At the beginning of the 21st century, the unique requirements of dual wars in Iraq and Afghanistan radically altered the appearance and capabilities of the British Army's infantry soldiers.

Gone were the tactics, uniforms and equipment of the Cold War, replaced by an elite fighting force, skilled in counterinsurgency operations and warfare in both urban and rural environments. Fully illustrated and written by an insider, this engaging book traces the major transformations in British Army doctrine, organisation, structures, units, uniforms and equipment, from the end of the Cold War in the 1990s up to the 2010s.

James Tanner outlines how, despite being a small force in global terms, the British Army continues to be able to punch above its weight.

Brigadier Jim Tanner is a former infantryman who saw action (and was wounded) as a company commander with 7th Armoured Brigade in the 1991 Gulf War, and went on to serve in several other overseas postings. He retired from the British Army in 2011, and now works for a defence technology company.

Peter Dennis was born in 1950. Inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn he studied illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects, including many Osprey titles. A keen wargamer and modelmaker, he is based in Nottinghamshire, UK.

Introduction - the Army in the 1990s: overview - deployments in Germany - Northern Ireland - the Balkans - the Gulf
The Army today: doctrine since the end of the Cold War - responses to 'Options for Change' and 'Future Army Structure'
Organisation: Regular and Territorial forces - changes in senior command structure - remaining overseas garrisons - changes to regiments and corps (combat, supporting and services) - the battle group system
The Army at War: the Balkans - African deployments - Iraq - Afghanistan
Uniforms and distinctions: orders of dress - universal service dress - Combat 95 - Multi-Terrain Pattern - regimental and corps distinctions
Weapons and equipment: major items and systems - personal weapons and equipment
Bibliography
Index