Eye of the Firestorm

For his exploits and astuteness, Roland de Vries has rightfully been called the ‘Rommel of the SADF'. In this forthright, warts-and-all but compassionate autobiography he recounts the fascinating story of the transformation of a small, colonial army into, pound-for-pound, the best fighting force on the planet. Eye of the Firestorm could be used to enhance the teaching within the military, security and leadership development. In a sense, this is an easy-to-read text book with many real-life examples of young leaders and commanders within the domains of the defence and security. It is a soldier's life story about how he lived through the South African Border War and the transformation that followed when South Africa became a fully democratic State on 27 April - it is also about gaining perspective in life. This book puts in perspective the African way of warfare and expounds about operational concept tactics, terrain, command and leadership displayed from opposing sides.