Advertisement
| spec ops mcraven: Spec Ops William H. McRaven, 2009-02-04 Vice Adm. William H. McRaven helped to devise the strategy for how to bring down Osama bin Laden, and commanded the courageous U.S. military unit that carried it out on May 1, 2011, ending one of the greatest manhunts in history. In Spec Ops, a well-organized and deeply researched study, McRaven analyzes eight classic special operations. Six are from WWII: the German commando raid on the Belgian fort Eben Emael (1940); the Italian torpedo attack on the Alexandria harbor (1941); the British commando raid on Nazaire, France (1942); the German glider rescue of Benito Mussolini (1943); the British midget-submarine attack on the Tirpitz (1943); and the U.S. Ranger rescue mission at the Cabanatuan POW camp in the Philippines (1945). The two post-WWII examples are the U.S. Army raid on the Son Tay POW camp in North Vietnam (1970) and the Israeli rescue of the skyjacked hostages in Entebbe, Uganda (1976). McRaven—who commands a U.S. Navy SEAL team—pinpoints six essential principles of “spec ops” success: simplicity, security, repetition, surprise, speed and purpose. For each of the case studies, he provides political and military context, a meticulous reconstruction of the mission itself and an analysis of the operation in relation to his six principles. McRaven deems the Son Tay raid “the best modern example of a successful spec op [which] should be considered textbook material for future missions.” His own book is an instructive textbook that will be closely studied by students of the military arts. Maps, photos. |
| spec ops mcraven: Spec Ops William H. McRaven, 1996-06-01 Vice Adm. William H. McRaven helped to devise the strategy for how to bring down Osama bin Laden, and commanded the courageous U.S. military unit that carried it out on May 1, 2011, ending one of the greatest manhunts in history. In Spec Ops, a well-organized and deeply researched study, McRaven analyzes eight classic special operations. Six are from WWII: the German commando raid on the Belgian fort Eben Emael (1940); the Italian torpedo attack on the Alexandria harbor (1941); the British commando raid on Nazaire, France (1942); the German glider rescue of Benito Mussolini (1943); the British midget-submarine attack on the Tirpitz (1943); and the U.S. Ranger rescue mission at the Cabanatuan POW camp in the Philippines (1945). The two post-WWII examples are the U.S. Army raid on the Son Tay POW camp in North Vietnam (1970) and the Israeli rescue of the skyjacked hostages in Entebbe, Uganda (1976). McRaven—who commands a U.S. Navy SEAL team—pinpoints six essential principles of “spec ops” success: simplicity, security, repetition, surprise, speed and purpose. For each of the case studies, he provides political and military context, a meticulous reconstruction of the mission itself and an analysis of the operation in relation to his six principles. McRaven deems the Son Tay raid “the best modern example of a successful spec op [which] should be considered textbook material for future missions.” His own book is an instructive textbook that will be closely studied by students of the military arts. Maps, photos. |
| spec ops mcraven: Sea Stories Admiral William H. McRaven, 2019-05-21 Following the success of his #1 New York Times bestseller Make Your Bed, which has sold over one million copies, Admiral William H. McRaven is back with amazing stories of bravery and heroism during his career as a Navy SEAL and commander of America's Special Operations Forces. Admiral William H. McRaven is a part of American military history, having been involved in some of the most famous missions in recent memory, including the capture of Saddam Hussein, the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips, and the raid to kill Osama bin Laden. Sea Stories begins in 1963 at a French Officers' Club in France, where Allied officers and their wives gathered to have drinks and tell stories about their adventures during World War II-the place where a young Bill McRaven learned the value of a good story. Sea Stories is an unforgettable look back on one man's incredible life, from childhood days sneaking into high-security military sites to a day job of hunting terrorists and rescuing hostages. Action-packed, humorous, and full of valuable life lessons like those exemplified in McRaven's bestselling Make Your Bed, Sea Stories is a remarkable memoir from one of America's most accomplished leaders. |
| spec ops mcraven: The Hero Code Admiral William H. McRaven, 2021-04-13 AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! From the acclaimed, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Make Your Bed—a short, inspirational book about the qualities of true, everyday heroes. THE HERO CODE is Admiral McRaven's ringing tribute to the real, everyday heroes he's met over the years, from battlefields to hospitals to college campuses, who are doing their part to save the world. When Bill McRaven was a young boy growing up in Texas, he dreamed of being a superhero. He longed to put on a cape and use his superpowers to save the earth from destruction. But as he grew older and traveled the world, he found real heroes everywhere he went -- and none of them had superpowers. None of them wore capes or cowls. But they all possessed qualities that gave them the power to help others, to make a difference, to save the world: courage, both physical and moral; humility; a willingness to sacrifice; and a deep sense of integrity. THE HERO CODE is not a cypher, a puzzle, or a secret message. It is a code of conduct; lessons in virtues that can become the foundations of our character as we build a life worthy of honor and respect. |
