Customer Reviews

Drop Zone

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I liked the book so much I immediately read it a second time once I was finished! Look for this one to be made into a movie! It has non-stop action and adventure! All of you who like "guy movies" put down the remote and pick up this book! You wont want to put it down! This book is not only a non-stop thriller, but is also a pretty accurate detailing of events about the Air Force Pararescue career field. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a PJ, past or present! I think this book would be worth reading for anyone who is interested in joining the Pararescue field. THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE! HOOAH!

The SEALs have Marcinko, Army SF has Hackworth. Finally, AirForce Special Ops has a voice. The book is a gritty, true-to-lifeaccount of Air Force PJ's and Combat Controllers. As a former spec opsflight surgeon that worked closely with these brave men, it's about time they get some well deserved recognition. The addition of the other "silent" force- Marine Force Recon is a bonus. This is a worthy first effort. Although it doesn't quite have the same punch as one of Marcinko's books, it's well worth the read. One thing- PJ comes from Pararesuce Journeyman, not jumper.

Mike Salazar has delivered an excellent work of fiction blending the lines of the rescue and special operations community in a web of action and suspense. In addition, it is written in a manner which appeals to all generations and readers. I highly reccomend this book to anyone looking for something a little different from the standard military fiction scene. An outstanding piece of work!
I am disturbed by the negative reviews I have seen in this forum concerning the book. Surely anyone who knows anything about publishing and the military knows that certain inaccuracies constantly occure as typos and items the editors miss. This book is a work of fiction and so the author takes his story where he wants it. Those of you who choose to be sticklers about nomenclature could be more productive by writing the editor in a professional manner pointing out the flaws. For those who think you are experts on the composition of special operations teams and missions, sit down and color. I am a PJ and I will tell you from experience that there is nothing strange about a two man team. It's SOP in many units and there have been many missions run by one lone PJ. If you have not worked with us, you don't know, so save your breath. No operator I know who has read this book has disliked it. Mike Salazar is a well respected and loved member of the rescue community and we all support him 100 percent!
Buy it, Read it, and enjoy! Can't wait for the next one!

I was severely shocked at the technical inaccuracies I found in this book. Reading the jacket, I was looking forward to reading something written by an actual Air Force member....finally I would get to read something by someone who could get all the little details correct. That was not to be.

I love books where the author takes the time to make sure he refers to weapons and technical systems by their correct names. Referring to the F-16 as the "Eagle"? Describing the sound of "60-caliber machine guns" being cocked? The F-16 is the Falcon. The F-15 is the Eagle. To the best of my knowledge, nobody on the planet uses a 60-caliber machine gun, but the United States does use the M-60, which is a .30 caliber (7.62x51 NATO). The former Soviet Union and their client countries use the 12.7mm heavy machine gun, which equates to .51 caliber. Also, what is a "Hallo Deck"? Is this a crude reference to the "holodeck" of Star Trek fame? C'mon now....would it have taken long to at least proofread the manuscript? At least in my case, attention to detail is one of the selling points of a book. If the author can't take the time to get it right, I won't take the time to read any more of his books.

To all the weenies who have never come any closer to the Air Force than an airshow get off your high horse! FYI, in Clancy's 'Debt of Honor' they send in one guy on a C-17. Give me a break! In case you didn't notice, Salazar's Drop Zone is a work of fiction (a darn good one at that!) If you're one of us who've "been there, done that" then you'll find yourself quickly enveloped in the plot. As for PJ's, I can tell you that they are a breed apart. I've worked w/SEAL's, Ranger's, Army Special Forces (Green Beret's), and CCT Teams (another Air Force special operations outfit). PJ's are a cut above them all and it's about time their story is told. I can personally attest that reading this is a close to a "real world" mission feeling as you'll come.

First thing: the guy that wrote this book is not a PJ! The bio statement makes it sound like he is but he is not, he is some kind of loadmaster or something. Second thing: in the military in general and spec ops in particular, there aint going to be no two guys in some kind of assasin/rescue squad type of thing out on thier own! It's all about the TEAM! Third thing: waste your money on a Playboy, not this book. You will get much better use out of it, and how.

I have been privileged to know one of the original PJ's for many years and so it was with eagerness that I picked up this novel about this often overlooked unit in special operations. What a disappointment! From the beginning sequence, the liberation of a Kuwati airfield presumably during the Gulf War but dated 1989 (which was before war began -- even before Panama), the story begins a rapid descent to impact. Just for an example: the Air Force has always had the reputation for being rather casual about military courtesy, but to rarely if ever have any of the characters addressed by anything but their first names instead of ranks is a bit much. Granted, in Spec Ops units the O's and E's frequently use nicknames or given names because they work so closely together, but not around outsiders and they always recognize the rank and its attendant responsibilities. Special Operations is not a pick-up ball game. You don't choose a couple of guys, give them a brief, train them some and then drop them behind the lines. And sending only two operators? Here the novel would have you believe that only this particular PJ and a Recon Marine can perform this secret mission -- two guys with not much more than a nodding acquaintance and never having worked together. The super-secret Brothers of Death group is just more comic book stuff. Acronyms and technical jargon don't rescue this novel from being just another attempt at giving the public what they believe covert ops are like. The truth is that the operators are many things but mostly low-key professionals. Undoubtedly, the book will be well received by those who love escapist literature loosely placed in a military framework. For those who want more substance and reality, avoid this book.

As good as any militay novel, even better than most out today. Simply written in a style that flows, I was compelled to read it in one sitting! The heroics of PJs and other Air Force commmando types have been long over-looked in this type of fiction. Finally, a worthy story! A great read!

Mike Salazar's "Drop Zone" has given justice and much overdue recognition to the men of pararescue past and present. This book gives you a taste of how all pararescueman can be called upon to do his duty anytime, anywhere. Although I am not a pararescueman but fellow bluesuiter and friend to a couple of pararescueman, these men are unique in their own way and should be treated as so. This book is a must read by all military special forces enthusiasts. "That others may live" Oooaahh! My Congrats to Mike!

I just read that Michael Salazar's Drop Zone has been signed to make a movie. It's about time! I can't wait to see Jason Johnson on screen!