Customer Reviews

The Special Forces Guide to Escape and Evasion

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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

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.

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

1st time to ever "Review" a Book from Amazon. Usually working and little time to, (w/ 22yrs in U.S. Mil. Spec-OPs). This is without a doubt the "POOREST" excuse for a "BOOK" on the referenced Subj. I've ever seen! That's why I'm writing this; so that someone else won't throw away money. All "W.Fowler" did was take "excerpts" from Army 'FM 21-76', A.F. 'PAM 36-2246', ecetera & "Cut & Pasted"! I was an Instructor at the Army "S.E.R.E." School when Colonel Rowe, (author of "Five Years to Freedom"), was brought back on Active Duty to start the School. I don't know what I expected from the Book{?}, but it sure wasn't there. Most Subj.'s(+/-) of School are "Classified", escp. the E&E & Resist. to Interr.; however, I was trying to find a "Unclas." source of printed-Data,(not just my memory, but there's more in there than in this Book; Thank God!), for Instructing member's of the 'Karen National Lib. Army'(KNLA) on the Subject. The "BEST" use for this 'Title' was as "tinder" in fire-starting class. ANYONE that want's some "Actual" 'close-to' "Classified" Info on the Subject, buy "Five Year's to Freedom", "Evasion, Escape & Survival" by Barry Davies; or the similar one by "Lofty" Wisemann, {both former 22 SAS Reg}. Or 1, or both of the Military Manual's mentioned at the beginning of this 'Review'. (The "pretty" color-picture's He put in this Book(?) isn't going to "Save" anyone's LIFE!). Sad this even got by His editor!? Obviously they had NO MORE idea of the "Subj.-matter" than "W.Fowler"!
Stay Safe & keep your Powder Dry, 'CHARLIE MIKE'; "Ne' Conjuge Nobiscum!" the "by" should be "Grey Fox"{not Gray), (if you were in "FOG or ISA", you'll get it).

Book has good tips for evasion, but a detailed survival guide is essential for surviving in the sticks.

A much better book than the SAS book on the same subject. I would also buy the book "wilderness evasion" by Michale Chesbro with it.

I am disapointed with this book. After I recieved it I started reading and it is 90%+ common sence. The content is blahhhhh. I guess I have to much knowledge to be able to learn as much as I want. This book will not be of any use to you if you have any knowledge of the following:
1. the outdoors
2. have hunting experience
3. Boy scouts
4. Camping
5. played paintball
6. read survival books
7. etc......

I still have not found a book that I can learn from. I believe these books are written over a long weekend.