Inside Delta Force

The Story of America’s Elite Counterterrorist Unit

By: Command Sergeant Major Eric L. Haney

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

Length: 13 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

Delta Force—the US Army’s most elite top-secret strike force. They dominate the modern battlefield, but you won’t hear about their heroics on CNN. No headlines can reveal their top-secret missions, and no book has ever taken readers inside—until now. Here, a founding member of Delta Force takes us behind the veil of secrecy and into the action to reveal the never-before-told story of First Special Forces Operational Detachment-D (Delta Force).

He is a master of espionage, trained to take on hijackers, terrorists, and enemy armies. He can deploy by parachute or arrive by commercial aircraft, survive alone in hostile cities, speak foreign languages fluently, strike at enemy targets with stunning swiftness and extraordinary teamwork. He is the ultimate modern warrior: the Delta Force operator.

In this dramatic chronicle, Eric Haney, one of the founding members of Delta Force, takes us inside this legendary counterterrorist unit. Here, for the first time, are details of the grueling selection process—designed to break the strongest of men—that singles out the best of the best.

With heart-stopping immediacy, Haney tells what it’s really like to enter a hostage-held airplane. From his days in Beirut, he tells a remarkable tale of bodyguards and bombs, of a day-to-day life of madness and beauty, and of how he and a teammate are called on to kill two gunmen targeting US Marines at an airport. As part of the team sent to rescue American hostages in Tehran, Haney offers a first-person description of that failed mission that is a chilling, compelling account of a bold maneuver undone by chance—and a few fatal mistakes.

From fighting guerrilla warfare in Honduras to rescuing missionaries in Sudan and leading the way onto the island of Grenada, Haney captures the daring and discipline that distinguish the men of Delta Force. Inside Delta Force brings honor to these singular men while it puts us in the middle of around-the-world action that is sudden, frightening, and nonstop.

©2002 Eric L. Haney; Afterword 2005 by Eric L. Haney (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“The story of the US military’s elite counterterrorism warriors… Timely… fascinating… well-written.” ( Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Fascinating Information

Would you consider the audio edition of Inside Delta Force to be better than the print version?

I never read the printed version

What was one of the most memorable moments of Inside Delta Force?

The intense training

What does Robertson Dean bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Clear and concisely verbal content.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The last day of training on the 40 mile trek.

Any additional comments?

I was rather expecting a rough and tumble fictionalized battle type story. I was not expecting the details it took to become a Delta Force member. I kept waiting for the war story and excitement to begin, however I soon realized this wasn't going to happen but by then I was rather intrigued by the background and other bits of information about weapons, and physical as well as emotional elements that went into the men who became members of the Delta force unit.

I actually enjoyed this even though it was not light entertainment as I originally thought but I was soon captivated by the lessons in history, and knowledge gained that gives me a better idea of the brave men who help guard this country. This book was very good and I would highly recommend it with the caveat that it is more biographic than a fictionalized story.

Dynamic

I️ was very impressed with Haney. The way he can tell incredible stories and teach valuable principles was incredible. My faith in America grew, but distrust for the “cia” and foreign governments definitely deepened.

Our world today is safer thanks to these warriors

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. We should all have great respect for the military we seldom hear about. All of the Special Opps qualify for this .

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

So well done it is hard to stop listening till the end.

What does Robertson Dean bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Would not seem as real.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Comfort in the fact that terrorism is dealt with - we just don't know about it.

Incredible View Point

Incredible, and engaging. The narration sucks you in even deeper. The most interesting part is his view point.

Great insight and Great book.

Would you listen to Inside Delta Force again? Why?

Yes, there is a lot of interesting information.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Inside Delta Force?

All the different types of training that he went through is very interesting and down right cool.

Any additional comments?

This was one of the most interesting books I have listened to and gave me an even higher respect for these operators.

One Man's Story.

Loved the story. Very informative and thought provoking. Also very motivational. Great book and entertaining.

Easy listen, good flow, interesting, informative

-I've heard Delta force referenced in several TV shows, Movies and books before, and it was always this super secret/ assassin/ amazing band of soldiers sent in for the most secretive and technical of missions, so i'm glad to have listened to this book to get the truth of everything.
-Still amazing of course, but its good to get the real information rather than just the assumption of awesomeness.
-All that "joined the army at this date, then no record for the last 10 years" ...- Delta Force. Very interesting.

--Writing and Flow
-Its the kind of book that while it is super informative and contains a lot of information, is it also very well written and follows a logical progression from the background of the writer (1 of the 1st members of Delta Force) to the inception and selection of the members, then the history of what was going on politically at the time, the original goal of the unit (counter terrorism) , various missions they were sent on, and even examples of the USA's notorious enforcement of 'American interests' abroad, and the conflict of the ones doing the enforcement.
-Incredibly interesting, and i'd recommend this to anyone with an interest in anything army related, historical & political affairs/ international affairs related etc. Or of course anyone in the army, or looking to go into the armed forces, as it gives great insight as what particular criteria they would be looking for and the extended training you'll be given after joining.

Hats off to these guys!!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, found it very interesting, informative, and reassuring. It was very well done.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Inside Delta Force?

What sticks in my mind the most is that our government prevented them from doing what they trained them to do --to save the lives of the POW's was a big one. Hard to understandhow anything could matter more than that. Very impressed with many aspects of their training. I did not realize the significance of our special forces. I have started listening to another similar one, different area of the military, but not as good as this one.

Which character – as performed by Robertson Dean – was your favorite?

The main character.

If you could give Inside Delta Force a new subtitle, what would it be?

Unknown, unappreciated men of honor and excellence.

Any additional comments?

Loved it, and am so thankful for each and every one who serves our nation like The Delta Force.

My favorite book of all time.

Just an outstanding view into special forces, army style, and the special men who serve in delta force. I am fascinated with men of grit, character, toughness, and wisdom, and these men have those and many other positive qualities in spades. And they are deadly as hell.

Excellent book Eye opening accounts

Enjoyed this book from the perspective of an ex military NCO and a dedicated American. This allows the average person who enjoys their freedom. A gander of what goes on while they are tucked in bed waiting to enjoy the next day.