Rating:  Summary: Okay book Review: This was an okay book but the author's hopped up ego really got old after awhile. The parts about Vietnam and the Red Cell operations were interesting. Toward the end of the book the author's ego got him in trouble. His friends tried to tell him to watch out, but is big mouth got in the way. Overall the book would have been better in the author toned down his ego, and quite whinning about what happened to him. After reading a few more of his books I had to quite because his attitude and ego got really old.
Rating:  Summary: an interesting first hand account Review: Cdr. Marcinko's account of his Naval career with "the Teams" certainly qualifies him as a genuine American hero. From Pennsylvania miner, to BUD/S training, to his active service and eventual creation (and command) of SEAL Team 6, Rogue Warrior is a true story that reads like fiction. Marcinko details some of his operational information, which is probably not enough for some, but provides an idea of what a SEAL does. What I found more interesting was his relationship with the Navy in general, and his superiors in particular. For anyone who has served in the military, it is readily apparent that Marcinko ruffled feathers and stepped on toes. While the CDR. (perhaps justifiably) feels his actions were necessary, it is evident that his circumscription of proceedure and detail eventually hurt his career. The bitterness and anger he (rightly) feels is apparent and, it seemed to me, part of the reason behind his book. While interesting, I thought it detracted from the "story", which is why I can only give it 3 stars. Nonetheless, for old and armchair warriors alike, there is much to appreciate from Marcinko's exploits.
Rating:  Summary: EXCELLENT BUT LACKING SOMETHING Review: This is an extremely good book for both the military mind and the novice. Commander Marcinko tells some interesting stories but it is the MAN and his life that make this book so compelling. Without giving up too much operational detail, Cdr. Marcinko manages to entertain the reader with his actions as a SEAL. I understand this book has been optioned by Jerry Bruckheimer for the movies. If the movie is half as explosive as the book, the military action and attitude will leave the audience with severe burns. My ONLY complaint is this: Cdr.Marcinko is undoubtedly one of America's finest warriors. However, when you actually read between the lines, there is not much meat on the bone. Obviously, many of his ops were classified, but even in Vietnam, he discusses mostly routine stuff, things that thousands of soldiers and sailors experienced and accomplished. I have a great deal of respect for the military, the Special Forces, and Commander Marcinko. However, the Rogue's real-life exploits don't SEEM to measure up to the reputation. Compare this with Colonel David Hackworth. The Rogue Warrior's rep is bigger than his facts, while Hack may just be the most underrated, underappreciated, and least understood warrior in our proud history. I'm a huge Hack fan but I also own every "Rogue Warrior" book. I strongly recommend this book. I just wish the Rogue's actual combat stories would live up to his ego.
Rating:  Summary: WOW! Review: For sheer adventure and excitement, this is hard to beat. The autobographical account of one of the original creators of the deadly Seal Team covert operations squads. Richard was a former frogman and UDT member. He was also a wild, drinking, swearing, fighting guy whose outrageous courage and antics led him from a man with little education, to a top official in the US Navy Seals. On the way he broke the rules, rankled officers, and pushed for the best treatment and gear he could get for his men. By neccesity these man lived hard and fought hard. In the end of his career he claims the navy went after him on a personal agenda to drive him out on drummed up criminal charges, jealous officers and so forth. It may be true, and it may also be that the exact skills and tempermant that made him so effective against the enemy were a detriment when dealing with the whitewashed pencil pushers at the pentagon. It is tough tobe a stone cold killer in peacetime and just turn that aggression on and off. To hear another persons opinion on what happened to Marcinko, read "Brave Men Dark Waters" Also sold at Amazon.com. Orr Kelly was in the Seals with Marcinko and as part of his own book tells the story of Marcinko as an out of control egotist, a real rogue warrior.
