What do you think?
Rate this book
Service: A Navy SEAL at War
Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell returned from his star-crossed mission in Afghanistan with his bones shattered and his heart broken. So many had given their lives to save him-and he would have readily done the same for them. As he recuperated, he wondered why he and others, from America's founding to today, had been willing to sacrifice everything-including themselves-for the sake of family, nation, and freedom.
In Service, we follow Marcus Luttrell to Iraq, where he returns to the battlefield as a member of SEAL Team 5 to help take on the most dangerous city in the world: Ramadi, the capital of war-torn Al Anbar Province. There, in six months of high-intensity urban combat, he would be part of what has been called the greatest victory in the history of U.S. Special Operations forces. We also return to Afghanistan and Operation Redwing, where Luttrell offers powerful new details about his miraculous rescue. Throughout, he reflects on what it really means to take on a higher calling, about the men he's seen lose their lives for their country, and the legacy of those who came and bled before.
A thrilling war story, Service is also a profoundly moving tribute to the warrior brotherhood, to the belief that nobody goes it alone, and no one will be left behind.
In Service, we follow Marcus Luttrell to Iraq, where he returns to the battlefield as a member of SEAL Team 5 to help take on the most dangerous city in the world: Ramadi, the capital of war-torn Al Anbar Province. There, in six months of high-intensity urban combat, he would be part of what has been called the greatest victory in the history of U.S. Special Operations forces. We also return to Afghanistan and Operation Redwing, where Luttrell offers powerful new details about his miraculous rescue. Throughout, he reflects on what it really means to take on a higher calling, about the men he's seen lose their lives for their country, and the legacy of those who came and bled before.
A thrilling war story, Service is also a profoundly moving tribute to the warrior brotherhood, to the belief that nobody goes it alone, and no one will be left behind.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published May 8, 2011
About the author
Marcus Luttrell
7 books485 followersThe Early Years
Born and raised in Texas, Luttrell and his twin brother, Morgan, attended Sam Houston State University. They began training for the SEALs at age 14 with former United States Army soldier, Billy Shelton, who lived nearby. As kids they loved to hunt and fish and wrestle alligators! Martial arts training has been an important role in Marcus’ life from the time he was a child.
Military Career
Luttrell joined the United States Navy in March 1999. He began Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training with Class 226 in Coronado, California. He graduated with Class 228 after suffering a fractured femur early in his training. Marcus graduated 18 Delta in 2001, making him a team Medic.
Operation Red Wing
On June 28, 2005, Luttrell and SEAL Team 10 were assigned to a mission to kill or capture Ahmad Shah (nom de guerre Mohammad Ismail), a high-ranking Taliban leader responsible for killings in eastern Afghanistan and the Hindu-Kush mountains.
Born and raised in Texas, Luttrell and his twin brother, Morgan, attended Sam Houston State University. They began training for the SEALs at age 14 with former United States Army soldier, Billy Shelton, who lived nearby. As kids they loved to hunt and fish and wrestle alligators! Martial arts training has been an important role in Marcus’ life from the time he was a child.
I will never quit. My nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down i will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight.”
Military Career
Luttrell joined the United States Navy in March 1999. He began Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training with Class 226 in Coronado, California. He graduated with Class 228 after suffering a fractured femur early in his training. Marcus graduated 18 Delta in 2001, making him a team Medic.
Operation Red Wing
On June 28, 2005, Luttrell and SEAL Team 10 were assigned to a mission to kill or capture Ahmad Shah (nom de guerre Mohammad Ismail), a high-ranking Taliban leader responsible for killings in eastern Afghanistan and the Hindu-Kush mountains.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 320 reviews
October 5, 2012
I was so emotionally moved by this book...I found myself tearing up many a time, sometimes even sobbing trying to read through tears running down my face. The strongest emotions this book evoked in me are as follows:
1) I felt enormous amounts of pride, love and gratitude for the men and women who serve this country in our amazing military! The training they endure, the beating their bodies take, the undying support of their families, their humility amidst their courageous actions and the paltry pay they receive in return make them truly heroes to me. Marcus celebrated not just the Navy SEAL teams in this book, but all military branches throughout the past several generations in different wars around the world.
2) I was so moved by the goodness and greatness of the human spirit. Most of the books that truly move me have this theme...there is true greatness walking among us here on this earth...from the small acts of kindness to the huge acts of heroism. From the ones celebrated with medals and awards to the quiet acts of love unseen by others.
