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First Man In: Leading from the Front
No one is born a leader. But through sheer determination and by confronting life’s challenges, Ant Middleton has come to know the meaning of true leadership. In First Man In, he shares the core lessons he’s learned over the course of his fascinating, exhilarating life.
Special forces training is no walk in the park. The rules are strict and they make sure you learn the hard way, pushing you beyond the limits of what is physically possible. There is no mercy. Even when you are bleeding and broken, to admit defeat is failure.
To survive the gruelling selection process to become a member of the elite you need toughness, aggression, meticulous attention to detail and unrelenting self-discipline, all traits that make for the best leaders.
After 13 years service in the military, with 4 years as a Special Boat Service (SBS) sniper, Ant Middleton is the epitome of what it takes to excel. He served in the SBS, the naval wing of the special forces, the Royal Marines and 9 Parachute Squadron Royal, achieving what is known as the ‘Holy Trinity’ of the UK’s Elite Forces. As a point man in the SBS, Ant was always the first man through the door, the first man into the dark, and the first man in harm’s way.
In this fascinating, exhilarating and revealing book, Ant speaks about the highs and gut-wrenching lows of his life – from the thrill of passing Special Forces Selection to dealing with the early death of his father and ending up in prison on leaving the military – and draws valuable lessons that we can all use in our daily lives.
Special forces training is no walk in the park. The rules are strict and they make sure you learn the hard way, pushing you beyond the limits of what is physically possible. There is no mercy. Even when you are bleeding and broken, to admit defeat is failure.
To survive the gruelling selection process to become a member of the elite you need toughness, aggression, meticulous attention to detail and unrelenting self-discipline, all traits that make for the best leaders.
After 13 years service in the military, with 4 years as a Special Boat Service (SBS) sniper, Ant Middleton is the epitome of what it takes to excel. He served in the SBS, the naval wing of the special forces, the Royal Marines and 9 Parachute Squadron Royal, achieving what is known as the ‘Holy Trinity’ of the UK’s Elite Forces. As a point man in the SBS, Ant was always the first man through the door, the first man into the dark, and the first man in harm’s way.
In this fascinating, exhilarating and revealing book, Ant speaks about the highs and gut-wrenching lows of his life – from the thrill of passing Special Forces Selection to dealing with the early death of his father and ending up in prison on leaving the military – and draws valuable lessons that we can all use in our daily lives.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 757 reviews
July 27, 2018
I have really enjoyed this book (listen) and it was easy to finish. Overall though I don’t really like him having listened to his account of his life, honest that it was, he’s actually a bit of a prick when it comes down to it.
March 15, 2021
An excellent book. An amazing insight into the mind of someone who has fought and won the most dangerous and demanding physical and mental battles in life. Ok he might have not won every battle but as I am paraphrasing one of his lessons you only fail or lose if you fail to learn from your failure or losses.
I have never served in the military but I have a background in martial arts and competition. A lot of the mindset and mental discipline need to be successful in martial arts I have found relates to problem solving in life. Fir this reason I have always held soldier and professional fighters in the highest regards.
I like Ant's no nonsense approach to situations. As well as his journey on finding his own balance, his he is honest about his mistakes, but again these were also his teachers. Another message is that life is not about lessons learned, but the learning must continue throught a person's life.
In martial arts there is a level you can teach physically but your latter accolades will come from what you give back to the next generation. I really like him Ant uses the mind sets he has learned to be a leader and lead others to discovering the same mindsets to lead them to sucess. Leaders do not break people down the build them up.
I have never served in the military but I have a background in martial arts and competition. A lot of the mindset and mental discipline need to be successful in martial arts I have found relates to problem solving in life. Fir this reason I have always held soldier and professional fighters in the highest regards.
I like Ant's no nonsense approach to situations. As well as his journey on finding his own balance, his he is honest about his mistakes, but again these were also his teachers. Another message is that life is not about lessons learned, but the learning must continue throught a person's life.
In martial arts there is a level you can teach physically but your latter accolades will come from what you give back to the next generation. I really like him Ant uses the mind sets he has learned to be a leader and lead others to discovering the same mindsets to lead them to sucess. Leaders do not break people down the build them up.