| spec ops mcraven: Make Your Bed Admiral William H. McRaven, 2017-04-04 Based on a Navy SEAL's inspiring graduation speech, this #1 New York Times bestseller of powerful life lessons should be read by every leader in America (Wall Street Journal). If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed. On May 17, 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven addressed the graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin on their Commencement day. Taking inspiration from the university's slogan, What starts here changes the world, he shared the ten principles he learned during Navy Seal training that helped him overcome challenges not only in his training and long Naval career, but also throughout his life; and he explained how anyone can use these basic lessons to change themselves-and the world-for the better. Admiral McRaven's original speech went viral with over 10 million views. Building on the core tenets laid out in his speech, McRaven now recounts tales from his own life and from those of people he encountered during his military service who dealt with hardship and made tough decisions with determination, compassion, honor, and courage. Told with great humility and optimism, this timeless book provides simple wisdom, practical advice, and words of encouragement that will inspire readers to achieve more, even in life's darkest moments. Powerful. --USA Today Full of captivating personal anecdotes from inside the national security vault. --Washington Post Superb, smart, and succinct. --Forbes |
| spec ops mcraven: Chosen Soldier Dick Couch, 2008-03-25 An unprecedented view of Green Beret training, drawn from the year Dick Couch spent at Special Forces training facilities with the Army’s most elite soldiers. In combating terror, America can no longer depend on its conventional military superiority and the use of sophisticated technology. More than ever, we need men like those of the Army Special Forces–the legendary Green Berets. Following the experiences of one class of soldiers as they endure this physically and mentally exhausting ordeal, Couch spells out in fascinating detail the demanding selection process and grueling field exercises, the high-level technical training and intensive language courses, and the simulated battle problems that test everything from how well SF candidates gather operational intelligence to their skills at negotiating with volatile, often hostile, local leaders. Chosen Soldier paints a vivid portrait of an elite group, and a process that forges America’s smartest, most versatile, and most valuable fighting force. |
| spec ops mcraven: Apollo's Warriors Michael E. Haas, 1998-05 Presenting a fascinating insider's view of U.S.A.F. special operations, this volume brings to life the critical contributions these forces have made to the exercise of air & space power. Focusing in particular on the period between the Korean War & the Indochina wars of 1950-1979, the accounts of numerous missions are profusely illustrated with photos & maps. Includes a discussion of AF operations in Europe during WWII, as well as profiles of Air Commandos who performed above & beyond the call of duty. Reflects on the need for financial & political support for restoration of the forces. Bibliography. Extensive photos & maps. Charts & tables. |
| spec ops mcraven: Make Your Bed with Skipper the Seal Admiral William H. McRaven, 2021-11-16 A seal becomes a Navy SEAL in this children's adaptation of the #1 New York Times bestselling Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven. As Skipper the seal embarks on Navy SEAL training, he and his hardworking friends learn much more than how to pass a swimming test or how to dive off a ship. To be a great SEAL, you also have to take risks, deal with failure, and persevere through tough times—just as you do in life. (And always remember to make your bed!) In this entertaining children's adaptation of his #1 New York Times bestseller, Admiral William H. McRaven shares life lessons from Navy SEAL training and encourages young readers to become their best selves. For more adventures with Skipper, don’t miss Be a Hero with Skipper the Seal. |
| spec ops mcraven: A Theory of Special Operations Robert G Spulak, 2019-07-06 Building on Rear Admiral William McRaven's seminal work Spec Ops: Case Studies in Special Operations Warfare: Theory and Practice, Dr. Spulak expands McRaven's theory beyond direct action and small raid concepts and builds a theory of SOF looking at SOF as a whole and across the spectrum of operations. He focuses on SOF attributes and how they allow SOF to accomplish missions beyond the capabilities of conventional forces. Through the prism of the principles of war, the author argues SOF's inherent capabilities allow them to overcome the risk and obstacles that would preclude conventional forces from undertaking the mission. |
