Military Books

triskell · 22-07-2008 1:51pm #1

I just finished reading Sniper One, by sgt Dan Mills a british solider in Iraq, great read, very much told from a solider's point of view who wanted to be in combat, totally recommended it for the holidays.

bitemybanger · 22-07-2008 3:53pm

just started it, only 4 chapters in and cant put it down already

uptherebels · 22-07-2008 4:33pm

ya I read it aswell,Interesting book.

Pure Cork · 22-07-2008 11:12pm

Is there much "action" in the book? I'm interested in how it compares to "The Green Marine" (not much action, but gripping nonetheless). Use spoilers...

triskell · 22-07-2008 11:31pm

plenty of action and no whining

Pure Cork · 22-07-2008 11:41pm

Army or marines?

Thanks, I think I'll buy it.

tribulus · 23-07-2008 1:11am

British Army.

helimachoptor · 23-07-2008 10:14am

Read it last year. Petty good book and plenty of action.

Tenger · 24-07-2008 3:27pm

A great read. Definitely better than Green Marine. Its better written and the company of the British army based in an Iraqi city under pretty much constant harrassment. He gives the statistics for mortar attacks,think it works out at average of one mortar round every 11 mins throught the deploment. Would love a bit more info on the operations that took place around the city at this time. The company were more or less detached from their parent battlegroup.

The guy seems professional rather than gung ho.Am trying to read "Lone Survivor" at the moment,its about a US SEAL who was the only survivor of an operation,its a bit hands over the heart,apple pie patriotic. I'm finding it hard going but will try to finish it.

As a comparison I just finished Achtung Panzer by Heinz Guderian which I started to take a break from Lone Survivor.

twinytwo · 24-07-2008 9:41pm

Bramble wrote: »

A great read. Definitely better than Green Marine. Its better written and the company of the British army based in an Iraqi city under pretty much constant harrassment. He gives the statistics for mortar attacks,think it works out at average of one mortar round every 11 mins throught the deploment. Would love a bit more info on the operations that took place around the city at this time. The company were more or less detached from their parent battlegroup.

The guy seems professional rather than gung ho.Am trying to read "Lone Survivor" at the moment,its about a US SEAL who was the only survivor of an operation,its a bit hands over the heart,apple pie patriotic. I'm finding it hard going but will try to finish it.

As a comparison I just finished Achtung Panzer by Heinz Guderian which I started to take a break from Lone Survivor.

sniper one is a top read.. tells the story with none of the usually typical gung ho... omg dont even start about lone survivor i read the first couple of chapters and then stopped. I have never come accross a book where the author has blown his own whistle so much. He considers himself and the other seals gods or something along those lines.. dont bother reading

Tenger · 25-07-2008 1:44am

twinytwo wrote: »

omg dont even start about lone survivor i read the first couple of chapters and then stopped. I have come accross a book where the author has blown his own whistle so much. He considers himself and the other seals gods or something along those lines.. dont bother reading

Think it may be going into the recycling bag soon then!

helimachoptor · 25-07-2008 9:54am

Bramble wrote: »

A great read. Definitely better than Green Marine. Its better written and the company of the British army based in an Iraqi city under pretty much constant harrassment. He gives the statistics for mortar attacks,think it works out at average of one mortar round every 11 mins throught the deploment. Would love a bit more info on the operations that took place around the city at this time. The company were more or less detached from their parent battlegroup.

The guy seems professional rather than gung ho.Am trying to read "Lone Survivor" at the moment,its about a US SEAL who was the only survivor of an operation,its a bit hands over the heart,apple pie patriotic. I'm finding it hard going but will try to finish it.

As a comparison I just finished Achtung Panzer by Heinz Guderian which I started to take a break from Lone Survivor.

Just take it as an action movies and you'll be fine

twinytwo · 25-07-2008 1:16pm

Bramble wrote: »

Think it may be going into the recycling bag soon then!

u no it

punchdrunk · 25-07-2008 8:04pm

i loved sniper one about cimic house,great story
he's not afraid to call the officers out on mistakes made (i.e leaving your heavy mortars back in the UK as they may cause tension with the locals :rolleyes:)

not much sniping in it until the very end though

lone survivor was tough going,as stated every page he's on about axe and the lads being the fittest/toughest/funniest/best shots etc
and then they go and make stupid errors that would make an RDF squad blush

for example why was the only option kill or release for the prisioners?
surely they could have bound/gagged them and tied them to the tree trunk near by,just long enough to make a couple of km's dash into radio reception for a rapid evac via chopper under the cover of the spectre gunship that was hanging around?

i suppose he had to gush about the others,as it's more of an epitaph/fairwell for the sake of their families than anything i'd say

concussion · 25-07-2008 9:59pm

Bramble wrote: »

Would love a bit more info on the operations that took place around the city at this time. The company were more or less detached from their parent battlegroup

Get 'Dusty Warriors' by Richard Holmes. Details the operations conducted by the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment who were based just outside the city. Written at battalion rather than platoon level so you'll get a lot more info about what was happening over there. One of the best books I've read for quite some time.

