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The Regiment: 15 Years in the SAS
From its early beginnings in World War II, the Special Air Service (SAS) has won renown for some of the most dramatic, dangerous, and controversial special operations of the 20th century. It is a secretive and mysterious unit, whose operations and internal structures are hidden from the public eye. Now, one of its longest-serving veterans offers a glimpse inside its shadowy world. Rusty Firmin spent 15 years with 'The Regiment' and was a key figure in the Iranian Embassy siege in May 1980. He also served with the SAS in the Falklands and in Northern Ireland during the 1980s. Now available in paperback, this is the unforgettable chronicle of Rusty's combat experiences--a fascinating and intimate portrayal of what it was like to be part of the world's most respected Special Operations Force.
304 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 20, 2017
Straight forward military autobiography. Childhood, SAS selection along with thrills and spills in the Regiment. No messing about. No florid creative writing. Sit yourself down with 10 pints of beer, a packet of peanuts and enjoy.
Want variety in your job? Like to travel? Then the SAS is for you. There is a catch. The selection to get in is a bit more difficult than an interview by three people in a cosy air-conditioned office. If you do get in then you will find yourself in some extremely difficult situations be it in Belize, Brunei, Nepal, Northern Ireland, Germany, Canada, Falklands, Oman, Cyprus, Botswana, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Nigeria or even the Iranian Embassy in London on 05-May-1980.
What does come through in the writing is the love for the job and the training / learning (surveillance, languages, driving, combat survival, parachuting, VIP protection and more). What I found a little disappointing is the amount of action or rather lack of it. The first real SAS operation he was in, that he writes about, was the Iranian Embassy siege but this does not happen until halfway through the book.
Even an operation during the Falklands War is aborted and we are now three-quarters of the way through the book. Surely the last quarter is going to be crash, bang, wallop…? He seems to get in more fights through drinking too much beer in dodgy bars. Has this book been severely redacted or was his 15 years in the SAS mainly training for himself and training other countries special forces? I get the distinct feeling that a lot of the active operations are not detailed in the book which is no surprise due to the secrecy. He does manage to crowbar in a little dig at Andy McNab though which is all a bit catty and not what you would expect from a seasoned SAS soldier. I have not read any McNab or Chris Ryan books. I wonder if they have more action in them than Firmin’s book?
Want variety in your job? Like to travel? Then the SAS is for you. There is a catch. The selection to get in is a bit more difficult than an interview by three people in a cosy air-conditioned office. If you do get in then you will find yourself in some extremely difficult situations be it in Belize, Brunei, Nepal, Northern Ireland, Germany, Canada, Falklands, Oman, Cyprus, Botswana, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Nigeria or even the Iranian Embassy in London on 05-May-1980.
What does come through in the writing is the love for the job and the training / learning (surveillance, languages, driving, combat survival, parachuting, VIP protection and more). What I found a little disappointing is the amount of action or rather lack of it. The first real SAS operation he was in, that he writes about, was the Iranian Embassy siege but this does not happen until halfway through the book.
Even an operation during the Falklands War is aborted and we are now three-quarters of the way through the book. Surely the last quarter is going to be crash, bang, wallop…? He seems to get in more fights through drinking too much beer in dodgy bars. Has this book been severely redacted or was his 15 years in the SAS mainly training for himself and training other countries special forces? I get the distinct feeling that a lot of the active operations are not detailed in the book which is no surprise due to the secrecy. He does manage to crowbar in a little dig at Andy McNab though which is all a bit catty and not what you would expect from a seasoned SAS soldier. I have not read any McNab or Chris Ryan books. I wonder if they have more action in them than Firmin’s book?
November 13, 2017
Well written, interesting book about life in the SAS by one of its luminaries. A significant chunk of the book details his life before finally completing selection and continuation training, but this shouldn’t deter anyone considering reading it, as it sets the context and illustrates the long road to service in this unit. There are areas I wish this book had expanded on. For example, I would’ve liked to have known more about his deployments to Northern Ireland, but in general, I get the impression Firmin was being conservative with what he was willing to reveal.