| spec ops mcraven: United States Special Operations Forces Christopher J. Lamb, David Tucker, 2019-11-19 In this book, two national-security experts put the exploits of America’s special operation forces in historical and strategic context. David Tucker and Christopher J. Lamb offer an incisive overview of America’s turbulent experience with special operations. Starting with in-depth interviews with special operators, the authors illustrate the diversity of modern special operations forces and the strategic value of their unique attributes. Despite longstanding and growing public fascination with special operators, these forces and their contribution to national security are poorly understood. With this book, Tucker and Lamb dispel common misconceptions and offer a penetrating analysis of how these unique and valuable forces can be employed to even better effect in the future. The book builds toward a comprehensive assessment of the strategic utility of special operations forces, which it then considers in light of the demands of future warfare. This second edition of United States Special Operations Forces, revised throughout to account for lessons learned in the twelve years since its first publication, includes two new case studies, one on High Value Target Teams and another on Village Stability Operations, and two new appendixes charting the evolution of special operation missions and the best literature on all aspects of U.S. special operation forces. |
| spec ops mcraven: U. S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) Andrew Feickert, 2010-11 Contents: (1) Background: Command Structures and Components; Special Operations Forces in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, and Joint; NATO Special Operations; (2) Current Organizational and Budgetary Issues: 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review Report SOF-Related Directives; 2010 USSOCOM Posture Statement; (3) Afghanistan-Related Issues; A Change of Command Relationship for U.S. SOF; U.S. SOF Direct Action Against Afghan Insurgents; Training Village Security Forces; (4) Issues for Congress: Are Current Command Relationships and Rules of Engagement Having a Detrimental Impact on Special Operations in Afghanistan?; Are We Making the Best Use of SOF in Afghanistan? |
| spec ops mcraven: Future of U.S. Special Operations Forces Linda Robinson, 2022 |
| spec ops mcraven: Grey Wars N. W. Collins, 2021-06-29 An analysis of U.S. Special Operations, at the center of America’s twenty-first-century wars “Grey Wars is for anyone who wants to understand today’s fights. Collins has done a great service by providing a well-sourced, clear, and insightful look into the missions and activities of U.S. special operators. Highly recommend.”—Mike Thornton, USN Seal (ret.), Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, and coauthor, By Honor Bound “Fascinating and deeply researched, covering the defining moments in modern special operations; Grey Wars is a must-read for anyone interested in the post 9/11 world.”—Admiral William H. McRaven, USN (ret.), Ninth Commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command This original and accessible book is a comprehensive, authoritative analysis of U.S. Special Operations. U.S. Special Operations Command trains and equips units to undertake select military activities, frequently high-risk missions, often for the purposes of counterterrorism and counterinsurgency. Since 9/11, impelled by an attack on U.S. soil, these forces have been a central instrument of America’s military campaign—operating in about one hundred countries on any given day. This fight—neither hot war nor cold peace—was launched and executed as a new type of global war in 2001 and has since splintered into a spectrum of regional conflicts. The result is our nation’s grey wars: hazy and lethal. This contemporary history, incorporating extensive interviews and archival research by security studies expert N. W. Collins, delves deeply into the transformation of these forces since 9/11. |
| spec ops mcraven: Military Strategy, Joint Operations, and Airpower Ryan Burke, Michael Fowler, Kevin McCaskey, 2018-09-03 An ideal textbook for classes on modern airpower and joint operations. |
| spec ops mcraven: Reckless Bob Deans, 2012-04-05 global challenge and change. Instead of devoting the next year to embracing opportunity amid turmoil, though, the lawmakers waged the worst legislative assault in history against the commonsense safeguards we all depend on to protect our environment and health. In a single calendar year, the Republican-led House voted nearly 200 times to weaken, block, or delay needed measures that defend our air, water, wildlife, and lands. This book tells the story of that misguided campaign, how it put our nation at risk, and where we need to go from here, for the sake of Americans everywhere, for the sake of our children's future. |
| spec ops mcraven: Alpha David Philipps, 2022-09-13 An “infuriating, fast-paced” (The Washington Post) account of the Navy SEALs of Alpha platoon, the startling accusations against their chief, Eddie Gallagher, and the courtroom battle that exposed the dark underbelly of America’s special forces—from a Pulitzer Prize–winning reporter WINNER OF THE COLORADO BOOK AWARD • “Nearly impossible to put down.”—Jon Krakauer, New York Times bestselling author of Where Men Win Glory and Into the Wild In this “brilliantly written” (The New York Times Book Review) and startling account, Pulitzer Prize–winning New York Times correspondent David Philipps reveals a powerful moral crucible, one that would define the American military during the years of combat that became known as “the forever war.” When the Navy SEALs of Alpha platoon returned from their 2017 deployment to Iraq, a group of them reported their chief, Eddie Gallagher, for war crimes, alleging that he’d stabbed a prisoner in cold blood and taken lethal sniper shots at unarmed civilians. The story of Alpha’s war, both in Iraq and in the shocking trial that followed the men’s accusations, would complicate the SEALs’ post-9/11 hero narrative, turning brothers-in-arms against one another and bringing into stark relief the choice that elite soldiers face between loyalty to their unit and to their country. One of the great stories written about American special forces, Alpha is by turns a battlefield drama, a courtroom thriller, and a compelling examination of how soldiers define themselves and live with the decisions in the heat of combat. |
