In combating terror, America can no longer depend on its conventional military superiority and the use of sophisticated technology. More than ever, we need men like those of the Army Special Forces–the legendary Green Berets.
Shortly after I wrote The Warrior Elite, I was invited to Fort Bragg, North Carolina to make a presentation on unconventional warfare to Army officers in training for Special Forces. Only after I arrived and learned of the intensive training received by these special soldiers did I truly appreciate the seriousness of this training and the value of Army Special Forces on today’s insurgent battlefield. I realized immediately, there’s a great story here—a story of some of the most remarkable and talented warriors in our military.
The Army was most kind to this sailor and SEAL. I was permitted unrestricted access to the Special Forces Qualification Course; I lived at Camp Mackall, NC where Army Special Forces training takes place. I was allowed to audit the course—to follow one class of soldiers as they endured this physically and mentally exhausting ordeal. From assessment to selection, through the physical conditioning, the grueling field exercises, the high-level technical training, and on to survival training, language training, and the simulated battle problems, I saw it all. I was there for the storied Robin Sage Exercise and watched as Special Forces candidates dealt with volatile, often hostile, guerilla leaders in this all-too-real training for today’s fight. Chosen Soldier paints a vivid portrait of an elite group, and a process that forges America’s smartest, most versatile, and most valuable fighting force.
My SEAL brothers may not agree with me, but the Army Special Forces soldier is the most valuable warrior on the modern battlefield.
Chosen Soldier; The Forging of a Special Forces Warrior is available in Trade Paperback, e-Book, and Audio Book
