University Welcomes SAS Veteran and Writer, Andy McNab

Students at the University of Lincoln, UK, recently enjoyed a guest lecture from former special forces soldier and best-selling author, Andy McNab.

Andy shared his expertise on counterterrorism, helping students understand the realities of the field which is often heavily fictionalised in portrayals in film and television.

Having served in the military for 18 years – including on the famous Bravo Two Zero patrol whilst with the Special Air Service – Andy launched his successful literary career and has subsequently worked in television and film, meaning he’s uniquely well placed to separate fact from fantasy in the world of counterterrorism.

Andy said that fiction portrays many elements well but has a tendency to oversimplify the reality of counterterrorism. He shared his own experiences of the complexities and grey areas that existed in the real-life covert and undercover antiterror operations he undertook in Northern Ireland and the Middle East.

Speaking about being given the opportunity to speak to the students, Andy said: “I’ve no doubt that some of the students in attendance will go on to have careers in and around policy making – including policy around counterterror. I hope that sharing my first-hand experience of the realities of that world will be a benefit to them, both now and in the careers they have ahead of them. It was a great to talk to the students, and I look forward to working with the University again in the future.”

Dr Joshua Skoczylis, Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Counter Terrorism Studies at the University, added: “We were delighted to welcome Andy to the University. His wealth of lived experience in the world of counterterrorism provided our Criminology, Politics, and International Relations students with invaluable insight that will be so beneficial to their studies. I’d like to thank Andy for taking the time to share his expertise with us.”