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Scott Ryder takes us inside the secretive world of the Australian commandos in this debut book that shares his firsthand experiences.

Forged in Fire by Scott Ryder. A military man wearing camouflage clothes and holding a large gun hiding in a mound.

From the age of 12, Scott Ryder knew he wanted to join the army, and he signed up as soon as he could. After serving as a paratrooper and in East Timor with 3 RAR, he wanted more. He trained all summer and took the gruelling selection course for the commandos, earning the prized green beret on his second attempt.

Ryder shares battlefield stories from his tours to Afghanistan, where his regiment saw some of the heaviest fighting Australian forces have experienced since the Vietnam War. After being seriously injured in a shocking Black Hawk helicopter crash in Kandahar, he was the only survivor to return to active service.

Frankly written, with self-deprecating humour, Forged in Fire reveals the qualities of strength and mental resilience that characterise special forces operators.

About the author

Scott Ryder served for 22 years with the Australian Army, including 16 years as an operator with the 2nd Commando Regiment. He served in East Timor and multiple tours of Afghanistan and Iraq.

He holds numerous commendations and a Masters of Business, and he works in veteran charities to improve the lives of veterans and their families.

Organised in partnership with Constant Reader Bookshop.