Tenger · 26-07-2008 7:01am

Cheers for that. Am in london on thursday so will have a look for that book. Looking at his biog,I have definitely watchd a couple of his programmes.

Dusty Warriors: Modern Soldiers at War, (2006) ISBN 9780007212842

riflehunter77 · 28-07-2008 1:46pm

Great book, a joy to read

BostonB · 30-07-2008 1:56am

Another thumbs up for Sniper one here.

Screaming Monkey · 04-08-2008 6:04pm

another +1 for Sniper one

a friend lent me "lone surviror", the first and last chapters of it were terrible muck...flag-waving, god fearing, massive ego stuff, its worth a read
for the middle parts, dunno about buying it though..
Thought "Warrior Soul by Chuck Pfarrer" was better.

reading this at the moment, http://www.amazon.com/Boyd-Fighter-Pilot-Who-Changed/dp/031679688 , boyd an absolute legend.

Poccington · 04-08-2008 8:52pm

Having read Lone Survivor, I personally don't feel it was in any way "flag waving, god fearing massive ego stuff" at all. All it showed(In my opinion) was that Marcus Luttrell has a love for his country and firmly believes in God.

Very good book though, the firefight as they're coming back down the mountain is unbelievable.

+1 for Sniper One too.

bitemybanger · 04-08-2008 9:17pm

Finished it last week, very good read.
Just started Hidden Soldier, about an Irishman who joins the FFL. good so far

twinytwo · 05-08-2008 10:33am

Poccington wrote: »

Having read Lone Survivor, I personally don't feel it was in any way "flag waving, god fearing massive ego stuff" at all. All it showed(In my opinion) was that Marcus Luttrell has a love for his country and firmly believes in God.

Very good book though, the firefight as they're coming back down the mountain is unbelievable.

+1 for Sniper One too.

prob added a little on for the book

backonceagain · 06-08-2008 1:29pm

Books are very much a part of being a military buff or even a soldier, there should be a sticky thread for books and book discussions

christophicus · 17-08-2008 1:52pm

backonceagain wrote: »

Books are very much a part of being a military buff or even a soldier, there should be a sticky thread for books and book discussions

I think a sticky thread for books would be a great idea.

bitemybanger · 17-08-2008 2:03pm

christophicus wrote: »

I think a sticky thread for books would be a great idea.

Yeah +1 here.

Poccington · 17-08-2008 3:33pm

punchdrunk wrote: »

lone survivor was tough going,as stated every page he's on about axe and the lads being the fittest/toughest/funniest/best shots etc
and then they go and make stupid errors that would make an RDF squad blush
for example why was the only option kill or release for the prisioners?
surely they could have bound/gagged them and tied them to the tree trunk near by,just long enough to make a couple of km's dash into radio reception for a rapid evac via chopper under the cover of the spectre gunship that was hanging around?
i suppose he had to gush about the others,as it's more of an epitaph/fairwell for the sake of their families than anything i'd say

Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

A couple of km's dash? You do realise they were moving with quite a bit of gear,on rather unforgiving ground and they still had a mission to complete. Plus, if you read the book you'd notice what happened when the chopper sent in to try pull out any survivors tried to enter the region.

Also, to compare the actions of US Navy SEALS, in an extremely hostile environment, very much on their own and making an on the spot decision to something members of the RDF would do is ridiculously disrepectful to the SEALS that died on the mission.

Tenger · 06-09-2008 7:06pm

concussion wrote: »

Get 'Dusty Warriors' by Richard Holmes. Details the operations conducted by the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment who were based just outside the city. Written at battalion rather than platoon level so you'll get a lot more info about what was happening over there. One of the best books I've read for quite some time.

Sorry for the ressurrection:

Am about 2/3 thru this book and its great. Well presented with facts and anecdotes. Not censored for yuonger readers. Great companion to SNiper One.

Will definitel buy a couple more of his books.

Hagar · 06-09-2008 7:13pm

I've changed the thread title and stickied the thread.

Let' see how it goes.

It wasn't me! · 07-09-2008 9:12pm

Dusty Warriors is excellent. It's well written, funny and enormously informative. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

iceage · 19-10-2008 9:28pm

+1 for Sniper one, +1 Padraig O' keffe's Hidden Soldier. A good mate of mine has lent me The Circuit, Bob Shepherd, still in it at the moment.

Tenger · 19-10-2008 11:56pm

Just finished 2 books in last week. I read about 2-3 at a time,one beside bed,one in briefcase,another in sitting room.

