No Easy Day

[Matt In Oklahoma]

I read No Easy Day the story of the Navy Seal who was in on the killing of OBL. The book gave away no secrets in fact them in the know can tell you Act of Valor movie gave away much more in tactics and equipment than this book ever could have and the upcoming .gov sponsered movie on OBL will give away much more. This book is the truth and is easy to see as such. It doesnt play into the political spin of the briefs given to us by the media and special coverage from the big house.

I have mixed feeling on talking/writing about missions but it's here and is probably one of the most defining moments in our history so maybe it needs to be told. I dunno, still have a tough time with it but like I said its here so I recommend reading it. He also did a great interview on 60minutes. This doesnt mean every mission needs talking about and Soldiers shouldnt tell Mom, Spouse or Kids all because it's not pretty, in fact its ugly and hard to understand so talk to them that understand and leave the others to their thoughts and sheltered life. Thats what real battle buddies are about, getting your mind right and listening to the glory days. Anyway thats my 2 cents, many will differ i'm sure

His giving credit to everyone behind the scenes is refreshing too. Everyone has their part and if any part fails then all will fail from the cook to the operator to the civilian a million miles away looking at pictures to the dog trainer who never knew. This model is no different for your planning stages because all shooters eat, sleep and need.

[Greg B.]

Soldiers shouldnt tell Mom, Spouse or Kids all because it's not pretty, in fact its ugly and hard to understand

Matt, I've been singing this song since I came home from 'nam. Embedded reporters and "photo-journalists" have a crippling effect on troops. War is not a spectator sport. It's ugly and brutal and your Grandma probably wouldn't understand what it takes to survive and prevail.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Soldiers shouldnt tell Mom, Spouse or Kids all because it's not pretty, in fact its ugly and hard to understand

Matt, I've been singing this song since I came home from 'nam. Embedded reporters and "photo-journalists" have a crippling effect on troops. War is not a spectator sport. It's ugly and brutal and your Grandma probably wouldn't understand what it takes to survive and prevail.

yup, I can admit I want to see as much as everyone else but i'm ok with not. There are things not needed to been seen and things people do everyday that we dont need to know about. It is what it is

BTW here is a link to the 60minutes interview for a condensed version which actually made me want to read the book

[barfife]

There are many occupations where "Battle Buddies" are the only family that you can share your inner thoughts with. They are the only ones that can feel your loss, your brotherhood or appreciate your dark sense of humor. The family and the rest of the world can stay in the dark and feel safe and sound. That is the life that warriors accept when you sign on. Just my $.02.

[blackhawk]

YOU ARE SO RIGHT. WHEN YOU RUN INTO SOME BODY THATS BEEN WHERE DONE THAT, YOU CAN MAKE A GESTURE OR A CERTAIN SOUND OR JUST A COUPLE OF WORDS AND THAT PERSON KNOWS WHAT YOU ARE SHARING WITH THEM IT IS ALMOST AUTOMATIC . IHAVE FOUND A COUPLE OF PEOPLE LIKE THAT AT WORK AND PLAY AND IT IS NICE TO SHARE AND IT HELPS WITH THINKING AND SOME TIMES WITH THE HEALING.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

The life and the people are always what becomes important and even in the book it is expressed many times. Its one the reasons i'm in the career i'm in now. I tried the other side and didnt adapt well, they dont get you and i dont get them and their way of thinking. Its about the ones on your right and left plain and simple and thats all I know, besides i aint had a job in 31yrs where i had to dress myself and my clothes are pretty limited in what i like to wear LOL.
Other things that stuck out was the HK416, something I have appluaded for a while now as having it right.
The ability to admit mistakes on his part during missions and training, being ok with being human and a seal, being borrowed by others LOL always a joy in the military and never for the short time they always claim.
Also the sacrifices you make like taking ambian to sleep because your body doesnt know what time zone its in, the fact that in 6hrs you will be on target and the mind is racing, the soreness and pain that will keep one awake, the not knowing when the next true sleep will come. That is something them that aint been dont know and have never even thought about just as pilots take speed to fly nonstop in a B1 from CONUS to suckolastan or wherever the next political fight is while being refueled multiple times never taking a pitstop. Been so screwed up before I didnt know what country i was in once when i woke up after what i thought was a full nights sleep only to find out it had been only 3 hrs. Had the shakes cause my meals got all messed up and didnt know where to find anything to eat. LOL what a trip, dazed n confused