Battle Rattle
Hans Halbertstadt
Zenith Press
$26.95


The cover of Battle Rattle may scream ‘cheap’, but dive inside and you’ll see it’s first rate.

From packs to underwear, this modern book covers every conceivable bit of kit that could be issued to soldiers, particularly those from the US.

With a foreword by “gear guru” Eric Graves, Battle Rattle is written by former helicopter door gunner and accomplished author Hans Halberstadt.

It is well illustrated with modern pictures throughout and includes stories from soldiers and their experience with bits of kit.

One enlightening story from SSGT Dillar Johnson recalls two occasions when he used his M203 to engage with enemy forces in Iraq.

Although this book doesn’t bore you with the past, it examines the evolution of military equipment and the supply chain.

– By CPL Mike McSweeney

5000+ Days
Harold Evans
Hay House
$26.95


Most big events in recent history have a public image readily associated with them.

These images were largely gathered by press photographers, and many such photographs can be found in 5000+ Days: Press Photography in a Changing World.

Compiled using photographs provided by members of the British Press Photographers’ Association, 5000+ Days includes some of the most dramatic and evocative photographs taken in recent times on a diverse range of subjects.

From the obvious ones such as the World Trade Centre attack and the war on terror through to otherwise mundane moments, these images have been captured in such a way as to make them remarkable.

Most of the photographs are simply fabulous examples of a random moment or event, impossible to stage and simply taken at the right time at the right place.

– By SGT Damian Griffin