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Forged in Fire: An Australian commando's story of life and death on the frontline
Forged in Fire takes us inside the secretive world of the Australian commandos.
Garry made a report on the 'I see around 200 women and children heading north up the valley.' Less than 400 metres below us, a steady stream of women and kids were hurrying away in single file.
'Where are all the men?' I asked Garry. 'Waiting for us,' he responded, with a look of concern I had not seen on his face before. My heart skipped a beat—we were on.
From the age of 12, Scott Ryder knew he wanted to join the army, and he signed up as soon as he could. After serving as a paratrooper and in East Timor with 3 RAR, he wanted more. He trained all summer and took the gruelling selection course for the commandos, earning the prized green beret on his second attempt.
Forged in Fire takes us inside the secretive world of the commandos. Ryder shares battlefield stories from his tours to Afghanistan, where his regiment saw some of the heaviest fighting Australian forces have experienced since the Vietnam War. After being seriously injured in a shocking Black Hawk helicopter crash in Kandahar, he was the only survivor to return to active service.
Frankly written, with self-deprecating humour, it reveals the qualities of strength and mental resilience that characterise special forces operators.
'Scott is not famous; his chest is not bedecked with the grandest tin and ribbon. His voice is from among us rather than up on high. And his account of the DNA of the commando, the lesser sung super-soldier, is all the better for it.' - from the foreword by Chris Masters, author of Flawed Hero
Garry made a report on the 'I see around 200 women and children heading north up the valley.' Less than 400 metres below us, a steady stream of women and kids were hurrying away in single file.
'Where are all the men?' I asked Garry. 'Waiting for us,' he responded, with a look of concern I had not seen on his face before. My heart skipped a beat—we were on.
From the age of 12, Scott Ryder knew he wanted to join the army, and he signed up as soon as he could. After serving as a paratrooper and in East Timor with 3 RAR, he wanted more. He trained all summer and took the gruelling selection course for the commandos, earning the prized green beret on his second attempt.
Forged in Fire takes us inside the secretive world of the commandos. Ryder shares battlefield stories from his tours to Afghanistan, where his regiment saw some of the heaviest fighting Australian forces have experienced since the Vietnam War. After being seriously injured in a shocking Black Hawk helicopter crash in Kandahar, he was the only survivor to return to active service.
Frankly written, with self-deprecating humour, it reveals the qualities of strength and mental resilience that characterise special forces operators.
'Scott is not famous; his chest is not bedecked with the grandest tin and ribbon. His voice is from among us rather than up on high. And his account of the DNA of the commando, the lesser sung super-soldier, is all the better for it.' - from the foreword by Chris Masters, author of Flawed Hero
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2024
39 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 19, 2025
Before I start reading a book I usually check reviews on the Goodreads website. This book had 153 reviews with a star ranking of 4.67. There’s only one book with multiple comments that is higher than Forged in Fire on the whole of Goodreads. Ryder’s book has 118 ratings. 38 of the 41 five-star reviews are by people for whom this is their first and only rating on Goodreads. Interesting, it got me thinking has someone used AI to create this number of new members all writing brief, but praising reviews?
I have had a passing interest in the common soldier’s view of military service. I had relatives who were POWs of the Japanese, I’ve worked with Korean and Vietnam war vets. I worked at a school which had been named after a Victoria Cross winner, Frank Partridge VC PS. In 1995, the fiftieth anniversary of the end of WW2 I selected a group of Year 6 students, and they went into the community and interviewed ex-service men and women about their World War 2 experiences. Those interviews were published in a magazine. I do have a personal admiration for the commitment and suffering of servicemen and women.
However, I have a negative attitude towards the many Australian politicians who have readily sent military personnel to far off battlefields to fight in wars that had little to do with Australia’s interests and did not threaten this nation.
I am appalled at the misuse of our military history by conservatives who coat tail on those who did serve, those who died, those injured and those who returned and continued to suffer mental and physical illness because of their service.
Now that I’ve got that off my chest, this was an easy read. Ryder has a comfortable, blokey, he’s your best mate, style of writing. Aussie dry humour is used throughout the book.
Ryder had wanted to be a soldier since his mother unbuttoned his last nappy. He did everything he could to prepare himself for service in the Australian Defence Force and entered as an infantryman as an unshavened18-year-old.
