The Special Forces Guide to Escape and Evasion [Hardcover]

Will Fowler (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0312336535 | ISBN-13: 978-0312336530 | Publication Date: May 26, 2005 | Edition: 1st

The Special Forces Guide to Escape and Evation covers everything a combat soldier needs to know about evading capture and making a successful return to friendly territory. Beginning from the point where an individual finds himself trapped behind enemy lines, the book describes the many techniques that special force soldiers rely on to survive in enemy territory while evading capture. Key topics include the will to survive; handling stress in captivity; escape techniques; survival in a variety of environments including urban, rural, jungle, and desert; how to forage for food; tracking and covering your tracks; navigation with or without a map; and ultimately seeking recovery by friendly forces. It also includes many real life accounts of escape and evasion from World War II, Vietnam, and the Gulf War, as well as tips and advice from special force members around the world such as the SAS, the Green Berets, and the Russian Spetsnaz.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Will Fowler is a journalist who has been specializing in military history, current affairs, and defence technology since 1972. He was Army Editor of the British magazine "Defence" from 1983 to 1990. In addition, he has written over 20 books covering military technology and conflicts from the 19th-century to the second Gulf War, including The Royal Marines, The Secret World of the Spy, SAS Behind Enemy Lines, and D-Day: The First 24 Hours. He lives in England.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books; 1st edition (May 26, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312336535
• ISBN-13: 978-0312336530
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #584,905 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading for those to whom the content applies., March 15, 2006

By 

Ned Middleton (British professional underwater photo-journalist & author) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Special Forces Guide to Escape and Evasion (Hardcover)

This book is written by Will Fowler - not Chris McNab as shown.

When this book first arrived on my desk I considered long and hard the sort of person to whom it might be aimed. My first thoughts were no honest civilian - other than the noted Walter Mitty of course, would need to know anything about the art of escape and evasion. Then I realised my viewpoint was incorrect. Civilian advisors and workers are found in theatres of war all over the world - and a good number of them have been abducted over the years.

As far as HM Forces are concerned, I would suggest this book is essential reading for all service personnel.

Whilst I was never SAS trained, I did complete the first phase of that training in 1971. This part of the overall training scheme was called "Selection." As a young corporal, it was something I was required to complete before being posted to the Regiment as part of a team of "attached personnel." In other words, I was sent there to do a rather mundane job in support of the boys who were doing the real work - but first, they had to be satisfied I was fit enough. Now, having read this book, I do so wish it had been available to me all those years ago before that gruelling course began.

Every important topic is covered - ranging from the "will" to survive, the various techniques required when captured and those one needs to employ when foraging for food and covering one's tracks. With important contributions from the Special Forces of the UK, USA and even Russia, this is a book which will teach soldiers something extra about soldiering. It will also give them an excellent appraisal of what is required should they ever need help. Who knows when a single serviceman (or woman) might find themselves alone in a hostile climate where there are no doors on which to knock when thirsty.

Altogether, therefore, this book should be required reading for; (A) Those who are contemplating service with Special Forces; (B) Those who are about to be posted to such theatres of war as Afghanistan and Iraq; (C) Civilian workers in the same broad category and; (D) Just about anyone else with an interest in the subject.

There is much to learned from this book and I congratulate the author on a job well done.

NM

9 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Illustrated basics, November 12, 2007

By 

K. Gulbrandsen (Norway) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Special Forces Guide to Escape and Evasion (Hardcover)

The basics of escape & evasion basicly. What you would learn at any half-decent military school atleast. Nicely illustrated and lots of comments from the author throughout the book. There is also quoted some historical real-life events to give a more practical view on some of the techniques described in the book.

Recommended for the military enthusiast and/or the recreational fullscale milsim paintball player.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good, December 21, 2009

By 

Charles Valenzuela "cav2108" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Special Forces Guide to Escape and Evasion (Hardcover)

Not something to be learned from a book but a great refresher if you have already had the training in the dim past.