Outside the Wire cover art

Outside the Wire

On the front line with the SAS in Australia's war in Afghanistan

 Preview

Get 30 days of Standard free

$8.99/mo after trial ends. Cancel anytime
Try for $0.00
More purchase options

Outside the Wire

By: Andy White
Narrated by: Joseph Tweedale
Try for $0.00

Auto-renews at $8.99/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $26.22

Buy Now for $26.22

A SAS soldier's journey from trainee to elite warrior fighting Islamic militants in Afghanistan, only to be betrayed by his own senior leaders at home.


'I've had more than my share of close calls. Truth is, it's fucking thrilling. But the fear can hit just as hard, especially when you see mates wounded or killed. Or civilians caught in the crossfire – people who had nothing to do with the fight, but still paid the price.'

This is the story of Andy White and two years in Tarin Kot with the Australian SAS, towards the end of the war in Afghanistan, when the fighting was at its most intense. These are vivid recollections of combat, leadership, bravery, errors, and dark humour.

Andy reveals how the men planned their missions, how they rapidly adjusted to changing conditions on the ground, and operated alongside Uruzgan's warlords. He also shows how strategic and political decisions shaped the way the SASR, alongside the 2nd Commando Regiment and the Special Operations Engineer Regiment, fought Australia's longest war.

This is an insider account of SAS operations like no other, from one of Australia's most experienced soldiers.


'An incredible story of endurance, sacrifice and courage' JOHN CANTWELL AO DSC, Major General (Ret'd)

'An expert, unflinching account of the SASR in Afghanistan, a powerful story that needed to be told' WAYNE WEEKS, CSM, former Regimental Sergeant Major, SASR

'Andy's book exudes a rare authenticity and a genuine cry from the heart to all those who the system has failed.' NICK KALDAS, Chair, Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide

'A raw insight into the 21st-century warfighting experience of the Australian SASR' MAJOR VANDO DSM, SASR SQN Commander (Ret'd)

'Outside the Wire is authentic, powerful, and needed.' BRIGADIER DAN FORTUNE DSC and Bar (SASR Ret'd)

'Far more than an engrossing read; it is a sophisticated demonstration of how tactical decisions made in the dust and chaos of operations can reverberate with strategic, national consequences.' MAJOR BRETT SANGSTER, 2CDO (Ret'd)©2026 Andrew White (P)2026 W. F. Howes ltd. Military & War Solider War Heartfelt Military
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
All stars
Most relevant
This book is eye opening, gut wrenching and honest. The side of the war we have not been aloud to hear or understand. It exposes how one narrative with the help of the media can be pushed fast and wide. It also shows that most people believe the first account they hear without a second thought. The silence from the ADF through and post this war is deafening. I am glad that some of our soldiers are getting to say their part now. This book should be heard by all.

The silent side.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Excellent book. a great job of telling his own story in the language it needs to be told in, giving an insight into the world of soldiering with SASR, the humour and the the not funny, but most importantly calling out the hypocrisy, nonsense, but worst of all the selling out of the SASR individually and as an organisation to the public by the media, not even the legal system. The regiment was a unit Australia, especially West Aussie’s, have always been proud of, until defence chiefs and ‘journalists’ told them not to be. Big kudos to ripping the self serving lying high ups a new hoop, but making sure Gen. Cantwell is pointed out in the positive way he deserves for his leadership in the most deadly period of the war. Great read, highly recommended

Excellent read. The good, the bad, the necessary

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Great story and narration, there should be a royal commission into the failings of ADF leadership and the witch hunt and trial by media that has happened. Thank you for your service, and the Australian people needed this book to really understand what happened over there.

Context Matters.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
First hand, honest and well written account from Andy White, who gives you a perspective rarely given to the public about the Australian tier one unit and the poor treatment they received from upper brass and the government. These guys deserve the utmost respect and support.

Great book, must hear story!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Outside the Wire is one of those rare books that’s hard to put down. Andy White delivers an authentic, gripping account of multiple deployments to Afghanistan, with enough detail to immerse you and have you crave for more. More than a compelling war memoir, it’s a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by our soldiers…and the way too many were let down by senior leadership and government, both during the conflict and after they came home. An outstanding and important read/listen.

An authentic and gripping account

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.