Chosen Soldier: The Making of a Special Forces Warrior | 
 enlarge | Author: Dick Couch
Publisher: Three Rivers Press
Category: Book
List Price: $14.95
Buy New: $7.96
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Avg. Customer Rating:  34 reviews
Sales Rank: 11057
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 416
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 8 x 5.1 x 1
ISBN: 0307339394
Dewey Decimal Number: 356.160973
EAN: 9780307339393
ASIN: 0307339394
Publication Date: March 25, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
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Product Description
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.
In Chosen Soldier, Dick Couch draws on nearly a year spent at Special Forces training facilities and offers an unprecedented view of the education of these men.
Following the experiences of one class of soldiers as they endure this physically and mentally exhausting ordeal, Couch spells out in fascinating detail the demanding selection process and grueling field exercises, the high-level technical training and intensive language courses, and the simulated battle problems that test everything from how well SF candidates gather operational intelligence to their skills at negotiating with volatile, often hostile, local leaders. 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.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 29 more reviews...
 A real roller coaster of a book, but not in a good way... July 25, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
The book certainly had some interesting points, but overall, even for a military buff like me, could get quite boring. It seemed to drone on, almost like reading an actual military handbook. In all honesty I haven't even completed the entire book, I've come close to the end to what I assume is going to be an interesting part, but I just can't quite force myself to read it yet
 Superb June 20, 2008
Anyone who is remotely considering a career in SF needs to read this book. It really put it all in perspective
Great book for future SF May 31, 2008
Great book a must read if your looking into a future in SF or just interested in what they go through.
As close as you can get to being there May 24, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is an excellent, no b.s. account by Dick Couch, himself a SEAL and fmr CIA Operative who writes without any ego driven agenda. He has been given excellent access by the Army. This clearly isn't written from a warm, dry desk. He goes into the cold, heat, and rain to get it right. Starting before training, Couch follows (runs alongside) the Special Forces "training process", which is more accurately an art, not a science. With attention to ample personalities, Couch brings the reader close to the fire. You sense "the big picture", but Couch keeps you close to the guys who are sweating and bleeding to succeed. This isn't a book only for those with a military interest. In fact, it's probably a far more educational and IMPORTANT read for people who have absolutely no clue about Special Forces. These elite professionals are our Nations ambassadors in places many Americans can't even find on a map. Their objectives and how they fulfill their missions have potentially deep impact not merely on military affairs, but on US Foreign Policy itself.
 A Professionals Eye May 13, 2008
1 out of 4 found this review helpful
This book is very focused, and is made all the better because of that. The authors choice of focusing solely on the training of Green Berets, except for the first chapter, rather then on the whole history of the outfit and it's long list of achievements.
As a former SEAL, he clearly knows about special forces, and is able to translate that into detailed explanation. He gives enough background detail of the people he is talking to to be interesting without giving us page after page of soldiers that come and go (a problem with some history books).
He clearly recounts conversations, but only the parts that are applicaple to what he is discussing. Throughout the book, while you meet the soldiers in training, the only character you really feel like you get to know is the training itself.
The pace of the book is also noteworthy. Many history books are a little tough to read. Having to record so much information and so many facts can leave a book a little dry. Couch has a great writing style and the book really flows.
There are a few problems, such as going into detail about the same thing nearly verbatim in two different chapters. Not to often, but it was distracting. Also his insistence on calling the Green Berets special forces and naming all the other SFOR by name. In the beginning he even indicates that the Green Berets are the only real special forces. Something surprising coming from a former SEAL.
None of this detracts from the book. It is a well paced, informative read that anyone with interest in the military or history would be glad to read.
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