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LEVEL ZERO HEROES is one of but a handful of first account books of combat in Iraq & Afghanistan I've read to date. Generally, I prefer to wait for time to pass and history to sort out the actual details. But what I'm finding is that, given the nature of communication in the current age, authors are able to compile information and accurately recreate events much faster and often with greater detail than in past conflicts. And Michael Golembesky's memoir is a perfect example of just that.
As a chronicle of combat in the hinterlands of Afghanistan, Golembesky gives us insight into the daily lives of his MARSOC (Marine Special Operations Command) unit (i.e. Force Recon Marines), their interaction among themselves, Afghan National Police (ANP) and Afghan National Army (ANA) personnel stationed alongside, as well as the US Army's 82nd Airborne and local dignitaries - and, of course, the ever present Taliban.
In doing so, we're made privy to the bonds formed in battle (and the bitterness). The bonds with his brothers in arms, the bitterness toward the local dignitaries (whose loyalty I a always in question), as well as the overall Battalion Commander (an 82nd Airborne Colonel). The Battalion Commander because he all too often seems preoccupied with "cooperating" with the locals at the expense - and sometimes the safety - of those under his command.
Coupled with the insane Rules of Engagement and you have a very sound picture of the way our nation fights it's wars these days - and perhaps why we're still fighting there 13 years later. But what stands out above all else is Golebesky's (or Ski's) forthright manner in telling the story. He pulls no punches. Makes no excuses. And fumes right along with the reader at the insanity of it all. In fact, I've heard LEVEL ZERO HEROES described as this generation's CATCH-22. Not certain I'd go that far - but it does skirt around the edges of getting there. Only because of Ski's brutal honesty.
Anyone whose served in the Middle East recently, or been in combat the past 50 years or more can relate - and anyone who's ever been a Force Recon Marine will relate VERY well. I know I did. And Ski's job as a Joint Tactical Air Controller (JTAC), who calls in bombing runs on enemy positions, is a particularly dicey one. Placing him in everyone's bullseye. His fellow Marines depend in him for assistance, his Battalion Commander 2nd guesses his every move, and JAG lawyers abound awaiting his mistakes.
The writing, though, flows easily. Almost stream of consciousness. The tense moments, be they battle scenes or in-rank politics ;often the same) are quite tense - but reassuring. No horrific bloody scenes are bared to scare the young ones, though the ferocity of combat is not lost on the reader either.
All in all a first rate memoir.
- Paperback: 336 pages
- Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; Reprint edition (September 1, 2015)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1250070295
- ISBN-13: 978-1250070296
- Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 0.9 x 8.1 inches
- Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
- Customer Reviews: 664 customer reviews
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Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
#74,709 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #110 in United States Military Veterans History
- #96 in Afghan War Biographies
- #94 in Afghan War Military History
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