The way these soldiers cared for each other, rescuing their "brothers" wounded or dead from impossible circumstances heedless of the danger involved in rescuing them. Risking their lives if only to bring home their bodies for an honorable burial. True acts of heroism in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds are recounted in this book and left me awestruck...truly God must watch over these men and women.
In one account of a Navy SEAL being grievously wounded, his "brothers" took shifts staying at the hospital with him taking care of his every need. Another with grievous wounds had his "brothers" literally move in and teach him how to speak again and learn to live without a leg...and they did this all while keeping up with their platoon duties. When a SEAL was deployed overseas leaving a pregnant wife at home, his "brothers" cared for her, took her to dinner, cleaned her house and made sure she had all the support she needed. When a SEAL was killed in action, his "brothers" watched over his widow. I have never heard of a closer knit, more loyal community than this.
Gulab, the Afghani tribal leader who saved Marcus' life and protected him at great risk to himself and his family when the Taliban were trying to kill him. This leader walked many miles to a U.S. base to get help extracting Marcus out of his mountain village. They cared for this American soldier as if he were one of his own. As a rescue team went back to recover a body of one of the other SEAL team members, another Afghani village had buried his body to keep the Taliban from taking it and desecrating it, keeping it safe until his "brothers" came to take him home as they knew they would.
Also the good people in Iraq who helped our military, who were caught between a rock and a hard place. Every terrorist organization from around the globe came into Iraq, threatening the people not to cooperate with the allied forces, but most did so anyway because they were good people who just wanted to live their lives free of tyranny and evil. These people suffered horrible things at the hands of the terrorists but were courageous for the greater good of their people and freedom.
This is the longest review I've ever written, but two more things need to be said:
Marcus also calls attention to the fact that the story the media puts out in this country is so often incorrect, skewed by political bias. When they were making incredible strides in Ramadi, the press was calling U.S. forces ineffectual there. He expressed the frustration of those hardworking sacrificing soldiers hearing that kind of propaganda.
On a lighter note (sort of), he tells a story that happened in the U.S. when our country's most prolific sniper was held up at gunpoint at a gas station. Two men with pistols demanded he give them his truck. In ten seconds it was all over, he told them he was going to retrieve his keys, grabbed his Colt 1911, swung it under his armpit and shot each of them in the chest. Guess those guys picked the wrong guy to rob that night...a Navy SEAL is not your best bet. I find it a little amusing.
Obviously, I can't recommend this book highly enough!
1) I felt enormous amounts of pride, love and gratitude for the men and women who serve this country in our amazing military! The training they endure, the beating their bodies take, the undying support of their families, their humility amidst their courageous actions and the paltry pay they receive in return make them truly heroes to me. Marcus celebrated not just the Navy SEAL teams in this book, but all military branches throughout the past several generations in different wars around the world.
2) I was so moved by the goodness and greatness of the human spirit. Most of the books that truly move me have this theme...there is true greatness walking among us here on this earth...from the small acts of kindness to the huge acts of heroism. From the ones celebrated with medals and awards to the quiet acts of love unseen by others.
The way these soldiers cared for each other, rescuing their "brothers" wounded or dead from impossible circumstances heedless of the danger involved in rescuing them. Risking their lives if only to bring home their bodies for an honorable burial. True acts of heroism in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds are recounted in this book and left me awestruck...truly God must watch over these men and women.
In one account of a Navy SEAL being grievously wounded, his "brothers" took shifts staying at the hospital with him taking care of his every need. Another with grievous wounds had his "brothers" literally move in and teach him how to speak again and learn to live without a leg...and they did this all while keeping up with their platoon duties. When a SEAL was deployed overseas leaving a pregnant wife at home, his "brothers" cared for her, took her to dinner, cleaned her house and made sure she had all the support she needed. When a SEAL was killed in action, his "brothers" watched over his widow. I have never heard of a closer knit, more loyal community than this.
Gulab, the Afghani tribal leader who saved Marcus' life and protected him at great risk to himself and his family when the Taliban were trying to kill him. This leader walked many miles to a U.S. base to get help extracting Marcus out of his mountain village. They cared for this American soldier as if he were one of his own. As a rescue team went back to recover a body of one of the other SEAL team members, another Afghani village had buried his body to keep the Taliban from taking it and desecrating it, keeping it safe until his "brothers" came to take him home as they knew they would.
