A Look at Military History, Organizational Structure, and Leadership
Delta Force: A Memoir by the Founder of the U.S. Military’s Most Secretive Special-Operations Unit by Charlie A. Beckwith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I originally bought Charlie Beckwith’s memoir because I was doing research for some characters I was trying to create. In this regard the book wasn’t terribly helpful. The book focuses on Delta’s inception, dating back to when Colonel Beckwith first saw for its need after completing an exchange program with the British SAS, through Delta’s first mission in Iran in 1980.
Looking past my research needs at what the book offers a reader, this is a great read for certain people. For military historians or aficionados I think that it’s a must read. It gives the factual backstory and account of how a critical piece of America’s modern military was created. I see this as important information into how the process takes place. For example Delta’s formation is a microcosm of how the Air Force would have come about.
Outside the military arena I think this book is great reading for the business world and the general public.
I think any proponents of big government should be required, by law, to read Colonel Beckwith’s memoir to see and understand the frustration that comes with the failures of a cumbersome, top-heavy bureaucracy. If there was ever an account for the need to run in a lean and streamlined horizontal hierarchical structure it is made by Charlie.
It also serves as an interesting case study on leadership. In a time when I think true leadership is in short supply we could all learn a great deal from Colonel Bechwith. He was a risk taker that appeared to assume accountability for his mistakes and shortcomings; the political nature of the senior ranks of the military being one of his weaknesses. However, like any good leader Charlie learns from his mistakes and does his best not to repeat them.
This book may come off a little dry and blunt, but I think that’s because it reflects what I believe Charlie’s personality was like, candid. If you are willing to look at this as more than just the memoir of a military trailblazer I think you will find Colonel Charlie Beckwith’s accounts of the inception and creation of 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment – Delta (SFOD-D) to be a fascinating read.
© Christopher L. Hedges and AverageJoesStory.com, 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Christopher L. Hedges and AverageJoesStory.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
