Andy McNab, born as Steven Billy Mitchell, is a renowned British novelist and former Special Air Service (SAS) soldier. He was born on December 28, 1959, in London. McNab gained public attention in 1993 with the publication of Bravo Two Zero, an account of a military mission he led during the Gulf War, for which he received the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Prior to this, he was awarded the Military Medal in 1979 for his gallantry in action while serving with the Royal Green Jackets in Northern Ireland.

Andy McNab joined the infantry in 1976 as a boy soldier and, in 1984, became a member of the 22 SAS Regiment. During his ten years with B Squadron 22 SAS, he participated in both covert and overt special operations worldwide, including anti-terrorist and anti-drug operations in various regions such as the Middle and Far East, South and Central America, and Northern Ireland. Trained as a specialist in counter-terrorism, prime target elimination, demolitions, weapons and tactics, covert surveillance, and information gathering in hostile environments, he also worked on cooperative operations with police forces, prison services, anti-drug forces, and western-backed guerrilla movements.

Beyond his military career, McNab has published numerous novels and autobiographies, along with a book entitled The Good Psychopath's Guide to Success, in which he claims to exhibit many psychopathic traits.