Average Reviews:
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Most books on US special operations forces do not try and cover the whole subject, with those that do tending to be either surveys, hagiographies, or picture books. Most writers tend to focus on a part of SOF, either one unit (Robinson's MASTERS OF CHAOS), operation (Robin Moore's HUNTING DOWN SADDAM), team (Simons' THE COMPANY THEY KEEP), or operator (Durant's IN THE COMPANY OF HEROES or the generals who did books with Tom Clancy). This is understandable, as not only are there better stories and compelling characters for writers at this level, but few have the background to tell the whole story.
LEAVE NO MAN BEHIND is a different way to take a slice of the SOF pie. It traces from 1945 the history of US raids to liberate good guys or grab bad guys. This provides a trip through some of the high and low points of US special operations up to the seizure of Saddam Hussein in Iraq. The narrative links the different raids together, showing the changes in SOF over the years, with the rise of SOCOM and the rejection of Clinton-era irrationality in SOF commitment polices getting high marks.
LEAVE NO MAN BEHIND reminds me of another excellent SOF book that uses a series of historical case studies to make its point, McRaven's SPEC OPS (which it used as a source). LEAVE NO MAN BEHIND differs in that its case studies are limited to US examples since 1945 and after of one specific type of direct action (itself only a small part of what SOF does) rather than ranging through history and looking at other countries. It also differs in what the author brings to then history. While McRaven was a big-time SEAL, Isby is a Washington policy wonk (albeit with combat experience in Afghanistan that in wrote about in the old SOLDIER OF FORTUNE magazine).
Overall LEAVE NO MAN BEHIND is an excellent book, both in its presentation of history and its use of that history as a basis for analysis. There are some minor errors and omissions, especially on the more recent stuff. There is no mention of the KESTREL PHOENIX CPX/FTX of 2000, despite its high profile, that exercised a then-current OPLAN. The treatment of the raid on Mullah Omar's house in Kandahar in October 2001 is little better than you get from Seymour Hersh. But, all in all, LEAVE NO MAN BEHIND is recommended reading for special operators and those that need to work with them, or are interested in how smart and brave guys committed to high risk missions worked (or failed) in the past.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Leave No Man Behind: US Special Forces Raids and Rescues From 1945 to the Gulf War
Relive a dozen of the most exciting and dangerous missions ever carried out by U.S. military forces. From the Philippines in 1945 to modern-day Iraq and the mesmerizing rescue of Pfc. Jessica Lynch, here are thrilling stories of operations to free prisoners and to capture enemies. These fascinating accounts will transport readers to Korea, Vietnam, Iran, Panama, Somalia, Afghanistan, and other hot spots. Join the courageous fighting forces on the ground and see how meticulous planning, solid intelligence, speed, and surprise are essential to success in situations with little margin for error or improvisation.
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