The book tells of life in the army and his rise through it, to reaching his goal of becoming a commando. The book is filled with army acronyms and military jargon. It was like reading a foreign language or computer code at times.
There are many aspects of Ryder’s personality that are admirable. The things that impressed me was his determination, resilience and empathy. He is a reflective person and can self-criticize. He accepts when he fails and becomes determined to develop the skills to never make the same mistake twice. He is the kind of person who you would want next to you on the cliffs of Gallipoli or as you were about to enter a doorway in a Uruzgan village.
Ryder does mention that he and a few others knew some Pashto language and used it to give directions to the villagers they came in contact with. Later he expresses empathy with the Afghan people who lived in rural isolated Afghanistan. He also mentions the heat and the cold. Many years ago I was in Haphong Bay, Vietnam where the temperature was in the senior 40s and I wondered how Australian service personnel survived in such heat. Ryder relates situations where the men were subjected to temperatures in the fifties.
He does give expressions of his thoughts about the ‘enemy’. I am not a friend of the Taliban and having taught tens of Hazara young men and listened to their stories of harassment, wounding and murdering of Hazaras by the Taliban I have an intense antipathy towards them. Many of the Sunni, Pashtun Taliban are nothing more than medieval, pathological scum. Nevertheless, Afghanistan was their country and what were we doing there? We were never going to ‘civilize’ them or create a democratic society. The Taliban’s decision in 2001 to not hand over or expel Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda was up there with Saddam Hussein’s decision to ignore and antagonize the US’s request for the return of weapons inspectors. Decisions that affected world history and had devastating consequences for their countries.
In one short, but horrific episode Ryder mentions is when he witnesses some ‘dancing boys.’ These are young boys ‘bacha basi’ which literally means "preying on children”, it is a form of sexual slavery and child prostitution which prepubscent and adolescent boys are sold to wealthy or powerful men for entertainment and sexual activities. This business thrives in Afghanistan, where many men keep dancing boys as status symbols. The practice is illegal under Afghan law. I have seen the 2020 documentary on this practice.
He writes dispassionately about how he shot a Taliban fighter. His account of his reaction to this killing is interesting and understandable. Most soldiers want to go into battle and fire their weapons for that is why they do all the training.
The story then heads into the emotional and physical consequences of the devastating helicopter crash and the death of four personnel and Scott Ryder’s own multiple injuries and slow recovery. The support he received from all those involved in his recovery was wonderful.
Ryder faced disciplinary action over a separate and previous incident. This demonstrated the callousness of the army. Journalist Chris Masters is mentioned. Near the books end Ryder briefly mentions the Afghanistan Inquiry Report, commonly known as the Brereton Report. He only touches on the impact it had on the morale of the servicemen and the chain of command responsibility.
I found it emotionally difficult to read when he wrote about the families of the dead soldiers and the scars these deaths left on the families, especially the children. Ryder writes touchingly about his first born, Alice and his palpable love for her. Not wanting to be away from her was one of the main driving forces in his decision to leave the ADF.
After twenty-two years and as he approached forty, he realized that the time had come to seek a change. Admirably he enrolled in university and achieved a master’s degree, not bad considering he left school in Year 10. His writing of this book is an achievement he should also be proud.
He ended his military career in the very fine profession of being a teacher. When he finally left the ADF he worried about his loss of identity. Just prior to retiring he went to a school friend’s funeral where he was asked many questions about his army and commando experience. If I ever met him, it wouldn’t be necessary to ask him anything, this fine publication has answered them all.
I have had a passing interest in the common soldier’s view of military service. I had relatives who were POWs of the Japanese, I’ve worked with Korean and Vietnam war vets. I worked at a school which had been named after a Victoria Cross winner, Frank Partridge VC PS. In 1995, the fiftieth anniversary of the end of WW2 I selected a group of Year 6 students, and they went into the community and interviewed ex-service men and women about their World War 2 experiences. Those interviews were published in a magazine. I do have a personal admiration for the commitment and suffering of servicemen and women.
However, I have a negative attitude towards the many Australian politicians who have readily sent military personnel to far off battlefields to fight in wars that had little to do with Australia’s interests and did not threaten this nation.
