First Seal Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is my first review and probably my last. My reason is to take exception to the comments of the reviewer from Dayton, Ohio. Not that Roy needs me to defend him, but in fairness a response is warranted.
First Seal is an insight into one of America's greatest warriors. SEAL's are regarded as probably the finest unconventional warriors in the world and First Seal brings you the man responsible for them. This is an excellent book, especially for those seeking insight into their foundation. Yes, there are personal attacks, yes there is profanity, and it is not for the light of heart. But honesty is something not viewed through rose colored glasses either.
The Navy is an institution, and as such viewed the SEAL's as a "necessary evil". That Roy succeeded and accomplished as much as he did is a tribute to his tenacity and his perserverance.
But in addition to the story of the SEAL's, is Roy's story and that is what First Seal is about. Roy has done more and seen more than any of us could imagine.
Don't dwell on the perceived inaccuracies, but read the book as it was intended. Roy's exploits are legendary and his men always knew where he was when things got tough, at the front of it all !!
And as for the comment that there is no "I" or "Me" in "Team", remember.... There is no "We" in "Leadership"

Click Here to see more reviews about: First Seal

Click here for more information about First Seal

Read More...

SEALs: UDT/ SEAL Operations In Vietnam Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)"SEALs" is the book version of a historical master's thesis written by Tim Bosiljevac, a highly respected career SEAL officer (and former enlisted Army Ranger). His work is essentially a diary of SEAL operations in Vietnam. It moves chronologically through the arrival of UDTs in the early 60's to the departure of US forces in 1975. The book's matter of fact description of numerous operations, taken from SEAL Team logs, allows the reader to appreciate the complexity of the intelligence gathering systems employed by the SEALs to generate their own target lists. The detailed descriptions of equipment carried and the synopses of patrol orders allows will appeal to Soldiers interested in finding out how the "best of the best" prepared and executed missions in the Rung Sat. This book is highly recommended for current and former Special Operators.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SEALs: UDT/ SEAL Operations In Vietnam

The definitive book on U.S. Navy SEALs' role in Vietnam. Accounts of combat missions reveal incredible acts of skill and valor by SEAL troops under fire. Sixteen pages of rare photos show SEALs in training, on patrol in VC territory and moving up canals in the Mekong Delta.

Click here for more information about SEALs: UDT/ SEAL Operations In Vietnam

Read More...

The Real Team: Rogue Warrior Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've read all of the Rogue Warrior books, plus the Marcinko book on leadership. I was hoping this book would be about non-fictional accounts of the missions in which these SpecOps warriors participated. However, there is very little here on missions except for oblique references, probably to classified missions. Mostly it covers why each got into the SEALS, and how they enjoyed working under Marcinco due to his management abilities and his confidence in his troops. This is a good backgrounder if you're a manager and want to know how to lead the troops, and it fits in with the Rogue Warrior's other management books. But you'll be disappointed if you were looking for shootin' and lootin', in which case you should stick to the Rogue's fiction books.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Real Team: Rogue Warrior

Click here for more information about The Real Team: Rogue Warrior

Read More...

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

Read More...

Weapons of the Navy Seals (Battlegear) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If anyone is interested in becoming Navy SEAL, then buy this book. (p.s. I never really bought this book.)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Weapons of the Navy Seals (Battlegear)

Fred J. Pushies. Of all the U.S. military's special forces, none carry the same name recognition, nor capture the public imagination like the U.S. Navy SEALs. In battle gear fashion, the book also includes a chapter describing the techniques SEALs use, as well as glossaries of terms and military abbreviations.

Click here for more information about Weapons of the Navy Seals (Battlegear)

Read More...

Encyclopedia of Navy Seals (Facts on File Library of American History) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)A glorified cut & paste job, replete with factual errors, clumsy paraphrasing and garbled information. In terms of the book's title, the central error is the continuation of the "first SEAL" myth first promulgated by this author and Roy Boehm. Boehm was not the first, nor did he originate SEAL teams. Readers seeking the documented facts should read the article "What A Tangled Web We Weave" by retired Navy Capt. David Del Giudice (1st CO, SEAL Team One) in the 2nd Quarter, 2002 BLAST, magazine of the UDT-SEAL Assn.
Otherwise, I would suggest that readers consult Sasser's bibliography and read the original works for required information.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Encyclopedia of Navy Seals (Facts on File Library of American History)

From the jungles of Vietnam to the sands of Iraq, the United States Navy SEALs are an effective special operations force. Organized into unconventional forces that range from as few as six men to as many as a platoon of 100, the SEALs draw their name from SeaAirLand, the three elements in which they work with deadly efficiency. This volume offers a look at this unique organization. The introduction traces the history of the SEALs, from the World War II demolition teams to the actual formation of the force in 1962 under President John F. Kennedy, as well as their evolution into the counter-terrorists and guerilla fighters of the 21st century. More than A-Z entries offer comprehensive coverage of different aspects of the force including its organization, history, personnel, equipment, weaponry, and relevant terms.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Click here for more information about Encyclopedia of Navy Seals (Facts on File Library of American History)

Read More...