3, 2018
If it all went pear shaped and you wanted someone to stand beside you, I’m choosing this guy every time. Truly interesting book about a life well lived (had to have been given his start in life).
January 21, 2019
Captivating
I c would not put this book down,,,big Phil has seen more life than most,,you are never more alive than when you,'re facing life and death...
I c would not put this book down,,,big Phil has seen more life than most,,you are never more alive than when you,'re facing life and death...
April 17, 2019
A great read and amazing insight into life as a mercenary. Very inspiring.
August 15, 2020
One of the best books l have read, enjoyed every sentence.
All of the book was a good read. Very descriptive, had me say on the edge of the sofa,
Enjoyable.
All of the book was a good read. Very descriptive, had me say on the edge of the sofa,
Enjoyable.
August 27, 2020
Great stories, almost movie like. Undeniably interesting life story and career.
That being said, I feel like the book as a whole was let down by the authors ego.
That being said, I feel like the book as a whole was let down by the authors ego.
January 30, 2021
Great book, brilliant eye opening stories. What a life!
April 6, 2021
My granddad met Phil on a cruise and he was kind enough to give him a signed copy for me. Really interesting and a lot of amusing lighthearted parts that made me laugh too.
September 28, 2021
Honest and superb, well done Big Phil!
January 29, 2024
Es muy desigual, porque hay capítulos muy entretenidos y curiosos pero hay otros que son tediosos y no muy interesantes.
Irak, Gaza y algún otro muy malos
Irak, Gaza y algún otro muy malos
April 10, 2024
Great book great humour especially in squeaky bum times
May 13, 2024
Very well detailed account of circuit work in Afghanistan, Iraq & Palestine, struggled as this book jumps from stages of work private sector then army then back again.
May 17, 2024
Thought it was brilliant. Really enjoyed it. Lots of great War stories and bar room brawls and surprisingly funny. Recommended.
December 15, 2024
"So there I was..."
Displaying 1 - 29 of 52 reviews