I am appalled at the misuse of our military history by conservatives who coat tail on those who did serve, those who died, those injured and those who returned and continued to suffer mental and physical illness because of their service.
Now that I’ve got that off my chest, this was an easy read. Ryder has a comfortable, blokey, he’s your best mate, style of writing. Aussie dry humour is used throughout the book.
Ryder had wanted to be a soldier since his mother unbuttoned his last nappy. He did everything he could to prepare himself for service in the Australian Defence Force and entered as an infantryman as an unshavened18-year-old.
The book tells of life in the army and his rise through it, to reaching his goal of becoming a commando. The book is filled with army acronyms and military jargon. It was like reading a foreign language or computer code at times.
There are many aspects of Ryder’s personality that are admirable. The things that impressed me was his determination, resilience and empathy. He is a reflective person and can self-criticize. He accepts when he fails and becomes determined to develop the skills to never make the same mistake twice. He is the kind of person who you would want next to you on the cliffs of Gallipoli or as you were about to enter a doorway in a Uruzgan village.
Ryder does mention that he and a few others knew some Pashto language and used it to give directions to the villagers they came in contact with. Later he expresses empathy with the Afghan people who lived in rural isolated Afghanistan. He also mentions the heat and the cold. Many years ago I was in Haphong Bay, Vietnam where the temperature was in the senior 40s and I wondered how Australian service personnel survived in such heat. Ryder relates situations where the men were subjected to temperatures in the fifties.
He does give expressions of his thoughts about the ‘enemy’. I am not a friend of the Taliban and having taught tens of Hazara young men and listened to their stories of harassment, wounding and murdering of Hazaras by the Taliban I have an intense antipathy towards them. Many of the Sunni, Pashtun Taliban are nothing more than medieval, pathological scum. Nevertheless, Afghanistan was their country and what were we doing there? We were never going to ‘civilize’ them or create a democratic society. The Taliban’s decision in 2001 to not hand over or expel Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda was up there with Saddam Hussein’s decision to ignore and antagonize the US’s request for the return of weapons inspectors. Decisions that affected world history and had devastating consequences for their countries.
In one short, but horrific episode Ryder mentions is when he witnesses some ‘dancing boys.’ These are young boys ‘bacha basi’ which literally means "preying on children”, it is a form of sexual slavery and child prostitution which prepubscent and adolescent boys are sold to wealthy or powerful men for entertainment and sexual activities. This business thrives in Afghanistan, where many men keep dancing boys as status symbols. The practice is illegal under Afghan law. I have seen the 2020 documentary on this practice.
He writes dispassionately about how he shot a Taliban fighter. His account of his reaction to this killing is interesting and understandable. Most soldiers want to go into battle and fire their weapons for that is why they do all the training.
The story then heads into the emotional and physical consequences of the devastating helicopter crash and the death of four personnel and Scott Ryder’s own multiple injuries and slow recovery. The support he received from all those involved in his recovery was wonderful.
Ryder faced disciplinary action over a separate and previous incident. This demonstrated the callousness of the army. Journalist Chris Masters is mentioned. Near the books end Ryder briefly mentions the Afghanistan Inquiry Report, commonly known as the Brereton Report. He only touches on the impact it had on the morale of the servicemen and the chain of command responsibility.
I found it emotionally difficult to read when he wrote about the families of the dead soldiers and the scars these deaths left on the families, especially the children. Ryder writes touchingly about his first born, Alice and his palpable love for her. Not wanting to be away from her was one of the main driving forces in his decision to leave the ADF.
After twenty-two years and as he approached forty, he realized that the time had come to seek a change. Admirably he enrolled in university and achieved a master’s degree, not bad considering he left school in Year 10. His writing of this book is an achievement he should also be proud.
He ended his military career in the very fine profession of being a teacher. When he finally left the ADF he worried about his loss of identity. Just prior to retiring he went to a school friend’s funeral where he was asked many questions about his army and commando experience. If I ever met him, it wouldn’t be necessary to ask him anything, this fine publication has answered them all.
November 24, 2024
One of the best books I've ever read!
January 20, 2025
Excellent account of being on the frontlines of Australia’s longest war and being part of an elite fighting unit. Highly recommend.
July 30, 2024
This book is a page-turner!
