Navy Reserve Website

Showing posts with label elite. Show all posts

Rogue Warrior Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)UPDATE ALERT: The reviews on this page are being used for more than one book. Most of the reviews are from the Marcinko Autobiography, and for some reason thay have been added to other books by the author. As you read these, don't blame the reviewers if you are reading about the wrong book. On to my own review...
For sheer adventure and excitement, this is hard to beat. The autobiographical account of one of the original creators of the deadly Seal Team covert operations squads. Richard was a former frogman and UDT member. He was also a wild, drinking, swearing, fighting guy whose outrageous courage and antics led him from a man with little education, to a top official in the US Navy Seals. On the way he broke the rules, rankled officers, and pushed for the best treatment and gear he could get for his men. By necessity these man lived hard and fought hard.
In the end of his career he claims the navy went after him on a personal agenda to drive him out on drummed up criminal charges, jealous officers and so forth. It may be true, and it may also be that the exact skills and temperament that made him so effective against the enemy were a detriment when dealing with the whitewashed pencil pushers at the pentagon. It is tough to be a stone cold killer in peacetime and just turn that aggression on and off.
To hear another persons opinion on what happened to Marcinko, read "Brave Men Dark Waters" also sold at Amazon.com. It's author, Orr Kelly, says he was in the Seals with Marcinko and as part of his own book tells his version of Marcinko as an out of control egotist, a real rogue warrior. Read these and other books, and you be the judge. Regardless, I could not put this book from Marcinko down, very exciting.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Rogue Warrior

Click here for more information about Rogue Warrior

Seals in Action Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)A good book that covers the beginning of the Navy Seals way back when they were called frogmen (They pioneered scuba gear). Their disbandment after the war and their re-establishment by order of President Kennedy. I liked the chapter of the book about the Bull Frog of the Pond. The longest serving SEAL is the Bull Frog. The name of the Bull Frog featured in that chapter looked familiar until I saw an episode of "Survivor". It's RUDY before he retired from the service and played the game!!! Oh-Rah, Rudy!!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Seals in Action

Warriors of the TridentFrom the bullet-swept beaches of Normandy to the streets of Panama...From the rugged Korean coast and the jungles of Vietnam to the tiny, troubled island of Granada. For half a century, whenever and wherever America's military was called into action, the SEALs were there.Here is the riveting and complete true story of the U.S. Navy's remarkable Sea Air Land commandos -- their evolution from World War II underwater demolition teams to the awesome counterguerrilla/counterterrorist strike force in operation today. Now the SEALs' most memorable engagements are brought to vivid, explosive life through breathtaking eyewitness accounts and afteraction reports -- PLUS an unforgettable inside look at their training, organization, equipment...and the fighting men who, with skill, dedication, and extraordinary courage, have earned the right to proudly wear the Trident insignia.

Click here for more information about Seals in Action

The Naked Warriors: The Story of the U.S. Navy's Frogmen (Naval Institute Special Warfare Series) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)For a son of a former UDT this book opened my eyes wider than ever before to the dangers faced by my father and his shipmates of the UDT. The valor exhibited by these men while operating in broad dayight under emeny fire to aid in the landing of larger invasion forces is staggering. This book is excellent reading for anyone interested in one of our nations truely elite fighting units "the Underwater Demolition Teams".

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Naked Warriors: The Story of the U.S. Navy's Frogmen (Naval Institute Special Warfare Series)

Unarmed, underwater, under fire-they went to war, and began the legend of the navy seals.Facing a fanatical, dug-in enemy in Europe and in the Pacific, U.S. planners turned to a new kind of warrior: daring swimmers who could knock out mines, map out enemy beaches, and pave the way for Allied naval assaults. With a few extraordinary and brave men, the U.S. Navy's Underwater Demolition Teams went to war.Now, a founder and legendary commander of UDT-1 takes you into the world of the underwater soldiers-the bullet-ripped surf, the mortar-pounded beaches, and the treacherous, frigid seas. This is the inside story of a unique breed of warrior-and the bloody battles they helped win.

