Having read this book and having spent an afternoon with Mr Waugh I cannot adequetly state how impressive and HUMBLE the sefless warrior is. Contrary to the opening review of this book on Amazon'sale page, Waugh is the very antithesis of a blusterer. He has risked more, given more for this country then perhaps any living human. I say this becaus he NEVER will.He has too much compassion and respect for his fallen comrades in arms. The author IMHO has captured the man as well as is possible to do so for a person so complex, honorable and driven. If there was even a shred of decency and honor left from the governing body of this nation the people of this country would recieve a free copy of Hunting The Jackal instead of this supposed FREE HEALTHCARE. The book is a compelling and excellent read. If the is any fairness left to be had in this land the US government would seize the million dollar Pulitzer Fraud money given to ALGORE ,as well as the three hundred million plus he has made peddling his climate change hoax and give every penny of it to Billy Waugh . Knowing him he would give it all to deserving families of fallen American Warriors.Too bad we can't put Sean Penn and Bily Waugh in a cage match, I will put my money on the 80 year old blusterer. Buy this book, it is the right thing to do.

Great info and perspective from a man involved in some of the best parts of Special Forces and the CIA.

Gripping. Allows one to appreciate what our brethren are doing out there while we walk and breath freely.

Let me just say that this book is a great read, tons of fun and is very hard to put down. If you're into clandestine warfare and military history there aren't too many books that can top this. I do have two minor problems though, which is why I gave it only 4 out of 5 stars. The first is Billy Waugh, as a writer, has an annoying tendancy sometimes to repeat himself. You'll be reading a paragraph and a little while later he'll say essentially the same thing a second time in a slightly differnt manner. The second is this book is less than 350 pages long. That, in itself, may not be a big deal except this man is talking about his 50 years of service to his country. Some of the chapters are, themselves, worthy of their own book...especially his exploits in Vietnam. The section on going after Carlos (a.k.a. The Jackal) is only 3 chapters long, and there are 13 chapters in the book. In all honesty I'd say there's enough material in here for AT LEAST 3 books. After (less than) 350 pages you're left wanting more. What I'd love to see Billy Waugh do is go back and expand on those chapters. Other than that, it's definitely worth the price. All I can say about Billy Waugh as a soldier and a person is, I'm glad he's on our side!

I'm a Vietnam veteran (Inf. 1Lt.), so I was interested in his experiences, both in combat and after. I was very disappointed. Much of what he writes is bs and he is so full of himself (he's a little guy with that "Napolean Complex"), that I actually threw the book in the trash after I'd finished. First time I'd ever done that with a book, as I usually pass them along when I'm finished. Not a good review, but that's my opinion.

Don't by from this site. Have been waiting for over a month for delivery. When you track the order YOU CAN'T EVEN SEND AN E-MAIL. THE SERVICE IS SOOOO BAD. TOTALLY DISGUSTED

I overheard someone once mention that Hunting the Jackal was a great memoir/bio of a Special Forces soldier. I perused the back cover and it seemed interesting. I mean who wouldn't want to read about a career soldier who joined Special Forces when it was in its infancy, became decorated in special forces throughout Vietnam War - 8 purple hearts and 1 silver star - and then retired only to become an undercover operative for the CIA? I grabbed it eagerly.

I was not disappointed as we see Waugh's exploits right from the get go. His harrowing experience, almost fatal, in the jungles of Vietnam, when he was thought dead because of the numerous gunshot wounds and the "colony of leeches" as he put it was how the whole memoir started. Waugh wrote about his many insertions behind enemy lines either training the indigenous or rescuing fellow soldiers. We are treated to roughly three of his CIA missions - Libya, Usama bin Laden, Carlos the Jackal - showing the clandestine ways in which he was assigned to bring in information in order to asses where to attack, who to attack or to obtain the whereabouts of a specific terrorist.

I felt Waugh's account was very accessible to the reader and flowed easily enough. The writing wasn't too complicated, but that is to be expected. I wish Waugh would have wrote more about his missions, both as a CIA operative and a Special Forces soldier, but many of them he simply stated he couldn't talk about. All in all I enjoyed Waugh's memoir and came away with a better appreciation for SOG and the men of the CIA, beginning to understand some of what they did and still do. I would recommend this memoir to anyone interested, although the action and missions slowed considerably towards the latter half of the book.