June 7, 2018
I'm not one for leaving reviews for anything, however with this book I just couldn't resist. Not only is this book one of those precious few that you can't put down until you've digested all of its contents, but it's also a book that enables self-reflection and self-evalutaion, encouraging you to be the best version of you. I would recommend this book for anyone, whether you're the most self-assured person out there or someone who is lacking self-confidence because I garuntee you will learn something from this book.
February 16, 2020
Well, this book wasn't really my cup of tea. Not because of the genre, which I generally find fascinating, but I found it to be a bit tedious; I didn't really care about him as a person (he seemed a bit of a dick, that wasn't very likeable to be honest) and rushed the last few chapter so I could finish the book and return it to the friend I had borrowed it from. I very nearly didn't bother and finishing the book did not enrich the experience for me.
Also we don't know how good a leader he really was, as we only have his word for it. Yes, he got awarded by the military, yes he was in the 3 elite forces, but what did his men think of him really? Maybe they thought he was a twat too. Maybe you only get to be in 3 elite forces by being a complete knob. I haven't seen any of the TV programmes, maybe you get a better sense of him through those?
However, I was heartened to read that when he was imprisoned, he used the experience to improve himself. Redemption is possible, hurrah!
Obviously this is how he came across to me in the book. He's probably a perfectly nice person. I also have to remember that the book had editors and they probably told him what to leave in and leave out etc and that coloured how he came across.
I'm sorry but this book was not for me and I therefore would not recommend it. Aren't there other authors who have been in special forces that write about their experiences better?
*Feb 2020* .
I have watched several series of SAS who dares wins on UK TV since I read this book and I would like to revise my opinion.
I feel I was harsh in my judgement of him - yes, still a bit of a dick (who isn't), but actually does come across in those programmes as caring and sensible. (Obviously they are edited too, so who really knows).
The thing that really strikes me and that I think is his most redeeming/admirable quality for me is that he was going off the rails, ended up in prison, but pulled it back, sorted himself out and made such a success of his life. That really is something, and should be applauded. It is so easy to spiral out of control, down into the depths; so hard to stop that process, and turn it around. And to turn it around to the extent that he has - it's actually astonishing. Kudos to him.
Having said that I haven't changed the stars of the book, as my criticism of the book itself, remains.
Also we don't know how good a leader he really was, as we only have his word for it. Yes, he got awarded by the military, yes he was in the 3 elite forces, but what did his men think of him really? Maybe they thought he was a twat too. Maybe you only get to be in 3 elite forces by being a complete knob. I haven't seen any of the TV programmes, maybe you get a better sense of him through those?
However, I was heartened to read that when he was imprisoned, he used the experience to improve himself. Redemption is possible, hurrah!
Obviously this is how he came across to me in the book. He's probably a perfectly nice person. I also have to remember that the book had editors and they probably told him what to leave in and leave out etc and that coloured how he came across.
I'm sorry but this book was not for me and I therefore would not recommend it. Aren't there other authors who have been in special forces that write about their experiences better?
*Feb 2020* .
I have watched several series of SAS who dares wins on UK TV since I read this book and I would like to revise my opinion.
I feel I was harsh in my judgement of him - yes, still a bit of a dick (who isn't), but actually does come across in those programmes as caring and sensible. (Obviously they are edited too, so who really knows).
The thing that really strikes me and that I think is his most redeeming/admirable quality for me is that he was going off the rails, ended up in prison, but pulled it back, sorted himself out and made such a success of his life. That really is something, and should be applauded. It is so easy to spiral out of control, down into the depths; so hard to stop that process, and turn it around. And to turn it around to the extent that he has - it's actually astonishing. Kudos to him.
Having said that I haven't changed the stars of the book, as my criticism of the book itself, remains.
November 7, 2018
If I had to sum up the entire book in one quote, it'd be the following:
"People might think I’m an arrogant twat, but that doesn’t bother me because I’ve looked in the mirror and I know that I’m not."
If you think he's right, then this is an interesting book full of life lessons that you can apply every day.
I don't think he's right.
"People might think I’m an arrogant twat, but that doesn’t bother me because I’ve looked in the mirror and I know that I’m not."
If you think he's right, then this is an interesting book full of life lessons that you can apply every day.
I don't think he's right.
