Red Platoon is one of the best of first hand accounts of a single battle I have ever read. This book is destined to go down as a classic of War literaRed Platoon is one of the best of first hand accounts of a single battle I have ever read. This book is destined to go down as a classic of War literature.
Clinton Romesha has managed to give a comprehensive inside view inside the 14 hour battle that became known as the Battle of Keating . He uses his personal experience of the battle and combines this with a plethora of other sources to paint a tale of loss and survival in the heart of Afghanistan.
I was quickly drawn into this book and was surprised by how quick the reader is thrown into the action. I should point out his is not at the expense of the back story of our writer and some of his fellow soldiers. This is done in a very concise but informative manner.
As mentioned before it is the comprehensive view of the battle that sets this book above most that has come before it. The use of multiple sources gives you a full sense and understanding of what takes place in a modern day battlefield. From the feet on the ground to those circling above itching to give a hand this is a exhaustive, brutal and honest look soldiers in combat....more
Outpost tells the life of the soldiers that manned one of the many US outposts in Afghanistan. This one is situated in an area the Afghani's themselveOutpost tells the life of the soldiers that manned one of the many US outposts in Afghanistan. This one is situated in an area the Afghani's themselves consider hardcore and worse than that it sits in the bottom of a valley. All aspects are looked at as the author puts a face and story to the many injured and killed troops that daily fill the news reports as statistics. It shows the battle to win hearts and minds of a population that can be friendly one minute and taking pot shots at you the next.
The author also explores the political and military reasons behind such outposts that place troops in such isolated and deadly places. The madness of some of the decisions of the upper echelon that translated to the death and serious injury to the troop with their feet on the ground was at time jaw dropping. Why I take my hat off to the author for bringing to the public the stories of these brave troops and their day to day life of fear and suspense.
For those who final chapter was written in the mountains this book is a fitting tribute to their memory. For all the great aspects of this book, there was something in this book that I could not connect to, and because of that I could not fully immerse myself in the story it told. ...more
I started reading this book with some trepidation thinking was just going to be a patriotic piece of fluff? What I found instead was a great read thatI started reading this book with some trepidation thinking was just going to be a patriotic piece of fluff? What I found instead was a great read that flowed so well. A well rounded book I would happily recommend to anyone....more
The scene is the city of Ramadi like all of Iraq the enemy could be anyone and anywhere.This book really hit home with me the sacrifices made by ordinThe scene is the city of Ramadi like all of Iraq the enemy could be anyone and anywhere.This book really hit home with me the sacrifices made by ordinary people in serving their country. The last half of the book were the author goes into the the strain of leadership and the toll it takes when those you lead get hurt also struck a deep chord with me. What these people do day after day after day is beyond comprehension and shows what strength of character is all about....more
Callsign Hades simply did not live up to my expectations. After reading all the glowing reviews I was expecting a book I could not put down. What I foCallsign Hades simply did not live up to my expectations. After reading all the glowing reviews I was expecting a book I could not put down. What I found instead was a rather pedestrian read which was way too easy to put down.
