Shoot to Kill: Journey Through Violence (Cassell Military Paperbacks) (Paperback)

Asher eventually leaves "Para Reg" and, while doing a course at Leeds University, joins part of the territorial version of the SAS (23 SAS) and ends up spending most of his time with them, while his probationer policewoman girlfriend has an affair and, when found out, has the gall to be angry with HIM before dumping him! This event triggers Asher's final military port of call, to the SPG of the then Royal Ulster Constabulary, who are shown as rather less than impressive, to say the least.

This is a more reflective book in the genre than most, emphasized by the photo of the author shown smoking a pipe like the cartoon in Private Eye of Books and Bookmen! Asher does, however, fall into the McNab-like trap of taking as unarguable that the SAS men are the most capable people on the planet in all respects...yet Asher himself, while belonging to them, can't even drive a car! Fit, brave and determined soldiers they may be, but some perspective, please! A good read. I suppose that if one wants to know most of what he did after these events, one has to buy all his other books...and why not?

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The brutally honest text grips the reader into a sense of "almost being there". Having completed a regular engagement in the British forces during the same period as that illustrated here, I can confirm the accuracy of many of the matters described, including some of the "less savoury" elements which may upset some readers.

The reader does not have to agree with the views expressed throughout this book, but needs to understand the realities on the ground which are so commendably portrayed and which form the basis of this work. Not least of these are the realism and humanity of the raw recruits undergoing such harsh physical & military training as well as the raw honesty of the writer.

The stress and pain endured throughout the many stages of specialist training are almost tangible and the reader can but grimace at times along with the author as he relates pivotal periods of his experience where the reality and atmosphere of occasional brutality & intimidation together with periods of humiliation are so vividly evoked.

The book is not one to be "enjoyed" as there is little here to lead the reader in that direction. This is a soldier writing about soldiers' experiences and some of the content might be considered "distasteful" to many readers who are not familiar with military life. Be warned.

The fear and frustration during patrols in Northern Ireland during the "Troubles" are among other realities really brought home to the reader, where every street corner, window, alleyway or shadow might hide a gunman. (The politics of the situation in Northern Ireland are largely avoided apart from reference to the occasional quote from those involved in a number of incidents.) Situations now being experienced by the military in numerous locations Worldwide.

All in all this is a thoroughly readable and informative study which reveals aspects of the British military and the "soldier on the ground" which might otherwise be largely overlooked. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in military history and experience. Thank you.

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