February 26, 2019
Ant makes no apologies for who he is and if you've seen him on TV, he says often enough that it takes a special kind of person to excel in the SAS. The kind of person who is trained to plunge into insane situations and thrive. Unfortunately, in Ant's case, he walks that line between good and outright nut-so, just erring on the side of good (he could easily go either way), but it makes him unlikeable for most readers. (His persona is much "nicer" on TV) In this book, he refers to himself as god-like, on occasion, and goes into detail about how he looks for weaknesses in people and uses them to get what he wants out of them. Yeah, not exactly your typical "hero" mentality, but admittedly, from a psychological point of view, it's a fascinating glimpse at what makes these kind of operatives tick. And for me personally, it provides excellent insight into that kind of chaotic neutral character that makes such fascinating, multi-layered anti-heroes.
The writing (it's doubtful Ant wrote this) is a bit clunky and uninspired.
Recommended for fiction writers looking for interesting character studies.
The writing (it's doubtful Ant wrote this) is a bit clunky and uninspired.
Recommended for fiction writers looking for interesting character studies.
April 24, 2023
"Work at trying to better who you are as a character. Be the best version of you that you can imagine, and I guarantee that all the rest of it will just fall naturally into place.”
Found this book in a charity shop and picked it up. I'm a sucker for anything written by Navy SEAls, British SAS, or anyone in the Army. And sure enough, Ant Middleton's book didn't disappoint. It's filled with anecdotes about his time training in the military and fighting in Afghanistan.
Although he adopts a tough love approach throughout the book, you'll definitely walk away having learned something new.
Five stars.
Found this book in a charity shop and picked it up. I'm a sucker for anything written by Navy SEAls, British SAS, or anyone in the Army. And sure enough, Ant Middleton's book didn't disappoint. It's filled with anecdotes about his time training in the military and fighting in Afghanistan.
Although he adopts a tough love approach throughout the book, you'll definitely walk away having learned something new.
Five stars.
June 11, 2020
Felt a bit like what I imagine Gilroy Lockhart's book would have been like - this guy is seriously self-obsessed. It felt like all his stories were just about how great he is and not recognising the people around them for the parts they quite obviously played.
2* as the stories themselves were interesting - it was just his constant putting down of other people for their failures whilst not recognising his own that was frustating.
Also had no time for his "self-help lessons at the end of each chapter" - unless it's advice on how to be a knob.
2* as the stories themselves were interesting - it was just his constant putting down of other people for their failures whilst not recognising his own that was frustating.
Also had no time for his "self-help lessons at the end of each chapter" - unless it's advice on how to be a knob.
September 20, 2019
Very easy book to read. Ant came across as a real Pratt in the first few chapters and at times a thug. He redeemed himself in the last couple of chapters and seemed to have seen the error of his ways. Didn’t much care for the lessons to be learned after each chapter.
September 18, 2019
This was a very interesting read and a raw, honest account by Ant Middleton of many aspects of his life. It was very instructive in how to become a better leader and to better yourself and I think some of those tools I will now take on board when looking at my life. I did find the last few chapters a little less interesting than the others which is why it only gets four stars.
However, a great read and would recommend if you are a fan of autobiographies.
However, a great read and would recommend if you are a fan of autobiographies.
June 16, 2018
An absolutely fantastic read. After first seeing Ant on SAS: Who Dares Wins, I’ve been fascinated by his life. I recently saw Ant on his tour and think he’s an interesting and endearing speaker. This book felt like an extension of that night. A great read, filled with real stories that convey important life tips. I would highly recommend this book.
February 9, 2019
Really disappointing, l thought this might be a good read unfortunately not
April 22, 2020
Egotistical, badly written selfish trash. Much like his views on social distancing measures for coronavirus. Your career is over this virus doesn't discriminate.
November 19, 2019
I've always enjoyed the kind of reality TV that involves tough jobs of any kind from crab fishing to gold mining, oil rigs to logging. I also like shows that show the young people heading into basic training for the military, showing their highs and lows, and also watching military people trying out for the elite services like the SAS or command positions in other parts of the military. There was a show on years ago that I loved where ordinary people are put through a version of SAS training. I think it was called SAS Are You Tough Enough? A few years ago a similar show called SAS Who Dares Wins came out and I just had to watch it. By the end of the first season I was hooked on it and I just loved the guys who were running the training, including Ant Middleton, who can go from normal to scary in the blink of an eye. I've been devouring the books written by the guys who run the training on the show.