4.5 stars.

The book's title doesn't come close to doing this book justice. Waugh has an amazing story to tell, and doesn't waste any time telling it. In fact, he has so much to share he dispenses with the obligatory "training was so hard, I was so cold, tired, exhausted, etc" chapters and gets straight to the action. I have incredible respect for what all of the special ops guys go through just to make it into their units. However, after reading a few similar memoirs this isn't what personally keeps my attention. This is the only 1st person book regarding special ops that I've ever read where the whole book is on actual action, and not training, personal thoughts, etc. My only regret is that I can't find any more like this.

My wife picked this book up for me prior to a long plane flight. I have to admit I held off on reading it because I couldn't understand how one could write an entire book on just Carlos. Once I read it I realized how wrong I was. This book covers wars and conflicts across the world and many decades. It is hard to imagine that one man could have as much experience in major world events as Waugh does, but I tend to believe he is the real deal. Pick this up now and don't wait to read it. If you like books about covert and special ops, etc, you are in for a huge treat!

Reading the memoir of a man who helped take down Carlos the Jackal, one of the most notorious terrorists of then 1970s, seemed to make for roller-coaster read. Unfortunately, Carlos didn't go down like Pablo Escobar. He was arrested; no gunfight, no car chase, no hostage crisis, no time bomb. While the book certainly is interesting for its historical significance, Waugh's "action" in taking down Carlos was sitting in an abandoned building for hours upon hours and days upon days just watching the Jackal's house.

The book also includes some of Waugh's other career highlights, including going into Afghanistan in 2001 in his 70s. I don't want to discredit Waugh's service, certainly he's done more than most, and the book isn't necessarily unenjoyable; maybe let's just say it's a good thing it's not any longer than it is. Some parts are page-turners, most are not. If you like this book genre, you'll like this book. Otherwise, skip it.

Billy Waugh takes you through almost 50 years of life in the Special Forces and CIA. Although the title focuses on Carlos the Jackal, he is actually a small part of the book.

Since I am approaching 50, it's hard to imagine being 72 and running around in Afganistan. That's downright inspirational. This part of Waugh's life is mentioned several times in Jawbreaker by Gary Berntsen.

A fascinating story.

Great book. The title is deceiving though there is little about Carlos. The actual capture of Carlos is also somewhat anticlimactic. Overall though, it's an exciting read about the life of a special forces warrior. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoy stories of war and espionage. One thing is for sure...Billy Waugh is a hero!

I found the book readable and informative. It was written in a narative that was easily followed. Information that will be of value to those that follow the current state of the world.

Great book....easy to read. Lacks substantial and detailed operational insight probably due to confidentiality. Overall a great book by a great American.

Billy Waugh is a rare kind of man. His book gives us a look behind the scenes of Special Ops and clandestine operatives.

Imagine that your Walter Mitty dream has come true and you are a star wide receiver playing in the 2007 Superbowl. You run to the huddle only to find a gray haired Joe Namath calling the signals and leading the team on a scoring drive. A dream, but for small teams of young Special Forces soldiers leading the anti-Taliban forces in southern Afghanistan is was very real. A soldier and operator who was a legend in their father's and grandfather's days is there in the middle of the fight.

Waugh, at age 72 is the middle of early days of the fight in Afghanistan, fighting not only the Taliban, but bone chilling cold in the thin air while hauling his share of gear. More than 50 years older than the young fellow soldiers, Waugh was a living, fighting legend. Few understand the impact made by mixed teams of Seals, Delta, Rangers, Air Force and CIA operators on the overthrow of the Taliban.

Understand that the literary review of this book was written by one of the testosterone deficient, panties all in a wad folks whose concept of self sacrifice is only cheating a little on their taxes. They are simply unable to comprehend two foundational truths, that they can write what they want, worship their own god, and speak their mind is created by people like Waugh and protecting their freedoms is a dirty, thankless task.

