Product Description

He had a good degree from Oxford, a girl he wanted to marry and a well-paid job in the city, but at the age of 26 he left it all to join the SAS. This is an account of the boys who do the dirty work. The quiet soldier wins by staying in the shadows but, as he later finds, so do the IRA.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #52119 in Books
• Published on: 1994-05-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 236 pages

Customer Reviews

Down to earth
Having had 'The Quiet Soldier' recommended on a forum, I decided (after a term of Philosophy) to pick a copy up. I was not disappointed. Very rarely have I been so engrossed in a story so as to pick it up and read it through to the finish regardless of the time (I put TQS down this morning at 2.10am). With bookshops saturated with 'SAS books', TQS stands out as one that is very much down to earth. Being about selection for 21 SAS (a TA regiment), TQS is not just another story in the McNab/Ryan mould. Further, because the story does not detail any actual missions, Ballinger can give what seems a fairly comprehensive outline of Selection. The story starts with hundreds of 'hopefuls' (or, as they are otherwise termed, 'wasters'), the numbers of which are gradually reduced by means of runs around London, physical tests and then camps. In the end only a few remain, of whom Ballinger is one. TQS should be read by anyone either considering even *starting* thinking about trying for the SAS or just in need of a thoroughly good book. Inspiring stuff.

A very useful book
I have read all the reviews for this book and now here is mine. I was in the TA and joined 23 SAS. In the first couple of weeks we were told to read this book. I have always had a copy since. It is a useful book because it prepares you mentally for the hardships ahead. However, the selection process Ballinger goes through is slightly different from that which I experienced. You can join the TA SAS straight away without having been in the TA first, and it is as smooth as Ballinger describes. The candidates on my selection who had no military service had completed their joining documentation whilst we went for our 3 mile BFT.
If you are going for TA SAS selection buy this book, read it and read it again. Then but Fighting Fit by Adrain Weale and Joining the SAS by Barry Davies and read them. Then read The Quiet Soldier again. If you're still keen - GO FOR IT!!!

Average
I'm not sure about this book. I'm an ex-soldier and a lifelong reader of anything military. I'm currently preparing for the TA selection so picked this book up seeking an inspirational read and maybe some useful knowledge.
I bought the book on a Saturday, I had finished it by Monday evening, its short and the content is somewhat lightweight in places but this in know way detracts from the books ability to draw you in and hold you until the end.
I would've liked more background and buildup, we join Adam walking the Pennine Way just prior to his meeting of the 'quiet soldier' who was to hand him the phone number for the 'Artists'.

The story switches seemingly at random between Adam's experiences in Asia and his current situation during selection. Interesting and you can see what the Authors intentions were, however in places it is an annoying interlude to the main story and I found myself speed reading these paragraphs in places.

Lacking character background to Adam left me with a slight feeling of disbelief towards the end and during particularly hard parts of selection. Often self congratulatory Adam describes his experience of the extreme physical nature of SAS selection without adequately describing what he was going through, be it mentally or physically, whilst he does go into detail describing other candidates pain. This together with the lack of background to Adam left me feeling that he was a super-fit 'grey man' and a seemingly perfect candidate for the SAS purely by chance or nature. The notion that a 'civvy' could walk in off the street and be that fit mentally and physically struck me as a bit far fetched. Simply because we are told nothing of Adams background, upbringing etc.

If your looking for a detailed description of TA SAS selection this book does not provide it, and I doubt any book will. But to read about one person interpretations of the experience, an insight into some of the characters who run SAS selection and to gain some understanding of the sacrifices made by these men then this book provides that. It does leave you wanting to know more, and my biggest criticism is the lack of build up to the selection, what motivated Adam to do it? did he train? etc.