I read The Warrior Elite about 7 months ago and I'm finishing up The Finishing School at the moment (about 30 pages to go). I've considered going into the SEALs for years, but was never sure if the appeal stemmed from personal reasons (ie: challenging myself to be the best, etc), from patriotic ones (naturalized in '01) or for less noble/pure reasons.

Aside from all the praise that I give the book in giving a great "realistic" account, there is one line that really made me appreciate the gravity of the situation. I can't quite remember the page, but Couch refers to what happens when BUD/S students DOR. It's one thing to say you won't quit, but how many people appreciate the cost? He noted that for officers, it's not that big of a consequence, but as an enlisted, one doesn't have nearly as glamorous of a life.

Aside from how exciting and rewarding this lifestlyle can be, Couch brings a reality seldom seen in this line of "information."

On a side note, the Finishing School brings up the reality of what these warriors are training for quite a bit more frequently.

I just got the book The Warrior Elite the other day and I’m already more than half way done with it. I think that it is a great book. I have always heard people talk about books that they just couldn’t put down but always thought that was just bs (and being a student at UVA I have read a ton of books) and none have ever classified. However, this book definitely classifies as a book that you can’t put down.

p.s. my favorite part so far,

“The goddamn building, sir. We’re gonna run right into ‘em.” Gallagher tries to ignore him. “Sir! Hang a right at this intersection or we’ll hit ‘em.”

The classic hallucinations of Hell Week.

Matt

A huge percentage of guys that quit, get perfomanced dropped or medically dropped come back to go for their goal. It would be a great statistic to have. I will look into to getting that, I can't promise that I can get it though.

My advice is go to BUD/S to conquer it. I know that sounds like the obvious but some guys show up just to check it out. It isn't a Disney vacation. It is the closest to the edge that you can get. The challenge that will placed on you are enormous. The rewards are greater. Show up to win.

I am currently reading the book as well and I must agree with Mooseman. I can't put it down. I was living with Kory in 1996 going to college while he was a first phase BUD/S instructor. I got an insiders look into BUD/S so it interesting to read about it.