Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This is the fourth and final Iraq War book written by a soldier that I will read.I have read others and they all seem to follow the same path.... mostly complaining and whining about a bad chain of command and the others that they served with.This one was a bit different because I was in the same unit, and served in the same area.
In the past, war history was generally written by historians, and they often told the story from the top.In other words you heard the view of the commanders and they were usually the focus.In recent years history has been shaken up a bit as the stories of the people at the bottom have been heard.Books like "D- DAY" and "CITIZEN SOLDIERS" by Ambrose did just that.He told the story of war from the view of the foxhole and the regular soldiers.His books were engaging, exciting, and well written.The internet has allowed anyone that chooses to become an author to have a shot at it.While not altogether a bad thing, it is watering down the market and I fear that it will have a negative impact on history.
My specific issues with the book.....After I had read one- third of it I felt like I was reading the same things restated over and over.So now you ask why I finished it..... just curious if I was going to be trashed anywhere as others were, thankfully I was spared as I only know the author in passing.
I have never considered myself a terribly religious person, but I am a believer.In essence I took offense at the alternating preaching vs. foul language routine.It seemed unnecessary.
I also found it interesting that someone who so easily found the faults of others often mentions the whiskey he could obtain.Though forbidden, he still chose to do so.It would seem more worthwhile to set an example to the others by not partaking in the things you disapprove of rather than to do so yourself and spill the beans in a tabloid style book critical of others.
Also, I was at times concerned about some of the information provided from an OPSEC standpoint.I think he often could have made his point and moved on without telling so much about how we operated.Or if the need seemed crucial to go that in depth, at least leave out the specifics of cities and villages.In a small way I feel as if he could put others at risk with a few of the things he mentioned without considering that others are still there.
Finally, in defense of Rios, I felt every emotion he did maybe even as strongly at times and I think most other soldiers there did or do.I was frustrated with my chain of command from time to time.There were some among us that were less than professional in their duties and some I disliked.On the other hand, some disliked me as well.He did early on in the book briefly show some flashes of good writing using good analogies and great descriptions, but that ended quickly.
In essence I feel about this book like I have the others that I have read about the same topic, it is a shame that people hang their dirty laundry out in a public manner for their own satisfaction, gain, and profit.It is obvious that those serving from my generation could take a few notes about humility from those that paved the way for us.I think Rios passed up the opportunity to tell some of the good things happening there.
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Product Description:
Eighteen months away from Tennessee - four months in the hill country of Texas, a month in Death Valley, California, and another month in the heat of southern Mississippi - all before a year long tour-of-duty in the deserts of Iraq. First hand account of day to day patrols, down time, relationships, and tattooing with Tennessee's 278th Regimental Combat Team through the eyes of a medic who also served as an infantryman with a Bradley team, a military training advisor to the Iraqi Army, and tattoo artist for the men and women of the 278th.
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