Nicholas Irving facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nicholas Irving
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Irving during the "Defensive shoot" event during the ninth annual U.S. Army International Sniper Competition
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| Born | November 28, 1986 Augsburg, West Germany (present-day Germany) |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 2004–10 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | 75th Ranger Regiment
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| Battles/wars | Iraq War War in Afghanistan |
Nicholas Irving, born on November 28, 1986, is an American author and a former soldier. He served as a special operations sniper in the 3rd Ranger Battalion for the U.S. Army.
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Early Life and Interests
Nicholas Irving was born in Augsburg, Germany, on November 28, 1986. He grew up in Maryland, USA. Both of his parents were soldiers in the military.
As a student, Nicholas was most interested in subjects that related to his military goals. For example, he enjoyed junior high ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps). He also liked math when he learned how it could be used in sniping.
In his younger years, Nicholas Irving taught himself to play both the piano and the violin.
Military Career
Joining the Army Rangers
Nicholas Irving first wanted to join the Navy SEALs, another special military group. However, he could not pass a colorblindness test. Instead, he joined the United States Army Rangers. He became the first African-American sniper in the Rangers.
Irving served in the military for several years. He completed three tours of duty in Iraq and one tour in Afghanistan. During his service, he used a special rifle called an SR-25. He gave his rifle the nickname Dirty Diana, which was inspired by a song. Nicholas was very careful with his rifle, always keeping it clean and well-maintained. He also kept it painted with a special pattern.
Leaving the Army
Nicholas Irving left the Army in March 2010. After leaving the military, he began working as a military contractor.
Life After the Military
Entertainment Work
In 2016, Nicholas Irving appeared on a reality television show called American Grit. He was one of four military leaders who served as coaches on the show, working alongside John Cena.
He also worked as an advisor for a movie. In 2017, he helped with the sniper film The Wall, directed by Doug Liman.
Becoming an Author
In 2015, Nicholas Irving wrote a book with Gary Brozek. The book is titled The Reaper: Autobiography of One of the Deadliest Special Ops Snipers. It tells the story of his time in the military during the War on Terror. This book became a New York Times bestseller.
The Weinstein Company bought the rights to turn his book into a TV miniseries in February 2015. Soon after, in March 2015, NBC decided to produce the miniseries. However, in late 2017, Irving shared that the miniseries project was stopped. He also mentioned that a movie based on his book was being planned.
Personal Life
Nicholas Irving married Jessica Irving in 2007. They had first met in the first grade. They reconnected online in 2005 before getting married.
Today, Nicholas Irving lives in Texas. He has mentioned that he prefers living there because of its gun laws. He currently owns a firing range and a training center in San Antonio, Texas. This center is used by professional shooters.
See also
- American Sniper
- List of snipers
- Longest recorded sniper kills
