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Fire Strike 7/9
'Being a JTAC is the closest a soldier on the ground in the midst of battle can get to feeling like one of the gods - unleashing pure hellfire, death and destruction' - Duncan Falconer
Meet Sergeant 'Bommer' Grahame, one of the deadliest soldiers on the battlefield. He's an elite army JTAC (Joint Terminal Attack Controller- pronounced 'jay-tack') - a specially trained warrior responsible for directing Allied air power with high-tech precision. Commanding Apache gunships, A10 tank-busters, F15s and Harrier jets, he brings down devastating fire strikes against the attacking Taliban, often danger close to his own side.
Due to his specialist role, Sergeant Grahame usually operates in the thick of the action, where it's at its most fearsome and deadly. Conjuring the seemingly impossible from apparently hopeless situations, soldiers in battle rely on the skill and bravery of their JTAC to enable them to win through in the heat of the danger zone.
Fire Strike 7/9 tells the story of Bommer Grahame and his five-man Fire Support Team on their tour of Afghanistan. Patrolling deep into enemy territory, they were hunted and targeted by the Taliban, shot at, blown-up, mortared and hit by rockets on numerous occasions. Under these conditions Sergeant Grahame notched up 203 confirmed enemy kills, making him the difference between life and death both for his own troops and the Taliban.
Meet Sergeant 'Bommer' Grahame, one of the deadliest soldiers on the battlefield. He's an elite army JTAC (Joint Terminal Attack Controller- pronounced 'jay-tack') - a specially trained warrior responsible for directing Allied air power with high-tech precision. Commanding Apache gunships, A10 tank-busters, F15s and Harrier jets, he brings down devastating fire strikes against the attacking Taliban, often danger close to his own side.
Due to his specialist role, Sergeant Grahame usually operates in the thick of the action, where it's at its most fearsome and deadly. Conjuring the seemingly impossible from apparently hopeless situations, soldiers in battle rely on the skill and bravery of their JTAC to enable them to win through in the heat of the danger zone.
Fire Strike 7/9 tells the story of Bommer Grahame and his five-man Fire Support Team on their tour of Afghanistan. Patrolling deep into enemy territory, they were hunted and targeted by the Taliban, shot at, blown-up, mortared and hit by rockets on numerous occasions. Under these conditions Sergeant Grahame notched up 203 confirmed enemy kills, making him the difference between life and death both for his own troops and the Taliban.
324 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
17 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Paul Grahame
2 books5 followersSergeant Paul 'Bommer' Grahame is a NCO with the Light Dragoons, an armoured assault regiment. After his 180 day tour of Afghanistan, Sergeant Grahame was commended with an operational award recognising his performance during the most intense battles of the Afghanistan deployment. He is currently on a two-year secondment to a training regiment, teaching his skills to other soldiers.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 19, 2017
Awesome book. It was recommended to me by one of the main characters, who I met in the Caribbean in September during the hurricane response. I had no idea that he and his mates went through such an intense time in Afghanistan. But now at least I know how the quiet, modest, mild-mannered Englishman ended up with tinnitus. Anyone who wants to know what modern warfare is like should read this book. Like Bravo Two Zero, it is written in broad squaddie-speak. But this is the story of ordinary soldiers, not special forces, and as such is all the more poignant, at least to my mind.
September 9, 2013
A very well written book graphically detailing the importance of air power on the modern battlefield. A gripping and honest account of our heroic armed forces fighting not just the Taliban but the rules and strictures imposed on them by politicians. A great read by a great soldier. I'd never really understood the role of the JTAC operator before reading this book and now, I have to say that I cannot praise them all and Paul Grahame in particular highly enough.
Fire Strike 7/9 is a fantastic testament to the heroism of our well-trained, poorly equipped troops like 2 Mercian and the Light Dragoons and also the allied airmen without whom the butcher's bill for would be higher still.
Fire Strike 7/9 is a fantastic testament to the heroism of our well-trained, poorly equipped troops like 2 Mercian and the Light Dragoons and also the allied airmen without whom the butcher's bill for would be higher still.
November 23, 2010
HOLY COW!!!!! This book hits the ground running and is unrelenting action. The author shares with us his time serving in the British army as a JTAC in the heart of the Hemland province. The power wielded by this individual is awe inspiring as he calls hell down upon the enemy from the sky. There are parts in this book you have to remind yourself this is not fiction. The courage shown by all in this tale is a great testament to all those who have served and are serving.
January 1, 2022
Enjoyed this book for the second time on my ebook reader, it was the paperback last time. Vivid action and insight as to the methods and sometimes madness our lads went through. With skilled soldiers such as Bommer guiding "death from above" they were in good hands not least how he helped rescue teams get to wounded men in good time but under heavy fire. A salute too to the airmen and those who supported them and enabled the odds to improve when sometimes our lads were facing the worst of times. Essential reading to anyone who wants to know something of real life in that conflict.
June 13, 2018
What a fabulous read this was!
Very well written and with good humour by the author (well, he IS a Northerner after all :)) this is a non-stop action ride.
Enthralling, thrilling and with a gripping finale it's simply one of the best war / Afghanistan books I've ever read.
Grahame is a JTAC in an FST, putting up air and dropping bombs on the Taliban on a daily basis. If you like your true military books this is a must read.
Very well written and with good humour by the author (well, he IS a Northerner after all :)) this is a non-stop action ride.
Enthralling, thrilling and with a gripping finale it's simply one of the best war / Afghanistan books I've ever read.
Grahame is a JTAC in an FST, putting up air and dropping bombs on the Taliban on a daily basis. If you like your true military books this is a must read.