| spec ops mcraven: Improving the Understanding of Special Operations Linda Robinson, Austin Long, Kimberly Jackson, Rebeca Orrie, 2018 This report examines U.S. decisions related to the development or use of special operations forces. It should assist in future planning and execution by the Army Special Operations Forces, the U.S. Army, and the joint special operations community. |
| spec ops mcraven: Special Operations in the American Revolution Robert L. Tonsetic, 2013-07-19 This Revolutionary War history analyzes the Continental Army’s extensive use of guerilla tactics—the beginning of modern Special Ops. When the American Revolution began, the colonial troops had little hope of matching His Majesty’s British and German legions. Indeed, Washington’s army suffered defeat after defeat in the first few years. But the Americans had a trump card: a reservoir of tough, self-reliant frontier fighters willing to contest the King’s men with unconventional tactics. While the British could seize the coastlines, the interior belonged to these brave men. In this book, author and former US Army colonel Robert Tonsetic analyzes a number of special operations conducted during the Revolutionary War. While Gen. Washington endeavored to confront the Empire on conventional terms, he relied on small units to keep the enemy off balance. The fledgling Continental Navy and Marines, no match for the British navy in sea battles, focused on disrupting British commercial shipping in the Atlantic and Caribbean. When the British and their Native American allies began to wage war on American settlements west of the Appalachians, Washington relied on militias to conduct raids and long-range strikes. Throughout the war, what we today call SpecOps were an integral part of American strategy, and many of the lessons learned and tactics used at the time are still studied by modern-day Special Operations forces. As this book establishes, the improvisation inherent in the American spirit proved itself well during the Revolution, continuing to stand as an example for our future martial endeavors. |
| spec ops mcraven: Oppose Any Foe Mark Moyar, 2017-04-25 The epic story of America's most elite warriors: the Special Operations Forces. Born as small appendages to the conventional armies of World War II, the Special Operations Forces have grown into a behemoth of 70,000 troops, including Navy SEALs, Army Special Forces, Special Operations Marines, Rangers, and Delta Force. Weaving together their triumphs and tribulations, acclaimed historian Mark Moyar introduces a colorful cast of military men, brimming with exceptional talent, courage and selflessness. In a nation where the military is the most popular institution, America's Special Operations Forces have become the most popular members of the military. Through nighttime raids on enemy compounds and combat advising of resistance movements, special operators have etched their names into the nation's registry of heroes. Yet the public knows little of the journey that they took to reach these heights, a journey that was neither easy nor glamorous. Fighting an uphill battle for most of their seventy-five year history, the Special Operations Forces slipped on many an occasion, and fell far on several. Presidents from Franklin Roosevelt to Barack Obama have enthusiastically championed Special Operations Forces, but their enthusiasm has often surpassed their understanding, resulting in misuse or overuse of the troops. Lacking clearly defined missions, Special Operations Forces have had to reinvent themselves time and again to prove their value in the face of fierce critics-many of them from the conventional military, which from the start opposed the segregation of talent in special units. Highlighting both the heroism of America's most elite soldiers and the controversies surrounding their meteoric growth, Oppose Any Foe presents the first comprehensive history of these special warriors and their daring missions. It is essential reading for anyone interested in America's military history-and the future of warfare. |
| spec ops mcraven: The Competitive Advantage Michael E Krivdo, Robert M Toguchi, 2019-05-23 Volume 8 of the Army University Large Scale Combat Operations series. The Competitive Advantage: Special Operations Forces in Large Scale Combat Operations presents twelve historical case studies of special operations forces from World War I through Operation Iraqi Freedom. This volume sheds light upon the emerging roles, missions, and unique capabilities that have forged a path for Army Special Operations Forces today. These case studies set Large Scale Combat Operations in the center and place ARSOF's role in the forefront. If a reader were to take one piece from this volume, it would be the clear understanding of the close synergy that occurs between the Conventional Force and SOF in Large Scale Combat Operations for major wars in the 20th and early 21st century. That synergy should provide a broad azimuth for military planners and practitioners to follow as the Army, SOF, and the Joint Force combine to preserve the peace, defend the Nation, and defeat any adversary. |
| spec ops mcraven: Spec Ops William H. McRaven, 1998-10-01 |
