In The Company of Soldiers : A Chronicle of Combat in Iraq

Rating:
Summary: Modern combat as viewed from the division command level
Review: Rick Atkinson was assigned as an embedded reporter with the command element of the 101st airborne division for the 2003 Iraqi war. He spent most of his time with the division commander, general Patraeus and his staff. This is not a chronicle of heavy combat, but an interesting look at what it takes to deploy, supply, and direct a division into combat. There were many problems to be overcome. Sand wrecked equipment, sometimes food and water were in short supply, and the Iraqi soldiers continually changed their methods of attack forcing the US forces to adjust their tactics. The command also had to take advantage of opportunities as they were presented, but be cautious due to the nature of the 101st; light infantry without heavy weapons or armor. Though not on a par with "An Army at Dawn", it is an insightful look at the responsibilities and decision making processes at the top.

Rating:
Summary: The author doesn't even try to hide his bias.
Review: This author doesn't miss a chance to take a shot at Bush and Rumsfeld. He goes out of his way to do so.

He also seems to like to hear himself talk. There is a lot of unneccessary detail about mundane things. I was hoping for an account of an embed in combat. What I got was an embed who hung around with the division commander and constantly editorialized.

I started to read this right after I read "The March Up : Taking Baghdad with the 1st Marine Division" by Ray L. Smith and Bing West, a book I highly recommend. After reading that book I couldn't get past page 100 in this one. Every 5 pages or so the author throws in a dig, sometimes sarcastic, or otherwise makes known his opinions.

I recommend even more "Thunder Run: The Armored Strike to Capture Baghdad" by David Zucchino. If you liked "Black Hawk Down" you'll like "Thunder Run". It's written in the same style. Zuchinno is also a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, but he doesn't succumb to a need to lecture and editorialize the way Atkinson does.



Rating:
Summary: i was there also, very good depiction of the truth
Review: This book is the best i've read on the war. I was with Rick almost every step of the way. A couple times I was ahead of him but he caught up. I think Rick gives it to you straight not filled with "media hype". This is the kind of book movie are made from. Excellent book! ~Tim