Click here for more information about The Naked Warriors: The Story of the U.S. Navy's Frogmen (Naval Institute Special Warfare Series)

The Teams: An Oral History of the U.s. Navy Seals Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)These autobiographies are well written, with some background info from the editors in between. They include accounts of plankowners from SEAL teams One and Two, as well as one from the interesting personality of James Janos, best known as Jesse 'the Body' Ventura, former pro wrestler and former governor of Minnesota.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Teams: An Oral History of the U.s. Navy Seals

Click here for more information about The Teams: An Oral History of the U.s. Navy Seals

Good to Go: The Life and Times of a Decorated Member of the U.S. Navy's Elite Seal Team Two Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a frank and honest look at the exploits of a Navy SEAL.
While his actual combat exploits I have no way of proving true, his revealing and in-depth look at his own personal failures and in service power struggles surely don't all have happy endings, and the author is unflinching in his appraisal.
His time in country could of ended on his first mission. He first got tangled in the tow rope, and the boat pulling away dragged him underwater before he cut himself free, struggling with his gear and swimming back to shore. He then mistakenly interpreted a hand signal and made his first killing as a scared SEAL when he silently intercepted a VC lookout and knifed him. He was told to keep silent. He then got seperated from his recon platoon and made his way back to the rendevous point by himself while being pursued, and all the while he was unsure of which way to go. This was the start of three tours of duty that saw much action and direct combat with VC and NVA. This elite soldier found himself in the business of hand to hand combat many times, and his stories are told as if this author actually relished the amount of violence he was able to bring to bear. A warrior who looked for action, he later leaves this theater and sees firsthand the rivalry and disrespect he and other warriors feel for those officers spent little or no time in Vietnam and looked disdainfully upon those who actually fought there. This jealously, and the countering lack of respect, almost cost the author his Navy career on more than one occasion. In the end it proved his undoing in the military.
A very interesting tale of an insiders view of Vietnam, this book also explores his personal struggles and the bonds he forged in combat.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Good to Go: The Life and Times of a Decorated Member of the U.S. Navy's Elite Seal Team Two

Click here for more information about Good to Go: The Life and Times of a Decorated Member of the U.S. Navy's Elite Seal Team Two

Brave Men Dark Waters: The Untold Story of the Navy Seals Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)While the book didn't keep me awake at night like others, it was a decent historical account of the SEALs. It gives important and relevant perspective, drawing from many sources, which I believe adds to the credibility of the book and author. It provides details of specific missions, but in a historical, rather than a story telling way. In other words, if you're looking for a book that deals specifically with the stories of the individual missions, this one isn't for you. It gets into the politics behind the SEALs a bit and is a good first SEAL book to read.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Brave Men Dark Waters: The Untold Story of the Navy Seals

Click here for more information about Brave Men Dark Waters: The Untold Story of the Navy Seals

US Navy SEALS Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a must read book for those people fascinated with the Seal Teams. It is especially interesting due to its many detailed pictures (recent and present). The author is successful in describing the physical and mental aspects of becoming a Seal. The reader will quickly find out what it takes to become a Seal, the different positions held within a Seal Team, and the various weapons and equipment that Navy Seals use. If a person wishes to learn more about the US Navy Seals this is without a doubt the book to buy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: US Navy SEALS

This action-packed account of the U.S. Navy's elite fighting force attests again and again to the old SEALs saying: "The only easy day was yesterday." A revised and expanded edition, U.S. Navy SEALs contains more than 100 color photos of today's SEALs during the training that pushes them to their limits, and in the midst of real missions that test their, and the nation's, mettle, from Vietnam through Grenada, Panama, and Desert Storm.--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Click here for more information about US Navy SEALS