Genearation Kill: book of the mini series. Very enjoyable,obviously an isolated viewpoint,as the reporter stays with the recon marine platoon.

Making a Killing by James Ashcroft: Story of an ex-British captain who went to Iraq in Autumn 2003 as a private security contractor. Very easy to read,similar to Sniper One. matter of fact tale.

iceage · 04-11-2008 10:48pm

Just finished The Circuit by Bob Shephard, a really interesting insight into the world of PMCs from various conflict zones around the world. This is a no sh*t or shine version of what goes on, from the top tier companys that have developed a huge industry and made millions, to pulling no punches with corner cutting CSCs that put their people in harms way. He also dedicated the book to Vince Phillips, a nice gesture that.

Recently picked up a deal at Easons 7 troop and Apache (Ed Macy) 20.00 yoyo new found respect for these Apache pilots, the stuff they can do with their eyes!!!

back laters with a mini review.

roashter · 17-11-2008 9:23pm

Read this a while back and still the best book I've ever read.
Sajer was a 16 year old French lad when he joined the wehrmacht, and spent over 2 years fighting in Russia.
An absolute must read.

mikemac · 17-11-2008 9:28pm

The Battle by Allesandro Barbero
Great book on the battle of Waterloo

And I know it's fiction but I enjoyed the Sharpe series by Bernard Cornwell. You might have seen some of these on TV with Sean Bean.

Hagar · 17-11-2008 9:49pm

Stricken by insomnia last night I read a book by Chris Ryan thinking I would nod off in five minutes. Instead I found myself swept along from page to page. The enthralling plot, the character development, the technical accuracy, I just couldn't put it down. I would heartily recommend "Black Gold" to anyone... who hasn't outgrown the Famous Five.

triskell · 21-11-2008 6:51pm

Terrill gives a great insight into a marines recruit's basic training and insight's into the marines in general, good book enjoyed it,it has the feel of being written by a civvie

triskell · 21-11-2008 7:06pm

This guy really dose number on Blackwater, from their creation right up to iraq, some of it is hard to wade through, politics and connections up to Bush and his cronies, I was suprised to see Irish rangers being one of there preferred recruiting groups (catholic) Its along read but worthwhile

twinytwo · 21-11-2008 9:30pm

Have read both First into action by Duncan Falconer and Inside Delta Force by Eric L. Haney

Both are good... First into action is good... the bit at the back is a bit misleading. Thought is was good though.

Inside Delta Force was ok... i think he sort of plays himself up a bit in the book also describes himself as one of the founding members of the unit which he is not... other than that its not bad

Tenger · 22-11-2008 10:55am

triskell wrote: »

This guy really dose number on Blackwater, ................. Its along read but worthwhile

Very definitely agree here. Great book to bring up in chats about PMCs in Iraq and elswhere!
Have also seen Blackwater mentioned in 2 other books as dodgy operators. Can't remember properly but do Blackwater have any operatives in Georgis...I think it was mentioned that they were there........watching the media over the Russo-Georgian conflict it mentioned 'US advisors' and I thought of those Blackwater guys.

Spotted on Future Weapons last week that the BlackWater Training facility is used by the programme on several occasions.

CatFromHue · 22-11-2008 11:38pm

has anyone ever read "the quiet soldier" by adam ballinger?

i picked it up in a local second hand bookshop about a year ago, i think it was written early 90's. Its about a guy with no military background going through selection for 21 SAS, the reserve squadron of the british SAS.

Its just about the selection, nothing about afterwards. I found it very interesting and un-putdownable. i think i read it in a couple of days, then just started it again!

BostonB · 23-11-2008 12:42am

Sounds interesting.

deiseff · 12-12-2008 3:15pm

A must read is Tom Barry Gurellia Days in Ireland. This is like my bible. If ever feeling pissed off just read a few chapters of this!

LD 50 · 03-02-2009 7:25pm

Making a Killing was one of the first non-fiction military novels I read. Its a Very good book, plain and simple down to earth.
Commando is very good too. Never saw the TV series that went with it. Its hard to believe he got his Green Beret at that age.
Sniper One was great too.
A quick mention for Jarhead. Its one of my favourite books.
Anyone read Bravo Two Zero?

Tenger · 03-02-2009 8:27pm

LD 50 wrote: »

Making a Killing was one of the first non-fiction military novels I read. Its a Very good book, plain and simple down to earth.
Commando is very good too. Never saw the TV series that went with it. Its hard to believe he got his Green Beret at that age.
Sniper One was great too.
A quick mention for Jarhead. Its one of my favourite books.
Anyone read Bravo Two Zero?

Haven't read Commando. Loved Sniper One,try Dusty Warriors,its more of a historical book but puts Sniper One in context of what was happend around them.

'Mud,Blood and Poppycock' by Gordon Corrigan is a great read. Exposing the myths of WWI.

