Rules Of Engagement: A Life In Conflict

by Tim Collins

From the moment Tim Collins's speech to his men in Iraq was made public, this soldier and thinker became a hero and an inspiration to world leaders and infantrymen alike. To a public suspicious about the motives for war, he offered some explanation for it and inspired a mood of optimism and humanity that has since been sadly lost. And yet, only two months later Collins was pilloried by two national newspapers and accused of war crimes. But this is only part of his story. From taking command of 1 Royal Irish in the aftermath of the Sierra Leone hostage crisis to combating the Loyalist murder gangs in East Tyrone, Rules of Engagement is a powerful memoir that offers a frank and compelling insight into the realities of warfare and a life lived on the frontline.

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

496 pages, Paperback

First published May 23, 2005

Reviews

[Francis Drew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gave up on this book, author would have the reader believe that he won the war single-handedly

[Trevor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book for Christmas a few years ago and only just got round to reading it.

When I first got it I thought it was more of a story about the SAS, I hadn't appreciated it was actually about Col. Tim Collins' career in the army.

Tim was in Iraq and after having a falling out with a stupid US Army soldier he is suddenly being charged with war crimes, crimes which simply did not happen.

He was derided by the UK newspapers who made up all sorts of nonsense allegations and was summarily let down by the army, no shock there, the British army don't look after any of their staff apart from the men at the very top.

A well written book and I'm glad I read it.

[Brian Miracle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overview of the last 4 years of military service of Colonel Tim Collins, who spent over 20 years in the UK Army. It includes his time in Iraq, as well as his famous pre-battle speech given to his men before entering Iraq. A good memoir of a leader familiar with conflict.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book written by a brave and intelligent soldier. He led his battalion in Northern Ireland and Iraq but made too many enemies inside the Army and was horribly betrayed.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating account from a man many will have seen on the news in the run-up to the invasion of Iraq and further.

Collins' previous experience is palpable throughout the account, and his humour is catchy in the way only service personnel can be. Collins' is relatively a-political for the most part, but the touchy subject of intelligence on weapons of mass destruction, human rights abuses by coalition troops, and the personal impact of the war are addressed head on.

A definite read for anyone interested in military history, politics, leadership, or seeking role-models.

[Liam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. I would be willing to serve under Colonel Collins any day of the week. I had no idea that soldiers in the RIR still came from all over Ireland (i.e. the Republic as well as the Six Counties). The saddest part of this story was that Colonel Collins could not seem to understand why he was treated so shabbily by the British Government, Army and Press... Unfortunately, I have had to learn the hard way that, in general, the Sassenach hate all of us Irish, and consider us to be subhuman scum (there are exceptions- I have known a few English people who were good and decent). That fact must be damned hard to accept for a man who has literally dedicated his life to the British Army. In the end, they thought of him as just another Paddy, and treated him accordingly. As a son of Co. Down (though born in exile), it made me proud to read this book. The only complaints I have are: first of all, I would have liked to read more about the author's early life & career; secondly, my typical gripe these days of piss-poor copy editing!

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good analysis of counter-insurgency warfare seen from the perspective of someone who has always been in the thick of it. Born in Belfast he grew up with the "troubles" and so, together with the Royal Irish, it's probably unsurprising he had a better understanding of how to cope with such disquite.
The book then links that experience to the situation in Iraq and his famous speech. Very much the thinking soldier, Collins tries to reason about what is the point of the conflict: not from the political argument of why we were at war, but from the practical issue of what the war was really about.
Possibly the book is favourably biased in that it gives the impression he was the only commander in Iraq who was becomming involved with the local population. Certainly it highlights (sublimily) the differences between the UK and US approach to such tasks - "shock and awe" versus "hearts and minds".

[Gareth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tim Collins' book recounts his experiences as Commanding Officer of 1 Royal Irish in the years preceding the Gulf War, during and the immediate aftermath. The book was very weel put together and a very easy, informative and entertaining read. It gives good insight into some of the challenges immediately apparent in Iraq after the fall of its dictator.

Sadly, the biggest message that this book reveals, from a man having been successful in his Army career of over 22 years, is that the Army does not seem to have changed much since the 1st World War. Namely that although, at a lower level it is populated by brave and honourable men, at higher levels it is still bloated with self-serving out of touch dinosaurs.

Overall, a very good read.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest, often gutsy insight into the war in Iraq, which includes the transcript of THAT speech.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, intelligent, but most of all interesting reading! Really enjoyed it.

[Mark Baines · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written book, and a decent read.