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shannonscotteditorauthor's review against another edition
4.0
This was my first Dick Couch special operations book about something other than the Navy SEALs. I loved that, from the outside, he clarified terms and roles of the different special operations groups, and how and why the Green Berets are so different than other more direct-action groups. There were times I wished he went into more detail, or followed one training group more closely, but I got the impression this was also written from a much different perspective given his own background as a SEAL. I came out of it with a great deal more respect for the Army Special Forces for sure.
Side note: The editor than me did catch more than 10 typos/missing words/inconsistent word treatments throughout the book, but for a 398-page book, I guess that's an acceptable ratio...
Side note: The editor than me did catch more than 10 typos/missing words/inconsistent word treatments throughout the book, but for a 398-page book, I guess that's an acceptable ratio...
andyyoo127's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Excellent book that details how green berets are made and who becomes green berets. Also explains the most important role of GBs: FID and counter insurgency. The book explains it very well: it’s like preventative medicine (teaching locals to fight to win their own wars) vs surgery (direct action and combat missions). Prevention is less sexy work but it is honestly more vital than surgery/direct action. That is why the green berets have the most important role in the war on terror and insurgents. Unlike other combat units who live on an a base that has amenities like america, berets are living like the locals or even with the locals. It’s hard work and not as “cool.” But vital and very rewarding work. Requires interpersonal skills, negotiation skills, and combat skills (can’t teach without experience). Their long term impact is far greater (ex: work of a great researcher can have more widespread impact than a doctor)
afarre01's review against another edition
4.0
I wasn't sure if I would be interested in this book but once I started it I didn't want to put it down!
liberrydude's review against another edition
4.0
Good overview of what it takes to be a special ops warrior.
bookishdea's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting view into the training of a Special Forces soldier. I knew very little about the process, so this was neat to read. Got to congratulate the guys who make it through the grueling training. I also like how he followed up with some of the guys from the class he shadowed at the end, it was nice to see what they ended up doing.
bookishdea's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting view into the training of a Special Forces soldier. I knew very little about the process, so this was neat to read. Got to congratulate the guys who make it through the grueling training. I also like how he followed up with some of the guys from the class he shadowed at the end, it was nice to see what they ended up doing.
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