Confidentiality agreement

[Sully]

You can't be "prosecuted" for breaching a contract - it's a civil matter of obligations between two parties and up to either party to enforce through the civil courts. As to what the contract covers and whether its enforceable then you would need to look at the specific wording of the contract - confidentiality provisions would presumably prevent the contents becoming public knowledge. Many things could cut across what the parties agree such as unfair terms and human rights legislation.

Top tip - always advisable to read something before you sign it. As the great WC Fields said "There's one born every minute".

[sp10122]

Chunky, I agree.

Sully, thanks for that, and you're right. Slightly different if you're about to head down the pub for a leaving beer and you the head shed says...you need to sign this. Not ideal but I did wonder why I didn't get a copy.

I think the best thing is to request a copy from old lot...I'll let you know how I get on.

[Sully]

That's the problem really mate, if you want in then you'll sign anything. Slightly different but I was so keen to join the Corps that I had to pay off all my poll tax arears against my beliefs and my better (financial and moral) judgement and after a few court appearances - cheated really

On the issue of books - I think it should be a matter of integrity and judgement - its a shame that it has come down to contractual arrangements.

[Batfink]

I had to sign OSA when i joined MoD Civil Service. Elements of my job have encroached on other areas which are more "sensitive". As such I gladly signed myself off on the "non-disclosure agreement" when that period of my life finished. However, I've since looked into the NDA and found that it could potential cover anywork I did whilst under HMGs direction.

Joe: when a books banned from the UK, is it just banned from sale? Its probably a silly question, but i've not thought about it before!

[joe]

batfink, AFAIK it's just the selling of the book - presumably you can't get it from a library either! Incidently, I have a copy of The Big Breach, which was another book that was banned (and still is) in this country. I doubt anyone will come knocking on my door to confiscate it though The text of the book was available on the net about three hours after it was published in Russia if I recall correctly ... the net respects no borders.

[zombieslut]

As an SAS 'ex' I decided to write a book over 2 years ago. When I initially told colleagues that i was going to write a book based on the Special Forces - some were quite horrified and 'put me firmly down'. They did not listen when I said it would be a humerous fiction. More of a Bridget Jones rather than an Andy Mcknobb.

However, those who know me better have realised that i would not in any way endanger any of the professionals. It is not cool to reveal detailed operating procedures. Nor is it cool to breach the Official Secrets Act.

I think Mister McKnobb has made alot of money, and when he is not in his french villa supping wine, hes over visiting his pals at the Leftbank and encouraging them to make their fortunes by writing more books.

Am a jealous - of his success - yes - but moreover, i should like to establish exactly what his literary revelations have cost the MOD - other than loss of face & a break in the 'party line'.

[sp10122]

Did you have to sign the agreement or have you been briefed on what you are or are not allowed to say and in what format?

I expect McNab claimed left because the story of B20 was known (thanks to DLB and the media) and he was offered cash to write about it. He claims he was offered a BG job which I suppose is plausible but then also claims that a senior officer told him to write a book about B20 (DLB?).

The book thing had obviously been going before but not in so much detail about ops and procedures. I think that's what people (quite rightly) got a bit upset about.

[zombieslut]

The agent I liaised with (McNabbs agent) had the attitude that 'if you say it's a fiction - you can argue it's all made up - honest' - ie write it and put in what you like because no one can sue if you 'made it up'.
However, it was never my intention to publish operational protocols - it was to write a very funny story about a bright London lawyer who falls for an SAS bloke, gets two timed and decides to get her own back SAS style- getting herself into all sorts of trouble.

I didn't sign a SF agreement as my forces role was not Hereford based. I have signed the OFA as an ex MOD employee. The situations in the book were not learnt via my role in the MOD, they were picked up purely from living with a Hereford army nutter on the edge of sanity.

I dont know why McNabb left - even if i did I wouldnt discuss on the web. Sorry.

[chunky from york]

As I have mentioned before, the official reason for the non-disclosure/confidentiality form is to stop current SOP's falling into the hands of potential terrorists.

Suited up and with a gas mask on it is pretty exhilarating, especially trying to stop the brown stuff trickling down your leg. If you think your opponent has access to your SOP's and knows what, how and when you are going to act, you rather feel like saying 'F**k this for a game of soldiers'.

A lot of the 'sexy' stuff in the two books about Bravo 20 were never mentioned at the debrief. Was this to save them for the books or were they only thought up afterwords at the urging of their editors?

Most think the latter especially after Mick Asher's book and video.