Also the good people in Iraq who helped our military, who were caught between a rock and a hard place. Every terrorist organization from around the globe came into Iraq, threatening the people not to cooperate with the allied forces, but most did so anyway because they were good people who just wanted to live their lives free of tyranny and evil. These people suffered horrible things at the hands of the terrorists but were courageous for the greater good of their people and freedom.
This is the longest review I've ever written, but two more things need to be said:
Marcus also calls attention to the fact that the story the media puts out in this country is so often incorrect, skewed by political bias. When they were making incredible strides in Ramadi, the press was calling U.S. forces ineffectual there. He expressed the frustration of those hardworking sacrificing soldiers hearing that kind of propaganda.
On a lighter note (sort of), he tells a story that happened in the U.S. when our country's most prolific sniper was held up at gunpoint at a gas station. Two men with pistols demanded he give them his truck. In ten seconds it was all over, he told them he was going to retrieve his keys, grabbed his Colt 1911, swung it under his armpit and shot each of them in the chest. Guess those guys picked the wrong guy to rob that night...a Navy SEAL is not your best bet. I find it a little amusing.
Obviously, I can't recommend this book highly enough!
March 19, 2013
Originally posted on Sarahsbookshelf.com:
There are a few authors and individuals that I will read, even though I may disagree with them politically. Marcus Luttrell is one of those people. Luttrell is a retired Navy SEAL and wrote a memoir titled Lone Survivor, which recounted Operation Redwing, the friends he lost in the operation, and his rescue. That book was a difficult one to read because it was so raw. Luttrell didn’t shy away from politics and really let everyone understand his position in a very strong way. This book was a little dialed down from that, and for that reason I enjoyed it and was glad I gave it a chance.
SEAL memoirs are always a little bittersweet for me to read. If you read enough of them, you start to see the same individuals’ names come up, often when something bad happens and they are KIA. This story brought up many names that were new to me, but I appreciated Luttrell taking the time to share with us many stories about these men and their service. One of the final chapters actually was a compilation of stories from Navy SEAL wives, which I thought was especially interesting and poignant. I think I cried through the whole chapter, because a few are now widows.
Although some of these memoirs can be difficult to understand without knowing more about the SEAL culture and fraternity, I think their message is a good one: be the best you can in what ever it is you do. I’m so happy that Luttrell has found life beyond the SEALs in sharing his story and message with civilians, and also by starting his own family.
After this book, I think I’ll need to take a break from reading memoirs for a while. I learned this morning that Chris Kyle was shot and killed in Texas. His book, American Sniper, was one of the best memoirs I have read in a long time and a book that I have recommended to many readers outside of the genre. That book was very much like sitting down and having a beer with Kyle as he relayed his time in the SEALs. Although I didn’t know him personally, I know he will be greatly missed.
There are a few authors and individuals that I will read, even though I may disagree with them politically. Marcus Luttrell is one of those people. Luttrell is a retired Navy SEAL and wrote a memoir titled Lone Survivor, which recounted Operation Redwing, the friends he lost in the operation, and his rescue. That book was a difficult one to read because it was so raw. Luttrell didn’t shy away from politics and really let everyone understand his position in a very strong way. This book was a little dialed down from that, and for that reason I enjoyed it and was glad I gave it a chance.
SEAL memoirs are always a little bittersweet for me to read. If you read enough of them, you start to see the same individuals’ names come up, often when something bad happens and they are KIA. This story brought up many names that were new to me, but I appreciated Luttrell taking the time to share with us many stories about these men and their service. One of the final chapters actually was a compilation of stories from Navy SEAL wives, which I thought was especially interesting and poignant. I think I cried through the whole chapter, because a few are now widows.
Although some of these memoirs can be difficult to understand without knowing more about the SEAL culture and fraternity, I think their message is a good one: be the best you can in what ever it is you do. I’m so happy that Luttrell has found life beyond the SEALs in sharing his story and message with civilians, and also by starting his own family.
After this book, I think I’ll need to take a break from reading memoirs for a while. I learned this morning that Chris Kyle was shot and killed in Texas. His book, American Sniper, was one of the best memoirs I have read in a long time and a book that I have recommended to many readers outside of the genre. That book was very much like sitting down and having a beer with Kyle as he relayed his time in the SEALs. Although I didn’t know him personally, I know he will be greatly missed.
