Customer Reviews

Combat Swimmer: Memoir of a Navy Seal

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've never served in the military, but I have great respect for those who follow that kind of life. I also have great interest in history, military strategy and tactics, and behavior in combat situations. I therefore checked out the following special-forces-related books from the library: Rogue Warrior, by Marcinko, Combat Swimmer, by Gormly, and Inside Delta Force, by Haney.

Marcinko's book is a classic testosterone-driven, adolescent Hollywood adventure story. I mean that in a (mostly) good way. The author's focus is on himself, on his grand escapades, and his ability to destroy his enemies, whether at war or in the chain of command. It makes for a fun read, although I never knew how much Marcinko might be inflating his exploits.

Gormly is in many ways the anti-Marcinko. Of course they knew each other, and Gormly goes into some detail about inheriting Marcinko's SEAL team and getting the house back in order. But more than that, Marcinko represents the unihibited ego, breaking all the rules and doing whatever he wants. Gormly is all about responsibility and chain of command. Don't get me wrong; he's not at all boring, but definitely comes off as a stiffer sort of character. I'd rather work for Gormly (more job security; less likely to get killed unexpectedly) but I'd rather have a beer with Marcinko (though too much of that, and you probably increase your chances of getting killed unexpectedly).

Haney strikes somewhat of a balance. He's more individualistic than Gormly, but more disciplined than Marcinko. He's also the best writer of the three, with a good mix of gritty reality and genuine philosophical reflection. That's probably why I liked his book the best. Marcinko's book is a fun ride, like a blockbuster action movie, but in the end didn't leave me with much to think about. After reading Gormly's book, I admired the man a great deal but didn't particularly like him. Haney provides all the adventure but he's clearly more of a thinker than the other two, and I can imagine a long, fascinating evening's conversation over a bottle of scotch.

I suspect that you would find all three types of individuals (and many more) in the military, and you probably need all of them to get the job done. All three memoirs are highly entertaining and quick reads. Which you prefer probably depends to some extent on your own personality.

Captain Robert Gormly takes the public on an inside tour of the SEAL community. Through BUD\S, two tours in Vietnam, and becoming CO of SEAL Team Six, Captain Gormly tells the true stories of it all! Go along with SEAL Team Six as they retake the Achille Lauro. Set ambushes in the jungles of Vietnam. Experiance Hell Week. With Combat Swimmer, you can! For the future Frogmen, this one is for you!

A very enjoyable book. It has more interesting detail about operations than books like "Rogue Warrior," without the obscenity, which may dissapoint some readers. Gormly is rough on Marcinko, even going back to the Vietnam period... "he was leading from the rear." Ouch! Gormly oversaw, and participated in, so many high profile military conflicts that it is a "must read" for anyone who likes combat books.

I couldn't put the book down. Capt. Robert A. Gormly tells it like it is. Because of this book I have decided to join the Navy SEALs. For a book to influence me like that it has to be a excellent book.

Served with Capt. GORMLEY in SEAL Team TWO. A fine officer, fair, a leader, and listened to his men. Enjoyed his book, and authencity. Glad I bought this book. J.H. "Hoot" Andrews, USN, Ret.

Those who are not operators live off the reputation of those who are. Bob Gormly was an operator and performed in the highest tradition of Naval Special Warfare. Not only was Captain Gormly a damned fine operator and Teammate to his troops, but as an officer he looked to the future of the Teams, unlike some of his predecessors who seem to be very adept at bending the truth to their advantage. This book meant even more to me as I am personally acquainted with several persons mentioned in the book. Bob told the story like it was, with no embellishments. Sometimes the truth is very interesting. Good job, Bob, write another one. I am sure you have more in you.

It takes a special person to make it through the rigors of BUD/S Training alone. Robert Gormly did just that and then went on to have a highly decorated career spanning 29 years in the Navy SEALS. Combat Swimmer is an excellent read for anyone interested in Naval Spec Ops. Gormly offers a captivating story to the reader at all times. His accounts of sitting neck-deep in the canals of the Rung Sat Secret Zone truly make you feel as if you are one of the operators along for the ride with him. His narrative blend of both action and bureaucratic issues give a wide picture of what the SEALS were all about. This is a tough book to put down at night, and I highly recommend it.

Cpt. Gormly tells of his experiences in Vietnam, Grenada, the Achille Lauro incident and other times with the expertise of a true combat veteran. This is an excellent account of the action, as well as the politics, for anyone interested in the history of the SEALS. A story which will captivate anyone who reads it. The best book on the SEALS, from one of the best.

Bob Gormley has given us (finally) a balanced and realistic look at the business of being a Navy SEAL. The craft of Special Operations is one that reguires intregety, hard work, courage, discipline and judgement. Especially judgement. It is NOT a trade where profanity, abuse and anti-social behavior are required or even tolerated. Nicely done Bob! But it'll never get you a spot on Larry King Live.

It can be hard to find good, no nonsense accounts of any kind of special ops. This book is well written and never caused my BS meter to go off. I would have preferred less time focused on what it took to get into the SEALs, and more on actual missions. Still, the book moved along well and there is plenty of action.