The book certainly had some interesting points, but overall, even for a military buff like me, could get quite boring. It seemed to drone on, almost like reading an actual military handbook. In all honesty I haven't even completed the entire book, I've come close to the end to what I assume is going to be an interesting part, but I just can't quite force myself to read it yet

Anyone who is remotely considering a career in SF needs to read this book. It really put it all in perspective

Great book a must read if your looking into a future in SF or just interested in what they go through.

This is an excellent, no b.s. account by Dick Couch, himself a SEAL and fmr CIA Operative who writes without any ego driven agenda. He has been given excellent access by the Army. This clearly isn't written from a warm, dry desk. He goes into the cold, heat, and rain to get it right. Starting before training, Couch follows (runs alongside) the Special Forces "training process", which is more accurately an art, not a science. With attention to ample personalities, Couch brings the reader close to the fire. You sense "the big picture", but Couch keeps you close to the guys who are sweating and bleeding to succeed. This isn't a book only for those with a military interest. In fact, it's probably a far more educational and IMPORTANT read for people who have absolutely no clue about Special Forces. These elite professionals are our Nations ambassadors in places many Americans can't even find on a map. Their objectives and how they fulfill their missions have potentially deep impact not merely on military affairs, but on US Foreign Policy itself.

This book is very focused, and is made all the better because of that. The authors choice of focusing solely on the training of Green Berets, except for the first chapter, rather then on the whole history of the outfit and it's long list of achievements.

As a former SEAL, he clearly knows about special forces, and is able to translate that into detailed explanation. He gives enough background detail of the people he is talking to to be interesting without giving us page after page of soldiers that come and go (a problem with some history books).

He clearly recounts conversations, but only the parts that are applicaple to what he is discussing. Throughout the book, while you meet the soldiers in training, the only character you really feel like you get to know is the training itself.

The pace of the book is also noteworthy. Many history books are a little tough to read. Having to record so much information and so many facts can leave a book a little dry. Couch has a great writing style and the book really flows.

There are a few problems, such as going into detail about the same thing nearly verbatim in two different chapters. Not to often, but it was distracting. Also his insistence on calling the Green Berets special forces and naming all the other SFOR by name. In the beginning he even indicates that the Green Berets are the only real special forces. Something surprising coming from a former SEAL.

None of this detracts from the book. It is a well paced, informative read that anyone with interest in the military or history would be glad to read.

My son is a Green Beret, and I had only heard a few of his stories about the intensive training that he went through. This was a real eye-opener for me to see exactly what went on. He was able to identify some of the cadre who had fictitious names assigned by the author.

If anyone is interested is signing up for SF, they need to read this book to get the real inside story.

Dick Couch has provided great insight into the selection and training of one or our premier units.
He has a great blend of personal and training highlights that give a great feel for the making of a SF soldier.
Highly recommended for those wanting to know more about the making of the next greatest generation.

This is a great book on Special Forces. The author, Dick Couch, was offered complete access to thhe Special Forces training process. And he has experiance in being a Spec Op, he was a U.S. Navy SEAL.

This book, covers the whole training and selection process. And it even includes some pictures.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in being a Green Beret, or any type of Special Forces, or to anyone that loves reading these kind of books.

5/5

I remember having a conversation with a friend of mine and we were trying to figure out what training produced a more deadly efficent incredible (man/soldier/warrior) although, I am more biased towards the navy seals, as my son is one, my friend was formerly in the special forces. He recommended that I read this book and I am amazed once again at what people are capable of learning and doing. It truly is amazing the types of situations these soldiers get themselves into and out of, what they have to do to get there, what they have to do once they're there, and what they have to do to get home. I can't say enough how interesting this book is. I enjoyed it a lot as you might be able to tell from my review.