This book was given to me with a pretty good recommendation so I went into it with high expectations. I was not disappointed in the least. In the book, CSM Haney (U.S. Army, Ret.), details his selection, training, and operations as an operator within Delta Force from its inception. It is a very personal narrative that takes us through his experiences as if we were there. From the brutal selection process involving extreme tests of endurance, both physical and mental, all the way to leading counterterrorism operations in the third world, the reader is drawn along at rapid op tempo. The author leads us through the recently blown open doors of a terrorist-held plane and straight into the shooting gallery, charging the whole time. We are lead through a bombed out Beirut, taking flak in the darkness over Grenada, and guerrilla wars in the jungles of Honduras.
While this is clearly a memoir of a very patriotic soldier it is not without its criticisms of politicians and other governmental agencies. Details of Operation Eagle Claw during the iranian hostage crisis were VERY interesting as well as discussion of the mission that never took place but definitely should have.
There is an even handedness to this account that gives the author credibility. I very much enjoyed the details of the training given here. The unrelenting shooting practice, training with the Secret Service, evading the FBI are all interesting. The quirks of these mens' personalities make for some lighthearted moments. I am both in awe of what these men take on and indebted for what these men do.
I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in a personal view of counterterrorism operations under Presidents carter and Reagan and the sacrifice necessary to ensure freedom not only for America but for those who would never have had the opportunity themselves. If you are an enemy of freedom, then someone had better take pity on you because these men won't. 1st SFOD-D, thank you.