This book looks at various events in Ant's life, both personal and military, and what he tries to do is look at what happened with each event and the lessons he learned from it. He points out where he went wrong and why, what he could have done differently and tries to turn it into a life lesson that anyone can use in their working or personal lives. I knew that this was the format of the book and I wasn't sure if it would work but I think it does. Anyone watching SAS WDW would be interested to know a bit more about Ant's personal and military life and he is not shy in talking about these things here. He doesn't sugercoat how badly behaved he was in his early military career and the things he did wrong, he doesn't try to hide his mistakes. Frankly he wasn't a very nice guy but the point is, he learned from his mistakes and tried to make himself a better person and for that I applaud him.
Ant talks about how his father was killed when he was a young boy, his mother erasing her former husband from their lives and within weeks moving a new man into their home. It is clear that his relationships with both are difficult and it triggers a desire to join the military and stand on his own feet. I can fully understand the culture shock from a boy brought up for a time in France, used to being polite and well mannered, to suddenly being dropped in the bear pit with a lot of rough and ready young men. His struggle to fit in with them leads to his dreadful behaviour out in the town and now I can see exactly why the military had such a poor reputation amongst the civilian population. It was interesting to see how Ant began a journey to try and find himself again.
It was interesting to see the kind of training these guys were put through for selection to the Paras and then the Royal Marines. I've always been fascinated by the physical tests they have to endure and how they weed out those that can't keep up. This is why I watch these documentaries about young recruits doing their training. It is just a whole new world to watch and wonder if you were capable of ever doing it! I notice that Ant has a new book coming out so I hope to see a bit more about the training in that. It was also interesting to see a few of his experiences in prison and the temptation to stay in a world of crime for a better payday for his family. The book also talks about him going into the tracking down of children kidnapped and taken abroad by their fathers. He also mentions events from SAS WDW and his Mutiny on the Bounty adventure.
I've seen a lot of reviews that are scathing about Ant being a bit of a jerk and not very likeable. The thing is, Ant never tries to hide what he was like and how hard he had to work to become a better person. A lot of celebrity memoirs are so heavily edited to take out all the bad behaviour that they aren't worth reading. Ant never tries to hide how bad he used to be and I like that he has tried to be a better person as time went by. Lets also remember that the military training was intended to turn you into an aggressive alpha male and killing machine and you can't just switch off your training so easily when you leave the military. This is why I believe that the people returning to civilian life need a lot more help instead of being let loose to find their own way, many turning to drugs, alcohol, crime or living on the streets.
I admire anyone with the guts to go out and serve their country as I would be scared to do something like that. I have a great deal of respect for the special forces and what kind of missions they do. I can cut them a bit of slack and at least understand the issues they have when they no longer have that outlet for the aggression. It is something that Ant tries to explain here and I get where he is coming from. I found the book enjoyable to read and I look forward to reading his next book.
This book looks at various events in Ant's life, both personal and military, and what he tries to do is look at what happened with each event and the lessons he learned from it. He points out where he went wrong and why, what he could have done differently and tries to turn it into a life lesson that anyone can use in their working or personal lives. I knew that this was the format of the book and I wasn't sure if it would work but I think it does. Anyone watching SAS WDW would be interested to know a bit more about Ant's personal and military life and he is not shy in talking about these things here. He doesn't sugercoat how badly behaved he was in his early military career and the things he did wrong, he doesn't try to hide his mistakes. Frankly he wasn't a very nice guy but the point is, he learned from his mistakes and tried to make himself a better person and for that I applaud him.
Ant talks about how his father was killed when he was a young boy, his mother erasing her former husband from their lives and within weeks moving a new man into their home. It is clear that his relationships with both are difficult and it triggers a desire to join the military and stand on his own feet. I can fully understand the culture shock from a boy brought up for a time in France, used to being polite and well mannered, to suddenly being dropped in the bear pit with a lot of rough and ready young men. His struggle to fit in with them leads to his dreadful behaviour out in the town and now I can see exactly why the military had such a poor reputation amongst the civilian population. It was interesting to see how Ant began a journey to try and find himself again.