The book was infused with the type of humor that is characteristic in the British military, and Firmin gives some frank opinions about certain incidents and SAS notables that he had firsthand knowledge of.
All in all, if you’re interested in SF memoirs, this is a good read, and I recommend it.
The book was infused with the type of humor that is characteristic in the British military, and Firmin gives some frank opinions about certain incidents and SAS notables that he had firsthand knowledge of.
All in all, if you’re interested in SF memoirs, this is a good read, and I recommend it.
October 18, 2021
Rusty Firmin's memoir, The Regiment: 15 Years in the SAS, is a must-read for anyone looking to research the Special Air Service.
Firmin comes from a rough background, given up for adoption as a child. Enduring many traumas that no child should have to endure, Firmin seeks refuge in good old-fashioned teenage mischief, which leads to his father (a British Army veteran) to tell Rusty to either go to the Army or go to jail. It's here, everything changes as Firmin first adapts to Army life, then desires a challenge and finds it in the form of the SAS.
What I particularly enjoyed about Firmin's account is that it's very much straight forward and Firmin very much comes across as a humble guy who happened to be a participant in a number of extraordinary events and adventures, including retaking the Iranian Embassy in 1980. I also enjoyed seeing the crossover between Firmin's time in the Regiment and that of Andy McNab (with there being a lot of crossover between this book and Immediate Action. You see what he happens to think of McNab, Peter de la Bierre, and Chris Ryan, arguably three of the most famous blades of Firmin's time. Every side has multiple stories, and I enjoyed seeing some of the events of McNab's book being told from a different perspective.
It's definitely an educational and exciting read. I would recommend it to anyone looking to learn more about UKSF.
Firmin comes from a rough background, given up for adoption as a child. Enduring many traumas that no child should have to endure, Firmin seeks refuge in good old-fashioned teenage mischief, which leads to his father (a British Army veteran) to tell Rusty to either go to the Army or go to jail. It's here, everything changes as Firmin first adapts to Army life, then desires a challenge and finds it in the form of the SAS.
What I particularly enjoyed about Firmin's account is that it's very much straight forward and Firmin very much comes across as a humble guy who happened to be a participant in a number of extraordinary events and adventures, including retaking the Iranian Embassy in 1980. I also enjoyed seeing the crossover between Firmin's time in the Regiment and that of Andy McNab (with there being a lot of crossover between this book and Immediate Action. You see what he happens to think of McNab, Peter de la Bierre, and Chris Ryan, arguably three of the most famous blades of Firmin's time. Every side has multiple stories, and I enjoyed seeing some of the events of McNab's book being told from a different perspective.
It's definitely an educational and exciting read. I would recommend it to anyone looking to learn more about UKSF.
July 8, 2025
I listened to this on audiobook. I really enjoyed hearing about Rusty’s experience in the army and the SAS and it really helps me form character ideas for my books. It was fascinating to hear about selection and about the culture. It was funny and often heartbreaking but overall was eye opening. The lack of knowledge by some of the CO’s was astounding because even as a civilian driving along listening, I was saying out loud “you can’t do that because (such and such)” and then Rusty goes on to say exactly what I said, which only goes to show that the higher ups had no common sense at all. A brilliant memoir and definitely the kind of guy I’d love to have a drink with and hear more stories from.
August 2, 2020
Book finished, 5*/5* a great read, from always being in bother, to joining up at 15, to serving 22 years, (15 of which were with the sas) to his promotion being put back due to him not being on the freemasons, and because his dad converted to fundamentalist Islam.
The only good thing Maggie Thatcher did was Op Nimrod which Rusty played a big part, being a Junior NCO but given the job of being blue team leader for Iranian Embassy Siege Op
The only good thing Maggie Thatcher did was Op Nimrod which Rusty played a big part, being a Junior NCO but given the job of being blue team leader for Iranian Embassy Siege Op
Read
February 25, 2021Very well written, a must read for military inclined reader.
