Commando

by Chris Terrill

Chris Terrill is a man in search of his limit. He's 55 years old. He is not a soldier. He is being trained by the Royal Marines and he is going to Afghanistan. The only difference is that instead of a gun, Chris will be holding a camera and filming the whole ordeal for a major TV series. The Royal Marines Commando training base in Lympstone Devon has a famous "99.9% need not apply." Of those who start training after a very tough selection process, nearly 50% fail to make it through the most grueling physical tests of any armed forces in the world during an eight-month training regime. The elite who do eventually pass out are generally 18 years old and at the peak of physical condition. But Chris Terrill is the exception—this book will tell of his heroic struggle to become the oldest man to win the coveted Royal Marines Commando Green Beret and enter the record books. And after six months of hell, what next? Chris will follow the raw recruits on a tour to Southern Afghanistan. He will tell the story in book and film of the fears and hopes of the youngsters as they are plunged into one of the planet's most dangerous wars in the outlaw mountain terrain of Helmand Province. He will tell of ferocious battles against the Taliban, of firefights, of jaw-dropping heroism, British sang froid, humor, and tragedy as casualties are suffered—all from the unique perspective of a civilian who has achieved the ultimate to be accepted as an honorary Royal Marines Commando. Commando is a brilliant account of modern war on the front line.

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

304 pages, Paperback

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