Scott Ryder honours the bravery of the fallen and those he fought alongside in a gripping and entertaining narrative that takes you through his journey to becoming a special forces soldier and into the front lines of battle. The memoir spans Scott's 22-year military career, including recent events such as Australia's withdrawal from Afghanistan and where our Special Forces efforts have been subsequently placed. Offering a rare insight into the revered 2nd Commando regiment, the author's experience is recounted in graphic detail and does not shy away from moral or ethical complexities. Written with intelligence, humility, humour and raw emotion, it's a must-read for anyone interested in the experience and perspective of an elite modern-day soldier.
Scott Ryder honours the bravery of the fallen and those he fought alongside in a gripping and entertaining narrative that takes you through his journey to becoming a special forces soldier and into the front lines of battle. The memoir spans Scott's 22-year military career, including recent events such as Australia's withdrawal from Afghanistan and where our Special Forces efforts have been subsequently placed. Offering a rare insight into the revered 2nd Commando regiment, the author's experience is recounted in graphic detail and does not shy away from moral or ethical complexities. Written with intelligence, humility, humour and raw emotion, it's a must-read for anyone interested in the experience and perspective of an elite modern-day soldier.
January 8, 2025
Forged in Fire by Scott Ryder is an incredibly raw and real insight into the life of an infantryman (what manner of men), written with an authenticity that can only come from someone who's lived it. As a veteran myself of 22 years, I found the portrayal of the highs and lows of military service to be both striking and poignant. The book chronicles the challenges and triumphs faced by soldiers during a high-tempo period of intense operations for the Australian Army, giving readers a behind-the-scenes look at the grit, resilience, and ethos that define this way of life.
What sets this book apart is its ability to blend humor and wit with the heavy themes of military life. Ryder’s writing has a refreshing energy, effortlessly balancing the brutal realities with moments of levity that bring humanity and heart to the narrative. This approach makes the book not just insightful but enjoyable to read—something not often found in current military memoirs.
What makes Forged in Fire even more meaningful is that it was written by someone I have the privilege of calling a friend. Ryder is not only an excellent writer, but also an amazing human being. His authenticity and honesty shine through in every page, making it clear that this story is one driven by passion and experience rather than a desire for glamour or recognition.
For anyone who has served or is interested in reflecting on military life, I highly recommend this book. It resonated with me in so many ways and I believe it will resonate with others who have lived through similar experiences. Forged in Fire is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand the true essence of service and the human side of those who dedicate their lives to it.
What sets this book apart is its ability to blend humor and wit with the heavy themes of military life. Ryder’s writing has a refreshing energy, effortlessly balancing the brutal realities with moments of levity that bring humanity and heart to the narrative. This approach makes the book not just insightful but enjoyable to read—something not often found in current military memoirs.
What makes Forged in Fire even more meaningful is that it was written by someone I have the privilege of calling a friend. Ryder is not only an excellent writer, but also an amazing human being. His authenticity and honesty shine through in every page, making it clear that this story is one driven by passion and experience rather than a desire for glamour or recognition.
For anyone who has served or is interested in reflecting on military life, I highly recommend this book. It resonated with me in so many ways and I believe it will resonate with others who have lived through similar experiences. Forged in Fire is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand the true essence of service and the human side of those who dedicate their lives to it.
August 8, 2024
I could not put this book down.
Scott has captured the highs, lows, accomplishments and f@#k ups that every soldier can relate to. This book is extremely raw, at times confronting but most of all is honest and accurate.
Having served in the Army myself (in the same Regt as Scott) I can honestly say this is the most accurate account of the life, culture and brotherhood of military life.
The descriptions and accounts of operations in Afghanistan, in particular the combat, capture the chaos, the mundaneness the excitement but most of all the human face of warfare. He has broken down the stigma of movies and provided a counter narrative to the negative story portrayed in modern media.
I read the same books as Scott as a young teenager that inspired me to join the military and I believe reading this is mandatory for anyone even remotely considering a career in the military today.
Thanks for your service and for sharing your story.
Scott has captured the highs, lows, accomplishments and f@#k ups that every soldier can relate to. This book is extremely raw, at times confronting but most of all is honest and accurate.
Having served in the Army myself (in the same Regt as Scott) I can honestly say this is the most accurate account of the life, culture and brotherhood of military life.