| spec ops mcraven: The Mission, The Men, and Me Pete Blaber, 2010-09-07 “A book about the complexities of combat that's just as applicable for dealing with the complexities of business and our personal lives.”—Kevin Sharer, chairman and CEO, Amgen As a commander of Delta Force-the most elite counter—terrorist organization in the world—Pete Blaber took part in some of the most dangerous, controversial, and significant military and political events of our time. Now he takes his intimate knowledge of warfare—and the heart, mind, and spirit it takes to win—and moves his focus from the combat zone to civilian life. In this book, you will learn the same lessons he learned, while experiencing what the life of a Delta Force Operator is like—from the extreme physical and psychological training to the darkest of shadow ops all around the world. From each mission, Pete Blaber has taken a life lesson back with him. You will learn these enlightening lessons as you gain insights into never-before-revealed missions executed around the globe. And when the smoke clears, you will emerge wiser, more capable, and better prepared to succeed in life than you ever thought possible. |
| spec ops mcraven: Damn Few Rorke Denver, 2014-04-24 **THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER** With all the SEALs' recent successes, we have been getting a level of attention we are not used to. It's been flattering but something important has been missing from the discussion. People keep describing what we do, but no one has even scratched the surface of how and why. The unique psychology behind it. Operating in the world's most hostile environments, the Navy SEALs are highly skilled warriors, finely tuned and ready for action. Now, for the first time, Lieutenant Commander Rorke Denver offers a compelling and profound insight into the extreme bravery, borderline lunacy, and touching camaraderie of this elite brotherhood. Packed with tales from the gruelling training process and real-life operations, Rorke Denver recounts his evolution from a young SEAL hopeful pushing his way through Hell Week, into a warrior engaging in dangerous stealth missions across the globe, and finally into a lieutenant commander directing the indoctrination programmes and the Hero or Zero missions his graduating SEALs undertake. From hunting Osama bin Laden to hostage rescues in Somalia and momentum-shifting operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, the SEALs hit hard and fast, moving in and out of conflict zones without leaving a trace. Through the course of Denver's story, you'll see what it takes to become one of them and why they are the damn few. |
| spec ops mcraven: Always Faithful, Always Forward Dick Couch, 2015-06-02 Established in 1986, the U.S. Special Operations Command was set up to bring the special operational disciplines of all branches of the military under a single, unified command to act on missions involving unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, foreign internal defense, and direct action... The Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) is the newest component of the military's shift toward a fully integrated Special Operations Command structure. At first, the Marines were strongly against any Marines serving under anyone other than another Marine. Then 9/11 happened. In the years following, Marine forces found themselves growing more agreeable to inter-branch operational command, finally forming the Marine Special Operations Command in 2006. Always Faithful, Always Forward follows the journey of a class of Marine candidates from their recruitment, through assessment and selection, to their qualification as Marines Special Operators. Retired Navy Captain Dick Couch has been given unprecedented access to this new command and to the individual Marines of this exceptional special-operations unit, allowing him to chronicle the history and development of the Marine Special Operations Command and how they find, recruit, and train their special operators. |
| spec ops mcraven: Spaceport Earth Joe Pappalardo, 2019-03-26 “Tackles the ever-changing, twenty-first-century space industry and what privately funded projects like Elon Musk’s SpaceX mean for the future of space travel.” —Foreign Policy Creating a seismic shift in today’s space industry, private sector companies including Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin are building a dizzying array of new spacecraft and rockets, not just for government use, but for any paying customer. At the heart of this space revolution are spaceports, the center and literal launching pads of spaceflight. Spaceports cost hundreds of millions of dollars, face extreme competition, and host operations that do not tolerate failures—which can often be fatal. Aerospace journalist Joe Pappalardo has witnessed space rocket launches around the world, from the jungle of French Guiana to the coastline of California. In his comprehensive work Spaceport Earth, Pappalardo describes the rise of private companies and how they are reshaping the way the world is using space for industry and science. Spaceport Earth is a travelogue through modern space history as it is being made, offering space enthusiasts, futurists, and technology buffs a close perspective of rockets and launch sites, and chronicling the stories of industrial titans, engineers, government officials, billionaires, schemers, and politicians who are redefining what it means for humans to be a spacefaring species. “Private companies and rich people like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos have taken over the exploration of space. Pappalardo explores this new sort of spacefaring at the outer reaches of business and technology.” —The New York Times “For anyone obsessed with how spaceflight grew into what it is today, this book is a must-have.” —Popular Mechanics |
