Ray L. Smith

The authors, veterans, give us an inside view of the invasion of Iraq. And because of their combat past and rank were welcomed more readily by the men then journalist would have been. This book was written shortly after the unit successful completed its mission, which is its topic. The authors also being brothers in arms may have been less objective then non-military journalist may have been but the access we see is worth it. These former Marines stay loyal to the USMC as they should and it also may color the book but once again gave more access that many other would not ever see. Having familiarity with the military organization and terms I felt right at home as I read this. Some may get loss by the acronyms though they are explained. This is a very fast read.… (más)

This book has real virtue as immediate journalism of one aspect of the invasion of Iraq, as the authors used their connections with the Corps to get into places a normal journalist might not otherwise be able to go. The downside of this immediacy is that the glittering success depicted back in '03 has, let's face it, already gone sour for most people. Another downside from the West & Smith's approach is that they tiptoe around the command turbulence that saw a Marine regimental commander sacked in the middle of the campaign, an event that remains rather murky to this day. Finally, non-fans of the USMC may find some of the authors' cheerleading for the traditions of the Corps a bit off-putting; Marines current and past will probably find themselves right at home.… (más)