Seals at War [Mass Market Paperback]

Edwin P. Hoyt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2, 1993

A look at the Navy SEALS describes their use by the military and discusses their experiences in such ""theaters of operation"" as Omaha Beach, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Military historian Hoyt ( Carrier Wars ) offers a thoroughly researched but surprisingly dull institutional history of Navy special warfare from World War II to the Gulf War. Relying mainly on government documents, Hoyt reconstructs numerous battles and missions, but almost never leavens them with quotes or reminiscences from participants, nor does he delve much into the psychology and personalities of those involved. Even though Hoyt observed "Hell Week" during SEAL training at a Navy Special Warfare Command Center, his account of it lacks verve. He goes on to describe SEALs predecessors, the underwater demolition teams that fought in the Pacific Theater of WW II and the Korean War. In 1961, in response to President Kennedy's call for U.S. armed forces to increase capability for unconventional action, the SEALs (Sea, Air and Land teams) were born as a Navy counterpart to the Army Green Berets. Hoyt describes SEAL battles in Vietnam, but pulls his punches: he cites a novelized portrait of the SEALs as "superbly competent terrorists and assassins," but skimps on the details.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Dell (January 2, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440214971
• ISBN-13: 978-0440214977
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,587,117 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good introductory account to the Seals but needs revision., September 22, 1998

By 

William J. Shepherd (Crofton, MD USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Seals at War (Mass Market Paperback)

Hoyt is both a noted journalist and military historian whose previous books include CARRIER WAR, HITLER'S WAR, and YAMAMOTO. His primary interest has been the Second World War so perhaps SEALS AT WAR: THE STORY OF U.S. NAVY SPECIAL WARFARE has taken him somewhat out of his element. The title of this curious book is misleading as the Seals do not even appear until page 119, about halfway through the book! The subtitle is, or should be, the actual title as Hoyt begins with the Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) of World War II, continues with the establishment of the Sea, Air, and Land special forces (SEALS) in 1961, and concludes with the Persian Gulf War of 1991. Perhaps this is not the book the author intended to write or what the publisher expected as it is rather disjointed and appears to have been hastily put together. In fact, there are two books lurking within as there is a heavy emphasis on the UDT's efforts to clear beaches for amphibious assault in World War II and the SEALS brutal counter-terrorist activities in Vietnam. Only brief chapters are dedicated to such conflicts as Korea, Grenada, Panama and none at all detailing clashes with Iranian forces in the Persian Gulf in 1988. Overall, Hoyt presents a superficial overview instead of an indepth history of U.S Navy Special Warfare which is anecdotal rather than analytical. The lack of a conclusion or speculation regarding the future role of the SEALS is disappointing. His chapters are uneven and unsymmetrical with some as short as three pages and others as long as nineteen. His bibliography is impressive but his chapter notes are terse and specific documentation is non-existant as is an index. Despite its faults, SEALS AT WAR does provide a glimpse of the dedication, discipline, and heroism of the men who have made up the UDTs and the SEALS. It is an adequate introductory study but those seeking a more substantial account will have to look elsewhere. One hopes that subsequent editions will be revised and upgraded as this book's true potential has yet to be realized.

2.0 out of 5 stars Very Dry Presentation of History, May 16, 2007

By 

Jay C. Tipnis (McLean, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Seals at War (Mass Market Paperback)

I am nearly finished this book by historian Edwin Hoyt and I was a bit disappointed in the presentation. While it is clear that Hoyt has a wealth of knowledge on the subject and has covered everything from the beginning of the UDTs in the second World War up to the first Persian Gulf War (way back in 1991) it is presented in a manner that leaves it a bit dry. I have recently also read "The Warrior Elite", "The Finishing School" and "Down Range" by Dick Couch and while those books cover the same topic but at a different point in history, I can't help but contrast the presentations. Hoyt provides enough information that readers are given a 'taste' of what each operation consisted of. He doesn't delve deeply into the details of each operation so if you're looking for information on how SEALS worked or some of their operational procedures, you're bound to be disappointed. The book is good for getting a general sense of how the teams evolved from the second world war to what they were in the late 20th century but that's about where it ends. As I stated earlier, I have been reading numerous books on the subject and although I found this one interesting, there are others out there that have greater appeal. If you want details and descriptions, you might want to look elsewhere but if you want a starting point for understanding the overall scope of the SEALS, you would do well to pick up this book.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "VERY VERY INTERESTING", October 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Seals at War (Mass Market Paperback)

It was interesting from start to finish. although it got kinda borin