Rating:  Summary: NAVY SEAL , ENOUGH SAID Review: THE MOST OUTSTANDING BIOGRAPHY I HAVE EVER READ. THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART OR POLITICALLY CORRECT INDIVIDUALS. IF MORE PEOPLE HAD LISTENED TO COMMANDER MARCINKO, SEPT 11 AND ALL THE OTHER TERRORIST ATTACKS ON AMERICA WOULD HAVE BEEN LIMITED. AS AN ACTIVE DUTY SAILOR , I HAVE ALWAYS ADMIRED THE NAVY SEALS AS THE WORLD'S ELITE COMMANDOS WHO ARE SOMETIMES ASKED TO PERFORM THEIR MISSIONS WITH THEIR HANDS TIED BEHIND THIER BACKS AND STILL MANAGE TO COME OUT ON TOP. AS A SAILOR , I CAN RELATE TO THIS BOOK AND THE MAN. THIS SHOULD BE MANDATORY READING FOR ALL TYPES OF LEADERS , ESPECIALLY MILITARY. SURE HE IS FULL OF HIMSELF AND CURSES TO MUCH FORE SOME GEEKS , BUT THE MAN GOT THE JOB DONE AND TOOK CARE OF HIS PEOPLE. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED , EVEN IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH HIS PHILOSOPHY OR EVEN LIKE THE COMMANDER. A NAVY SEAL TOUGH AS STEEL. HOOOYAAH.
Rating:  Summary: Best Book Ever Review: This is by far the best book that I have ever read! Every little boys superhero that exists in real life! Marcinko's round-about ways of getting things done only adds to the flavor. His real-life adventures will keep you in amazement as you read further into the book. Some of his silly acronyms you may even find yourself using from time to time! The ending will keep your mouth on the floor and anticipating all of his other books.
Rating:  Summary: Entertaining, but beware... Review: Richard Marcinko's book "Rogue Warrior" was an inspiration to me when I was younger and wanted to become a Navy SEAL. In fact, I would definitely consider it one of the books that changed my life. It is a VERY entertaining and well-written autobiography, yet it also succeeds as an in-depth look at the Navy SEALs. Part of its entertaining quality comes from the fact that Marcinko divulges so much information in his book. It is true that Marcinko is a "rogue," and this side of the man is admirable on some levels. However, his pride in calling himself a "rogue" has earned him numerous government lawsuits, expulsion from the Special Operations Committee, and alienation from the Navy SEAL community. The fact is that Marcinko sold out. Sure he calls himself a SEAL's SEAL, and a true American warrior, but this is really a bunch of talk. I will not try to take away from Marcinko's heroism in the Vietnam War, nor will I dishonor him as one of our nation's finest warriors, I just feel that it is fair to let readers know of his disloyalty to his country, as well. He sold his story to the highest bidder, despite warnings from his superiors that much of the information in his life's story was (and still is) classified. The information was not his to make money on, but he did anyway. If you talk to any other Navy SEAL, they will all tell you the same thing: Richard Marcinko is a dishonor to the SEALs. The book is fantastic, and saying so may make me a hypocrite, but so be it. However, I wouldn't have bought this book if I had known then what I know now.
Rating:  Summary: Exciting and Real Review: He seems like the real deal. Mr. Marcinko takes you on a wild ride known as his life from his humble upbringing to commanding one of the top counter-terrorist organizations in the world. His no-holds-bar language gives you the feeling that he is talking to you, rather than you having the stories spoon fed to you through an editor. The stories are memorable to say the least and they are all true (for what we know). He seems like he was bred for this life (hopping and popping in some far off jungle) and America is definitely lucky to have him on our side. This is just one more book that shows people the dedication it takes to be the best in a world of over-achievers (special forces in the US military), and he wrote it in a very entertaining manner. Great book!
Rating:  Summary: Greatest book ever Review: This was the best book i ever read. it was exciting and gave me alot of great info on seals
Rating:  Summary: A Compeling Personal History of Navy Seal Review: I read this book three times now. I can't say I've read any other books this many times. It's a personal account of being the commander of one of the most elite special forces unit, with greatest adventures as well as deepest personal sacrifices. I read some segment of this book when I think I am having a bad day, then everything come more in the right perspective.
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