Ade Orchard

Joint Force Harrier is the war memoir of 800 Naval Air Squadron Commander Ade Orchard.

It covers the deployment of 800 NAS, who fly the Harrier GR7, from September 2006 to January 2007 in the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan.

This is an extremely well written book which really demonstrates the challenges faced by pilots and soldiers in the war in Afghanistan. It illustrates the important role of close air support as well as providing a scintillating portrayal of events which would rival the majority of fictional war stories.

Events that take place are described in a level of detail that lets you picture it accurately without being bored by details. In addition throughout the book there is the juxtaposition combat to base life where odd events take place such as the pilots being scrambled for an emergency then as they rush to their planes to get up into the air they are chased by a cop for speeding; or the occupational health and safety officer who complains about the danger of an unauthorised awning over a deck despite there being rockets routinely exploding in the base...

Great book, well worth a read.… (altro)