I received this book as a
Christmas Gift, and just could not put it down, my attention was rivetted from
cover to cover. This is a first person account of a U. S. Navy SEAL's
life, and the mission that brought him into prominence. Prior to reading this
book, I knew the SEALS were a tough outfit, feeling they were probably the
Navy's answer to the U. S. Army's Special Forces. Well, that's not too far from
the truth, but in addition, they're well trained in all sorts of aquatic
excellence.
Marcus Lutrell and his
twin brother Morgan were born Texans. As you get into the book, you are brought
to realize exactly what a special relationship twins enjoy, that none of us who
are not such, can ever truly appreciate. In any event, young Marcus wanted to be
a SEAL from about age 12, and with his brother was put under the tutelage of a
local former Green Beret. This gentleman initiated their physical and mental
training, working with them daily. Lutrell eventually joins the Navy, and
relates his training from enlistment to combat deployment. I'll not go into real
detail here, but I'm no stranger to military training, having been in the U. S.
Army myself, and having read many books concerning both American, and foreign
training regimens. I have a good friend who went through both U. S. Ranger, and
Special Forces training, serving three tours in Viet nam as a Green Beret
officer. In any event, the training Marcus received was the most brutal,
grueling, intensive physical and mental training I've ever heard of. The drop
out rate during this training is unbelievable, and I ended up wondering how
anyone could survive such intense physical strain. Because the SEALS are Naval
personnel first and foremost, a great deal of this training took place under,
over, and through the water. You quickly learn what "Get wet and
sandy!" means.
The main story of the
book takes place in Afghanistan, on a mission to take out a Taliban leader of
some 80 to 200 men. Luttrell and his team of 3 others, including his best
friend, are inserted into place, and proceed to put their training into action.
Most unfortunately, they are discovered, and the battle begins. You never really
find out how many men they are opposing, but they do eliminate a goodly many of
the bad guys. I'm not revealing too much when I tell you that eventually the
other three team members are killed, but certainly not until they'd made heavy
inroads into the amount of people trying to kill them. The rest of this part of
the book details how Marcus eludes his pursuers, and is eventually taken in by
Afghan tribesmen. These tribesmen put him under the protection of their own
ancient brand of hospitality, and protect him until his eventual rescue. You
learn a good deal about these tribes people, their history, and their
relationship with the Taliban.
Marcus Luttrell, and his
co-writer Patrick Robinson are an excellent story telling team, and although
I've breezed through the book in this narration, believe me, they'll keep you on
the edge of your seat. Throughout most of the book, you are kept aware of
Luttrell's burning patriotism, his pride of being a Texan, his devotion to duty,
and to his outfit and comrades. He makes no bones about his admiration of his
Commander in Chief, George W. Bush, nor does he show any attempt to temper his
hatred of America's "Liberal Press". He also makes no bones about his
belief in God, and credits Him for much of his survival. Whatever your own
political tendencies, I do recommend this book highly as a very informative
contemporary account of the career and actions of one of America's toughest and
bravest young men.
Hal Marshman Sr
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