Hello
Des Powell was born and raised in the steel city of Sheffield. Enlisting at the age of 19, he began his military career in the Parachute Regiment (Paras). His journey involved passing the arduous P-Company, pre-parachute selection training before becoming part of the airborne brotherhood. Des spent eight years in the Paras advancing through the ranks, specialising in unarmed combat and becoming a certified physical training instructor for the 1st Battalion (1 PARA).
My Story
The SAS
Determined for the pursuit of excellence, Des joined the elite Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) in 1986 after passing the military’s toughest SAS selection process. He went on to serve for 20 years in the heart of counter terrorism and special covert operations in South-Eastern Europe, South America, Africa, and the Middle East. During his time in the SAS, Des specialised in high-altitude free-fall parachuting and rose to the rank of Sergeant Major, exemplifying his leadership capabilities, exceptional discipline and resilience within the British Army’s most demanding unit.
Life in the 'Circuit'
Following his distinguished military service, Des advanced his career in the private security sector as a security consultant and close protection officer in dangerous territories. Des' clients varied from A-list celebrities and VIPs, to journalists from international news media companies and humanitarian aid workers operating in volatile countries.
SAS: Bravo Three Zero
In October 2021, Des co-authored a Sunday Times Bestseller "SAS: Bravo Three Zero" with the renowned Damien Lewis, a leading military author, historian and filmmaker. 'SAS: Bravo Three Zero' reveals an extraordinary untold story for the first time about one of the legendary SAS patrols deployed during the first Gulf War in 1991. The book is centered on Des' gripping account of the successful mission and lessons learnt deep behind enemy lines.
SAS: My Trial by Fire
Following the success of 'SAS: Bravo Three Zero', in June 2025, Des is releasing his second book "SAS: My Trial by Fire". Des reveals for the first time what it takes to join the Paras and the SAS, having undergone SAS selection twice. He shares how training in the Paras turned him into a highly skilled soldier but, more importantly, how the SAS selection process transformed him into a member of the elite. In the book, Des highlights the ethos of the SAS regiment which is: humility, humour, discipline, class-less society, and the never-ending pursuit of excellence. The ethos defines the mindset of a special forces operative which he continues to live by today.