There was nothing really wrong in the writing or narrative it just simply failed to elevate itself above the plethora of biographies on this conflict for me. If you have not read to many books on the Afghanistan conflict, then this book might hold your interest more than it did for me. Overall this was an average read nothing wrong with it but nothing outstanding about it either. ...more
I was a bit unsure upon opening this book and seeing over 90 chapters listed for a book with a little over 330 pages. Any doubt was quickly pushed asiI was a bit unsure upon opening this book and seeing over 90 chapters listed for a book with a little over 330 pages. Any doubt was quickly pushed aside by the fast paced narrative. The mechanics of the book gives such a sense of the choas of battle the author is trying to convey. Upon finishing this book I have even greater respect for those who put others before themselves. ...more
This short book pack one hell of punch. It tells the unknown story of the secret signature wound in the current Afghanistan conflict caused by the useThis short book pack one hell of punch. It tells the unknown story of the secret signature wound in the current Afghanistan conflict caused by the use of IED's on infantry and it's not what you think. The strength of character show by these soldiers is truly humbling. ...more
What an absolute gem of a book. The author takes to one of the worlds most troubled areas and tell us a story in two parts. The first is the history oWhat an absolute gem of a book. The author takes to one of the worlds most troubled areas and tell us a story in two parts. The first is the history of the area and the second is of the people who live their now, and where does the carpet come into you may ask. That is what ties it together so nicely. This is one of those rare book I was sad to finish, I wanted it to keep going....more
A good read on a mission gone wrong and the courage of the men stock on top of a mountain top battling the enemy and the weather. For me this book couA good read on a mission gone wrong and the courage of the men stock on top of a mountain top battling the enemy and the weather. For me this book could have been so much better if it was not so busy, the author nearly pulls off bringing all the numerous story lines together bur just falls short. Still a book worth reading....more
This book had me engaged from the first page. The author also uses flashback so well in this book not what I call an action packed book but a great reThis book had me engaged from the first page. The author also uses flashback so well in this book not what I call an action packed book but a great read all the same. At the end of the book I was still wanting more....more
Not a bad read from a British Chinook pilot who served a few 6 month deployments to Afghanistan. It was interesting seeing how the conflict has develoNot a bad read from a British Chinook pilot who served a few 6 month deployments to Afghanistan. It was interesting seeing how the conflict has developed the author gave a good sense of this. ...more
A very well written and balanced book. From the dirt, dust and sweat of a patrol to the political machinations and diplomacy of the big picture. A fitA very well written and balanced book. From the dirt, dust and sweat of a patrol to the political machinations and diplomacy of the big picture. A fitting tribute for those who put their life on the line and for those who have lost their future so we can have ours.
There is not much I can say about this book which has not already been said. Do yourself a favor if you have not read this book make it your next readThere is not much I can say about this book which has not already been said. Do yourself a favor if you have not read this book make it your next read....more
The author has delivered within the pages of this book a must read for anyone even vaguely interested in the recent history of Afghanistan, it's peoplThe author has delivered within the pages of this book a must read for anyone even vaguely interested in the recent history of Afghanistan, it's people, and the issues facing this breath taking country. Edward Girardet has been reporting from within Afghanistan since the 70's and bring a unique insight to this country and some of its key players. As well he has a thorough understanding of the history and political background which has made Afghanistan such a unique country. From his writing you can sense his frustration in the West to comprehend and understand the ways of the country and it's people. This book is sure to become a classic on Afghanistan it left me with a sense of understanding I have yet had from any other book on this subject....more
A well balanced book on a relatively unknown subject. The author gives a great view of life as a Predator pilot and the unique issue fighting war in IA well balanced book on a relatively unknown subject. The author gives a great view of life as a Predator pilot and the unique issue fighting war in Iraq and Afghanistan from 7,000 mile away as well as rotation on the ground in the sand, from the professional hurdles to the personal issues.
This book also gives some great background on the conflicts as well as the general history of Iraq and Afghanistan and some of the key players. The authors thirst for knowledge and understanding comes through in his writing....more
An heart stopping account of young British Soldiers who put their lives on the line day after day dealing with the epidemic of IED's in Afghanistan. TAn heart stopping account of young British Soldiers who put their lives on the line day after day dealing with the epidemic of IED's in Afghanistan. The heroic acts these professionals do as part of their daily routine speaks volumes of their character....more
HOLY COW!!!!! This book hits the ground running and is unrelenting action. The author shares with us his time serving in the British army as a JTAC inHOLY COW!!!!! This book hits the ground running and is unrelenting action. The author shares with us his time serving in the British army as a JTAC in the heart of the Hemland province. The power wielded by this individual is awe inspiring as he calls hell down upon the enemy from the sky. There are parts in this book you have to remind yourself this is not fiction. The courage shown by all in this tale is a great testament to all those who have served and are serving.
James Fergusson brings us a refreshingly different view on the Taliban and their history and role in Afghanistan. A well researched book debunking somJames Fergusson brings us a refreshingly different view on the Taliban and their history and role in Afghanistan. A well researched book debunking some of the common myth's associated with the Taliban.
After reading this book I feel I have a much better understanding of Afghansitan and the issues facing the troops on the ground. I take my hat off to the author for a gutsy realistice look at the Taliban....more
Loading...