March 6, 2016
5 Stars for Marcus Luttrell’s account (with James Hornfischer) of his service after he fell off the mountain in Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10! The core of the book is his recovery from terrible injuries to reclaim a spot on another SEAL Team. Then off he goes to fight in the hell of Ramadi, Iraq 2006-2007. Plenty of action as you witness the great sacrifices these brave forces make to secure the province. So many dead and wounded before he tells of the beginnings of the Anbar Awakening. The tentative initial successes come just as the surge is about to begin and Iraq gets a new commander, Gen Petraeus. But Marcus Luttrell also comes to a new beginning as his previous injuries finally take a toll. He has to give up rolling out with the teams and become a leader in the command center. Before we leave the Ramadi front, Luttrell tells stories of his good friend, Chris Kyle, American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History, and of the “Master Chief”, his superior who was on Roberts Ridge.
Luttrell then backtracks to his rescue after Op Redwing is blown up. He tells the story of the Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) effort to recover him. Great tribute to the Army, Air Force and Marine forces that participated. He did not know their story when he wrote Lone Survivor. We also meet up again with his Afghan village rescuers who risked everything to protect him.
He spends some time on his separation from the service. How he dealt with the famous night when his rescue dog was beaten and shot by some punks. He chased the thugs and they were lucky the police stopped them first. Marcus did not plan to have mercy in his heart that night. Nice story on how he met his wife. Sad story on the Aug 6, 2011 loss of 38 men in Afghanistan, 22 were SEALS, in one helo crash.
Final section was on the “Warrior” wives of SEAL team members. And some widows. The women tell what it is/was like married to the teams.”They also serve..”
This book has it all, from the training, tactics and war stories of SEALS in action, how to persevere through adversity, what it means to truly serve and shows the true caliber of our military.
Luttrell then backtracks to his rescue after Op Redwing is blown up. He tells the story of the Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) effort to recover him. Great tribute to the Army, Air Force and Marine forces that participated. He did not know their story when he wrote Lone Survivor. We also meet up again with his Afghan village rescuers who risked everything to protect him.
He spends some time on his separation from the service. How he dealt with the famous night when his rescue dog was beaten and shot by some punks. He chased the thugs and they were lucky the police stopped them first. Marcus did not plan to have mercy in his heart that night. Nice story on how he met his wife. Sad story on the Aug 6, 2011 loss of 38 men in Afghanistan, 22 were SEALS, in one helo crash.
Final section was on the “Warrior” wives of SEAL team members. And some widows. The women tell what it is/was like married to the teams.”They also serve..”
This book has it all, from the training, tactics and war stories of SEALS in action, how to persevere through adversity, what it means to truly serve and shows the true caliber of our military.
July 10, 2012
In my opinion Marcus Luttrell is a hero for the simple reason that he volunteered put on America's uniform and put himself in between our country and the bad guys. Beyond that, he signed up for one of the most grueling trainings known to man BUD/S; was attacked by the Taliban and blown halfway down a huge mountain; evaded certain death; worked to heal his body, mind, and soul; and THEN suited up to do it again! Words like brave and heroic do little to describe him and guys like him.
I say all that to say that in writing Service the author downplays his own heroism throughout, instead pointing to the bravery and heroism of many others. This book is rich with excitement, dread, brotherhood, grief, grit, and love. However, it's not a "page turner" for two reasons. The first is that there is just far too much on many pages to absorb quickly. And second because of the dread of turning the page to read the fate of one (or many) of those you've gotten to know through the introductions from the author.
This book is a chronicle of how a few Americans live, love, and sometimes die in Service to their country. This is not the kind of book one can say they "liked," loved, or even hated. The word I can give it is revered.
The author is a talented writer who gives voice those we may otherwise have never heard from. He gives space in his book to a few of the wives of sailors who's stories brought laughter to my heart and tears to my eyes. He doesn't stop there, he also pays homage to those who have served in the U.S. Army, Marines, and Air Force... and Texans!
This is a great book! Highly recommended. Thank you Marcus Luttrell for writing it.
I say all that to say that in writing Service the author downplays his own heroism throughout, instead pointing to the bravery and heroism of many others. This book is rich with excitement, dread, brotherhood, grief, grit, and love. However, it's not a "page turner" for two reasons. The first is that there is just far too much on many pages to absorb quickly. And second because of the dread of turning the page to read the fate of one (or many) of those you've gotten to know through the introductions from the author.
This book is a chronicle of how a few Americans live, love, and sometimes die in Service to their country. This is not the kind of book one can say they "liked," loved, or even hated. The word I can give it is revered.
