SEALs: The US Navy's Elite Fighting Force

by Mir Bahmanyar and Chris Osman

Book Overview

Since the US Navy SEALs came into existence in 1983, they have become famous for their daring missions, advanced and unconventional tactics, hard training and hard-fought successes. SEALs have taken... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1846032261
• ISBN13: 9781846032264
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (UK)
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 2.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 7.6" x 9.8"

Customer Reviews

Comprehensive

This book is a very good compilation of SEAL mission Profiles. Plenty of new and updated information and pictures; not just the same old contemporary photographs seen in every other Special Operations book.

Great Update

Not the same old history lesson and file photos we're used to seeing, this book is a fresh report on the activities, accomplishments, and equipment of Naval Special Warfare in recent times. Using the words of the authors, along with the first-person accounts and photos of other veteran SEAL Operators, these writings bring us up to date on an elite fighting force brought into the public's consciousness just in the last two decades. The authors were very careful to preserve the honor of the mission and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in its pursuit. This is a must-have for any SpecOps, military history, and GWOT buff. It's an especially powerful read for any aspiring Navy SEAL. God bless ALL of those who sacrifice to preserve our freedoms.

Few realize fighting currently taking place in Iraq and Afghanistan has been led by Navy Seals in po

Modern warfare has created a more sophisticated and dedicated elite fighter, who has unbelievable skills, utilized every day in combat. World War II had Underwater Demolition Technicians (UDT) and these brave men were replaced by inclusion of new duties performed as U S Navy SEALS, (SEa, Air and Land) which refers to methods of insertion and ability to perform missions in these environments. Training of high caliber crusaders is extremely complex and rigorous. Those who go through the initial training phase called BUD/S find that the attrition rate is 75 to 80%. This is a 6 month training cycle followed by 6 months probation before receiving the Navy Special Operations designation, the Budweiser (Trident). This is only the start as they go on to further cycles such as Jump School, HALO training, Ranger Training, Army Special Forces training, and SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape). The class of 1989 donated a class gift as a motto for UDT/Seal Training "The only easy day was yesterday". Interviews with Seals point out that before 9/11, these men were in a readiness limited- combat-status. Since 9/11 they have served gallantly and with distinction. Many medals have been awarded such as the Congressional Medal of Honor and heroics of the recipients are discussed with reverence in explicit detail. Comments are intended to persuade young people to consider this elite fighting force as a career. However, becoming a SEAL has drawbacks, dangers, and rewards. In fact, Seal's recommend this book to those who want the military for their life's ambition. An informed decision is necessary before attempting to become a member of the over 15,000 who make up the history of this unique team. Few realize fighting currently taking place in Iraq and Afghanistan has been led by Navy Seals in positions of high risk where they are called upon first to be snipers securing areas which then can be occupied by Marine and Army personnel! This is a high-risk profession for men only. There are no women in the SEALs as it is too dangerous for them. A surprising concluding statement ends with "Almost all the Navy SEALs believe that the United States cannot win the war on terrorism. Not one offered a solution." Further, "There is no magic ball to foretell the future. Americans can take pride in their armed forces who have always served their country faithfully. Our soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen are not only warriors but are also our ambassadors and we ought to remember that no military can win any war without clear-cut political objectives." Clark Isaacs Reviewer

A fascinating, comprehensive history

The authors interviewed dozens of active-duty and retired SEALs and seemingly had access to the digital cameras they carried with them in combat. This is a visually stunning, riveting operational history of the U.S. Navy SEALs. It's the best book on the topic I've yet seen.

Good to go!

Absolutely a great book. Awesome photos of weapons and equipment. Detailed accounts of SEAL actions in the GWOT. And above all, a just tribute to some of America's finest warriors. My highest recommendation. -Scott