Class-29: The Making of U.S. Navy Seals

by John Carl Roat

"Throughout training I kept having the thought, WELL, ALL THEY CAN DO IS KILL ME. It seemed to help." SEALs are the world's toughest soldiers. Working in squads and platoons that make up SEAL teams,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0804118930
• ISBN13: 9780804118934
• Release Date: February 2000
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.2" x 6.9"

Customer Reviews

Class-29

Excellent book, just brilliant! I'm actually the mother of a son who is aspiring to one day become a Seal and John is a fabulous writer. The book just captured my attention and I finished it in less that a week. The only other book that commanded that kind of devotion was Trinity. Class-29 is an excellent read for anyone because it is written so well. You don't have to have a deep interest in the special forces or want to serve in such a capacity to emphasize with what these men go through, and have to eventually admit that yes, they have done so much for those of us who normally don't give them much thought in our lives, or even think it's not needed. In the world we live in, let's hope we have more young men with that fighting spirit, able to endure the hardships that this life brings. In appreciation of a captivating book, and hope you write more and maybe that there are some other Seals out there that can follow in your tradition! Hoo Yaaaah!!!

SEALS ARE CREATED FROM TRUTH

Too many times we have heard the stories of impossible jobs done by incredible men. John Carl Roat's "Class-29" is not the newest story or version of such. Roat's book is the unabashed and almost unbelieveably unbiased truth about the creation of a U.S. Navy SEAL. Roat's ability to write honesty and forthrightly about himself and those members of Class-29, keeps you on the edge of incrediblity as to just how much stamina and drive one can find to keep themselves going. Most know and understand a Navy SEAL is, at minimum, most celebrated for his ability to face any and all odds and serious adversity and still successfuly complete a nasty, impossible assignment; survive, and be immediately prepared to begin and complete yet another dirty outrageous assignment.We have all heard and read of the many stories of SEAL valor, courage and various abilities under fire and against any and all odds. But, until now, we did not have the opportunity to understand just how one becomes eligible to be a SEAL, or what testing is necessary to assure a SEAL candidate will be able to give all, take the unpredictable and indeterminate punishment, and still complete almost any and all assignments. John Carl's book clearly demonstrates basic truth a SEAL must face to become fortunate enough to earn the right to wear the "Trident."Roat writes in a passioned and understanding way, remarkably remembering clearly, despite his tender age during that time, the obstacles and comraderie experienced by himself and his Class 29 mates. He is able to make the training, testing and truth finding experience come alive, facilitating the reader's ability to understand how a mere man can become a U.S. Navy SEAL and the most highly trained and dangerous warrior in the arsenal of any armed force.Roat lets the reader see that the SEAL starts with an individual's basic interior framework, and continues to test his strength with the harsh truths from which the SEAL is trained.John Carl Roat writes from the heart and in truth. I personally vouch for his characterizations of himself and his teammates as although I did not have the honor to serve with John, I had the opportunity and honor to serve with other members of Class-29. I was fortunate and lucky enough to become a member and graduate of Class 40, and serve with Underwater Demolition Team 21.SEALS are still created from TRUTH.

I was there

As a member of class 29, I can only reinforce JR's memories. His outlook and observations are personal, but anyone having been there will agree with his observations. This book is about every class, east and west coast, about the formative period of the most honorable experience a man can have... being accepted as a team member. John has captured the true spirit of training, the humor, the pain, the brotherhood. This book is for everyone, you'll enjoy the ride.

Now I know why

I have always heard, "SEALs are the toughest of the tough" now I know why. Mr Roat thank you for the up close and very personal look at what it takes to be a SEAL.

Great job, very descriptive, excellent writing.

John is an excellent story teller and his description of the pain and cold of UDT Training leaves little to the imagination. His colorful explanations of some of the evolutions of training are blended with personal anecdotes from other trainees. This book is an excellent read. If your interests lie in the history of Naval Special Warfare, The Making of U.S. Navy SEALs should be part of your library.