Two Ranks on the Road 35 Years of Australian Special Forces Service

It was 19 September 1966, and I had commenced my long Army career, inspired by my father and his family’s service in WW2, as well as the heroism at Long Tan.
I was determined to go the distance: no matter what.

From humble beginnings in country New South Wales, in 1966 Michael J. (Mick) Malone was an aimless nineteen-year-old working unsatisfying jobs in manufacturing plants and wool stores. Everything changed after news reports of heroism from Vietnam, where young Australian soldiers distinguished themselves at the Battle of Long Tan. Inspired, Mick Malone immediately followed a family tradition and enlisted in the Australian Army, where he would carve out a remarkable 35 year career.

‘Two Ranks On The Road, 35 Years of Australian Special Forces Service’ tells the story of one man’s military journey: a man who was never afraid of a challenge, who fought for what he believed was right, and would always stand up for his mates. A chance encounter in basic training led to the opportunity to cross the country to take on the fearsome ‘Cadre’: the selection course for the famed Australian Special Air Service Regiment. There, the young knockabout from the bush was selected to join the finest military outfit in Australia, preparing to do their bit in Vietnam.