Former SAS commander Jamie Pennell recounts his experiences in Afghanistan in his memoir, Serviceman J, detailing life in one of the world's elite military forces and the transition to civilian life afterwards.
In 2011, his response to the Taliban's siege of Kabul's Intercontinental Hotel saved many lives and earned him New Zealand's second highest military honour, the New Zealand Gallantry Star.
After his military career, Jamie transitioned to working with high-performance athletes. He now serves as the Head of Mangatawhiri Campus at Dilworth School, where he leads the outdoor education programme, Te Haerenga (The Journey), preparing young men with vital life skills.
He sat down with Susie Ferguson to share his story.
Jamie Pennell at the end of a military operation against Taliban militants who had stormed the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul on June 29, 2011. Photo: AFP PHOTO / Pedro UGARTE
