CQB: Close Quarter Battle

Overall, this is a compelling account of a soldiers life in two of the most elite fighting forces.


Good read, good action, good book!   January 20, 1999
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Curtis is in the same league as the McNab's, Spence's and Crossland's of this world! Great action in the Falklands. Awsome accounts of his selection (almost twice as good!!!!).Well written; full of anecdotes, humour and sarcasm...even in the tough moments. Makes you really wonder why "Bravo Two Zero" opted to tab instead of ride! We want more from Curtis.


GREAT BOOK!   March 28, 2000
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Mike Curtis' life has been very exciting. He tells about his military life in the British Army along with personal backround. It even revealed secrets of the SAS. Including the mission in Iraq during the Gulf War, which was for destroying Scud missiles.

I couldn't put this book down! It also made me want to learn more about the Gulf (I bought Cameron Spence's book about the Gulf War called "Sabre Squadron"). I recommend this book for readers interested in the British Army or SAS or if you are just a military buff.


Excellent read. Gripping stuff! Action packed!   April 19, 2000
A very compelling account and exciting book that I was unable to put it down. It's in the same league as Andy McNab's books. Clearly shows the rigorous SAS Selection and training process. Particularly realistic were his accounts of the grueling experiences in the Falklands and the scud destroying missions in Iraq. Reading this book makes you realize the tough conditions that these elite troops survive in. Thanks Mike, for doing a tough job well and for writing an excellent book about it all!


Excellant TRUE story of SAS soldier   June 17, 1998
P. C. Denton
Contrary to what section this is listed under, this is an excellant true story. It is an exciting and informative read. I picked up my softcover copy in the Netherlands on business. I had just completed McNab's "Immediate Action" and was hankering for more when I saw this book. It recants the Authors life from his involvement in the Falkland Islands admission and training in the SAS, through to Iraq and Bosnia. I found this this book paralled McNab's book in many ways, confirming Selection and training methods. The tale of the Iraqi war was particularly engaging. Curtis was also in Iraq at the same time as McNab. Curtis' team was on another "Scud Seaking" mission in "Pinkies". I found the tales of desert life fascinating, as well as the methods used to fight these battles. I thought these chapters were really the heart of the book. They outlined the incredibly horrible conditions every one worked under and the usual hang-ups of military channels. I thought the book kind of lost steam in the fourth act. After telling the tale of the war behind the lines in Iraq, service in Bosnia seemed kind of anti-climactic. These chapters were none the less engaging and highly illustrative of the Excitement, Adventure and Stupidty of all war. There is a price to be paid though. Curtis and McNab both trace the destruction of family lives as the price for joining "The Regiment". A great book, especially useful for making the long miserable hours of international flight, slip by.