| spec ops mcraven: SEAL Target Geronimo Chuck Pfarrer, 2011-11-08 The New York Times–bestselling, “engrossing account of the military operation that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden” (Kirkus Reviews, starred). On May 2, 2011, at 1:03 a.m. a satellite uplink crackled from Abbottabad, Pakistan, into the situation room of the White House in Washington, D.C.: “Geronimo, Echo, KIA.” These words, spoken by a Navy SEAL, ended Osama bin Laden’s three-decade-long career of terror. SEAL Target Geronimo is the story of Bin Laden’s relentless hunters and how they took down the terrorist mastermind, told by Chuck Pfarrer, a former commander of SEAL Team Six and author of the bestselling Warrior Soul: The Memoir of a Navy SEAL. After talking to members of the SEAL team involved in the raid, Pfarrer shares never-before-revealed of the historic raid and the men who planned and conducted it in an exclusive boots-on-the-ground account of what happened during each minute off the mission—both inside the building and outside. Pfarrer takes readers inside the operations as the SEALs flew over the wall of Bin Laden’s shabby, litter-strewn compound and then penetrated deeper and deeper into the terrorist lair, telling us just what it looked, sounded, and smelled like in that sweltering Pakistani suburb. He takes us out to the courtyard to witness the near-disaster of the malfunctioning helicopter and brings us to the exact spot where the Al Qaeda leader was cowing when the bullet entered his head. SEAL Target Geronimo is an explosive story of unparalleled valor, clockwork military precision, and deadly accuracy carried out by the most elite fighting force in the world—the US Navy’s SEAL Team Six. Denounced by the Pentagon when it was first published, SEAL Target Geronimo is back in a new edition with added information about the raid, a new afterword, and never-before-seen photos. Praise for SEAL Target Geronimo “The book is more than just a high-adventure black-ops thriller. It is a work of historical importance that sets the record straight.” —Neil W. McCabe, Human Events “Pfarrer certainly had access. . . . He clearly had detailed conversations with senior officers in the SEALs’ chain of command . . . and understands the vocabulary and culture very well. . . . SEAL Target Geronimo explodes a number of media myths about the riad to kill Bin Laden.” —Richard Minter, The Daily Beast |
| spec ops mcraven: In the Company of Heroes Michael J. Durant, Steven Hartov, 2004-05-04 Revealing never-before-told stories with the incisive thought and emotion of one who was there. The author does not pull any punches...his story, is one of great bravery, of going to hell and making it back. —Indianapolis Star His battered face appeared on the cover of Time, Newsweek, and U.S. News & World Report to the shock and horror of all Americans. Black Hawk pilot Mike Durant was shot down and taken prisoner during America's biggest firefight since the Vietnam War. Published in the tenth anniversary year of the Somali conflict, this gripping personal account at last tells the world about Durant's harrowing captivity and the heroic deeds of his doomed comrades. And, as readers will discover, Durant proves himself to be nothing less than a hero. |
| spec ops mcraven: Six Minutes To Freedom Kurt Muse, John Gilstrap, 2012-03-01 Dear President Bush, My name is Kimberly Anne Muse. I am writing this letter not for me but for my father, Kurt Frederick Muse. As you should know by now, he is a political prisoner in Panama. . .. Born in the United States and raised in Panama, Kurt Muse grew up with a deep love for his adopted country. But the crushing regime of General Manuel Noriega in the late 1980s threatened his, and a nation's, freedom. A nightmare of murder and unexplained disappearances compelled Kurt and a few trusted friends to begin a clandestine radio campaign, urging the people of Panama to rise up for their basic human rights. Six Minutes to Freedom is the remarkable tale of Kurt Muse's arrest and harrowing months of imprisonment; his eyewitness accounts of torture; and the plight of his family as they fled for their lives. It is also the heart-pounding account of the only American civilian ever rescued by the elite Delta Force. Timelier than ever, this is a thrilling and highly personal narrative about one man's courage and dedication to his beliefs. A cliffhanger drama of survival against all odds. --Jeffery Deaver A dramatic portrayal of idealism, courage, integrity, and fortitude. --John Douglas and Mark Olshaker A must-read for anyone interested in how Delta Force operates. --John Weisman Harrowing, entertaining, inspiring, and very, very readable. --Col. Lee A. Van Arsdale, U.S. Army Special Forces (Ret) A thrilling chronicle that puts a human face on unspeakable actions. --Continental magazine A Featured Alternate of the Military Book Club |