The author is a talented writer who gives voice those we may otherwise have never heard from. He gives space in his book to a few of the wives of sailors who's stories brought laughter to my heart and tears to my eyes. He doesn't stop there, he also pays homage to those who have served in the U.S. Army, Marines, and Air Force... and Texans!
This is a great book! Highly recommended. Thank you Marcus Luttrell for writing it.
June 13, 2012
I'm glad I didn't buy this book, and thank you public library. I'll now return it to the Hostile Adolescents section, which is where it belongs. Unless you appreciate the glorification of war and the macho ravings of self-conscious warriors, I'd suggest you pass on this one. I would be interested in reading a serious study of the SEALs, but this isn't it. Now I need to wash my hands.
July 14, 2020
Wow. This one was as good as Marcus' first book. Amazing stories, and lots of truth!
April 13, 2017
Great followup to Lone Survivor. Marcus Luttrell recounts how he got back into the fight after Operation Redwing nearly killed him, and how he got out of it again once his body simply couldn't handle any more. His new mission: tell the stories of men like him who put it all on the line. Luttrell's grit, faith, and honesty here confirm all over again why he's my favorite modern war vet.
"Some guys put their faith in their rifles. Me, I put it all in the grace of the Lord. I know who's in charge and understand whom I serve. When all hell breaks loose and people start falling, God becomes priority number one."
"Some guys put their faith in their rifles. Me, I put it all in the grace of the Lord. I know who's in charge and understand whom I serve. When all hell breaks loose and people start falling, God becomes priority number one."
April 30, 2016
Old reviews went missing. How does save not working?
Great book if military memoir is your thing. Always impact me a strange way after reading these.
Great book if military memoir is your thing. Always impact me a strange way after reading these.
December 26, 2022
I was concerned that this book would come across as "leftovers" that didn't make it into the cut of the first book. Unfortunately although there were portions I really enjoyed, I did feel that was the case.
February 14, 2020
This was a riveting book outlining how America wages a war. Yet, it is also detailed look at the men and women behind the operations. The book focuses on the fierce battle for Ramadi and also showcases the heroic rescue effort involved with Red Wing.
I give this one a score of 4/5 or a solid ‘B’
I give this one a score of 4/5 or a solid ‘B’
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2012
This was a book by the author of Lone Survivor, which is an amazing read. Marcus Luttrell, a Navy SEAL, survived an incredible battle in Afghanistan. In this book, he describes the honor and satisfaction he got from serving in the military. He describes the brotherhood he has with his Navy SEAL team brothers and in some detail, describes some of the life-threatening missions he served in. There was also a chapter written by some of the wives of his Navy SEAL team, which gives a unique perspective from their point-of-view. All of these folks are heroes and patriots. As a member of the Army Reserve, and having served our great country overseas, defending our freedom and way of life, I could relate to Marcus' passions about Service. This is an inspiring book, which I found very satisfying to read.
July 17, 2012
These books have brought sorrow, laughter but mostly an overall realism that our jobs/careers are nothing compared to what these true warriors do on a day to day basis. I am extremely humbled to have read both "Lone Survivor" and "Service". Two of the best books I have ever read, and if they came out at the same time I would say the writing in "Service" is better, but you cannot compare the past to the present. Marcus Luttrell, and all who have fought with, for or under his command are true heroes. Not to mention the thousands that still continue and the tens of thousands that came before him. Strongly recommended.
March 9, 2017
Unbelievably good. In a sea of fiction Marucs Luttrell writes a book with stories that proof fact can be more beautiful, heroic, awe inspiring and humbling than ANY fiction. I so deeply respect him and meeting him is on my bucket list
August 28, 2021
A read that is oh so relevant in today’s world. Mr Luttrell takes the reader through not only what it means to be a Navy SEAL, but what it means to serve. How service gives one purpose. That service can be through the military or it can be in other ways. It’s a call to remember to do for others for that is what makes life worth living.
November 22, 2020
I found this book after reading Lone Survivor and several other SEAL books and Luttrell wrote this after Lone Survivor and it's not quite as good though I'm sure cathartic for Luttrell.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
November 9, 2014
Unfortunately I think the only way you can rally enjoy this book is if you are very patriotic. There is a difference between being proud to be American and blindly consuming any patriotic feed bag book they publish.
