This book is a detailed, insider account of life in the Royal Marines Commandos, widely regarded as one of the world’s most elite military forces. Drawing on his own experience as a young officer and interviews with serving Marines, Foster follows both recruits and officers through every stage of their journey—from initial selection and brutal basic training to deployment in operational units.

The narrative explores what it takes to earn the coveted Green Beret, highlighting the physical endurance, mental resilience, and discipline required. It gives a ground-level view of training exercises and real-world duties, ranging from ceremonial roles in London to extreme survival conditions in Arctic environments, as well as active service in places like Northern Ireland and Hong Kong.
Beyond describing training and operations, the book examines the mindset and qualities sought in a Royal Marine, asking what kind of person chooses such a demanding path—and who ultimately succeeds or fails. Covers the Falkland’s war.
Good: Tidy condition.