It was interesting to see the kind of training these guys were put through for selection to the Paras and then the Royal Marines. I've always been fascinated by the physical tests they have to endure and how they weed out those that can't keep up. This is why I watch these documentaries about young recruits doing their training. It is just a whole new world to watch and wonder if you were capable of ever doing it! I notice that Ant has a new book coming out so I hope to see a bit more about the training in that. It was also interesting to see a few of his experiences in prison and the temptation to stay in a world of crime for a better payday for his family. The book also talks about him going into the tracking down of children kidnapped and taken abroad by their fathers. He also mentions events from SAS WDW and his Mutiny on the Bounty adventure.
I've seen a lot of reviews that are scathing about Ant being a bit of a jerk and not very likeable. The thing is, Ant never tries to hide what he was like and how hard he had to work to become a better person. A lot of celebrity memoirs are so heavily edited to take out all the bad behaviour that they aren't worth reading. Ant never tries to hide how bad he used to be and I like that he has tried to be a better person as time went by. Lets also remember that the military training was intended to turn you into an aggressive alpha male and killing machine and you can't just switch off your training so easily when you leave the military. This is why I believe that the people returning to civilian life need a lot more help instead of being let loose to find their own way, many turning to drugs, alcohol, crime or living on the streets.
I admire anyone with the guts to go out and serve their country as I would be scared to do something like that. I have a great deal of respect for the special forces and what kind of missions they do. I can cut them a bit of slack and at least understand the issues they have when they no longer have that outlet for the aggression. It is something that Ant tries to explain here and I get where he is coming from. I found the book enjoyable to read and I look forward to reading his next book.
March 12, 2019
This book was outstanding!
I literally could not put it down.
I was quite intrigued after watching Ant on various TV shows, as to the kind of man he is. The thing with TV is, you always wonder what is actually the truth and what’s shown for entertainment value. So, suffice to say I was hopeful that the book would be as brutally honest, as Ant seems his whole on-screen demeanour to be. Thankfully, I was not disappointed!
The book recounts an amazing history of a man who is at peace with himself and who he is. He is an extraordinary character who has taken the time to impart some of his wisdom, to people like me, who could use the life-lessons that he imparts.
This book is well written, brutally honest and genuine and I totally devoured it!
Roll on winter because I can’t wait for the next ‘Ant Middleton’ book!!
I literally could not put it down.
I was quite intrigued after watching Ant on various TV shows, as to the kind of man he is. The thing with TV is, you always wonder what is actually the truth and what’s shown for entertainment value. So, suffice to say I was hopeful that the book would be as brutally honest, as Ant seems his whole on-screen demeanour to be. Thankfully, I was not disappointed!
The book recounts an amazing history of a man who is at peace with himself and who he is. He is an extraordinary character who has taken the time to impart some of his wisdom, to people like me, who could use the life-lessons that he imparts.
This book is well written, brutally honest and genuine and I totally devoured it!
Roll on winter because I can’t wait for the next ‘Ant Middleton’ book!!
June 3, 2018
Great book, great author. Bought the book at Ant's signing in Manchester. Read the first third in the queue and the remaining over the next 24 hours. The book differs from other special forces biographies in that its underlying story is a lesson of leadership.
I would 100% recommend this book to anyone. There are such a wide number of things to take from this book; whether you come for the story of his life or the leadership lessons he provides, you won't be disappointed.
I would 100% recommend this book to anyone. There are such a wide number of things to take from this book; whether you come for the story of his life or the leadership lessons he provides, you won't be disappointed.
September 14, 2020
Érdekes pasas, de mint önsegélyező könyv, szerintem nem sokat ér.
February 17, 2025
Förste Man In by Ant Middleton is an honest book about one mans life before, during and after the military. It is not so much about his time in the service as it is about how to lead and take resposability for once actions. I found the book well written and very interesting. I can really recommend it and why not try his fiction books as well.
August 27, 2025
Had this on the bed side and found it an interesting read. Middleton talks about his early development, time with the UK military, the SBS, and his jail time and TV career.
Lots of interesting life lessons projected, and worth considering for the reader. Very easy to read, with very notable life experiences shared.
