Outside the Wire
On the front line with the SAS in Australia's war in Afghanistan
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Outside the Wire
Narrated by:
Joseph Tweedale
Buy Now for $26.22
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Narrated by:
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Joseph Tweedale
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By:
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Andy White
Summary
'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.
Outside the Wire
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Andy conveys an articulate account of the realities of extended war-fighting and the human toll on relationships, families and friendships. It also provides an objective counter view to the version peddled by mainstream media and the selection of politicians (both in suits or uniforms) who fail to acknowledge the central lesson that soldiers/veterans should never bear the burden of political disagreement about a conflict. The same politicians who “led from the front” for photo opportunities with SF operators, remain conspicuously absent from accountability when their Afghan strategy turns sour.
On a lighter side, being an Ex-AJ, I appreciated Andy describing some those funny random moments that display the lighter side of soldiering during moments of personal /team hardship.
Well done, Andy, a great read (for a Pom).
DB
At the going down of the sun and in the morning...
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Anyone who wants to form an informed opinion on Australia’s involvement in Afghanistan should read this book. Andy’s account needs to be heard, especially by Australians who, like me, believe our soldiers deserved better.
The ADF needs to be held accountable for how it treated the people it sent to war. I believe books like Outside the Wire are where that process begins.
Incredible account of War
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The silent side.
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A compelling, well-argued insider account that leans heavily into military politics
Outside the Wire follows Andy White's journey through the Australian SAS, from his intensive training to frontline combat in Afghanistan's Tarin Kowt, ultimately leading into the fallout from war crime allegations and the Brereton Report back home.
White presents an articulate, well-structured argument that is easy to engage with. The strength of the book lies in how he balances personal recollections—including tactical frustrations and touching moments like the rescue of combat dog Cujo—with his perspective on strategic and political detachment from the realities on the ground. He raises very fair questions regarding the presumption of innocence, relying on hearsay as evidence, and the conflict of interest in internal defence investigations.
However, the narrative is noticeably one-sided. Some claims, such as denying common vernacular was ever part of the team's culture, feel disingenuous, and the commentary on the 2nd Commando Regiment comes across as unnecessarily derisive. It is a worthwhile, well-delivered perspective on Australia's involvement in the conflict, but one best read alongside other accounts to get the full picture.
A compelling, well-argued insider account
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