Brothers in Arms

Real War. True Friends. Unlikely Heroes.

By: Geraint Jones

Narrated by: Geraint Jones

Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Darkly funny, shockingly honest, Brothers in Arms is an unforgettable account of the brutal reality of war - every boring, scary, exciting moment - and the bonds of friendship that can never be destroyed.

If you could choose which two limbs got blown off, what would you go for?’ Danny said. ‘Your arms or your legs?’

In July 2009 Geraint (Gez) Jones was sitting in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, with the rest of The Firm - Danny, Jay, Toby and Jake, his four closest friends, all junior NCOs and combat-hardened infantrymen. Thanks to the mangled remains of a Jackal vehicle left tactlessly outside their tent, IEDs were never far from their mind. Within days they’d be on the ground in Musa Qala with the rest of 3 Platoon - a mixed bunch of men Gez would die for.  

As they fight furiously, are pushed to their limits, hemmed in by IEDs and hampered by the chain of command, Gez starts to wonder what is the point of it all. The bombs they uncover on patrol, on their stomachs brushing the sand away, are replaced the next day. Firefights are a momentary victory in a war they can see is unwinnable. Gez is a warrior - he wants more than this. But then death and injury start to take their toll on The Firm, leaving Gez with PTSD and a new battle just beginning.

©2019 Geraint Jones (P)2019 Macmillan Publishers International Ltd

Highly Recommend!

This was hands down one of the best military/war books I’ve read about Afghanistan. Having served in the US military myself, it was fascinating to hear the British side of things and what those guys went though. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know about the reality of modern warfare without the arrogantlce and chest beating we see in so many of the books coming from
vets these days. I also would highly recommend this book to any vets out there dealing with PTSD. You aren’t alone, and Gez does a great job talking about the struggle of returning to “normal” society after the trials of war.

Must listen for all infantrymen

This raw, ground level account of a Welch rifle company in Afghanistan is a love letter to violence, camaraderie, and the warrior spirit. It is also a scathing power ballad calling down incompetent leadership, corrupt politicians and the fear of getting help. Highly recommend.

No less than impressive

What starts as a brutal rant at the conflict in Afghanistan turns into a retelling of an almost unreal tour experienced by Geraint Jones. The final part of the book looks in detail at the long and dark path the author had to go through before realising his PTSD and beginning his road to overcoming it.

The author is also the narrator for this story which is the best way for a book like this to be told. Gripping from start to finish, I really see no negatives in buying this book. I cannot begin to imagine what him and the people around him went through, I can only hope that books like this help those others who find themselves in similar positions.

great book not what I expected

an excellent book written in such a way for me me as a civi to understand all the things that they've been through and all the struggles

Heartfelt

As an ex para and royal highland fusilier I understand the emotion expressed you did us proud Geraint.

Awesome and moving story

Possibly one of the most true to life combat stories I've read. The latter stages about PTSD are visceral and harrowing.
Please percevere with the authors narration. At times it's an embarrassing listen bit he IS the author and an ex soldier so bear with it. it's definitely worth it.

A good listen

Always enjoy when the author reads the story. Dark humour and honesty. Loved it, higly recommend.

memories

I am an northen ireland vet from the height of the struggles, although I had seen some desperat times nothing compared to these boys. but that bond that bloody bond of brotherhood is the same for all of us.

Astonishing and heartfelt

Without doubt one of the best books I’ve ever read if you get the opportunity give it a go and don’t be afraid to go back to to bits that have touched you
I laughed out lout at parts and im not afraid to admit I wept openly at bits that touched my soldiers memory
What a super book and I hope the author recognises the emotions good and bad that he has evoked in the telling
Thank you
Q

Gritty

A rare account of the grind and truth behind the boots on the ground soldier’s day to day. By a soldier, for the soldier.

Afghanistan conflict from a different perspective

The author highlights many failings within the British army in regard to the war in Afghanistan. He comes across as an angry soldier, and rightly so. The British army in my experience seem to have a World War One mentality in an evolving world. The powers that be, would do well do address these issues he raises and concentrate on the job in hand. The more I reflect on this book , the more appreciative of it I become. Well worth a listen.

Best war story published in a long time .

A very frank and personal insight to the highs & lows of the authors tour of duty in Afghanistan and the aftermath it brought.
Made even better that it was narrated by the author.