| spec ops mcraven: Bury Us Upside Down Rick Newman, Don Shepperd, 2007-12-18 They had the most dangerous job n the Air Force. Now Bury Us Upside Down reveals the never-before-told story of the Vietnam War’s top-secret jet-fighter outfit–an all-volunteer unit composed of truly extraordinary men who flew missions from which heroes are made. In today’s wars, computers, targeting pods, lasers, and precision-guided bombs help FAC (forward air controller) pilots identify and destroy targets from safe distances. But in the search for enemy traffic on the elusive Ho Chi Minh Trail, always risking enemy fire, capture, and death, pilots had to drop low enough to glimpse the telltale signs of movement such as suspicious dust on treetops or disappearing tire marks on a dirt road (indicating a hidden truck park). Written by an accomplished journalist and veteran, Bury Us Upside Down is the stunning story of these brave Americans, the men who flew in the covert Operation Commando Sabre–or “Misty”–the most innovative air operation of the war. In missions that lasted for hours, the pilots of Misty flew zigzag patterns searching for enemy troops, vehicles, and weapons, without benefit of night-vision goggles, infrared devices, or other now common sensors. What they gained in exhilarating autonomy also cost them: of 157 pilots, 34 were shot down, 3 captured, and 7 killed. Here is a firsthand account of courage and technical mastery under fire. Here, too, is a tale of forbearance and loss, including the experience of the family of a missing Misty flier–Howard K. Williams–as they learn, after twenty-three years, that his remains have been found. Now that bombs are smart and remote sensors are even smarter, the missions that the Mistys flew would now be considered no less than suicidal. Bury Us Upside Down reminds us that for some, such dangers simply came with the territory. |
| spec ops mcraven: Toward Operational Art in Special Warfare Dan Madden, Dick Hoffmann, Michael Johnson, Fred T. Krawchuk, Bruce R. Nardulli, John E. Peters, Linda Robinson, Abby Doll, 2016 Hybrid irregular and conventional military operations are playing an increasingly prominent role in international conflict. To counter this trend, the United States should adopt a new form of operational art for special warfare. |
| spec ops mcraven: The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783 Alfred Thayer Mahan, 1905 Bonded Leather binding |
| spec ops mcraven: The Resilience Shield DAN & PRONK PRONK (BEN & CURTIS, TIM.), 2021 Life is hard. Rocketing rates of physical and mental health issues are testimony to the immense pressures of our complex world. So how do we become tough and adaptable to face life's challenges? The Resilience Shield provides that defence. In their groundbreaking guide to overcoming adversity, Australian SAS veterans Dr Dan Pronk, Ben Pronk DSC and Tim Curtis take you behind the scenes of special operations missions, into the boardrooms of leading companies and through the depths of contemporary research in order to demystify and define resilience. Through lessons learned in and out of uniform, they've come to understand the critical components of resilience and how it can be developed in anyone, including you. The Resilience Shield explores the hard-won resilience secrets of elite soldiers and the latest thinking on mental and physical wellbeing. This book will equip you with an arsenal of practical tools for you to start making immediate improvements in your life that are attainable and sustainable--Publisher's description. |
| spec ops mcraven: Shadow Warriors Tom Clancy, 2014-11-09 |
| spec ops mcraven: Navy SEAL Sniper Glen Doherty, Brandon Webb, 2013-03-06 In this complete practical guide for any modern sniper, former Navy SEAL and military sniper Webb reveals the tips and basic training necessary to become an efficient marksman. Includes details on advanced sniper training for maritime, helicopter, and urban sniper operations. |
| spec ops mcraven: Sea Stories Admiral William H. McRaven, 2019-05-21 Following the success of his #1 New York Times bestseller Make Your Bed, which has sold over one million copies, Admiral William H. McRaven is back with amazing stories of bravery and heroism during his career as a Navy SEAL and commander of America's Special Operations Forces. Admiral William H. McRaven is a part of American military history, having been involved in some of the most famous missions in recent memory, including the capture of Saddam Hussein, the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips, and the raid to kill Osama bin Laden. Sea Stories begins in 1963 at a French Officers' Club in France, where Allied officers and their wives gathered to have drinks and tell stories about their adventures during World War II-the place where a young Bill McRaven learned the value of a good story. Sea Stories is an unforgettable look back on one man's incredible life, from childhood days sneaking into high-security military sites to a day job of hunting terrorists and rescuing hostages. Action-packed, humorous, and full of valuable life lessons like those exemplified in McRaven's bestselling Make Your Bed, Sea Stories is a remarkable memoir from one of America's most accomplished leaders. |
| spec ops mcraven: Special Operations Forces Emily Spencer, 2011 In order to expand the dialogue of Canadian Special Operations Forces and their unique range of capabilities with their partners within the defence community, the media and the Canadian public, a symposium was held at the Royal Military College of Canada in 2010. This volume represents an amalgam of the presentations and ideas that were put forward by scholars and military practitioners in order to both educate, as well as create, discourse on the subject of SOF. Beginning with the Canadian SOF legacy and how it has evolved to meet the nation's needs, it moves on to look at crucial components of force develpment and ways in which SOF help to shape the area of operations. It explores important issues such as the role of SOF as an economy of effort/economy of force option in the contemporary operating environment as well as the budding media-SOF relationship. |