Bravo Two Zero was good but after reading other books I then realised it was a bit dodgy. Also read "The Real Bravo Two Zero" by Micheal Asher. Its a criticism of the original story by a guy who is ex-military and traces the path of the patrol. Am still not sure what the official British Army version ismdonb't think they ever made any comment.

Andy McNaband Chris Ryan are making a killing out of it thou!

LD 50 · 03-02-2009 8:39pm

I have "The Real Bravo Two Zero" somewhere round here. started reading it and then lost interest. He's ex-SAS. Reading through it was like hearing that Santa isn't real, in that a great military legend is being torn to shreds.

EvilMonkey · 20-02-2009 12:43am

Soldier Five by Mike Coburn is decent account of the Bravo Two Zero mission

BostonB · 20-02-2009 2:24am

Poccington wrote: »

Having read Lone Survivor, I personally don't feel it was in any way "flag waving, god fearing massive ego stuff" at all. All it showed(In my opinion) was that Marcus Luttrell has a love for his country and firmly believes in God.

Very good book though, the firefight as they're coming back down the mountain is unbelievable. ....

Just finished Lone Survivor. Ok, theres a awful lot of the strong faith, all American mantra, hoohray crud, which is hard to take tbh. But I guess you don't get into something like the SEALs unless you are a pretty driven and intense person. So I can accept that. However I think if you put that to one side, accept it for it is, the rest of the book is a decent read. The Seal training part is good and the firefight is also excellent, as is the immediate aftermath.

kinda agree that theres some odd decisions made. They knew it was bad ground tactically and still went ahead. Not tying up the shepherds, and even when they knew the mission was blown, they waited to long to put out a rescue call, before even a shot was fired.

. But its a worthwhile read, if short. Got to respect the training, commitment and the bravery.

Fratton Fred · 16-03-2009 7:03pm

I have just started "Apache Dawn" by Damien Lewis. It is about british army apache pilots in Afghanistan. It is looking good so far. Lewis is an author who was given a lot of access to the army air corp so a lot is second or third hand, but comes over as well researched.

LD 50 · 16-03-2009 8:58pm

Fratton Fred wrote: »

I have just started "Apache Dawn" by Damien Lewis. It is about british army apache pilots in Afghanistan. It is looking good so far. Lewis is an author who was given a lot of access to the army air corp so a lot is second or third hand, but comes over as well researched.

If you liked that, give "Apache" by Ed Macy a read. Very good book. Explains a lot of the Apaches systems, weapons, training for it. And most of it is 1st hand. the bits that he wasn't there for himself, he actually got the people who were there to write and fill in the gaps. Has detailed plans of the Apache, and maps of the A.O, which IMO a lot of these non fiction military books would improve greatly from.

Tenger · 17-03-2009 4:21am

Fratton Fred wrote: »

I have just started "Apache Dawn" by Damien Lewis.

Currently on my shelf. Will wait for your appraisal. If the Ed Macy one is good will get that too. Didn't want to pick up both. In Waterstones in London the day after Ed Macy was signing books. A staffer there told me he was quite small and nondescript but he looked like a spy/SF trooper. Came in and out by staff exit,was very friendly but keep alert to the entire room. Didn't seem to lose concentration for the time he was there.

Currently reading "One Bullet Away:The Making of a Marine Officer" by Nathaniel Fick. He is the Lt. from "Generation Kill". Halfway through it and its an easy read. The guy writes well and doesn't get bogged down in technical data or macho posturing. More like a personal diary than a historical account of his experience. He seems to have a grounded attitude to it all. (Angry but not overly aggressive over 9/11. Proud to be an American but not a chest beating flag wearer. Focused on Iraq but confused by lack of direction from above. Prepared to obey chain of command but will question bad orders)Nice to see a different view on what was reported in "Generation Kill" by Evan Wright.

Another reccomendation of mine would be "Ghost Wars" by Steve Coll. I read it about 2-3 years ago. Spotted a guy reading it the other day. Got chatting,he has it on his International relations Degree course. Now thats a course I would like to do,shame it won't help my career thought!

Fratton Fred · 17-03-2009 2:22pm

Bramble wrote: »

Currently on my shelf. Will wait for your appraisal. If the Ed Macy one is good will get that too. Didn't want to pick up both. In Waterstones in London the day after Ed Macy was signing books. A staffer there told me he was quite small and nondescript but he looked like a spy/SF trooper. Came in and out by staff exit,was very friendly but keep alert to the entire room. Didn't seem to lose concentration for the time he was there.

In Apache dawn the auther relates apache pilots to Special Forces. They try and keep out of the public eye for more or less the same reasons.

He also says that Apache pilots aren't what you would expect. The image is of a tall muscle boune top gun type pilot, but in reality those guys would never fit in the cockpit:D

Military Books

Comments