Free Downloads The Brave Ones: A Memoir Of Hope, Pride And Military Service
How does the US Army mold a video-game generation with its thumbs on the joystick into a proud fighting force with its fingers on the trigger—and lives on the line—in America’s War on Terror? Michael J. MacLeod, already an accomplished professional photographer and journalist, decided to find out the hard way: by enlisting in the armed forces at age forty-one. What he observed and experienced as an embedded reporter and a serving soldier makes for an unflinching and inspiring portrait of endurance, sacrifice, discipline, and courage.From the trials of basic training on the home front to the ranks of the legendary 82nd Airborne Division to taking fire in the hot zones of Iraq and Afghanistan, MacLeod chronicles the soldier’s evolution as only one who’s been in those boots can. Candid, wise, and powerful, his memoir takes readers on an unforgettable journey through war and allows them to witness bravery firsthand.
Paperback: 383 pages
Publisher: Grand Harbor Press (November 10, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1503945421
ISBN-13: 978-1503945425
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (119 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #119,950 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #71 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Leaders & Notable People > Military > Afghan & Iraq Wars > Iraq War #107 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Leaders & Notable People > Military > Afghan & Iraq Wars > Afghan War #132 in Books > History > Military > Afghan War
Wow, great book it is excellent. Mac you have out done yourself. Not only are you one of the greatest photographers I have ever seen or know you are now one of the most forward and honest writes out there. This book floods back a lot of memories but more importantly it allows everyday people the opportunity to step inside the life of a Soldier in one of the Army's finest units, the 82nd Airborne Divisions 1ST BDE Combat Team. The story is real, lived by the writer, well written, and pays tribute to some of the finest Soldiers to ever serve this country, some who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and others that will live with scars that can never been seen. Once I started reading it to day at about 1030 I was unable to put it down, it grips you, lets you experience the highs and lows of the Soldiers, and tells the real deal not some hog washed stereotypical something that the politicians want the American people to hear, its factual honest and riveting. Mac Thank you for telling the story of our Brave Soldiers, the truth of how we lived, fought and sacrificed has now been told. One of only three books I would recommend to someone wanting to know what it was like to serve during combat in the Global War on Terrorism...............EXCELLENT
The Brave Ones is the best war memoir published in at least three decades. I have read the major memoirs published since the 60s and none come close to this. MacLeod does not just tell a story with amazing storytelling and humility - he weaves a tapestry of the of the human geography of Afghanistan, with an intense tactical picture of the conflict, while introducing the reader to the diverse cross-section of society that makes up the less than 1% who serves in America's armed forces.People often ask what they can do to thank Soldiers for their service. I suggest people become informed concerning world events and be best able to be part of our democratic process. MacLeod's book is a darn good primer to do so.First, this is a story of the modern American Soldier. The book gives the reader glimpses into the diverse makeup of the U.S Army. There are stories of privates through a now-general. You will see Soldiers' lives, loves, and motivations. It is an eye-opening portrayal of individual struggles and triumph. It will make you proud and cry all in a matter of minutes.Second, this is a story of what is happening in Afghanistan at the tactical level. Readers will be better informed on the difficult execution of US policy and why there are no quick solutions. One will also learn about the complex environment that Afghans, and likewise deployed U.S. Soldiers, face while fighting an amorphous enemy.In sum, buy The Brave Ones and read it. Then buy a copy for a retired Soldier, a policy wonk, a teacher, those who want to join the service, or anyone who wants to better understand how to thank a Soldier.Steve BerlinLieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army**This is my personal opinion and not a statement on behalf of DoD or the Army
The story ended too soon. I read a LOT of military history. This is one of the best ever. He writes from personal knowledge and experience without injecting himself too much - but enough to see the reality. He honors those who deserve it and shares what the public just doesn't get about the last ten years of war. It IS war and our heroes are doing an amazing job under horrible conditions. Thanks to all of you. Thanks to Michael for a truly great book.
The Brave Ones is a testament to the grit, determination and devotion a U.S. Army Paratrooper displays in service to their fellow soldier and country. Written by former Sgt. Michael MacLeod who lived to tell the tale, the book pulls no punches as it describes life in the Army for an enlisted soldier from Basic Combat Training to the battlefields of Ghazni, Afghanistan.MacLeod quotes soldiers in the book in their actual words, profanity and all, adding even more contrast to the picture he expertly paints of what service in the Army was like during his time. The reader will be immersed in the confusion and chaos caused by the fog of war during MacLeod's narration of intense firefights in Afghanistan and fight off the infectious panic erupting when they read a soldier is in danger of dying from combat wounds.The only solace the reader will retain while reading about his most harrowing experiences is that MacLeod lived through what they are reading.Visceral, gritty and true to life, The Brave Ones will immerse you in the world of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division during the some of the Global War on Terror's most turbulent years and leave you wishing MacLeod reenlisted so he could write another book.
SGT MACLEOD, I know you will read this so first of all THANK YOU for writing this book IT IS OUTSTANDING! Mike writes from the heart and tells the story the way it should be told. I appreciate his upfront approach to writing this, I've read a few books regarding both the wars in Iraq and A-stan but, they were written by civilians who meant to paint a PC picture, I dont have the time or the stomach for that. Mike has been there and done that, I know because he was in Ghazni while I was down there. This is one of the best books I've recently read that addresses not only the war time Army but also the garrison side of the Army and the bureaucratic BS that a Troop has to deal with. A great read front to back and a straight up honest account. Once again GREAT JOB MIKE I am proud to have served with you and I wish the best to you in your civilian life. Thank you for your service.
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