Tim Collins's optimism and humanity that has since been sadly lost. Through his eyes, we are given a frank and compelling insight into the realities of warfare on the ground and in the air.

From the moment Tim Collins's speech to his men in Iraq was made public, thisrsoldier-thinker became a hero and an inspiration to world leaders and infantrymen alike. To a public confused and suspicious about the motives for war, he at last offered some explanation for it and inspired a mood of optimism and humanity that has since been sadly lost. And yet, only two months later Collins was pilloried by two national newspapers and accused of war crimes.

But these tumultuous events are only part of his story. Rules of Engagement begins when he takes command of the First Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment in the immediate aftermath of its devastating experience during the hostage crisis in Sierra Leone. With Tim Co[[ins, 1 R Irish has combated the Loyatist murder gangs in East Tyrone, hew the line between two communities during the Holy Cross dispute in Belfast and survived ambush in the deserts of Iraq. Through his eyes, we are given a frank and compelling insight into the realities of warfare on the ground and in the air.

Rules of Engagement is a powerful memoir that provides us with a series of resonant and timeless close-ups of history in the making.

Acknowledgements

Prologue

1 Sierra Leone

2 Taking Charge

3 East Tyrone

4 The Ardoyne Road

5 Operation Fresco

6 Preparing for War

7 Ftihrer Rally

8 Into Iraq

9 A1 Rumaylah

10 Ba'athist Challenges

11 Night Patrol

12 Target for Murder

13 Operation Fury

14 AI Medina

15 Crossing the Euphrates

16 Inside 'Intelligence HQ'

17 A1Amarah

18 Joint Patrols

19 Friendly Fire

20 Returning Home

21 Preparing for the Onslaught

22 Accused

23 Cleared

24 Getting Out

25 All for the Good?

Epilogue

Map of Iraq

Glossary

Appendix: Structure of i (UK) Armoured Division

Index