One of the best special forces books I have read. Plenty of information but you never felt as though you were reading something you shouldn't have. On saying that there were a couple of items that were very eye opening.
One of the best special forces books I have read. Plenty of information but you never felt as though you were reading something you shouldn't have. On saying that there were a couple of items that were very eye opening.
September 28, 2018
An enjoyable if light read
An enjoyable if light run through the author’s illustrious career in the SAS. The author was clearly a talented and dedicated warrior who even managed to find some time between beers to do some good work for queen and country.
An enjoyable if light run through the author’s illustrious career in the SAS. The author was clearly a talented and dedicated warrior who even managed to find some time between beers to do some good work for queen and country.
January 12, 2020
The regiment
Absolutely fabulous book it is a fantastic it has insight into a man's career and life mostly career highs and lows a brilliant read especially if you are into military reads.
Absolutely fabulous book it is a fantastic it has insight into a man's career and life mostly career highs and lows a brilliant read especially if you are into military reads.
December 31, 2020
Rusty tells it like it was. No heroics or false bravado. This is how he did it. Not the same as the rest. Not overtly critical, and more observational giving a personal insight into how the SAS were "back in the day" and post WW2. Loved it.
August 14, 2025
Best by so far👍🏻
I’ve read quite a few books by blokes in the sas/sbs but rusty firmins account of his years in the SF has got to be the most interesting and expansive story ever, the amount of operational experience was just amazing,RIP to his long standing friend John Mac🙏🏻
I’ve read quite a few books by blokes in the sas/sbs but rusty firmins account of his years in the SF has got to be the most interesting and expansive story ever, the amount of operational experience was just amazing,RIP to his long standing friend John Mac🙏🏻
February 24, 2017
Lightweight and easy to read, chronicling an eventful career within the world wide soldiering elite. Will be reading his book on the Iranian embassy siege at some point I am sure!
December 15, 2017
Cracking read from someone who’s ‘legend’ status is thoroughly deserved. Can’t wait to start ‘go go go’ and sincerely hope there will be a lot more to come from the author .
April 30, 2020
Very accurate and a pleasure to read Rusty 👍
June 27, 2020
Excellent read from start to finish and a good insight into the day to day life of a SAS soldier.
October 3, 2020
Very detailed and insightful read on one man's years with 22 SAS
October 31, 2020
Brother in Arms
One of the greatest books I have read , as a former member ofthe armed forces i salute, the work Rusty has done very very well written .
One of the greatest books I have read , as a former member ofthe armed forces i salute, the work Rusty has done very very well written .
November 30, 2020
Nothing overly exciting or revealing. Missed his timing by about 15 years I'd say.
January 3, 2021
Really enjoyable book... nice to listen to... typical of all sas type biographies nonetheless interesting and exciting
June 6, 2022
An excellent account of the author's time in one of the world's elite regiments, with some fascinating insights into how they operate.
November 16, 2022
Great read
Knew this would be a great book and wasn't disappointed.
It's a real page turner and highly recommend it !
Knew this would be a great book and wasn't disappointed.
It's a real page turner and highly recommend it !
December 2, 2022
Wasn’t expecting this book to be as good as it was tbh definitely underrated.
February 8, 2023
Good read, interesting life some fun stories
March 11, 2023
Enjoyed this book, one of the best books about the SAS out there, Rusty gives a very interesting account of his early life and time in the military.
December 18, 2023
A small peak into one of the longest-living special forces organizations. It is worth the time investment to read.
October 16, 2024
A solid account of life in the SAS.
February 26, 2025
Really good insight into the worlds best special forces outfit in the world by someone who has lived and breathed the regiment for 15 years.
August 21, 2025
really enjoyed this, brilliant career
October 1, 2025
A very interesting read.
January 28, 2025
A gripping narrative. The SAS and Rusty Firmin have earned my utmost respect. A must-read! Rusty Firmin
April 11, 2025
This guy is lowkey a hater and I’m here for it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews