For twenty seven years as a professional soldier, John "Lofty" Wiseman, had the privilege to serve with the Special Air Service (S.A.S). After serving throughout the world he became the survival instructor to the SAS and it became his job to ensure that each and every member of the regiment could apply these skills tested in training and operations. This elite unit of the British Army is trained to carry out arduous operations in all parts of the world, often isolated and far from conventional forces. Working in small groups often in enemy territory they have to become their own doctors, dentists, navigator and cook.
Frequently the operational situation makes re-supply impossible and they have to live off the land. Cut off on a misty hillside, lost in jungle or stranded in the desert, the problems of survival are the same for both soldier and civilian. They have to handle every kind of situation and problem whether man-made or act of nature and then get back to safety.