I have also read Lone Survivor which I gave a full 5 stars because of the amazing story within. However after reading this book I have lost a lot of respect for Luttrell. I am truly thankful for his service and sacrifice, but in this book he just milks the attention to death. He is so elitist and condescending throughout the book that I couldn't even finish the last 48 pages.
What I did appreciate was the inside look at the day-to-day of the special operators in Iraq. Some of the stories about interactions with the citizens of Iraq offered a perspective that you rarely see on CNN or Fox. No one can deny that the job that SEALs have in combat zones is beyond difficult, but Luttrell turns it around and makes it look like nothing would ever get done without the SEALs. Paying little respect to the Marines and Army units serving in the same area, Luttrell tries to make it out to be that without the SEALs everyone else would have been dead. Of course this is not true. Near the end of the book Luttrell even compares the loss of 22 SEALs to the loss of an aircraft carrier. A devastating loss, yes, but not on the scale of losing an aircraft carrier, not to mention all the personnel on board.
I know that the majority of people in the military believe in god, but Luttrell really just slams you with Christianity every chance he gets. He thanks god for the survival of many of his teammates, not to mention his own rescue. Of course the pilots, rangers, berets, marines, soldiers, seamen and countless others had nothing to do with it and it was all only possible through god. He does thank them and mention them by name, but he closes it all with a thanks to god which, to me, completely negates the efforts and sacrifice of so many.
Many of the stories he tells about premonitions and knowing something was wrong before getting the call are just not true. Of course, in hindsight we can all say that before finding out bad news we "just knew something was wrong," but his stories and dialogue just don't ring true for me at all.
In the end, and I didn't read the end, the book merits two stars. I appreciate that he wrote the book to honor his teammates and all who serve, which is a very admirable thing, and I am grateful to him for his service. Unfortunately, I lost a lot of respect of Luttrell who has fallen in love with his own story. Again, I am grateful for his service and the service of so many others, just disappointed in the man.
I have also read Lone Survivor which I gave a full 5 stars because of the amazing story within. However after reading this book I have lost a lot of respect for Luttrell. I am truly thankful for his service and sacrifice, but in this book he just milks the attention to death. He is so elitist and condescending throughout the book that I couldn't even finish the last 48 pages.
What I did appreciate was the inside look at the day-to-day of the special operators in Iraq. Some of the stories about interactions with the citizens of Iraq offered a perspective that you rarely see on CNN or Fox. No one can deny that the job that SEALs have in combat zones is beyond difficult, but Luttrell turns it around and makes it look like nothing would ever get done without the SEALs. Paying little respect to the Marines and Army units serving in the same area, Luttrell tries to make it out to be that without the SEALs everyone else would have been dead. Of course this is not true. Near the end of the book Luttrell even compares the loss of 22 SEALs to the loss of an aircraft carrier. A devastating loss, yes, but not on the scale of losing an aircraft carrier, not to mention all the personnel on board.
I know that the majority of people in the military believe in god, but Luttrell really just slams you with Christianity every chance he gets. He thanks god for the survival of many of his teammates, not to mention his own rescue. Of course the pilots, rangers, berets, marines, soldiers, seamen and countless others had nothing to do with it and it was all only possible through god. He does thank them and mention them by name, but he closes it all with a thanks to god which, to me, completely negates the efforts and sacrifice of so many.
Many of the stories he tells about premonitions and knowing something was wrong before getting the call are just not true. Of course, in hindsight we can all say that before finding out bad news we "just knew something was wrong," but his stories and dialogue just don't ring true for me at all.
In the end, and I didn't read the end, the book merits two stars. I appreciate that he wrote the book to honor his teammates and all who serve, which is a very admirable thing, and I am grateful to him for his service. Unfortunately, I lost a lot of respect of Luttrell who has fallen in love with his own story. Again, I am grateful for his service and the service of so many others, just disappointed in the man.
April 3, 2014
Luttrell provides some compelling and heroic stories of how he and Seal Team 5 helped stabilize Ramadi. However, the best chapter in the entire book is "The Warrior Queens", which is a series of micro-autobiographies and tributes written by the wives and widows of Navy SEALS. Luttrell sets the stage well for them by writing, "I would like to bring to light a group of people who more often than not go overlooked, a group that never seeks the spotlight but undoubtedly deserves it more than our most decorated war fighters do."
The women proceed to introduce themselves and describe the variety of emotions they experience as wives of Navy SEALS: pride, joy, anxiety, frustration, terror, and love. The women, quite admirably, hold nothing back. They express how tough and terrible it can be; but they are also just as quick to say why they feel it is worth it.
