This revised edition contains a complete update, including 32 pages of additional text and colour illustrations. The extra material includes the Marines in action in the Gulf and Kurdistan. The Gulf War material includes the SBS (Special Boat Squadron) and the RM boarding parties, and the Kurdistan material includes the Arctic Mountain Warfare Cadre plus Commando units. There is also a look at the Royal Marines Band and a new section o the Royal Marine Reserves. The author describes what life in the Marines is really like, following recruits from basic training to their specialist qualifications.