Do not expect to find the polished writing or the introspection of One Bullet Away, rather this is a story of doing, stripped of almost all emotion. Some of the reviewers questioned if the truth had been stretched. Most likely the bridging details were snipped by the CIA censors, in our interest. A google or amazon search for Billy Waugh normally points to many references to him, usually prefaced by "the legendary Billy Waugh."

Before Afghanistan there were years of fighting terrorism in the hellholes of the world. Waugh was tracking Osama almost a decade before 9-11. Later he was with the team that finally picked up the trail that lead back through a number of steps to legendary terrorist Carlos the Jackal.

Perhaps half of the book covers this lengthy search and then observation. Waugh captured the many months of frustrating waiting for the politicians in Washington to make decisions, especially when any hint that he was being tracked would have sent the Jackal on the run again to the safety of Iran or Iraq. That he was captured is a tribute to the CIA in both their ability to find Carlos and to keep the surveillance operation hidden and secret for months while the politicians fiddled, looking for a low risk way to get rid of Carlos.

In a very modest way Waugh also tells of getting leave from Walter Reed Hospital, where he was receiving care for very serious wounds, only to fly to Vietnam while on leave and ask to be sent back to the field. Despite the fact that he was still limping badly he was allowed to remain after badgering many in the chain of command.

The book has the feel the there was a lot more that was deleted during the CIA's review of the book. In some cases the deletion of information on methodology and technology leaves holes.

One wonders where do men Waugh come from, willing to devote 50 years to the service of their country, mostly in violence torn countries looking for bad guys and protecting the good guys.

My hope is that he will receive enough cooperation from the CIA to put together a few more great books.

Imagine that your Walter Mitty dream has come true and you are a star wide receiver playing in the 2007 Superbowl. You run to the huddle only to find a gray haired Joe Namath calling the signals and leading the team on a scoring drive. A dream, but for small teams of young Special Forces soldiers leading the anti-Taliban forces in southern Afghanistan is was very real. A soldier and operator who was a legend in their father's and grandfather's days is there in the middle of the fight.

Waugh, at age 72 is the middle of early days of the fight in Afghanistan, fighting not only the Taliban, but bone chilling cold in the thin air while hauling his share of gear. More than 50 years older than the young fellow soldiers, Waugh was a living, fighting legend. Few understand the impact made by mixed teams of Seals, Delta, Rangers, Air Force and CIA operators on the overthrow of the Taliban.

Understand that the literary review of this book was written by one of the testosterone deficient, panties all in a wad folks whose concept of self sacrifice is only cheating a little on their taxes. They are simply unable to comprehend two foundational truths, that they can write what they want, worship their own god, and speak their mind is created by people like Waugh and protecting their freedoms is a dirty, thankless task.

Do not expect to find the polished writing or the introspection of One Bullet Away, rather this is a story of doing, stripped of almost all emotion. Some of the reviewers questioned if the truth had been stretched. Most likely the bridging details were snipped by the CIA censors, in our interest. A google or amazon search for Billy Waugh normally points to many references to him, usually prefaced by "the legendary Billy Waugh."

Before Afghanistan there were years of fighting terrorism in the hellholes of the world. Waugh was tracking Osama almost a decade before 9-11. Later he was with the team that finally picked up the trail that lead back through a number of steps to legendary terrorist Carlos the Jackal.

Perhaps half of the book covers this lengthy search and then observation. Waugh captured the many months of frustrating waiting for the politicians in Washington to make decisions, especially when any hint that he was being tracked would have sent the Jackal on the run again to the safety of Iran or Iraq. That he was captured is a tribute to the CIA in both their ability to find Carlos and to keep the surveillance operation hidden and secret for months while the politicians fiddled, looking for a low risk way to get rid of Carlos.

In a very modest way Waugh also tells of getting leave from Walter Reed Hospital, where he was receiving care for very serious wounds, only to fly to Vietnam while on leave and ask to be sent back to the field. Despite the fact that he was still limping badly he was allowed to remain after badgering many in the chain of command.

The book has the feel the there was a lot more that was deleted during the CIA's review of the book. In some cases the deletion of information on methodology and technology leaves holes.

One wonders where do men Waugh come from, willing to devote 50 years to the service of their country, mostly in violence torn countries looking for bad guys and protecting the good guys.

My hope is that he will receive enough cooperation from the CIA to put together a few more great books.

