Customer Reviews

Silently We Defend

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Robert Benfer's book, "Silently We Defend" is a soldier's story of warfare from the perspective of a member of electronics intelligence and the advantages and overwhelming superiority it gives our fighting men. The pride and dedication of what they do was expressed in detail.
Having worked on electronic warfare systems for the government, it made me proud of what these young men could accomplish with these tools of detection and aquisition.
A must read for all of us who love American History.

I enjoyed reading this book for several aspects. It makes me pause and appreciate the sacrifice and effort of our military people - and their families. It gave me a much better understanding of of both the first and second gulf wars. And finally, it caused me to refresh memories (good and bad) of my own military experiences in the 1960's. Good reading; I recommend it.

Dear Readers, My name is Robert Benfer, the author of "Silently We Defend." I would like to invite all of you visit my new web site at: http://www.geocities/silentlywedefend for more information on the book, its characters, and additional photographs from Desert Storm that are not in the book.

Sincerely,
Robert Benfer

The author, Robert Benfer, does an excellent job of conveying his experiences during the first Gulf War, and immerses the reader in the world of military intelligence.

The book was well written, and its' authenticity is without question. It provides the reader with an account from the perpective of a non commisioned officer, as opposed to the majority of Gulf War books (which have been written by staff officers).

A previous negative review seems based solely upon the writer's personal feelings about individuals Benfer depicted in the book, along with preceived slights, and should be taken with the proverbial grain of salt.

As one with no knowledge of the inner workings of military intelligence, and little knowledge of the techinical aspects of air defense, I found the book very informative and easy to read. As an avid reader of books pertaining to miltary history, I can say that Benfer has provided the public with an insightful account of his service and the service performed by brave men and women of the U.S. Army. It makes an excellent addition to any historical literary collection.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ALL READERS WHO EITHER SERVED IN OPERATION DESERT STORM OR THOSE PEOPLE WHO SEEK THE SATISFACTION IN READING A GREAT STORY, THIS HAS IT ALL. THIS BOOK DEFINITELY TOOK ME BACK TO MY EXPERIENCES WHEN SERVING IN DESERT STORM, THE AUTHOR, ROBERT BENFER,DID AN EXTROIDINARY JOB IN BRINGING THE READER INTO THE REALITY OF BEING THERE AS THE EVENTS WERE HAPPENING! GREAT BOOK FOR ALL TO READ, AND A SPECIAL THANK YOU FOR ALL WHO SERVED!

More than being a detailed examination of the Gulf War, this book gave a picture of the war as seen by a small group of soldiers. Not being from the military myself, I found their daily routine interesting and their challenges exceptional. And at times, the image that this is a group of ordinary folks in an extraordinary situation - shines through. I recommend the book from that context.

Robert Benfer has shed new light on the much-maligned often-forgotten soldiers of military intelligence and their jobs.
He has written a story so vivid it transports me back to the deserts of Southwest Asia!!! It's like "M*A*S*H"", "Dr. Strangelove" and "Apocalypse Now" all rolled up into one intriguing yarn with engaging and (mostly) likeable characters..especially that stud, SGT McCarver!!!!!!!!!!!!
Seriously, this book will reveal one soldiers story of war and the atrocities that changed us forever!!!!

Benfer does an excellent job of conveying the duties of electronics warfare specialists in the Army during Operation Desert Storm. This work is thorough in relating what took place in the ARCENT TCAE during the first Gulf War, and those of us who were part of identifying targets to protect our frontline troops and pilots took great pride in what we did.
Benfer is precise in relating these events and the equipment and methods used.
A must read for those who are history or military buffs!!!!!

Penny and crew give it two thumbs up!

This book is sweet. I love this kind of stuff, and also I know your son! lol. Robert Benfer Jr. Hes cool. And so are you.

What a disappointment. As a former augmentee of the 201st/204th MI Bn I was hoping for an objective account of the efforts the intelligence soldiers of these combined unit's provided. Although you won't know it reading this book every task this combined 201st/204th team was tasked they achieved success. From isolated SAND CRAB sites, desert field locations and in the attack they showed courage and a dedication to mission. In conflict with Mr. Benfer's statement regarding awards and decorations many of my troops deserved and received Bronze Stars and ARCOMs.
Reading this book I found myself wondering what type of soldier/NCO Benfer must have been. His panic "under fire" answered my question. The depiction of Colonel Bob Bowers as a comical figure was amazing to read. Nothing is farther from the truth. I guess that account of Colonel Bowers is part of the fiction Benfer warns the reader about in the Preface. Disappointed, you bet. If your looking for a good read don't waste your money. If you served with the 513th MI BDE 201st/204th MI Bn your wonder what Benfer had in mind when he wrote his book...........or maybe you won't.