From boy soldier to paratrooper, private security operator to successful business entrepreneur. This is the story of a natural-born warrior with the vision and determination to chase and achieve his dreams despite multiple challenges, extreme danger, numerous manic drinking sessions, and a few screw-ups along the way.
Despite a fear of heights, he passed into the Paras and patrolled the streets of West Belfast. Despite a lack of sea legs, he protected the international shipping lanes from Somali pirates. He came face to face with the Mujahedeen in Afghanistan, outwitted the insurgents in Iraq and worked alongside revolutionaries in Libya as they fought to oust Gaddafi, avoiding capture and dodging death along the way.
He lived and worked with diverse people from all walks of life, from the poor local tribesmen in the swamps of Sudan, to the Nigerian mobile police units in the Niger Delta. He worked the bars and night club doors of London and protected the ultra-rich and famous in their castles and mansions around the world.
His career tracked many of the world’s most recent conflicts and wars, he was closely involved in them and witnessed first-hand as history’s most recent and notorious dictators were brought down and held accountable for their actions.
With stoicism, a large helping of military humour and a down to earth attitude of getting the job done and done well, he survived bombings, shootings, mortar and rocket bombardments, the constant threat of IEDs or being captured by insurgents as well as attempts to undermine and steal his business.
With an eye always on the future, he stayed one step ahead of both his enemies, his competitors and his peers, as he travelled the world in pursuit of his dreams.
This is the story of no ordinary man.
‘Riveting. Inspiring. Utterly authentic. From a man who has truly walked the walk.‘
‘Extraordinary and gripping account of Jason’s time operating in war zones for a part of which, I worked alongside him. Highly recommended if you want a riveting and honest read.’
‘A typical former Paratrooper, Jas was a proper operator and also a great geezer to have around off duty too.’
Introduction
Do I believe I am something special? No, I don’t. Have I done anything that no one else has ever done before? Probably not. Do I think I have a story? Yes, I do. I think everyone has a story, some more interesting than others for sure, but there is a story in us all, and this is mine.
I have named my book, ‘Long Road to Libya’ because it refers to the personal journey I took and challenges I encountered along the way, through my time in the army, then on the security circuit and finally as I built my own business to get to my final destination where it all culminated, Libya.
Over the years, I had some unbelievably great times and the absolute pleasure to serve in the Parachute Regiment, and work on the Private Security Industry ‘Circuit’ with some of the finest men you could ever wish to have around you. I also encountered those who attempted, for whatever reason, to derail my journey, knock me down and stifle my road to success.
After selling my business, the time had come for a change of direction in my life. When I was originally approached to write this book, even though I was sceptical at first about the idea and how it may be received by my peers, I soon realised it was the perfect ending to my own very personal journey. The process allowed me to enjoy reminiscing and to put down on paper the exciting and sometimes difficult times I endured reaching this point in my life.
Chapters
Dedication
Author’s Note
Foreword
Introduction
Prologue
1. Just an Ordinary Boy
2. Joining Up
3. The Paras
4. P Company
5. Parachute Training
6. Northern Ireland Tours of Duty
7. Breaking Away
8. Kabul Bombing
9. Afghanistan Field Trips
10. Iraq Mayhem
11. Baghdad Ammo Dump
12. Time To Move On
13. Setting Up A Business
14. Libyan Revolution
15. Battle For Misrata
16. Into Tripoli
17. Benghazi
18. Libya Struggle Continues
19. End Of The Road
Afterword
Acknowledgements
Prologue
The sprawling city of Kabul had been quiet since the official end of the war against the Taliban, but insurgent activity was bubbling away under the surface. On high alert, inside of our armoured Mercedes G-wagon with my MP5 close to hand, we made our way along the roads between the embassy villa and the UN compound where my client wanted to play his weekly game of squash. In the side streets, old, clapped out cars, trucks and mopeds made their way along the same streets as donkeys and carts. Women fully covered in burkas, men in loose, baggy trousers and shirts with jerkins over the top made their way along the dusty, dirty sidewalks. People carrying their belongings on their heads weaved in and out of street stalls and avoided men and boys on bicycles as they passed shabby buildings riddled with bullet holes, a stark reminder of the recent hostilities.
In the dying day, the mountains surrounding the capital city loomed in the background, their giant forms silhouetting on the horizon as we reached our destination without incident. I went into the squash courts with the ambassador and watched for a while as he and his playing partner smashed balls and themselves into the echoing walls. After a while, I wandered outside to the empty square in front of the main building and sat down on the low wall surrounding a flowing fountain. The air was warm and pleasant as I looked up at the starry night sky. I was vaguely aware of the hum of traffic and the tooting of horns beyond the compound walls; the noise muffled by the constant, soothing flow of water spouting from the fountain. Looking up at the clear, star-filled sky, I lit a cigarette and drew in deeply.
The explosion split the air and rocked the walls. A violent blast of hot air lifted my whole body and threw me like a rag doll across the fountain, smashing me against the small stone wall to the rear, cracking the top of my head open. Blood ran out of the wound and streamed down the side of my face.
Author’s Note
Where necessary a number of names, dates and places have been redacted to protect the identity of the individuals and companies involved and the sensitive nature of some of the contracts and locations we operated out of.
Everything else has been described as I remember it.
Dedication
My Dad, who sadly passed away during the writing of this book after a long hard-fought battle with illness. I miss him and thank him for his unwavering support, sensible advice and for always keeping me on the right track.
My wingman, Des. From young Paratroopers in Aldershot and N. Ireland to working together on the circuit in Iraq and Libya. One of my oldest, closest friends and confidants. We all miss your uncompromising nature. See you again soon my friend, when my time comes to join you in the Final RV.
My family `past and present` who all provided so much support and love during this journey and who had to put up with me being away for so long and bear the brunt of my stress when home.
Author’s Note
Where necessary a number of names, dates and places have been redacted to protect the identity of the individuals and companies involved and the sensitive nature of some of the contracts and locations we operated out of.
Everything else has been described as I remember it.
Dedication
My Dad, who sadly passed away during the writing of this book after a long hard-fought battle with illness. I miss him and thank him for his unwavering support, sensible advice and for always keeping me on the right track.
My wingman, Des. From young Paratroopers in Aldershot and N. Ireland to working together on the circuit in Iraq and Libya. One of my oldest, closest friends and confidants. We all miss your uncompromising nature. See you again soon my friend, when my time comes to join you in the Final RV.
My family `past and present` who all provided so much support and love during this journey and who had to put up with me being away for so long and bear the brunt of my stress when home.
Contact Periculum
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PO Box 448, George Town, Grand Cayman, KY11106, Cayman Islands
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9 Dionysios Street, Kamares, Tale 60156, Paphos, 8101 Cyprus
Dubai Representation
2907, Fairways West Tower, The Greens, Dubai, UAE
UK Representation
3-4 Talina Centre, Bagley's Lane, London SW6 2BW, UK