Lots of interesting life lessons projected, and worth considering for the reader. Very easy to read, with very notable life experiences shared.
July 12, 2020
*Audiobook*
Very insightful, intelligent and interesting.
He seems like a good egg, sometimes a bit of a hard boiled one, but generally he's a brilliant brave man!
Very insightful, intelligent and interesting.
He seems like a good egg, sometimes a bit of a hard boiled one, but generally he's a brilliant brave man!
July 23, 2020
Likes: Interesting read of Ant Middleton's life in and outside of the military, including all the highs and lows. He gave an account of Leadership Tips at the end of each chapter which I loved- very motivational yet practical.
Dislikes: He as a person did not come across well in the book! Arrogant and aggressive, yet I do appreciate his honesty.
Recommend For: Leaders, ex-military or anyone interested in the stories of military life.
Dislikes: He as a person did not come across well in the book! Arrogant and aggressive, yet I do appreciate his honesty.
Recommend For: Leaders, ex-military or anyone interested in the stories of military life.
February 12, 2025
*2.5 this book had so much potential and I’d been looking forward to reading it but fell too short too many times for me
April 15, 2019
What a great insight in to the life of Ant Middleton and how he came to be the man he is, wow what a life he's led! By the end of it I wondered if there is anything this man isn't capable of?
But the purpose of this book was to inspire the reader to take control of their life and harness the lessons we learn and use them in a positive way. Initially flicking through the book I wondered what the ending of each chapter entitled Leadership Lessons could really do for me in my normal life with my normal job but actually each chapter had so many examples of ways to change your mindset in your own life and use things like anger and upset to energise you in a positive way.
There is something we can all learn from this book and I would highly recommend it.
But the purpose of this book was to inspire the reader to take control of their life and harness the lessons we learn and use them in a positive way. Initially flicking through the book I wondered what the ending of each chapter entitled Leadership Lessons could really do for me in my normal life with my normal job but actually each chapter had so many examples of ways to change your mindset in your own life and use things like anger and upset to energise you in a positive way.
There is something we can all learn from this book and I would highly recommend it.
June 29, 2020
It was interesting and an eye opener into forces life.
Lacked a bit of humour in my opinion but all due respect to him
Lacked a bit of humour in my opinion but all due respect to him
August 30, 2019
I’d seen Ant on TV, then live at my local theatre where he gave a thought provoking show. I bought the book after to gain an insight in to the man. Overall it’s an interesting read & there are bits I should probably read over to cement certain things in my mind. Having said that, there are also bits of the book I found pointless & they seemed page fillers.
April 8, 2022
He has some 'interesting' insights, but ultimately had a good message. Lots of insights about leadership with yourself as well which I enjoyed. Mostly the fun stuff about the SBS, that was really interesting to learn about considering I really don't have a whole lot of knowledge about the Royal Marines.
July 20, 2018
The problem with leadership books based on experiences while kicking in Afghan doors, or smashing up squaddies and getting arrested, or re-enacting the mutiny on the bounty is that they're often quite specific to that experience. The value gained is applicable in that and similar situations, but it isn't necessarily obvious how to apply this in your regular life.
Honestly, if this hadn't been Ant Middleton's book, I definitely wouldn't have got it. It's badly written, using the sort of analogies a child might use but it's definitely an insight into an incredible life - and an interesting perspective.
Honestly, if this hadn't been Ant Middleton's book, I definitely wouldn't have got it. It's badly written, using the sort of analogies a child might use but it's definitely an insight into an incredible life - and an interesting perspective.
June 21, 2020
Good story of an interesting man who has had a hard and complex life. A very honest and reflective read from someone who is not afraid to share his learnings in life, both failures and successes. An inspiring read for anyone who wants to learn a few leadership tips. The last few chapters were definitely my favourites.
September 12, 2019
Great book on leadership. No b#>\$*t approach to how to stand out from a crowd with excellent content and experience from Antony Middleton himself. True and straight to the bone, makes you realise who you are whilst you read it! Would recommend to anyone who wants to be a better person
October 19, 2020
A top positive book. Learnt many leadership lessons off ANT and how he converted his problems to challenges. Highly recommend this.
"Life's journey is taking who you are and making a better version of yourself"
"Life's journey is taking who you are and making a better version of yourself"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 757 reviews