Perhaps the best written piece comes from a woman who is only identified as "Kristy". She describes her practice of archiving various emails and voicemails she received from her husband during his deployments. She then describes how this practice came to eventually represent something of great significance. Here are her words:
The women proceed to introduce themselves and describe the variety of emotions they experience as wives of Navy SEALS: pride, joy, anxiety, frustration, terror, and love. The women, quite admirably, hold nothing back. They express how tough and terrible it can be; but they are also just as quick to say why they feel it is worth it.
Perhaps the best written piece comes from a woman who is only identified as "Kristy". She describes her practice of archiving various emails and voicemails she received from her husband during his deployments. She then describes how this practice came to eventually represent something of great significance. Here are her words:
Who knew that saving these silly things would be so important one day? I had always just put them in a folder, not knowing that one day they would be like a journal of our life together.
When that hollow knock on the door came at 6:30 one morning, the e-mail saving came to a screeching halt and being a single parent became a reality. His death shattered all of those dreams that we had together. I have never said, "Oh, that will never happen to me" and I have never asked, "Why did this happen to me?" Even knowing that, statistically speaking, the more times you roll the dice, the larger the risk. The risk is great, but these men chose to sign on the dotted line; therefore, so did we. That being said, we wives serve our country, too.
They say you can't choose who you fall in love with, but you can most definitely choose your path. I chose to follow the path my heart led me to. I still stand behind him with honor, courage, and commitment.
Rest in peace, my love. I hope I served you well.
December 10, 2017
Nicely written in a distinct, simple Luttrell style supported by Hornfischer's fascinating presentation of facts. While the 2 sections of the book - first half covering Chief Luttrell's post-Red Wings (which for some reason is still referred to as "Redwing" in the book in spite of what the official Navy reports indicate) SEAL career and the second half highlighting certain "unsung heroes" deserving of gratitude within the special operations community - felt rather disjointed, each section conveys their respective messages very well. A very enjoyable read throughout.
May 2, 2014
This book is a 5 star. Marcus Luttrell is a United States Navy SEAL. He goes through this book talking about his life as a SEAL. He worked with many other SEALs. It goes through somethings he did in Rimady, Iraq (which is one of the worst war zones in the Middle East). "'You're good,' Dozer told him. 'You're gonna make it'" (Luttrell, 148) This is what the SEALs do for a living they help a brother out. Marcus is next to the SEAL who got shot. He is giving him medical attention so he doesn't bleed out. "'I've written this book to honor the skill, courage, and sacrifice of the exceptional people I know who serve not only the SEAL teams but in all the other service branches who I've served with along the way.'" (Luttrell, Preface) He says this to show this isn't some book that people read for interest, but for people who read for understanding. People think war is bad but Marcus says "' Thank God for one more day'" (Luttrell)He doesn't fight to kill but to serve hence the name of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2016
Very informative book, filled with great stories about Luttrell and his Navy Seal brothers: their training, their victories, their defeats, and the women and families back home that make it all possible.
From the title and cover I expected something of an essay. Instead, this book tells the story of Luttrell's life, picking up, more or less, where LONE SURVIVOR left off. These life-and-death stories could hardly be any more exciting or dramatic. This book is more episodic than LONE SURVIVOR, of course, and structurally it may lack the unities of time and place that lend such power to that tale. But this book provides a greater sense of the context in which Seals live and work, and it tells the stories of numerous operations, some good, some bad, and a better sense of the day-to-day life in between.
Books like this should be required reading for those who despise and misunderstand the American military and its mission and purpose. I wish our nation had one million more men like Luttrell and his brothers.
From the title and cover I expected something of an essay. Instead, this book tells the story of Luttrell's life, picking up, more or less, where LONE SURVIVOR left off. These life-and-death stories could hardly be any more exciting or dramatic. This book is more episodic than LONE SURVIVOR, of course, and structurally it may lack the unities of time and place that lend such power to that tale. But this book provides a greater sense of the context in which Seals live and work, and it tells the stories of numerous operations, some good, some bad, and a better sense of the day-to-day life in between.
Books like this should be required reading for those who despise and misunderstand the American military and its mission and purpose. I wish our nation had one million more men like Luttrell and his brothers.
