I am a prolific reader and try to read at least one book a week, currently reading:
Popski's Private Army, Lt Col Vladimir Peniakoff.
&
Bearded Brigands, Trooper Frank Jopling.
My favs include:
The Devils Guard - George Robert Elford. This is a 'true' story about Waffen SS soldiers fighting for the French Foreign Legion in Indochina after escaping the allies. A absolutely rivetting book that i go back to time after time, or, at least i would do. I lent it to someone and nevr got it back. Keeping my eye out for a copy now.
Damn fine read, war with the warts, I first read it because I had an uncle who served in that part of La Legion at that particular time. Lets just say he had to leave Germany quickly.
Jed, you'll be lucky to get a copy of the book. It is now officially a collectors item and goes for anything from £50.00 to £100. Mine went walkabout too and I managed to get a replacement, £££'s ouch!
Cold Zero - Christopher Whitcomb. This fella joined the FBI and became a sniper in the FBI Hostage Rescue Team. It's not as 'Gung Ho' as it sounds. It's well written by a thoughtful, intelligent individual and is well worth a look, even if only for his unique experience of Waco and Ruby Ridge.
Another classic in waiting.
First Into Action - Duncan Falconer. An account of one mans life in the SBS. Dispels some of the Myths of the British Special Forces community and pulls no punches. a proud and humble man, Duncan Falconer is a bloke i'd like to have a chat with over a few beer's!
Ditto. Just finished his 'The Protector', the darker funnier side of military contracting.
Pamwe Chete The Legend of the Selous Scouts, Reid-Daly, R. Title says it all.
Selous Scouts Top Secret War, Reid-Daly, R., Stif, R. The first work as such about the Selous Scouts.
SAS Rhodesia, Pittaway & Fourie. I am waiting for the new edition of this, one of the authors is going to tell me when they are ready to ship. They are realeasing 3 books about Rhodie soldiering in November: LRDG; SAS; Selous Scouts.
I picked up a book by Dick Couch when I was in the US last, light bed time reading, I could not put it down and ended up buying the follow ons. If you ever want to know what it takes to be a Special Forces soldier from a front row seat so that you can see almost everything - these are the books.
The Warrior Elite, The forging of SEAL Class 228
The Finishing School, Earning the Navy SEAL trident
Down Range, Navy SEAL's in the War on Terrorism
More recently Dick Couch wrote a work following a group thru Green Beret: pre-training; pre-selection; selection; speciality training; and operations.
Chosen Soldier, The making of a Special Forces warrior.