Mick

This book does a good job of illustrating the issues US forces face in Afghanistan and why our mission there seems to have gotten nowhere. It also does a good job of illustrating the valor of the US warrior.

Sebastian Younger's War. I think The Outpost and War compliment each other nicely. The Outpost does a better job of illustrating the challenges US troops face while War does a very nice job of enlightening the reader to the psychology of why individual combat troops are willing to do what they do.

First time I've heard Shapiro. He does a good job.

Although the death of every soldier in the book was moving, I found the stories of the effect on their families particularly wrenching.

Kudos to Jake Tapper on a great piece of work. This book gives what appears to be an honest account of the activities of the outpost and the challenges our soldiers face. Some successes and the failures of leadership in the field, in theater and all the way up to D.C. (The Bush and the Obama administrations) Dont look for a feel good story or a praising or bashing of anyone's agendas, just an honest look at what some of our troops faced on our behalf. Typical Tapper, tough, straightforward and honest. This book should be read by every adult American, especially those who find they want to express opinions on the War in Afghanistan or vote one way or the other based on wars and their outcomes. It may or may not change your mind one way or the other about that war. It will certainly enlighten you to the issues and challenges faced by those who we send there on our behalf. It will also make you think about our decision making process for sending troops into harms way.

As so many others have said, there is something going on with this recording. I nearly gave up on this one because of the electronic sound of the narration. Luckily I found a speed adjustment on my iPod and was able to speed the playback up which helped immensely. The story is good. (Its Clancy, Duh...:-) Im glad I was able to get through it.