Product Description

SAS selection is one of the toughest military courses in the world. It involves physical training one would expect to find in an Olympic athlete. It entails stretching the mind and body for the countless techniques the SAS soldier must learn, from weapons, survival and escape to parachuting, interrogation training and hostage rescue. "The BBC" series "SAS - Are You Tough Enough?" tests part of this gruelling selection procedure on thirty members of the public who are put through two weeks of hell in a bid to see who is tough enough for the world's elite regiment. Presented by Dermot O'Leary, the series starts with an initial elimination process, and the pressure is relentless as physically and mentally they are tested to the limit. Everything is designed to test their willpower and there are no second chances - one slip and they're out. First published as "Joining the SAS", this book provides a rare insight into the SAS' legendary training and covers how to get fit enough, how to conduct yourself and what you can expect when you enter a squadron. With photographs of the BBC consultants in action, "SAS - Are You Tough Enough?" provides an analysis of how the volunteers coped with the course as well as a full picture of SAS selection and what life is really like in the most respected and feared Special Forces unit in the world.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #863706 in Books
• Published on: 2001-11-09
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

About the Author
Barry Davies served with the SAS for eighteen years. His books include Survival is a Dying Art, Shadow of the Dove, SAS Escape, Evasion and SAS Rescue.

Customer Reviews

Book is good , but not too much about the programme...
I was one of the contenders on the B.B.C programme S.A.S "Are You Tough Enough" which was the hardest thing I have ever done, when you are put in the same situation as the real guys then you know that your not tough enough,I trained for 6 months for the programme,and I take my hat of to all service men. The programme will be great, but the reason I have only given the book 4 stars is that it does not tell you enough about it,such as who were all the contestents, where did they come from,there jobs and so on. 90% of the book is not really about the programme but it is a good read if you are intrested in the S.A.S and what they do.

If You Think You Are Tough Enough Read This
If you think you are tough enough to join the SAS then you should read this - it may make you change your mind!

Nominally based on a forthcoming BBC programme of the same name, the author explains exactly what is involved in joining the elite British Regiment. For many readers this is wishful thinking as the 1st requirement is to have served 3 Years in the British armed forces.

The television programme is only really discussed in the foreward, the rest of the book is like an idiot's guide to getting in. This is a fascinating read and includes a pretty detailed description of what training you will need to do if you thought you could do it.

The most interesting part is the detailed description of endurance marches based on "Long Drag" and the "Fan Dance" in the Brecon Beacons - the same area as used by the SAS during selection. These include the required bergen weight, grid references and time to complete the march - it is serious stuff.

Unlike many books about the SAS there are relatively few accounts of daring-do, it is instead a much more serious "How to join guide" which gives a fascinating insight in to the Regiment.

I would have given it 5 stars but at the beginning it tells you who wins in the Television programme which may spoil it a bit - I'll still be watching it though!

Are you tough enough!
A very intuitive and straight forward book, running through the selection process and skills required. Recommended.