January 9, 2015
I read Service a Navy SEAL at war by Marcus Luttrell. This book is about Marcus Luttrell's time as a Navy SEAL after operation Redwing, in Ramadi, it also about how Navy SEALs live and there wives. He also talked about, in depth the rescue mission to find him when he was lost on operation Redwing which he didn't do in The Lone Survivor. He told many stories of heroic actions of Navy SEALs fighting terrorists. In one account a man jumped and covered a grenade to save his teammates life, even though he could've gotten out. Though every part of this book was great my favorite part was when Marcus Luttrell talked about his rescue, he wrote it so well that if i hadn't read the Lone Survivor i would have thought the outcome would have been different. I would reccommend this book to anyone interested in the Navy SEALs, anyone persuing a career in the military, and anyone who read the Lone Survivor. Overall this was a great book.
November 14, 2013
The book Service by Marcus Luttrell is very action filled and interesting, and is one of my favorite books. Marcus Luttrell is a Navy Seal that is coming back from an injury sustained in 2005. He took part in Operation Redwing and received the Navy Cross for his effort and bravery. In service he returns to action with his twin brother Morgan (also a Navy Seal) and they fight in Ramadi, a dangerous war-zone in Iraq. They also start the book with Marcus Luttrell preparing for action again and his intense fight to return with his brother. This book is about war, and includes some words that describe gruesome scenes. The book interests me because I like reading about Navy Seals, but don’t let that stop you. It is very interesting and gives an inside look on the secret inside life of a Navy Seal at war.
May 18, 2012
"Lone Survivor" and "Service" both by Marcus Luttrell should be required reading for all Americans. Both books are valuable on several levels. First, the stories themselves will educate you and leave you in awe. Next, digging deeper, the books teach many valuable life lessons. Finally, you will ponder for long after you read these books, with gratitude, for the sacrifices that many are making on behalf of this great country. Your thoughts almost take you on a spiritual journey of deep reflection, of exactly what a patriot is and what your personal contribution is to our country and the freedom we enjoy. Thank you, Mr. Luttrell, for your sacrifices, honor, and for taking the time to share your story.
May 21, 2012
This book was written better than Lone Survivor. LS was so tragic, this book is focused more on what being in the military is about. I felt like I got to know Marcus more in this book. He reflects on what happened in A-stan with with a different perspective. His grief is still very present, but less raw, as if he has healed a bit. I highly recommend both of his books.
I wish a glossary of military acronyms had been included. There are so many and each is only spelled out one time. If you forget (and you will), you have to try and find the first time it appeared.
I wish a glossary of military acronyms had been included. There are so many and each is only spelled out one time. If you forget (and you will), you have to try and find the first time it appeared.
June 15, 2012
Marcus Luttrell was free with this book to provide more details of Operation Redwing. The book is so much more than that...it provides the reader with insight into the day-to-day life of warriors in Iraq, and Into the commitment and character of the finest men this nation has to offer. A compelling read, the title defines the work of its characters. Should be required reading by everyone in the Occupy Wall Street movement.
August 3, 2012
5-Stars, just like Luttrell's 1st book "Lone Survivor." Such a well written book about his time serving our country in the Navy SEALs. This book made me laugh ... and cry. I thought it was so nice that the last chapter was written by 4 wives/widows of men in the SEALs. This gave a much different perspective, and a powerful message. I would definitely recommend this book :)
April 1, 2014
Good understanding of service, service to country and what it means to be an American.
Seeing the War of Terror through one who had been there, with boots on the ground.
Love of Country and one's brothers in arms and how important Family and Faith is for surviving through hardships and deployments.
Knowing one's Country History and the history of one's military service branch is important.
Seeing the War of Terror through one who had been there, with boots on the ground.
Love of Country and one's brothers in arms and how important Family and Faith is for surviving through hardships and deployments.
Knowing one's Country History and the history of one's military service branch is important.
May 30, 2012
This is a follow up work on the author's previous bestseller Lone Survivor. It's an insiders look at the Navy Seals, a tribute to armed forces, special forces in particular, and a memoir. What it lacks in narrative flow, it compensates for in gripping anecdotes.
August 31, 2017
Fear is a force that sharpens your senses. Being afraid is a state of paralysis in which you can't do anything.
Service is selflessness--the opposite of the lifestyle that we see so much of in America today.
Service is selflessness--the opposite of the lifestyle that we see so much of in America today.
March 17, 2015
Thank you for your service but awfully written and painfully slow. Never developed, couldn't finish it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 320 reviews