The descriptions and accounts of operations in Afghanistan, in particular the combat, capture the chaos, the mundaneness the excitement but most of all the human face of warfare. He has broken down the stigma of movies and provided a counter narrative to the negative story portrayed in modern media.
I read the same books as Scott as a young teenager that inspired me to join the military and I believe reading this is mandatory for anyone even remotely considering a career in the military today.
Thanks for your service and for sharing your story.
January 27, 2025
Absolutely amazing book, I'm just getting into aussie military biographies and books, and this was the first one I read, I read it as soon as I saw it on the shelves around november/December 2024 when it came out I think.
It is an amazing book that looks into the secretive world of sf, the tragic events and deaths of brave men, it does a good job of attention to detail about his own life and those around him. I love the fact it doesnt just go through the highs of military life and life in general but also goes through the downs, it goes through his struggle after afghanistan and returning to the military. I have not served but i have always had an interest in our military and plan to join as soon as I can, and this book is part of the reason.
This is currently my favourite book I've read so far aswell as Cameron Baird's VC MG biography. Absolutely spectacular read
It is an amazing book that looks into the secretive world of sf, the tragic events and deaths of brave men, it does a good job of attention to detail about his own life and those around him. I love the fact it doesnt just go through the highs of military life and life in general but also goes through the downs, it goes through his struggle after afghanistan and returning to the military. I have not served but i have always had an interest in our military and plan to join as soon as I can, and this book is part of the reason.
This is currently my favourite book I've read so far aswell as Cameron Baird's VC MG biography. Absolutely spectacular read
August 3, 2024
Get on it Team.
I’ve been looking up to the Australian special forces for as long as I can remember. They were the ones who inspired me to join the Army reserves (been in for 7 years now). Not the the smartest, strongest, fittest guy out there. At 65 kg and 158 cm - I’m surprised I even got through inf. Mod 2. Been called Tyrion my entire reserves ‘career’. Needless to say, been struggling with inferiority complex my entire life.
But hearing and reading Scott’s story and seeing what he has achieved in his life - this book is nothing short of inspirational to me on another level. From the insane shenanigans of Scott’s early career to his journey to recovery and ultimately back into action. I don’t think I need to say any more. Get it. Read it. Maintain.
I’ve been looking up to the Australian special forces for as long as I can remember. They were the ones who inspired me to join the Army reserves (been in for 7 years now). Not the the smartest, strongest, fittest guy out there. At 65 kg and 158 cm - I’m surprised I even got through inf. Mod 2. Been called Tyrion my entire reserves ‘career’. Needless to say, been struggling with inferiority complex my entire life.
But hearing and reading Scott’s story and seeing what he has achieved in his life - this book is nothing short of inspirational to me on another level. From the insane shenanigans of Scott’s early career to his journey to recovery and ultimately back into action. I don’t think I need to say any more. Get it. Read it. Maintain.
August 7, 2024
A refreshingly honest look at the inside of the modern armed forces.
As expected for an account like this, there were moments of excitement & fear, adrenaline & action. However, what made this book memorable for me were the unexpectedly humane moments peppered throughout - stark contrasts to portrayals of the Armed Forces in the media, and the reflections towards the end that hint at the political betrayal suffered by the Special Forces in Australia.
Overall, a very moving account of one soldier who has given everything - his youth - to his country; painting an accurate picture that describes the shared experiences of many Special Forces soldiers.
Highly recommended.
As expected for an account like this, there were moments of excitement & fear, adrenaline & action. However, what made this book memorable for me were the unexpectedly humane moments peppered throughout - stark contrasts to portrayals of the Armed Forces in the media, and the reflections towards the end that hint at the political betrayal suffered by the Special Forces in Australia.
Overall, a very moving account of one soldier who has given everything - his youth - to his country; painting an accurate picture that describes the shared experiences of many Special Forces soldiers.
Highly recommended.
