Commando

by Chris Terrill

The author, a documentary maker and writer, will join a group of Royal Marine Commando recruits in basic training before going with them to Afghanistan as the only embedded reporter — a fly on the wall in the frontline of the War on Terror.

Genres: Military Fiction, Nonfiction, War, History, Military History

304 pages, Hardcover

First published September 6, 2007

Reviews

[Barry Sierer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is really about one man’s personal exercise odyssey with the Royal Marines rather than the Royal Marines themselves. It should be noted that the section where he embeds with an operational unit in Afghanistan is still pretty good.

[Andrew Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book so very much. Chris Terrill follows an intake of new recruits through the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone, Devon. He first meets them at the train station where and stays with them right through the 32 week course, but not happy with just creating a journal of events, Chris who is 55 decides in order to have a greater understanding of their journey through CTC decides that he should do the 32 course as well.
This is one hell of a read and I would recommend it to all, one hell of a story.

[Long Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight and perspective on elite military training, mate ship and courage. Could only have been written this well by someone who has done it. Outstanding.

[Rowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book by Chris Terril is his story of one year with the Royal Marine Commando based in Devon as both an observer and recruit starting with from day one as part of 924 troop to their eventual completion and readiness for departure to war. Also followed through in a parallel story is the journey of a young officer from completion of training in leadership to the war front in Afghanistan.

I found this book to be a politely written and very easy to read. Interesting and important to note that the author is a 54/55 year old, above average fitness level ( for his age ) who is interested in the relationships and mindsets of the soliders themselves as they battle through the demanding physical and mental requirements of what it takes to become a commando, of which he becomes amongst of.

Particularly enjoyable were the sections on the cruelling physcial training and the author's own pain and struggles to cope. I looked up on youtube to see what he meant of the insanity of climbing 30 foot long ropes resting only between your knees and legs when you reach the top. My one cripe is that the Chris doesn't quite cover very well ( as well as some other books I've read ) the physiological change of the recruits from innocent men to the ' kill ' mentality that is trained into being a solider. It did feel there were things kept back. Overall I have enjoyed this book.

[Matt Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Gives an insight into the mentality behind the members of this force. Must read