IN combating terror, America can no longer depend on its conventional military superiority and the use of sophisticated technology. We are fighting...
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reviews
Nov 10, 2009
Eric
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This book was pretty interesting as it described the training that Army Special Forces (aka Green Berets) go through. The fact that it was written by a Navy SEAL added to it because even he was surprised at the amount of training they receive in such a short amount of time. Aside from all the walking with 100+ pounds of gear, the amount of material they learn in extremely compressed schedules is astounding.
What *really* bothered me about this book was the quotes from the candidat More...
What *really* bothered me about this book was the quotes from the candidat More...
Feb 22, 2011
Oceana2602
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There is a lot of interesting information about the training of special forces soldiers in "Chosen Soldier". Most of it is rather technical and dry, but if you are doing any research on the subject, the book will undoubtedly be helpful.
The problem with the book is more that Couch apparently can't decide if he wants to focus on the technical part of the training or on the people who go through that training in order to become special forces soldiers. Sometimes his descriptio More...
The problem with the book is more that Couch apparently can't decide if he wants to focus on the technical part of the training or on the people who go through that training in order to become special forces soldiers. Sometimes his descriptio More...
Jan 24, 2012
John
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Couch, a former Navy SEAL and CIA case officer, is the only writer ever given the privilege to attend the many months of Special Forces pre-selection, preparation, selection, and qualification training from start to finish. He was given “full access to all training, venues, students, and training cadres.” Couch did not merely interview. He and his wife moved to one of the few residential structures on base at Camp Mackall in North Carolina. Couch went out with the SF candidates to observe fi
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Feb 20, 2008
Jack
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A really interesting look into the making of special force soldiers. The author, Dick Couch, is a former SEAL himself, so he knows what it takes to make our toughest military members. He was, I think, given unprecedented access to Green Beret recruit training, and Couch offers a fine first-person, memoir-like description of all he saw as the recruits arrived at Fort Bragg, NC for what was a grueling training process. After reading Couch’s book, I’m convinced of a few things: 1) that US Army
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Dec 30, 2008
Andrew
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I loved this book. The author is an excellent story teller and does a fantastic job of showing the sacrifice and courage it takes for a solider to become a Green Beret. This book will make you feel better about the war on terror knowing the kind of men that are on the front lines defending our country.
Hell, this book made me want to join the Army and become a Green Beret. If only I wasn't old, bald and fat!
Hell, this book made me want to join the Army and become a Green Beret. If only I wasn't old, bald and fat!
Apr 12, 2011
Michael
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Absolute must read for those interested in what it takes to earn the coveted Green Beret. Mr. Couch (an outstanding military writer, in my opinion) brilliantly details the struggles the men face as the 18 X-Rays (Special Forces Candidates) meander their way through the difficult Pre-Selection course and ultimately the daunting Q-course.
Again, a must read for those interested in Special Operations.
Again, a must read for those interested in Special Operations.
Jul 07, 2010
Hedry
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I enjoyed this book very much. In fact, it turns out I enjoy most books written in a journalistic style. The caliber of training given, and the culling process to be inducted into the army special forces is an amazingly difficult and demanding training.
That being said, did anyone else find the chapter on Phse IV officer training to be kinda tedious?
That being said, did anyone else find the chapter on Phse IV officer training to be kinda tedious?
Jan 07, 2011
Jennie
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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.
Feb 08, 2012
Shaun
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Author Dick Couch gives us a very rare look into the world of Army Special Forces and what it takes to earn the coveted Green Beret all the way from SFAS to the "Robin Sage" event.
It's hard to comprehend the sacrifices the "X-Rays" make in order to call themselves the best of the best.
It's hard to comprehend the sacrifices the "X-Rays" make in order to call themselves the best of the best.
Sep 04, 2011
John
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This was a very well written and easy to follow account of what it takes for a U.S. Army soldier to become a Green Beret, or Special Forces soldier. Dick Couch takes you step-by-step through the application and selection processes, and all of the phases of the lengthy and arduous training of America's most elite fighting force. One of my favorite books this year!
Jan 28, 2012
Kaitron
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Surprisingly, this book kept me up at night reading. It isn't a traditional page turner but I really enjoyed it. It also keeps me motivated at the gym when I think of what others are capable of!
Jul 10, 2009
Dannorcott
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Awesome book, really lets you know what the green berets are really about, not what the media portrays them to be! Highly reccommend this book.
Mar 28, 2009
J.
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Good read, not quite as good as his previous books on SEALs, but still a very informative read on the world of SFAS and Army SF
Sep 06, 2009
Debbie
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This was a great education on how Green Berets are chosen and trained and what their peace-keeping missions look like once they are in place, although the book dragged and was a little difficult to get through.
Dec 07, 2007
Douglas
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Interesting book and personal topic of interest to me. I thought it progressed well and gave a solid overview of the training these men receive. An insight into a world that prefers privacy.
Jul 03, 2010
Charis
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Not one of Dick Couch's better books. Long, repetitive, far too detailed. Page 400 said the same thing page 43 said. I was sadly disappointed.
May 12, 2010
shay
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decent book. there were parts where it drug a bit, but for the most part a really interesting look at what goes into training green berets.
Jun 20, 2008
Mc
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Hard to read at times with all the military tacticle info....How interesting. I have so much respect for these guys.
Jan 01, 2011
Seanna
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This is a good look at the Special Forces selection and training process. Green Berets amaze me.
Nov 23, 2010
Charles
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A retired US Navy SEAL follows a class of US Army Special Forces soldiers over the span of their training and eventual deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. Great read if you're interested in SPEC OPS
Feb 10, 2012
Feb 09, 2012
