Colonel Stuart Tootal is the first senior commander to provide an account of the fighting in Afghanistan. A gritty portrayal of unforgiving conflict, Danger Close captures the essence of combat, the risks involved and the aftermath.
3 PARA was the first unit into Helmand in 2006. Sent on a peace mission, it became engaged in a level of combat that has not been experienced by the British Army since the end of the Korean War. Undermanned and suffering from equipment shortages, 3 PARA fought doggedly to win the break in battle. .
Numerous gallantry decorations were awarded, but they were not without cost. On returning from Afghanistan, Tootal fought to get proper treatment for his wounded and feeling frustrated with the Government`s treatment of its soldiers, he resigned from the Army.
This is a dramatic, and often moving, insight into the leadership of soldiers and the sharp end of war.
Danger Close
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'At last, a commander telling us the cold, harsh truth about this war. An excellent and compelling read'
(Andy McNab )'A gripping first-hand account of the realities of frontline command at the start of the bitterest war that Britain has fought for generations'
(Patrick Bishop, author of 3 PARA )'Tootal offers the perspective of a man in charge ... he tells the story well ... passionate admiration for his men is matched by disdain for others'
(Max Hastings, Sunday Times )'The first senior commander to provide an account of the fighting, Tootal's book is refreshingly free of the gung-ho machismo and sentimentality that afflicts other lesser entries of the genre'
(The Sunday Tribune )'Gripping account'
(Essex Chronicle Series )'Captures the essence of combat...a gritty portrayal of unforgiving combat'
(East London Enquirer )About the Author
Colonel Stuart Tootal has served in Germany, Northern Ireland, the Gulf War and during the invasion of Iraq. He also served in the MOD, for which he was awarded the OBE. In 2006, he commanded 3 PARA in Afghanistan and was awarded a DSO for outstanding leadership and gallantry. He subsequently set up the 3 PARA Afghan Trust charity, on leaving the army. He now works in the City and is a defence commentator for a major national TV network, numerous papers and radio programmes. He regularly lectures on leadership in challenging environments and his experiences in Afghanistan to forums. Danger Close is his first book.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
43 of 45 people found the following review helpful
By J. Guest
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I served some 22 years in the Army and was lucky to do a couple of attachments to the Paras. This book is an excellent stripped down account of what soldiers and airmen face in Afghanistan. One of the most concise and complelling collection of stories about the conflict but more importantly the human dimension, the costs in lives and injuries - which are far greater than the politicans acknowledge. More damning as no politician has sons/daughters out there letting them know what parents and loved ones at home must live through, before and especially after serving in such a combat zone. Saddened by lack of support to our troops especially when they come home injured and have a long and slow support system. Col Tootal has done his boys & ladies proud, a shame he is no longer serving, the type of commander any soldier would wish for. Please read this book to understand what the other end of a British political decision means to those who have to uphold policy abroad - with the wrong equipment and restricted support. The young men who usually bear the brunt of scoieties complaints should be proud of what they achieve in Afghanistan, especially as the politicans at home, including the PM take for granted what and how they achieve success against heavy odds.
30 of 33 people found the following review helpful
By Mark Time
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Having read most books about the war in Afghanistan written by soldiers, it made a change to see things from the commanders point of view. Colonel Tootal has written an excellent account of his time in command of 3 Para during their first deploment in 2006. One can almost feel his frustration as political mission creep imposes more and more difficulties on him and his overtasked Battalion. One can feel his pain as his men are killed and wounded as the Battalion becomes embroiled in ceaseless combat with the Taliban.He is scathing about the way the wounded are treated once back in UK (what has changed in 3 years). Overall a thoroughly well balanced book which gives an excellent account of the burden of command. Highly recommended.
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By Shiva 98
Format:Hardcover
Col Tootal has provided a gripping and accurate account of Op Herrick 4 whilst avoiding the usual glamour and hyperbole that is characteristic of modern military writing. This book gives a fantastic insight into the emotional, military and political pressures facing a commander in Afghanistan. The descriptions of the Catch 22 situations the 3 PARA Battlegroup faced at the outset of the movement to Helmand Province demonstrate how admirably the soldiers under Col Tootal's leadership performed. His pride in the infantrymen, cavalrymen and airmen under his command, whether Paratrooper or not, comes across in spades and is evidenced by his outspoken response to the treatment of injured soldiers and equipment shortages on the front line. This is a testament to today's `Playstation Generation' soldiers and demonstrates that the British Army, at the front line, has maintained the resolve of its forebears. A thoroughly good read.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great
I have just got in to this genre. I love it. It's one of those books you turn the tv off for. Start reading and you will realise that your stomach is growling because you have... Read more
Published 1 month ago by D
5.0 out of 5 stars
True Para
Very well written, engaging and informative book about both the Parachute Regiment and the conflict in Afghanistan. Read more
Published 2 months ago by gtanner
5.0 out of 5 stars
Danger Close
I had the good fortune to meet the author. I was impressed with his honesty and knowledge. This book offers a unique insight into a world few of us will have to... Read more
Published 2 months ago by stephen redman
5.0 out of 5 stars
danger close
i am an ex-service man and this is the best book i have read on the alfganistan war.i felt like i was taking part in the action. Read more
Published 3 months ago by tomsmudger
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good read.
If you want to know whats been gouing on out there then have a read, this is a godd book.
Published 4 months ago by D. H. Mackenzie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lifted up and taken to the battle
The book is well written. It hold your attention as would a novel but it is a very accurate and real journey into the true battle situation in Afghanistan. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Brian
5.0 out of 5 stars
the kindle version is not the same as the printed version!
ive gone through every page on my kindle version of this book to find there are no maps or photo's! They are included in the printed version so why not on my kindle version,so i... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Welsh boy70
5.0 out of 5 stars
excellent account of the realities of front line command.
Very well written by a true proffessional. Tootal is the consumate soldiers officer. Leading from the front, with a real compassion for his men, he details the grim realities of... Read more
Published 17 months ago by HeliPilot
5.0 out of 5 stars
'I would follow this CO anywhere'
A fantastic read written by a commanding officer who clearly cares for his men and their families and in return they obviously trust and respect him as both CO and soldier. Read more
Published 21 months ago by RogerC
1.0 out of 5 stars
Dull as dishwater
My god, factual, accurate, detailed? Yes... Interesting, real and personal? NO - Dull and for millitary historians, not for real war book fans!
Published 21 months ago by PaulfromPangbourne
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