Service: A Navy SEAL at War

Definition of SOLDIER1a: one engaged in military service and especially in the army b: an enlisted man or woman c: a skilledwarrior2:a militant leader, follower, or worker3a: one of a caste of wingless sterile termites usually differing from workers in larger size and head andlong jaws b: one of a type of worker ants distinguished by exceptionally large head and jaws4 \ˈsô-jər, ˈsôl-\: one who shirks workReviewing the definition of soldier one certainly takes note and is aware of what asoldier is just by the word itself. #4 of the definition probably does define many of thethoughts of a young neophyte who looks around him/her and sees the humdrum of dailylife and wants more than just being an 8 to 5er. Or he/she determines from stories heardor movies seen that being a soldier is what they want (maybe a way of thinking they areshirking work). (For a former humble Navy Pilot, #3 definition always seemed moreappropriate in my mine for our special operations units, especially the larger head,metaphor intended, trust me they understand).A gladiator on the other hand knows and is inherently determined to give Service and betrained in the knowledge of a "fight to the death" struggle by profession. There is nocausal thought given. It is a life passion to Serve and be the absolute best. To be a NavySeal certainly epitomizes this passion. This is not to de-emphasize the other militarygroups but many books exist about their stories. This review is about a local boy, a manof survival and struggle who viewed the world differently and made the grade toultimate fighter and survivor. This is a review of Marcus Luttrell, Navy Seal, hero andjust a "good ol' boy" from Texas.When you read the book "Service" and have read Marcus's previous book "LoneSurvivor" you immediately know you are rooting in with and living vicariously throughthe eyes of everything you think you want to be as a soldier. Yet, there is more and Imean much more to belonging to this elite category of soldiering.As I came off the mountain with Marcus during Operation Redwing in the book LoneSurvivor, and had seen my buddies and fellow brothers, who I would have died for, losetheir battle against overwhelming forces my heart and head went into his world and fromthe comfort of my easy chair fought the same battle of survival. I needed to know moreand wanted a better taste of what created this unique individual, only to find out that"from womb to tomb" (their personal motto) there are two of them, both Navy Seals andtwins. Morgan is the brother who seals this unique bond that motivates and healsphysical and emotional situations and creates an inter-mixed sixth sense. There is noone-up-man-ship from either, other than who was first out of the womb (coming insecond to a Seal is first loser).The book Service will provide a unique perspective to what it is to be a Navy Seal, tofight in the most hostile of environments and to survive. The fellowship expressed withthe other service groups (and don't use the term Special Forces, the why as explained onpage 334) who make the ultimate sacrifice "to save your sorry butt" (my emphasis)because you are one of them is well presented throughout the book. The closeness youhave meeting and knowing fellow Texans who are making the same commitment toService that you are, gives comfort and a connection to home we all seem to seek.Surviving an ordeal such as Operation Redwing was just a start of the break-down we allencounter as we go back into the field only to find out that our bodies, thanks to age andthe rigorous outrage we put it through, are no longer "up to the task" and the let downyou feel failing to fulfill a mission or being part of "the team" as described in the bookService.Yes, I recommend each and every young man or woman who defines themselves as afuture soldier or ultimate warrior to read the book Service and insure that the decisionthey are about to make is in line with their passion and commitment. Be all you can be!,well, good luck.Wayne Keen

I had the privilege of meeting Marcus Luttrell when he launched Loan Survivor and he autographed my book. Can't wait to read this new book.

This is the third in a series of contemporary works written by men who have served as Navy SEALs in the recent wars on terror that remain related in one way or another. I suspect because of both time0line and the very small numbers of qualified me to take up arms in this capacity.Service is an amazing book written by a real American hero, Marcus Luttrell, who was in injured in Afghanistan and rescued in an elaborate mission. Since then he has served in Iraq, retired from the navy, and taken up a number of entrepreneurial aspirations.What can be said about it? I honestly don't know where the Navy finds these men. They seem to have plenty ready to try to live to this standard. But few make it through the training. This book details a little of what it takes to be at the tip of the spear and focuses on what it takes to push that spear point into the soft flesh of nation's our enemies.One of the more enjoyable things about this book remains how humble the author appears to be about his moment in history. I suspect it has a lot to do with the character of the man. Like he said, "those who have done something don't have to brag about it." I also enjoyed knowing that his faith is critical to his foundation as a man.I also enjoyed knowing that the man who saved him in Afghanistan came to visit Lutreell in the United States. The difference in cultures was rather interesting to read about. We have so many freedoms in our country that many of them are simply taken for granted. This man understands that. I suspect Mr. Luttrell also understands it better than most.This is a top shelf book. It's easy to read, extremely well written and edited, and a joy to read. It's not exactly for the faint of heart. It gets into some of the dirty work men like Marcus Luttrell deal with on a working level. Amazingly, he has a twin brother who also served in the same capacity. This book rather dramatically shows, integrity and character of the United States and those who serve her.Reading this book was a rather humbling experience. If you enjoyed it, I would strongly suggest obviously reading Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell, American Sniper by Chris Kyle and My life in the Red Circle by Brandon. Webb.

Fantástica leitura, para quem gosta livros relacionados a guerras e militarismo é um dos melhores que já li. Recomendo a todos.

Enjoyable Read. I have read the other books he has written, so was keen to read this one. Different take on life from a man in the military.

Shows cooperation between different branches of the military, and acknowledges the role of the families. If you have not understood 'brotherhood' this is a must read.

Max respect to Marcus and all Seals, great book that goes behind the scenes and tells the real story if what happened in Iraq

Definitely a good read.