February 2, 2025
All I can say is it was enthralling. Iistened to it on audible and just the sheer bravery, perseverance gut renching stories. It was funny, not funny, sad and happy. His survival and endurance was inspirational. Learning about the war and those who fought and died will always be remembered by me. I was in the army cadets in the 80’s 30RCU SUNSHINE and it gave me the respect discipline and the love of the military. My granddad was a sgt in the British army and my dad was in RAEME. Thanx Scott for writing such an informative exciting book of your life in the commandos but your love for your family. Every one must read this book to understand what our soldiers went through and did
August 6, 2024
Scott has given such in-depth insights into the mind of an infantryman and the devises that are so well established in all military operations that it’s a must read for everyone.
The downtime, the boredom the envy of other units that have ‘better’ assess to missions, it’s so insightful.
Thanks Scott for being so honest, having had many friends in the military but never serving myself it’s nice to pull back the curtain and imagine them in similar situations which they don’t articulate anywhere nearly as well as you have.
Legend and thank you for your service.
The downtime, the boredom the envy of other units that have ‘better’ assess to missions, it’s so insightful.
Thanks Scott for being so honest, having had many friends in the military but never serving myself it’s nice to pull back the curtain and imagine them in similar situations which they don’t articulate anywhere nearly as well as you have.
Legend and thank you for your service.
January 14, 2025
Thank you Scott Ryder! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, couldn’t wait to get home from work each day to keep reading. Your ability to give the ‘average Joe’ like me insight into the daily life of our most elite - without all the political correctness was refreshing and fascinating and for me a real eye opener. Much respect to you, and all those who have walked in your shoes (and continue to do so). Thank you to your amazing family and all ADF families. You certainly are a Jack of all trades. I admire your grit, determination, and achievements… all while being so incredibly humble!!
July 30, 2024
In ‘Forged In Fire’ Scott Ryder engagingly crafts the events of his life into a memoir that reads as thrillingly as fiction. Providing a rare insight into the boots-on-the-ground life of a commando, this is a powerful story of sacrifice, loss, resilience and triumph. All you ever wondered about what it takes to become a commando is here and so much more. I can thoroughly recommend this book for anyone looking to be inspired by a tale of grit, determination and overcoming adversity.
August 6, 2024
What a great read, hands down the best account of an Australian Soldiers rise from a lowly recruit, to a young soldier marching into a Battalion for the first time, serving on Ops as a junior and senior soldier in the Battalion, then going for selection into Special Forces and finally combat Ops in Afghanistan with Special Forces. It is a raw and inspiring story and a great insight into what it takes to serve in one of the top SF Units in the world. A must read, I highly recommend it!!
August 13, 2024
A well written, gripping account of life in one of Australia's most elite military units. Scott doesn't hold back. He tells the truth of his service and uses firsthand accounts from others to fill in the gaps in the narrative. This is a first-class memoir that can take its place along classic Australian accounts of war like 'Hell's Bells and Mademoiselles'. Essential reading if you want to learn about Australia's war in Afghanistan.
August 28, 2024
Story of an Australian Warrior
A warts and all story of an Australian soldier fighting in many wars. Scott is a determined warrior who set his sites high and achieved the goals he set. Despite being seriously wounded in Afghanistan he climbed many hurdles to regain his fighting, and was able to deploy again to the combat zone. As an old Vietnam veteran, I say thank you to Scott and highly recommend his autobiography.
A warts and all story of an Australian soldier fighting in many wars. Scott is a determined warrior who set his sites high and achieved the goals he set. Despite being seriously wounded in Afghanistan he climbed many hurdles to regain his fighting, and was able to deploy again to the combat zone. As an old Vietnam veteran, I say thank you to Scott and highly recommend his autobiography.
September 5, 2024
Scott Ryder has a knack of bringing the audience along on his adventures in a way that most authors struggle to do. His career in the army, from a recruit to a paratrooper in 3RAR & then a Commando with Australia’s elite 2nd Commando Regiment, is a ride filled with heart pumping thrills, major accomplishments and heartbreaking losses. Strap in and get ready for a read you won’t be able to put down.
November 24, 2024
Awesome insight into the journey from young digger to becoming an Australian Commando. Providing a truthful and honest recollection of personal experiences. Mixed in with a witty and dark sense of humour making this eventful and entertaining read. Amazing storytelling with profound accuracy with regards to events that occurred in the War in Afghanistan (unlike an ABC report). Highly recommend giving this book a go, you won’t regret it.
