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First Man In
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.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 21, 2019
I picked this book up by chance during a recent holiday and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I knew nothing about the author, other than that he had been one of the leaders on a TV programme and that he was obviously a very tough guy.
This book introduces the reader to a much gentler side of "Ant", during his young years in France while hinting at the determination and grit that will take him into the "Holy Trinity", as a member of the Paras, the Royal Marines and, finally, the Special Boat Service.
Each chapter ends with a summary of the way in which his experience can be used to forge strength of character and leadership skills. It's an interesting concept, adding an extra level to the standard autobiography.
The author does not attempt to gloss over any of the mistakes he has made in his life and for this, in addition to his obvious bravery and sheer guts, he deserves much credit.
So often, autobiographies by TV personalities or actors leave the reader disappointed. This is not one of them.
I knew nothing about the author, other than that he had been one of the leaders on a TV programme and that he was obviously a very tough guy.
This book introduces the reader to a much gentler side of "Ant", during his young years in France while hinting at the determination and grit that will take him into the "Holy Trinity", as a member of the Paras, the Royal Marines and, finally, the Special Boat Service.
Each chapter ends with a summary of the way in which his experience can be used to forge strength of character and leadership skills. It's an interesting concept, adding an extra level to the standard autobiography.
The author does not attempt to gloss over any of the mistakes he has made in his life and for this, in addition to his obvious bravery and sheer guts, he deserves much credit.
So often, autobiographies by TV personalities or actors leave the reader disappointed. This is not one of them.
September 10, 2019
This book was very different to how I imagined, the descriptions of combat where few and far between which was what I was looking for. That being said, it gave a great insight into his life and his path to special forces. The book is more about life lessons and self-help, it was strangely captivating and enjoyable. also very well written and easy to read.
December 5, 2019
** some spoilers**
Interesting. Ant has spent his life in and out of military establishments and has generally made a success of his time in the army and marines. He is superb at remaining focused and getting stuff done, so why oh why has he chosen to leave the services time and time again? He is an expert at functioning within the military framework. He thrives on routine and challenge. He can survive in a prison environment and in war zones, but struggles when left to his own devices. He doesn't seem to do well when he has no mission to complete and nobody to tell him what to do.
Throughout the book Ant is selling his credentials as a leader, but I personally felt that he was too over assertive for me. He would not get the best out of me, as I have a problem with people telling me what to do, so we would probably clash heads. Ask me, discuss it with me, and I'll be the first to jump in, but *tell* me, and I will tell you where to get off. One size does not fit all, and there can't be two leaders on a team. I suspect Ant needs to learn diplomacy, not just brute force and confidence.
He has certainly had an interesting and productive life. My criteria for a good autobiography is "would I like to meet this person?" and "would I have anything to say to them?", and I think the answer is yes on both accounts.
Interesting. Ant has spent his life in and out of military establishments and has generally made a success of his time in the army and marines. He is superb at remaining focused and getting stuff done, so why oh why has he chosen to leave the services time and time again? He is an expert at functioning within the military framework. He thrives on routine and challenge. He can survive in a prison environment and in war zones, but struggles when left to his own devices. He doesn't seem to do well when he has no mission to complete and nobody to tell him what to do.
Throughout the book Ant is selling his credentials as a leader, but I personally felt that he was too over assertive for me. He would not get the best out of me, as I have a problem with people telling me what to do, so we would probably clash heads. Ask me, discuss it with me, and I'll be the first to jump in, but *tell* me, and I will tell you where to get off. One size does not fit all, and there can't be two leaders on a team. I suspect Ant needs to learn diplomacy, not just brute force and confidence.
He has certainly had an interesting and productive life. My criteria for a good autobiography is "would I like to meet this person?" and "would I have anything to say to them?", and I think the answer is yes on both accounts.
April 13, 2019
Excellent book, sometimes shocking but always honest and thought provoking, Ant Middleton provides life lessons that are applicable to so many situations and motivated me to tackle some of my own ‘inner demons’.
August 19, 2019
I accidentally read this book on holiday, read it in a day or two. Was surprisingly enjoyable and motivational-I almost went for a run
December 14, 2019
Insight into the times and struggles of a military hero. Definitely got to read this one!
July 23, 2021
Really enjoyed this book
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews