Harry McCallion is in a unique position to write this book. He served seven tours with the Parachute Regiment, before undertaking selection for the secretive and extremely selective for 14 Intelligence Company. From 1977 to 1980 he was a member of South Africa’s elite special forces unit No 1 Recognisance Commando and fought in Angola, Rhodesia, Mozambique and Zambia. He then completed six years with the SAS, including two with the anti-terrorism teams.
He spent time on the SAS ‘circuit’ providing close protection to such notable figures as the Sultan of Brunei and members of the Saudi Royal Family, before joining the Royal Ulster Constabulary - where he received two commendations for bravery during a six-year service ended by a bad car accident. After his career in the police came to an end, he trained in law and is now a successful barrister based in the northwest of England, working in civil and criminal courts.. Many of the most notable British mercenaries or contractors are well known to the author, which gives him a keen insight into their motivations.