(The Story of America’s Elite Counterterrorist Unit)
Narrated by: Robertson Dean
Length: 13 hrs and 1 min
Release date: 05-16-11

Delta Force.
Everyone that has played computer games, or has a small interest in military affairs, or even read the Dan Brown books, will know of them.
Or you may even heard of the concept of them ‘the best of the best’;  ‘no military record for 10 years’
This kind of stuff comes up in the premise of the Jason Bourne series, as well as Taken with Liam Neeson.

Anyway, this is a true look into the formation of Delta Force from one of its first members + some of the missions & political environment that were operating in and diverse range of training given.

Everything is amazing of course, but it’s good to get the real information rather than just the assumption of awesomeness.

Writing and Flow
It’s the kind of book that while it is super informative and contains a lot of information, is it also very well written and follows a logical progression from the background of the writer (Command Sergeant Major Eric L. Haney), to the inception and selection of the members, then the history of what was going on politically at the time, the original goal of the unit (counter terrorism) , various missions they were sent on, and even examples of the USA’s notorious enforcement of ‘American interests’ abroad, and the conflict of the ones doing the enforcement.

The book really has a lot of flow, as in, its really easy to listen to, and you end up absorbing a lot of information without the need to take notes.

Did you know?
This book was the premise for the CBS drama ‘The Unit’ ?
Now I haven’t watched this, but now I’m interested. Although I guess I will get bored because dramas aren’t really my thing.

Recommendation
This book is incredibly interesting, and I’d recommend this to anyone with an interest in anything army related, historical & political affairs/ international affairs related etc.
Or of course anyone in the army, or looking to go into the armed forces, as it gives great insight as what particular criteria they would be looking for and the extended training you’ll be given after joining.

Because of the great writing style, it’s an easy to listen to book, and it’s something that you won’t be thinking  ‘ahh crap another 5 hours to go before I complete this’.  You will instead enjoy the book all the way through.

Insights that I got from the book
-Best way to follow a car is to punch a small hole in the tail-light.  Means there will be a small hole/ sliver of white light coming from the tail light making it easy to spot and therefore follow in night traffic.

-Gives plenty of examples about enforcing American interests in foreign countries.  Ie. USA company paying minimal taxes in ie. Panama, and when an attempt by the foreign country is made to rectify this, the company just applies/ lobbies to Uncle Sam for help, and after finding a sympathetic ear, it is deemed that what the foreign country is attempting/ trying to rectify is deemed as ‘communist’ , the narrative is changed and grounds for a strike mission is given.  Or to train counter insurgency troops which favour the United States.

-This kind of thing has been known for a while by many people with an interest in international affairs, but seemingly not by many Americans (other than the very highly educated), but its very interesting to listen/ read about it from one of the people that were involved in the enforcement of US policy.

Hearing his opinions, what it was like down on the ground, and the actual atmosphere at the time, all very interesting.

-That the CIA have invasion plans read to go.  (not country specific)

-That even though Delta Force is meant to be a counter-terrorism unit, ie. Clearing planes that have been taken over by terrorists, or clearing buildings etc., they are called in for anything, as they are generally seen to be the best the military has to offer.  Including acting as sleeper agents, growing beards, casual dress, receiving language training all in an effort to blend in and not draw attention.  Really some Jason Bourne like stuff here.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_Force#Recruitment  Here’s a link that describes what the author wrote about Recruitment and training.  Very interesting stuff.