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staticdisplay's review against another edition
4.0
I read this as a recommendation from a Marine friend who is preparing to undergo MARSOC A&S. it is a very matter-of-fact account of the process of transforming a Marine into a special operator, written by someone who is obviously very proud of the people who want to do this with their lives. his tone is always respectful. it is a very informative book, but it is dry reading. I would have enjoyed a couple of colorful anecdotes, just to get a bit of insight into what drives these dudes, what keeps them going when it gets tough. that would be an excellent book to see some day! I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in MARSOC; dick couch had a really special opportunity to spend time with a class and share their experiences (although it's not quite clear to me from this book to what extent he was present in anyone's day).
as sort of a weird note, at one point couch mentions a test with an actual casualty, real blood etc. but kind of glosses over it as a nod to its controversial nature. pigs! I heard it was pigs, which are slaughtered after the exercise. my opinion: I hate it. probably not a big issue to most. couch does also very briefly discuss the possibility of integrating female Marines into MARSOC and other combat roles, which is, I think, not his favorite, but he handles it with relative grace.
I came out of this with mad respect and admiration for the select few who can endure (and even thrive under) such physical and mental duress, as well as everyone who chooses to serve. it's a lot of responsibility to take on. I'm glad that books like this can give folks like me a chance to try to be more informed and understanding.
as sort of a weird note, at one point couch mentions a test with an actual casualty, real blood etc. but kind of glosses over it as a nod to its controversial nature. pigs! I heard it was pigs, which are slaughtered after the exercise. my opinion: I hate it. probably not a big issue to most. couch does also very briefly discuss the possibility of integrating female Marines into MARSOC and other combat roles, which is, I think, not his favorite, but he handles it with relative grace.
I came out of this with mad respect and admiration for the select few who can endure (and even thrive under) such physical and mental duress, as well as everyone who chooses to serve. it's a lot of responsibility to take on. I'm glad that books like this can give folks like me a chance to try to be more informed and understanding.
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