Rating: 
Summary: curiosity satisfied
Review: I've read several great books about SEALs and their training, and, as a middle-aged guy in pretty good shape who never served in the military, I wondered, like so many men, if I could have survived BUD/S. No, I couldn't have. I know that now, after reading The Warrior Elite. This book, written from a privileged and intimate viewpoint by a Vietnam-era SEAL, reveals in literally excruciating detail how demanding and relentless the training is. I was not surprised that the flamboyantly macho and musclebound contenders are the first to drop out, or that the quietly determined, average-build guys are the ones who make it.
However, I was surprised at how unforgiving the process is as far as dealing with physical injury. I was stunned that the one guy, who was just a machine, a leader, never tiring, never complaining, always performing as a leader, was let go because of a sinus infection. It seemed an egregious waste of an outstanding soldier due to something completely beyond his control. No one in the Mekong Delta ever got sick? No one in Desert Storm was ever injured or ill? I'm all for rigorous standards but jettisoning this particular guy because of a sinus infection seemed bone-headed and counterproductive.
Anyhow, now I know I wouldn't have made it. The first time I was made to take a dip in the ice slush with my pants full of sand after no sleep at three in the morning I believe I could have easily rung the bell and run for the showers.
An enjoyable book.
Rating:
Summary: A realistic look at what it takes to become a SEAL
Review: As a nephew of a SEAL 1 Vietnam Veteran, Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined what BUD/S training was all about until I stumbled across Mr. Couch's well written precise book.
From day one of a soldiers dream to become a Navy SEAL, this book takes you where no others have even attempted. The author, a former Frogman himself, was allowed inside to document this sadistic ritual of stamina, mental strength, self discipline, and physical endurance as BUD/S Class 228 forms with 114 men who dream of wearing the sacred Navy Trident, a symbol of America's Elite Sea,Air,and Land Warrior's. There is one way out, ring the bell, follow class 228 and see what fortitude it takes to keep one's hand off the bell tower.
Upon reading this book, one will have a new insight of what a Navy SEAL is about. As Television and Hollywood Movies build a superhero style character on the big screen, you will be surprised at how many make the journey, and yet, the average size of those who suceed average just 5'9, 160 lbs. SEAL BUD/S training is a full blown gut check, and this book is surely to become your favorite! Much Respect to All Frogman! Hoo Yaa!
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding book!
Review: Couldn't put it down. After reading this book, you will understand just how smart, tough, and well trained our Navy SEALs are. It also gave me confidence that we will win the war against terrorism. Those terrorists can run and hide, but with fighting forces like the SEALs, we're eventually going to get them.
Rating: 
Summary: Lots of detail about the training program
Review: This book contains a great deal of information about the SEAL training program and how mindboggling difficult it is to accomplish. The author is obviously very interested in the actual training program; what gets lost are the people themselves. I was expecting the book to be something of a Survivor-type story, where we would meet some members of the class of 228, get to know them and their motivations and see which ones failed and which ones survived. Instead, the characters are introduced in a very perfunctory way, and almost none of the quitters are gone into in any detail.
Rating:
Summary: The Warrior Elite
Review: Not a bad book but it gets a bit redundant after awhile. The characters are flat and we never really get to know them or why they do this. General description of training is about all you get out of this. Makes you want to do a few push-ups!
Rating:
Summary: Yup, it really is that good
Review: There are lots of books on SEALs out there, some good, most bad, very few great. This is one of the great ones. Why? Because it takes a theme that has been done to death, the training of the Navy SEALs, and writes what is probably the definitive book on the subject while doing what none of the other books has done. For the first time, a book follows the trainees through BUDs, through Hell Week, and keeps going all of the way to the assignment to an active team. It emphasizes the fact that the vaunted Hell Week, long portrayed as the horrible endurance contest that it is, is in fact just one of the gut checks along the way to becoming a SEAL. It's not a magical peak where everything after is easy, it's a point that weeds out many but is more preparation for the rigors ahead than a line to cross. To put it bluntly, there is no need to write another book on the training of the Navy SEALs, this is the final word. If you have dreams of becoming a SEAL, read this book. There is much wisdom in these pages. Ever think that "your reputation begins at BUDs"? You'll learn that here. Finally, a book that reaches the levels set by books such as "Brave Men, Dark Waters" and "Class-29 : The Making of U.S. Navy SEALs". Well written, insightful, and just simply excellent. Buy this book! Matt
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: This is an exellent inside look at Bud/s training. If you're debating about entering Bud/s you should definitely check this book out. It takes you step by step all the way through Bud/s with class 228. You see every aspect from indoc to third phase to graduation. I recommend this to everyone.
Rating:
Summary: Stay alert, pay attention to detail
Review: This chronicles an exhaustive review of modern day SeAL development and training. So much so that I had to take a "medical" from how well Captain Couch depicted every evolution, to every swollen joint and sleep deprived hallucination, these men kept going to accomplish the mission. One cannot but be floored by the level of dedication and commitment of these young men, to endure the most "hellacious" test of the human spirit. To be the best our Warriors have to put up with the worst. These men do it without any modern day pronouncements of political correctness, lowered standards based on race or ethnicity, or ashamedly no such notion of "an Army of one." These men win together, are the best and the brightest, and I thank God they are Americans. I wouldn't want to be be on the other side knowing there might be a few SeALs on the loose.
Rating:
Summary: Hooyah! to proud americans
Review: This book by far gives the best look at whats in store for future BUDs students. Like myself, if you are planning on entering BUDs, I strongly suggest you read this book. Not only will it give you a good look of whats ahead, it will also help prepare for your training. From cover to cover this book paints a clear picture of the steps it takes in becoming a Navy SEAL. It brings alive there motto "the only easy day was yesturday." Hooyah!
Rating:
Summary: Mandatory reading!
Review: An acquaintance that is an active duty SEAL, upon learning that I was attempting to join the teams, strongly recommended that I read this book. Simply put that was some of the best advice I had received in quite some time. Having read the book, I see why. I strongly recommend anyone wishing to join read the book, it definitely will give you a reality check!
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