| spec ops mcraven: The Ethics of Special Ops Deane-Peter Baker, Roger Herbert, David Whetham, 2023-11-30 Addresses one largely overlooked trend in the field of military ethics, the emergence of special operations as an instrument of statecraft. |
| spec ops mcraven: The Strategic Leadership of Admiral Chester W. Nimitz James A. Knortz, Army War College (U.S.), 2012 This paper examines the strategic leadership of Admiral Chester W. Nimitz in World War II using the framework of the Navy Leadership Competency Model and chapter twelve of the U.S. Army's Field Manual (FM) 6-22, Army Leadership. The Navy Leadership Competency Model offers five core competencies that apply to every level and position of leadership including accomplishing mission, leading people, leading change, working with people and resource stewardship. FM 6-22 mirrors the NLCM and adds in the important quality of dealing with adverse conditions, uncertainty and ambiguity. Admiral Nimitz was able to excel at all of these strategic leadership qualities to accomplish the incredible feat of leading the U.S. Navy from the devastation of Pearl Harbor to total victory over Japan in the Pacific. |
| spec ops mcraven: Special Ops Jim Frederick, 2013-05-31 |
Spec's Wines, Spirits & Foods | Liquor Store & Alcohol Delivery
Get Lower Prices on Texas’ Largest Selection of Wine, Spirits, & Finer Foods. Experience the #1 Liquor Store & Alcohol Delivery in Texas!
SPEC Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
The meaning of SPEC is specification —usually used in plural; also : a single quantity (such as a dimension or a measure of performance) describing a product especially as part of a …
SPEC - Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation
The Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC) a non-profit corporation, establishes and maintains standardized, vendor-agnostic benchmarks and tools to evaluate performance …
SPEC definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary
The spec for something, especially a machine or vehicle, is its design and the features included in it.
Spec - Wikipedia
Spec may refer to: Specification (technical standard), an explicit set of requirements to be satisfied by a material, product, or service datasheet, or "spec sheet"
SPEC | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
SPEC definition: 1. informal for specification (= a detailed description of how something should be or has been…. Learn more.
SPEC Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
spec'd or specked or specced, spec'ing or specking or speccing. The custom turbocharger was spec'd by our mechanic. special. specially. specifically. specification.
About - SPEC Graphics and Workstation Group: providing …
The Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC ®) is a non-profit corporation formed to establish, maintain and endorse standardized benchmarks and tools to evaluate performance …
What Is SPEC
SPEC is a non-profit organization that establishes, maintains and endorses standardized benchmarks and tools to evaluate performance and energy efficiency for the newest generation …
Spec Definition & Meaning - YourDictionary
To write or supply specifications for. Of or relating to specifications. A manufacturer's spec sheet. Done, constructed, produced, or purchased as a speculation. A spec job; a spec house. Hard …
Spec's Wines, Spirits & Foods | Liquor Store & Alcohol Delivery
Get Lower Prices on Texas’ Largest Selection of Wine, Spirits, & Finer Foods. Experience the #1 Liquor Store & Alcohol Delivery in Texas!
SPEC Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
The meaning of SPEC is specification —usually used in plural; also : a single quantity (such as a dimension or a measure of performance) describing a product especially as part of a …
SPEC - Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation
The Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC) a non-profit corporation, establishes and maintains standardized, vendor-agnostic benchmarks and tools to evaluate performance …
SPEC definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary
The spec for something, especially a machine or vehicle, is its design and the features included in it.
Spec - Wikipedia
Spec may refer to: Specification (technical standard), an explicit set of requirements to be satisfied by a material, product, or service datasheet, or "spec sheet"
SPEC | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
SPEC definition: 1. informal for specification (= a detailed description of how something should be or has been…. Learn more.
SPEC Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
spec'd or specked or specced, spec'ing or specking or speccing. The custom turbocharger was spec'd by our mechanic. special. specially. specifically. specification.
About - SPEC Graphics and Workstation Group: providing …
The Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC ®) is a non-profit corporation formed to establish, maintain and endorse standardized benchmarks and tools to evaluate performance …
What Is SPEC
SPEC is a non-profit organization that establishes, maintains and endorses standardized benchmarks and tools to evaluate performance and energy efficiency for the newest generation …
Spec Definition & Meaning - YourDictionary
To write or supply specifications for. Of or relating to specifications. A manufacturer's spec sheet. Done, constructed, produced, or purchased as a speculation. A spec job; a spec house. Hard …