Death In the Jungle: Diary of a Navy Seal Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Speaking as a former member of the military i can tell you that this book tells it like it is. Unlike some of the other books of this type where the author either A: is a reporter and never served in the military or B: The author thinks that he is the best that ever was and that he was never afraid. The B type are usually entertaining but not very real. This is a great daily account of Gary's 1st tour in Vietnam. He tells it like it is from the rides to town through sniper fire to get a beer to the death the he caused and witnessed in the jungle. I have read many books about the Navy Seals both A and B versions and in my opinion this book is in a class by itself.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Death In the Jungle: Diary of a Navy Seal

This is the riveting combat diary of Navy SEAL Gary Smith who,during his 32 months in Vietnam, engaged in 257 combat missions. This book is a realistic look at the men, the weapons and the tactics of the guerrilla war fought by Smith and his fellow SEALs in the canals and swamps of Vietnam. Includes 16 pages of never-before-published photos.

Click here for more information about Death In the Jungle: Diary of a Navy Seal

One Perfect Op: An Insider's Account of the Navy Seal Special Warfare Teams Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was disappointed with this book. Firstly, all `real' missions with the exception of the Grenada invasion are described only in the vaguest terms, apparently to preserve operational secrets. It's lowers the drama and credibility when Chalker describes a mission without even naming the continent on which it took place. Even harmless details like how many SEALs where on a particular raiding team are absent from the accounts of `real' missions.
The breadth of the book is devoted to describing training missions that Team 6 undertook against U.S. Naval bases to test their security. Playing hide-and-seek with security guards and rent-a-cops in training exercises hardly makes for a riveting read.
Chalker also mentions in only passing his experience at SEAL training, or BUD/S, which in the hands of a real writer would easily be worthy of a full book itself. Predictably, he refuses to shed any light on the controversy that landed his mentor Richard Marcinko in jail.
And this isn't an emotional account. We have no real insight into what makes warriors like Chalker tick or the pressures they face. All we know about life outside the Teams is that they drank and brawled a lot. And, oh yet, he got a divorce. (That's almost the way Chalker described it.)
For a more thoughtful and profound look at what it takes to be a member of the U.S. Special Operations community, take a look at Mike Yon's Danger Close. To learn what it takes to become a SEAL, read The Warrior Elite. For an action-packed thriller, stick with one of Marcinko's books.

Click Here to see more reviews about: One Perfect Op: An Insider's Account of the Navy Seal Special Warfare Teams

Click here for more information about One Perfect Op: An Insider's Account of the Navy Seal Special Warfare Teams

US Navy Seals in Action. Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This book is very informative for the special forces/military lover or someone just interested in how America's elite soldiers train and operate. US Navy SEALs in Action shows the reader first hand how SEALs train and operate through amazing pictures and captions. This book also gives information on the equipment used by SEALs and the origin of the SEAL teams.

Click Here to see more reviews about: US Navy Seals in Action.

Click here for more information about US Navy Seals in Action.

Point Man: Inside the Toughest and Most Deadly Unit in Vietnam by a Founding Member of the Elite Navy Seals Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)You could almost imagine what it was like being in 'Nam - hear the ruffle of the leaves, smell the sweat, feel the dampness of the ground and hear the crickets. Read it alone at night and you could easily imagine Charlies waiting to spring a surprise on you. No regrets getting this book!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Point Man: Inside the Toughest and Most Deadly Unit in Vietnam by a Founding Member of the Elite Navy Seals

Click here for more information about Point Man: Inside the Toughest and Most Deadly Unit in Vietnam by a Founding Member of the Elite Navy Seals

