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Heston Russell: Forging The Will To Fight
Forging The Will To Fight is more than a memoir—it's a raw and unfiltered journey through the life of Heston Russell, an Australian Special Forces Officer who faced the extremes of combat and the complexities of personal identity, living separate lives, each carrying its own secrets. From the frontlines of Afghanistan to the battles within, Heston shares his story with unwavering honesty—laying bare the triumphs, traumas, and turning points that shaped his purpose, with details never before revealed to the public.
This book takes you inside the gruelling selection and training of Special Forces warriors, deep into operations across Afghanistan and Iraq, and behind the scenes of Heston’s most personal fight—defeating the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in a landmark legal battle after they defamed his platoon, while the government he once served stood silent.
This is a story of leadership, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of authenticity. It challenges societal labels and calls readers to confront their own limitations, lead with courage, and live with purpose. Whether you're a veteran, a leader, or someone striving to realise your greatest potential—Forging The Will To Fight will challenge and inspire you.
This book takes you inside the gruelling selection and training of Special Forces warriors, deep into operations across Afghanistan and Iraq, and behind the scenes of Heston’s most personal fight—defeating the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in a landmark legal battle after they defamed his platoon, while the government he once served stood silent.
This is a story of leadership, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of authenticity. It challenges societal labels and calls readers to confront their own limitations, lead with courage, and live with purpose. Whether you're a veteran, a leader, or someone striving to realise your greatest potential—Forging The Will To Fight will challenge and inspire you.
522 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2025
9 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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January 20, 2026
Heston Russell is fighter, a thinker and above all, a true leader.
Through his book, Forging The Will To Fight, the former Australian Army Commando shows the many battles he has fought and continues to fight on behalf of himself and those he has had the privilege to lead.
Former Australian Army Reserve Major, and international best-selling author, Tony Park, was one of Heston's main helpers with his book. The flow of material, setting up scenes, and providing the knockout punch for his readers, really shines through.
Anyone looking at joining Australia's Special Forces needs to read this book and see the support they can expect from the military and governments when sent on missions on behalf of the country.
I admire Heston for the way he took on the ABC in a hard fought defamation case which involved protecting the men he fought with in Afghanistan, long after our troops were withdrawn from the country.
A good, and inspiring read.
Through his book, Forging The Will To Fight, the former Australian Army Commando shows the many battles he has fought and continues to fight on behalf of himself and those he has had the privilege to lead.
Former Australian Army Reserve Major, and international best-selling author, Tony Park, was one of Heston's main helpers with his book. The flow of material, setting up scenes, and providing the knockout punch for his readers, really shines through.
Anyone looking at joining Australia's Special Forces needs to read this book and see the support they can expect from the military and governments when sent on missions on behalf of the country.
I admire Heston for the way he took on the ABC in a hard fought defamation case which involved protecting the men he fought with in Afghanistan, long after our troops were withdrawn from the country.
A good, and inspiring read.
Displaying 1 of 1 review