The Army is struggling to meet recruitment targets and wants LinkedIn members to sign up for the Irish Guards. Motto: Quis Separabit. (Who shall separate us?)

To give you an idea of the team you’ll be joining they have confusingly posted a picture of a different unit, the Royal Irish Regiment. Motto: Faugh A Ballagh. (Clear the way.)

When I was in the British army attention to detail was important, although fortunately not being Irish did not preclude me from joining the London Irish Rifles. Motto: Quis Separabit.

SPIN ZHIRA: Old Man in Helmand is the unauthorised, unvarnished and irreverent story of one man’s midlife crisis on the front line of the most dangerous district in Afghanistan where the locals haven’t forgiven the British for the occupation of 1842 or for the Russian Invasion of 1979. Of course, all infidels look the same so you can’t really tell them apart.

‘The best book by a soldier concerning the Afghan War that I have read’
Frank Ledwidge, bestselling author of Losing Small Wars and Investment in Blood

‘SPIN ZHIRA vividly conveys the disjointed essence of modern warfare and the impossibility of balancing the adrenaline of combat with ‘normal’ life. This book brims with authenticity and dark humour.’
Patrick Hennessey, bestselling author of The Junior Officers’ Reading Club and Kandak

‘If you want to read about political and military success in Afghanistan, this book isn’t for you. If you want a fresh perspective from someone who is not a career officer and who is brave enough to bare his soul, then SPIN ZHIRA is a must read.’
Lt Col Richard Dorney, bestselling author of The Killing Zoneand An Active Service

‘Five stars’
SOLDIER The official magazine of the British Army

‘A journey of love, service and adventure. Excellent.’
Amazon Customer

Ten reasons why you should read SPIN ZHIRA.

The headline photo is of Irish Guardsmen (motto: Quis Separabit) and me in Helmand Province in 2012.