"Who were the original Commandos? How do ordinary soldiers become Special Forces? How do troops communicate without speaking? What's the difference between HALO and HAHO? Meet the best of the best, the elite soldiers who have been through the toughest training on earth, ready to take on missions in any climate, against any enemy with no fear" --From the publisher.

Includes index.

Who are Special Forces? -- Behind enemy lines -- Arctic action -- Fighting terror -- Special Forces long ago -- Trackers and hunters -- Trench warriors -- The Second World War -- Navy marauders -- Black Kit -- In the kill house -- Sand racers -- Night hunters -- Insertion -- Extraction -- Special skills -- Staying alive -- Off the battlefield -- Dangerous work -- Joining the 10% club -- Legion of the lost -- Glossary -- Index -- Acknowledgements.