Combat Swimmer: Memoir of a Navy Seal Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've never served in the military, but I have great respect for those who follow that kind of life. I also have great interest in history, military strategy and tactics, and behavior in combat situations. I therefore checked out the following special-forces-related books from the library: Rogue Warrior, by Marcinko, Combat Swimmer, by Gormly, and Inside Delta Force, by Haney.
Marcinko's book is a classic testosterone-driven, adolescent Hollywood adventure story. I mean that in a (mostly) good way. The author's focus is on himself, on his grand escapades, and his ability to destroy his enemies, whether at war or in the chain of command. It makes for a fun read, although I never knew how much Marcinko might be inflating his exploits.
Gormly is in many ways the anti-Marcinko. Of course they knew each other, and Gormly goes into some detail about inheriting Marcinko's SEAL team and getting the house back in order. But more than that, Marcinko represents the unihibited ego, breaking all the rules and doing whatever he wants. Gormly is all about responsibility and chain of command. Don't get me wrong; he's not at all boring, but definitely comes off as a stiffer sort of character. I'd rather work for Gormly (more job security; less likely to get killed unexpectedly) but I'd rather have a beer with Marcinko (though too much of that, and you probably increase your chances of getting killed unexpectedly).
Haney strikes somewhat of a balance. He's more individualistic than Gormly, but more disciplined than Marcinko. He's also the best writer of the three, with a good mix of gritty reality and genuine philosophical reflection. That's probably why I liked his book the best. Marcinko's book is a fun ride, like a blockbuster action movie, but in the end didn't leave me with much to think about. After reading Gormly's book, I admired the man a great deal but didn't particularly like him. Haney provides all the adventure but he's clearly more of a thinker than the other two, and I can imagine a long, fascinating evening's conversation over a bottle of scotch.
I suspect that you would find all three types of individuals (and many more) in the military, and you probably need all of them to get the job done. All three memoirs are highly entertaining and quick reads. Which you prefer probably depends to some extent on your own personality.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Combat Swimmer: Memoir of a Navy Seal

Click here for more information about Combat Swimmer: Memoir of a Navy Seal

The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday: Making Navy SEALs Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Bravo to Richard for his hard work and dedication to the SEAL/SOF community. I was an instructor in BUDS during the making of Richards book and couldnt have asked for a more genuinely interested person to be around us. Richard has the unique ability of photographing his subjects in the most intimate situations, all while maintaining unshakeable rapport with instructors and students alike. Richard has given a much needed inside look (without going too far) at what these men go through during training. Hats off to Richard for a first class photo journal. BH

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday: Making Navy SEALs

Click here for more information about The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday: Making Navy SEALs

Suffer in Silence: A Novel of Navy SEAL Training Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I decided to read this book because I had a friend that went through SEAL training. I was always curious about his experience. I got much more than I bargained for, inspiring me to write my first amazon review. Starting to read the book was like stepping into a roller coaster - once on, I couldn't step off till the ride was over! I was in the world... to the point where I was shivering every time they got surf torture.
After finishing Suffer in Silence, I was pretty disturbed. I couldn't believe that anyone (let alone anyone I knew) could/would go through this kind of experience. I asked my friend about his SEAL experience, specifically about the interaction with the instructors. He was surprised at what I knew, and pretty much confirmed that the kind of stuff portrayed in Suffer in Silence really happens. When I told him that I got the info from a book, he said that he wished he had read it to be able to mentally prepare himself before he had gone!
I feel pretty lucky to have had such a window into a world that I could otherwise never know, and I'm grateful for the new sense of connection that I feel with my friend. An outstanding book on every level!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Suffer in Silence: A Novel of Navy SEAL Training

A gripping novel of men training to become Navy SEALs who are pushed to their physical and mental limits---and what happens when those thresholds are crossedIt's the pivotal test faced by every Navy SEAL: one hundred twenty sleepless hours of relentless physical punishment, interrupted only by hypothermia-inducing surf torture. Ensign Grey thought he knew what to expect, but when Seaman Murray attempts to blackmail an instructor who is determined to see him fail, Hell Week takes on a new meaning. With deteriorating health and a dangerous enemy in hot pursuit, the two unlikely friends struggle to survive. What happens in the darkness at the edge of the Pacific will change their lives forever.

Get 35% OFF

Click here for more information about Suffer in Silence: A Novel of Navy SEAL Training

Blog Archive