The writer Air Force News described as the RAAF’s answer to Tom Clancy has released his new military thriller, 'Tiger Stripe'.

Following the success of 'Shooting Script', CQU journalism graduate Phil Smith has drawn on his experience in the military and media to create another international adventure with Australian characters in the lead.

When a UN Peace Enforcement mission is sent to Sri Lanka, the conflict between Tamil Tigers and government troops is not the key issue. For the media shooting pictures, it’s time to ask if anyone still cares. For troops shooting people, is it enough to just do their job? The Code of Ethics and the Rules of Engagement will be badly bent when the bombs begin to fall. Market forces drive people smugglers and governments to calculate what Sri Lanka is really worth.

As always there’s a strong aviation ingredient. 'Tiger Stripe' straps readers into the cockpit of the F4 Phantom for a blast from the past.

The author has served in uniform from East Timor to the Arctic Circle. He spent time training and working with the US Marine Corps and now works as an ABC broadcaster, based in Brisbane. He also writes for overseas aviation magazines.

“My writing career began during two days in a C130 Hercules, watching everyone read British or American thrillers,” says Phil Smith. “I reckoned it was time we had Australian heroes in technically accurate, international stories.” Any journalist will tell you, “It’s often who you know as much as what you know.” If readers want to know what it’s like to jump at night from a US Navy C2A Greyhound, they’ll find out in 'Tiger Stripe'. As always, Smith makes sure a good story doesn’t get in the way of the facts.

Further information: www.philsmith.com.au.

Zeus Publishing: Margot Maurice (Publicist) 07 5526 9388 – 0439 916614.