Good Military Memoirs/Non-fiction Accounts.

[AWP]

Alright folks, Aidan has returned from his ban and professing "Failure to proof read" (my paraphrase) as the reason for his post. Given that I'm prone to missing words when I type, I'm going to let this one pass. Aidan is "unbanned" as it were and I'm reopening this thread. I will leave our previous posts, just in case A) this happens again and B) maybe some lurking wannabe out there will learn from it. One word can make a difference.

As for Aidan, and you'll also see this via PM, you would be well advised to read more, post less, and use the Search feature at the top right corner. Also take the time to manually scroll through the archived posts (those not on Page 1 of that subforum) to see if you can find what you are looking for.

You're on thin ice. Jump up and down, skate, or be all ninja-like....your choice.

 

[Aidan]

Sorry guys messed up. I didn't proof read and have made a total ass of myself as a result. I have the utmost respect for all of you. Thanks for the second chance, I promise you guys won't regret it.

Sincerely,
Aidan

 

[Marauder06]

It happens. The good news is, in a couple of weeks it will be completely forgotten about. Welcome (back) to the site.

 

[Ooh-Rah]

Aidan...I too am an avid reader of military non-fiction; I would encourage you to broaden your horizons a bit and not limit yourself to purely "post nine-eleven" books. Quite honestly it was the books I read in high school, written by Vietnam veterans that convinced me that I needed to serve my country before moving into the business world. A few titles that I still read from time to time:

- Chickenhawk - by Robert Mason
- The Five Fingers - By Gayle Rivers - (written as fiction, (and it likely is, but someday I will have to ask the forum their thoughts on this book)
- Rangers at War: LRRP's in Vietnam, by Shelby L. Stanton

There are many more, but these are a great start. Good luck!

 

[8654Maine]

FF, thanks for re-opening this.

Aidan, don't fuck this up.

Military non-fiction and memoirs are very important glimpses into the military. Some of it is chest thumping but there is still some information to be gleaned from it.

I tend towards the muted and understated.

Some of my favorites happen to be authored by Major Bruce Norton. He was a recon Corpsman in VN who became a Marine Major.

(1) One Tough Marine , about 1stSgt Donald Hamblen. Korean and VN veteran. Wounded on a parachute jump. Leg amputated. Fought to be re-instated back into Force Recon. Became a MACV/SOG advisor, 30 months of unbroken combat, w/ a LEG PROSTHESIS. Amazing life story.

(2) Sergeant Major, US Marines, about SgtMaj Maurice Jacques, 30 years in the Corps, infantry/recon, Korea and VN veteran.

Good reads. No chest thumping or glorification.

 

[digrar]

- Chickenhawk - by Robert Mason

I'd second that book, good read.

 

[SpitfireV]

Chickenhawk was the book that made me want to join the RNZAF as an Iroquois pilot and not the fast jet stuff everyone else wanted to do.

 

[Jettie]

Honour Thy Mother and Thy Father. And clean your room and do some volunteer work, Aidan.

 

[Confederate Son]

American Soldier- General Tommy Franks

Not much on the SOF side of the business but I found it interesting.

 

[AWP]

American Soldier- General Tommy Franks

Not much on the SOF side of the business but I found it interesting.

I read that book. Between it and others I don't have a positive opinion of GEN Franks.

 

[Confederate Son]

I read that book. Between it and others I don't have a positive opinion of GEN Franks.

I fully expected that reaction. Given the skill and charachter of some of the more recent higher up's I don't completely disagree with it either. I will say I had the opportunity to hear him speak in person in 04' and he came off far more humble..

 

[AWP]

I fully expected that reaction. Given the skill and charachter of some of the more recent higher up's I don't completely disagree with it either. I will say I had the opportunity to hear him speak in person in 04' and he came off far more humble..

http://www.shadowspear.com/vb/threads/worst-military-decisions-in-history.4572/

He comes across as humble and a good guy, and he may well be, but those traits don't always result in qualities like leadership, ability, intelligence, and character.

 

[Confederate Son]

http://www.shadowspear.com/vb/threads/worst-military-decisions-in-history.4572/

He comes across as humble and a good guy, and he may well be, but those traits don't always result in qualities like leadership, ability, intelligence, and character.

Thanks for the link. I think Jabs comment that he wrote the book too early was spot on. Again.. I don't disagree at all with you or the other posts that highlight his mistakes. ESPECIALLY where the events of Tora Bora are concerned.

 

[PunchDrunkCasper]

Agreed with 8654 on the important glimpse aspect, a lot of useful information can be derived from these books. Some units will even have you read up on certain books if its your first time in country, such as "Bear went over the mountain".

 

[Yoshi]

http://www.shadowspear.com/vb/threads/worst-military-decisions-in-history.4572/

He comes across as humble and a good guy, and he may well be, but those traits don't always result in qualities like leadership, ability, intelligence, and character.

Is the link above archived somewhere? I am getting a does not exist page.

 

[AWP]

Is the link above archived somewhere? I am getting a does not exist page.

It seems to have disappeared.

 

[LogDog0402]

Masters of Chaos is a good read.

I haven't seen this book listed anywhere on the read list but I stumbled on it while training for deployment way back in 2007. I enjoyed it and it gave really good insight to life as an advisor.

 

[goon175]

"Lest We Forget" is coming out on Dec. 15th, mark your calendars...