JAMIE PENNELL 
“Teamwork, Trauma, and Triumph: A Former NZSAS Operator's Guide to Life After Combat”

I’m thrilled to share with you all a sit down with my good friend, Jamie Pennell.

Jamie is a former member of the New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS), one of the many heroes from the hostage rescue operation in Kabul in 2011 and the author of a gripping new book about his military journey- Serviceman J: The Untold Story of an NZSAS Soldier.

We delve into not only Jamie's military experiences, but also his transition to civilian life, family and how he met his wife Alia, and his motivations for writing a book about his journey.


Jamies's decision to write a book was sparked by encouragement from peers and family, as well as a personal tragedy. The death of our comrade, Steve Askin, motivated James to share his story. He began writing a tribute for Steve's family, which ultimately led him to expand his writing into a full book.

Jamie’s book offers a raw and authentic look into the life of an NZSAS operator.
He shares the gruelling selection process, intense training, and high-stakes operations.

His stories highlight the physical and mental toll of serving in special forces.


In a gripping recount of the Kabul Intercontinental Hotel siege, Jamie Pennell delves into the harrowing details of the operation that unfolded over ten intense hours. The siege began when a group of heavily armed terrorists stormed the hotel, taking numerous hostages and creating a chaotic and perilous environment. 

Jamie describes the initial moments of the attack, highlighting the confusion and urgency that gripped both the hostages and the responding forces. The terrorists, equipped with automatic weapons and explosives, had meticulously planned their assault, aiming to maximise casualties and create a high-profile crisis.

Jamie emphasises the critical importance of clear communication and coordination among the various responding units, including local Afghan forces and international special operations teams. He details the tactical decisions made in real-time, such as the strategic placement of snipers and the careful breaching of rooms to minimise harm to hostages. 

The operation required not only physical bravery but also psychological resilience, as the rescuers had to navigate booby traps and potential suicide vests worn by the terrorists. Jamie's account underscores the complexity of urban combat and the necessity of maintaining composure under extreme pressure to ensure the safety of innocent lives.

Jamie recounts the painstaking efforts to gather real-time information and adapt strategies accordingly. 

Jamie's detailed narrative provides a vivid portrayal of the bravery and professionalism exhibited by the special forces, shedding light on the often unseen and under-appreciated complexities of Special Forces operations.

Jamie’s book chronicles his journey through the rigorous selection process, intense training, and operational experiences in the NZSAS.

He provides a realistic portrayal of what aspiring special forces candidates can expect, emphasizing the physical and mental toll of the training and the operational challenges faced during his 18 years in the regiment.

This episode of the "Straight Talk Mind and Muscle Podcast" provides a candid and insightful look into Jamie’s journey from a member of the NZSAS to a fulfilling civilian life. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, James inspires listeners to embrace change, cultivate self-awareness, and seek support as they navigate their own transitions. His experiences serve as a testament to the resilience and dedication of those who serve in elite military units, offering valuable lessons for anyone facing challenges in their own lives.

You can find Jamie at Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-p-189b71123/

And his book at Bookstore in NZ
And on Kindle, Audible and Amazon 
AMAZON - https://www.amazon.com.au/Serviceman-Untold-Story-NZSAS-Soldier/dp/1775542386

AUDIBLE - https://rb.gy/kn4hr6

I am Damian Porter , Former NZ Special Forces Operator, Subject Matter Expert from www.hownottodieguy.com  and www.eatwellmovewell.net

And you are listening to my STRAIGHT TALK MIND AND MUSCLE PODCAST sponsored by www.mystait.com

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And the Mason Survival Protocol    - https://www.carnivoreretreat.com/post/masonsurvival-protocol-carnivore-retreat

Links for my former shows are here-




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