72 years old in Afghanistan! I thought I was getting a bit old at 45 for Security work. Billy Waugh is one of America's quiet professionals. (This Reviewer is Australian.)I really liked the way the man could do his job and serve his country without disparaging people from other countries. The relationships he develops with indigenous personnel are testament to this. Far too many books by American authors do so much flag waving it gets up your nose a bit.I really enjoyed the bits in Khartoum. I just returned from there and lived in the same neighbourhood where Turabi, Osama and Carlos lived. I saw Turabi's house. The bit about driving at night was spot on. To the reviewer who said it wasn't possible to jog around Khartoum at night as a Westerner....1. Billy was under diplomatic cover. 2. In Khartoum there is next to no street crime. It is safe to walk around there any time day or night. Sharia law is good for one thing. I did it all the time. I even rode the local bus. It was safer than riding around with a target for Al Queda marked on your vehicle (ie. the logo of a well known Humanitarian Organisation.) I reckon AQ is unlikely to target the local bus when there were so many UN vehicles available.

Billy's book has been a real motivator for me to get really fit again.

I haven't read this book yet,but I know Billy Waugh personally,and knew people when I was stationed on Okiwawa and with SOG at Kontum who not only knew him,but had served on teams with him. No bolder man has ever lived. Any of you who read the book and who may have a tendency to doubt him,don't. He IS the "Real Deal". If you are ever cut off and alone in Indian Territory and need help getting out,there are few things that would bring you greater comfort than to hear that he is heading up a team to come in and get you out. He knows everybody there is to know on the operational edge of the intelligence community,and they all know him. The reason for this is he really HAS "been there and done that".

I found the life and times of Billy Waugh very interesting. He did not let his age stop him.

"Hunting the Jackal" is an incredible and important look into the world of secret warriors working around the clock to safeguard our freedom. Billy Waugh has bravely and fearlessly fought in the shadows for half a century. He's hunted--and found--terrorists who top the Most Wanted lists, and here he shares an insider's untold stories about Carlos the Jackal and Osama bin Laden and others. His covert, thankless missions in the world's hellholes has not been pretty work, and what warriors like Waugh do and how they do it is not particularly appropriate for some polite conversations. But that is the point, particularly in a post-9/11 world where stopping terrorist attacks will take more brave men like Waugh. This is a well-written book, much better than most of this genre, that lays out the real underworld in a clean, engaging fashion. You're quickly taken along on an amazing life, and before you know it, you're at the last page, overwhelmed at what you've read, and wanting more. From the Jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of Africa, and to the mountains of Afghanistan, the author has seen it all.

Mr. Waugh is certainly someone who has compiled a very impressive record defending our country and our country is the better for it. While I doubt that this book will win any major literary awards, it is still an interesting well written fast paced and entertaining story which I enjoyed. If this type of material or story interests you then you will not be dissappointed as Mr. Waugh is the real deal and few can relate a story such as his as there may not be any other people around who've written autobiographies of a career in the Special Forces (and doing similar but different work later on for the CIA) that spans half a century! If I ever were to cross paths with Mr. Waugh (not likely as he seems to spend all his time in dangerous places) then I would consider it an honor to meet him and thank him for defending my country. I heartily recommend it.

Billy Waugh is a great American. If you love stories about the Military, this is a most unusual one as Billy relates his career as a Spedial Forces operator. His stories, from the Viet Nam war to Afganistan, are not what you will read about in the mainstream media. Often times, I had to shake my head when reading this because I could hardly believe a man could be this daring. One close call after another and yet he begged to go back time after time and serve his country. This is a good look at Special Forces operations which are a vital part of protecting our country. Read this book and you'll be glad we have guys out there like Billy Waugh who served for 50 years!

I take my hat off to Mr. Waugh who is a soldier's soldier. His book highlights how long America has been fighting, pursuing, and surveilling the bad guys. Some of the stories/chapters are rather tepid and not really entertaining, but some of the other chapters on Carlos the Jackal and Usama Bin Laden are a little more interesting. In this book one gets to read about the author's exploits in Vietnam, Middle East (Libya & Sudan,) and in Afghanistan which is about 30 years worth of history from a man who lived to fight for America.