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The Circuit: An Ex-SAS Soldier's True Account of One of the Most Powerful and Secretive Industries Spawned by the War on Terror
 
 

The Circuit: An Ex-SAS Soldier's True Account of One of the Most Powerful and Secretive Industries Spawned by the War on Terror [Kindle Edition]

Bob Shepherd
4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (75 customer reviews)

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Product Description

Product Description

After nearly 20 years of SAS operations, including a never before published role in the infamous Bravo Two Zero patrol, Bob retired from the military to work as an advisor on the international commercial security circuit. Certain his most dangerous days were behind him, Bob settled into a sedate life looking after VIPs. Then 9/11 happened. Bob found himself back in war zones on assignments far more perilous than anything he had encountered in the SAS: from ferrying journalists across firing lines in The West Bank and Gaza to travelling to the heart of Osama bin Laden’s Afghan lair. As part of a two-man team, Bob searched for ITN Correspondent Terry Lloyd’s missing crew in Basra, Iraq, while in Afghanistan, he was forced to spend the night as the only Westerner in Khost – with a $25,000 bounty on his head. As the War on Terror escalated, Bob contended with increasingly sophisticated insurgents. But the most disturbing development he witnessed was much closer to home; namely The Circuit’s rise from a niche business staffed by top veterans into an unregulated, billion dollar industry that too often places profits above lives. This is an important, pulse-racing and at times shocking testament to what is really happening, on the ground, in the major trouble spots of the world, culminating in an explosive conclusion: The Circuit is undermining the War on Terror.

Book Description

After nearly 20 years of SAS operations, including a never before published role in the infamous Bravo Two Zero patrol, Bob retired from the military to work as an advisor on the international commercial security circuit. Certain his most dangerous days were behind him, Bob settled into a sedate life looking after VIPs. Then 9/11 happened. Bob found himself back in war zones on assignments far more perilous than anything he had encountered in the SAS: from ferrying journalists across firing lines in The West Bank and Gaza to travelling to the heart of Osama bin Laden’s Afghan lair. As part of a two-man team, Bob searched for ITN Correspondent Terry Lloyd’s missing crew in Basra, Iraq, while in Afghanistan he was forced to spend the night as the only Westerner in Khost – with a $25,000 bounty on his head. As the War on Terror escalated, Bob contended with increasingly sophisticated insurgents. But the most disturbing development he witnessed was much closer to home: The Circuit’s rise from a niche business staffed by top veterans into an unregulated, billion dollar industry that too often places profits above lives. This is a pulse-racing and at times shocking testament to what is really happening, on the ground, in the major trouble spots of the world.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I must commend the author for putting together a series of very interesting accounts of a variety of private security operations, in various theatres, that expose the serious failings within the 'security' industry that has grown out of recent world events.

Equally commendable is the fact that this is not a detailed account of the authors career within the SAS. I have read a few of those and frankly they begin to repeat. Also, as the author alludes to, he doesn't want to give away trade secrets - which I completely agree with because, if I was serving within one of our elite units, I think I would feel that would be the worst sort of 'Compromise'.

The knowledge and skill that is depicted in the carrying out of security based tasks is exactly what I find interesting about Special Forces and how they conduct themselves - also the illustrations of how not to carry these tasks out is equally informative.

The complete lack of fearsome firefights within the book is to the authors credit - he was obviously doing a very good job! It is NOT short on drama however.

I especially Liked the thoughts presented regarding the Bravo 2 Zero Patrol of the 1st Gulf War. Brief but enlightening perspective.

This Book is an extremely good read - I would recommend this for those who would like an intelligent insight into the subject without any embellishment.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By Meredon
Format:Hardcover
Bob Shepherd has the courage to point out that we have lost the plot as the politicians and accountants take over. Clear eyed, funny and modest this book takes us where most of us would not survive. We need people like Bob Shepherd - I hope that we realise it before it is too late.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Thought Provoking 16 Aug 2008
Format:Hardcover
[[ASIN:0330455737 The Circuit: An Ex-SAS Soldier's True Account of One of the Most Powerful and Secretive Industries Spawned by the War on Terror]
A fascinating insight into the job of a 'Close Protection' operative.Bob Shepherd pulls no punches with his opinions about his fellow countrymen(and non fellow countrymen)who share the same profession,especially if they're not trained to his standard,which as you might guess after 23 years serving with 'The Regiment' are understandably high.If you're looking for a book crammed with boys own stories about damsels in distress and guns and explosions in true gruesome detail,then this definately is NOT the book for you.This is a story about a true professional in every sense of the word,who makes it his duty to understand the ways,traditions and historical backgrounds of the people he serves and meets on his adventures and operations in often very hostile environments.Oh yes,he also meets some very important and influential people(and the odd warlord)along the way...ENJOY.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Really put you in the picture
Bob Sheperd has stepped forward and offered us an honest and articulate perspective to the ins and outs of work carried out by former soldiers in the phenominaly lucrative private... Read more
Published 29 days ago by Layla
class
not knowing or ever heard of Bob Shepherd, i was surprised with this book. the detail, the description of situations but you right in the action. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Daz
Very good read
This was a very good read. It was refreshing to read an account from somebody that isn't a gun toting, shoot em up kind of guy. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Cpo
An excellent blend of common sense, perceptive comment and adventure.
Bob Shepherd's account of life as a Security Adviser in the modern world's troublespots - Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine - could be 'just another' book with flames on the cover. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mr. S. J. Watson
Never Judge a Book by Its Cover . . .
In this case the cover mentions the war on terror, features bullet holes, weapons, and even shows a couple of Hinds in the background. Read more
Published 2 months ago by JIM 7.62
a little boring
Whilst i,m sure this account is true and factual , as a read i found it rather boring .Im sure Bob shepherd led an interesting life after the SAS but its not book material .
Published 2 months ago by peely
Eye opener.
This book gives a good insight into the protection industry. Not a gung ho war book, but a real life account of the private protection industry in war torn lands. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Pan-tac
SELF ESTEEM AND SOUR GRAPES
No one would take away the physical skills required to pass S.A.S selection but not all members are gods. Read more
Published 5 months ago by FROGGY
SAS LEGEND BOB SHEPHERD
i am a big fan of SAS non-fiction books and have read probably about 80% of them, so when i started reading "The Circuit" i knew within a few page it was going to be a belta, i... Read more
Published 7 months ago by M. Nesbitt
un remarkable, and expected more.
This book promised more than it actually delived. I found the book intially interesting but found the author came accross as a bit self righteous with regard to the way the curcuit... Read more
Published 9 months ago by chris Anderson
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