November 24, 2024
This isn’t just a book, it is written in by someone that lived and breathed the ADF. You won’t put this down, Scott’s accounts of his time in the 2nd Commando regiment will have you in fits of laughter, feeling the raw emotion of suffering to even anger. To believe he not just survived but lived every moment of this memoir is nothing short of incredible, the only words you can respond with is - Thank you and to all your brothers for your service.
January 27, 2025
Forged in Fire presents a candid look into the life of Australia’s most extraordinary soldiers and what it takes to get them there. The road is gritty and this book will offer every reader a refreshing reminder of what ultimate sacrifice looks like in the face of adversity. It has given me a new found respect, not only for Australia’s elite operators, but for the contributions of all the servicemen and women in Australia’s military. Have a read!
July 30, 2024
Forged in Fire is a brutally honest, poignant, and unique account of fighting on the frontline in Afghanistan. Scott presents a thoughtful reflection on his life's trials and triumphs, offering a raw and inspiring perspective on resilience and personal growth. His storytelling is compelling and intimate, making it a memorable and moving read. Thank you for your service.
July 31, 2024
Highly recommend this book .
It was recommended to me to read , and I couldn’t put it down . Such a great insight into those who serve our country. I have even more respect for our servicemen and their families, especially these highly trained and dedicated commandos. Thanks for sharing your story Scott.
It was recommended to me to read , and I couldn’t put it down . Such a great insight into those who serve our country. I have even more respect for our servicemen and their families, especially these highly trained and dedicated commandos. Thanks for sharing your story Scott.
August 1, 2024
Scott tells his story in the language of the modern Australian soldier. It kicks off with an eye opening forward by Chris Masters before launching into stories relatable to anyone who has served; the teenage yearning to join, enlistment, recruit training, and marching into a Battalion as a LID. The stories only get wilder from there (no spoilers). Absolute must read.
Read
August 3, 2024I'll be honest, I'm not the biggest reader, and I finished this book in 2 days.
Stories told and written from the soldiers perspective, from Australias longest war.
From the highest of highs to the brutal reality of war, death & loss.
If you ever served in Afghanistan, you will know places mentioned in Scott's stories, this adds another layer to it, that you won't get anywhere else!
Stories told and written from the soldiers perspective, from Australias longest war.
From the highest of highs to the brutal reality of war, death & loss.
If you ever served in Afghanistan, you will know places mentioned in Scott's stories, this adds another layer to it, that you won't get anywhere else!
November 20, 2024
I'll listen to anything written by anyone that risks their lives for our freedom. This story is a good simple story of one man's journey through the system, making it right to the pinnacle (commando) of special forces, just below SASR of course (Kidding!)... I enjoyed the story and felt it was inspirational for anyone that wants to head down the same path.
November 27, 2024
I love these stories from "Average Joes". They are so relatable and entertaining. This story, about a career soldier, is so much fun yet intertwined with many serious moments. Sheds a totally different light on Special Forces, the revered 2nd Commando regiment, and the role of the ADF in Afghanistan and other theaters of war. I enjoyed reading this very much.
December 12, 2024
Loved it, incredibly honest, a great insight into the ADF over the last 25-ish years.
Not ego driven, self deprecating at times to bring out the authors true traits of selflessness and mateship
Last two pages were the standout for me. Extremely well put with a great amount of emotional maturity exhibited.
Not ego driven, self deprecating at times to bring out the authors true traits of selflessness and mateship
Last two pages were the standout for me. Extremely well put with a great amount of emotional maturity exhibited.
April 2, 2025
A no nonsense account of life in Australia’s special forces, balancing brutal honesty with dark humor. Covering his military career including intense deployments in East Timor, Afghanistan, and Iraq Ryder pulls no punches about the physical and mental toll of the job. Unlike many military memoirs, this one isn’t about glory it’s about resilience, sacrifice, and the bonds forged in combat.
July 30, 2024
Forged in Fire is an engaging and thought-provoking read that offers valuable insights into the life of a soldier. Scott Ryder has a story that is both captivating and emotionally resonant, ensuring it will leave a lasting impression on its readers.
August 8, 2024
This book is unbelievable. Not only is it the first book about the premier tier 1 SMU in Australia but it also shares what the personal at 2CDO had to do endure during the GWOT. It’s by far the best book I’ve read about Australian SOF!!!
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