Soldier Five

Mike Coburn's account of the ill-fated Bravo Two Zero mission offers a distinctly different perspective on one of the most controversial Special Forces operations of the Gulf War. Published in 2004, more than a decade after the events of January 1991, this book presents itself as a corrective to earlier, more widely publicized versions of the mission, particularly those written by Andy McNab and Chris Ryan. Coburn, the patrol's medic, waited years before deciding to share his recollections, and his narrative stands apart for its measured tone and willingness to challenge the heroic mythology that had grown around the mission.

The Bravo Two Zero patrol consisted of eight SAS soldiers inserted behind Iraqi lines with the objective of gathering intelligence on Scud missile launchers and disrupting Iraqi communications. The mission quickly unraveled as the patrol was compromised, leading to a desperate attempt to escape to the Syrian border. The operation resulted in three deaths, four captures, and only one successful evasion. The mission's failure sparked debate within military circles and captured public attention, particularly after the publication of earlier accounts that became bestsellers.

Coburn's version diverges significantly from previous narratives in several key areas. He challenges specific tactical decisions made during the mission, questions certain claims about enemy contacts and firefights, and offers alternative explanations for why the patrol found itself in such dire circumstances. His account suggests that poor planning, inadequate equipment for the harsh winter conditions, and questionable decision-making on the ground contributed more to the disaster than the overwhelming enemy forces described in other versions. This willingness to examine the mission's failures critically, rather than emphasizing heroism under fire, gives the book a sobering quality.

The writing style is straightforward and unembellished, reflecting Coburn's background and personality. Unlike some military memoirs that dramatize events for effect, this account maintains a relatively flat emotional register, focusing on factual details and chronological progression. Coburn provides technical information about equipment, procedures, and the physical challenges faced by the patrol, including the severe cold that plagued the soldiers from the beginning. His descriptions of the terrain, the weight of their equipment, and the physical deterioration the men experienced convey the brutal reality of the situation without resorting to theatrical language.

The book's most controversial aspect remains its direct contradictions of earlier published accounts. Coburn disputes specific incidents, questions the accuracy of described firefights, and challenges claims about the number of enemy forces engaged. These disagreements go beyond minor discrepancies in recollection and touch on fundamental questions about what actually occurred during the mission. For readers familiar with the other Bravo Two Zero books, these contradictions create a puzzle that may never be fully resolved, as the participants maintain their respective versions of events.

Beyond the specific disputes, the book raises broader questions about memory, military culture, and the challenges of reconstructing traumatic events. Coburn's decision to wait years before publishing allowed him distance from the events but also invited criticism about the reliability of delayed recollections. His motivations for writing appear to stem from frustration with what he perceived as inaccuracies in the public record rather than a desire for commercial success or public attention.

The narrative includes Coburn's observations about the other patrol members, their interactions, and the group dynamics that influenced decision-making under extreme stress. These insights provide valuable context for understanding how the mission deteriorated so rapidly. The patrol's inability to establish communications, the decision to abandon their bergens, and the choice of escape routes all receive scrutiny in Coburn's analysis.

The book also addresses the aftermath of the mission, including the debriefings, the official inquiries, and the growing media attention that followed the publication of the first accounts. Coburn describes his own struggles with the legacy of Bravo Two Zero and his initial reluctance to enter the public debate. His eventual decision to write stemmed from a belief that the historical record needed correction, regardless of the personal and professional costs.

For military history enthusiasts and students of Special Forces operations, this book provides an essential alternative perspective on a well-documented mission. Whether Coburn's version represents the definitive truth remains debatable, but his account undeniably adds complexity to the story. The book serves as a reminder that military operations, particularly those that end in failure, rarely have simple explanations or single authoritative narratives. Coburn's willingness to challenge established accounts, whatever one makes of his specific claims, contributes to a more complete understanding of what happened during those desperate days in the Iraqi desert.