October 10, 2025
Great book. Really shows the importance of air and fire support. Well written in a style that really highlights the highs and lows of the tour and the importance of the JTAC without it being look at me. Bommer is very much it's a team effort and we all have a part to play.
full on action from start to finish. Really enjoyed the book. It is just something a bit different fringe the Afghan conflict.
full on action from start to finish. Really enjoyed the book. It is just something a bit different fringe the Afghan conflict.
June 29, 2024
Superb book of bravery and grit
It's an amazing book of a time now gone by.
This story links in with a set of brilliant pod casts on combat story with the F15 pilots flying above the green zone. Read it you politicians and try to understand the people you got hurt and killed by bringing in stupid rules of engagement.
It's an amazing book of a time now gone by.
This story links in with a set of brilliant pod casts on combat story with the F15 pilots flying above the green zone. Read it you politicians and try to understand the people you got hurt and killed by bringing in stupid rules of engagement.
January 19, 2021
Awesome insights on the broad use of air assets in a modern conflict (Helmand, Afghanistan). It's really about combining the advantages of all systems (radars, pilot's optics, ground plan,..) in a creatieve way to achieve the greatest effect.
July 26, 2018
Excellent read. Terrifying what these lads get up to. We think we’re in a heatwave now when they’re in full camo gear in 46 degrees. Well worth a read for any military buff.
May 18, 2023
Amazing book about the importance of a JTAC in combination with air power. The way he describes the different conflicts and situations takes you right into the battlefield itself.
July 9, 2012
It's really a great book. I prefer non-fiction books, and this one, which its story is a really one, had a deep impact on me.
It's far from the "traditional" stories of war, because Sgt. Grahame is doing airstrikes to cover all the infantry soldiers on the field.
Sometimes, I kept my breath, because the situation that this sergeant lived are so incredible... and show us that all the boys who went there lived a war which is not like all the wars that the humanity knew. They were facing an invisible ennemy : you can say hello to a farmer at 2 PM, and at 2 AM, he's at 100 meters from you with his AK-47.
To conclude, for people who like warlike stories, this is a "must-have" book.
I precise that I'm French and I read that book in the French version : "Appui-feu en Afghanistan".
It's far from the "traditional" stories of war, because Sgt. Grahame is doing airstrikes to cover all the infantry soldiers on the field.
Sometimes, I kept my breath, because the situation that this sergeant lived are so incredible... and show us that all the boys who went there lived a war which is not like all the wars that the humanity knew. They were facing an invisible ennemy : you can say hello to a farmer at 2 PM, and at 2 AM, he's at 100 meters from you with his AK-47.
To conclude, for people who like warlike stories, this is a "must-have" book.
I precise that I'm French and I read that book in the French version : "Appui-feu en Afghanistan".
March 23, 2015
I found this to be a fantastic read. Having been intrigued by the role of a JTAC in the field for a long time i picked it up from the shelves in the shop.
it may be a bit technical for some readers unfamilier with military equipment and the background behind the role of a jtac but the author covers this well, making it a captivating read.
if your looking for a safe read, this most certainly is not it.
ive read this book on multiple occassions as its a firm favorite in my shelf if i want a good read.
it may be a bit technical for some readers unfamilier with military equipment and the background behind the role of a jtac but the author covers this well, making it a captivating read.
if your looking for a safe read, this most certainly is not it.
ive read this book on multiple occassions as its a firm favorite in my shelf if i want a good read.
March 16, 2012
I'm lost for words. Our soldiers are heroes and this book definitely shows that full blast. The amazing detail involved in this book is fantastic and just the writing and the humor involved even though the lads were bombarded with bombs is fantastic! Such a indescribable book. Definitely recommend to EVERYONE to read! Its just wondrous i really just don't know enough descriptive words for mind-blowing stories like this one. Fantastic!
October 25, 2012
A diary of grid references and death! So this is what modern warfare is like? The descriptions of the air strikes are heart stopping and you are plunged time and again into the action. Hats off to Bomber - a true professional and an exciting and honest read.
August 5, 2013
If you are not put off by the distateful cover you'll find a no-nonsense description of fighting in Afghanistan through the eyes of a JTAC. A worthwhile read for anyone interested in this conflict and the practical use and limitations of air power.
October 24, 2018
Really enjoyed
Really enjoyed this account and couldn't out it down at times with the detail and ability to transport u there .......and admire the huge risks our forces take for us all.
Really enjoyed this account and couldn't out it down at times with the detail and ability to transport u there .......and admire the huge risks our forces take for us all.
November 3, 2019
Absolutely fascinating
Excellent read. Gives a fascinating insight into a different world. I couldn’t put it down. Gutted to have finished it now as I don’t know what I could follow it up with.
Excellent read. Gives a fascinating insight into a different world. I couldn’t put it down. Gutted to have finished it now as I don’t know what I could follow it up with.
January 29, 2011
Another amazing read by Damien Lewis. Again, just like Apache Dawn you feel like you are right in the thick of it. Brilliant.
June 24, 2013
A JTAC is in complete control of the airspace during battle. This is a brilliant read, and goes right into the heat of the battle
July 4, 2013
An excellent read, a real page turner.
July 31, 2013
absolutely brilliant.nuff said
August 7, 2013
Absolutely awesome!
April 27, 2015
JDAM do czytania...;)
June 28, 2015
Wow. Pure exellence.
February 11, 2019
.
Full on action from the first page,breathless,skillfully written and puts you right in the centre of the battle.One of the books you read without putting it down
Full on action from the first page,breathless,skillfully written and puts you right in the centre of the battle.One of the books you read without putting it down
March 31, 2017
Absolutely spectacular. That is all.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews