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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
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 15, 2026
Forging The Will To Fight is an autobiography by veteran Australian Special Forces Officer, Heston Russell. To say that Russell is a complex character is an understatement. He writes about struggles with his sexuality, his strong desire to enter the military, the highs and lows of his life, both within and without that calling and he takes the reader inside the gruelling selection and training of Australian Special Forces soldiers.
This roller-coaster of a ride takes the reader on a journey from the quiet streets of suburban Brisbane to Heston’s entry into the military at the age of 17, his training and ultimate acceptance into Australia’s élite Special Forces, battles in Iraq and Afghanistan and internal battles as he tried to come to grips with his sexuality.
Along the way, he highlights just how useless and uncaring some of our senior officers in the military are, many who haven’t fired a shot in anger, and how disgraceful many our veterans have been treated – the recent arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith VC is a prime example.
He also tells of his scandalous treatment at the hands of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, against whom he brought a defamation action which led to judgment in his favour for $390,000 plus interest and costs.
This is an honest account of a true hero who served his country well, only to be treated shamefully when he needed support.
This roller-coaster of a ride takes the reader on a journey from the quiet streets of suburban Brisbane to Heston’s entry into the military at the age of 17, his training and ultimate acceptance into Australia’s élite Special Forces, battles in Iraq and Afghanistan and internal battles as he tried to come to grips with his sexuality.
Along the way, he highlights just how useless and uncaring some of our senior officers in the military are, many who haven’t fired a shot in anger, and how disgraceful many our veterans have been treated – the recent arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith VC is a prime example.
He also tells of his scandalous treatment at the hands of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, against whom he brought a defamation action which led to judgment in his favour for $390,000 plus interest and costs.
This is an honest account of a true hero who served his country well, only to be treated shamefully when he needed support.
April 24, 2026
This is a must read book for everyone, most importantly those who wish to become, or are, leaders/managers. I cannot recommend this book enough. If you want to be the best version of yourself possible, learn about emotional and psychological intelligence and maturity while obtaining a deeper and greater understanding and appreciation for all veterans then you MUST read this amazing book. The final chapter is extremely impactful and enlightening and my recommendation is to listen to this as an audiobook as it’s narrated by the author and casts an even deeper sense of appreciation for this important story.
May 14, 2026
Brilliant read. Kindly written. From start to finish a real page turner. A blessing to be a passenger to HR’s life.
May 13, 2026
A great memoir, masterfully told and some quality lessons imparted.
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 - 5 of 5 reviews