The Unit

My Life Fighting Terrorists as One of America's Most Secret Military Operatives

De: Adam Gamal, Kelly Kennedy

Narrado por: Adam Gamal, Peter Ganim

This program features an introduction narrated by the author. It has been modified to maintain the author's anonymity.

The first and only book to ever be written by a member of America's most secret military unit―an explosive and unlikely story of immigration, service, and sacrifice.

Inside our military is a team of operators whose work is so secretive that the name of the unit itself is classified. Highly-trained in warfare, self-defense, infiltration, and deep surveillance, "the Unit," as the Department of Defense has asked us to refer to it, has been responsible for preventing dozens of terrorist attacks in the Western world. Never before has a member of this unit shared their story—until now.

From Adam Gamal, one of the only Muslim Arab Americans to serve inside “the Unit," comes an incisive firsthand account of our nation’s most secretive military group. When Adam arrived in the United States at the age of twenty, he spoke no English, and at 5’1” and 112 pounds, he was far from what you might expect of a soldier. But compelled into service by a debt he felt he owed to his new country, he rose through the ranks of the military to become one of its most elite and skilled operators.

With humor and humility, Adam shares stories of life-threatening injuries, of the camaraderie and capabilities of his team, and of the incredible missions―but also of the growth he experienced as he learned to understand his own moderate faith.

Enthralling and eye-opening, The Unit is at once a gripping account of the fight against terror, an urgent examination of the need for diversity, and an inside look at how America fights its battles abroad in the modern age of terrorism.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

©2024 Adam Gamal and Kelly Kennedy (P)2024 Macmillan Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“[Gamal] volunteered for a force so secret that he can only refer to it as “the unit.” The author describes it as similar to special forces, employing the same murderous training, teamwork, daring, and firepower, but with additional emphasis on surveillance and intelligence gathering. Most of the book recounts missions in the Middle East and Africa, and the text, some of it redacted, features plenty of fireworks, including an encounter when Gamal was shot and almost died…. The compelling story of an unlikely hero in the war on terror.”—Kirkus Reviews

“In The Unit, Adam Gamal takes readers on an extraordinary journey from immigrant to elite operator. A gripping tale of bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering determination and patriotism written with vivid detail and relentless suspense. The Unit recounts the adrenaline-fueled encounters and the heart-stopping moments when lives hang in the balance while exploring Gamal’s inner struggles and sense of purpose. The book is a stark reminder of the sacrifices of America’s special operations forces and how America’s melting pot is its best defense.”–Kevin Maurer, #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of No Easy Day

"Adam Gamal served in the most secret military organization in our country and he did so with distinction and courage. Read The Unit and get a glimpse inside the highest levels of special operations."–Will Chesney, US Navy SEAL (ret.) and bestselling author of No Ordinary Dog

Interesting but likely not what reader expects

Let me be clear from the outset that I enjoyed The Unit and would recommend it to others. However, I gave the book 4 stars not 5 stars, because I think the marketing around the book is a bit misleading. This is not like most of the books by former operators where you get a sanitized version of their experience in the military. Contrary to the marketing, this book is much more about the author's experiences growing up and his views on America and his place in America. If you are looking for a book about kicking down doors or practicing CQB in a kill house this book is not for you. The author's military career plays a part in the book, but it is by no means the main subject of the book. The author's military career is utilized as a means of organizing the author's larger discussion of his experience as an immigrant and the importance of immigrants to America.

Additionally, the book is just not particularly well edited. There are multiple antidotes that appear twice or more in the book more or less verbatim and often do not entirely make sense in the context in which they appear. Honestly, at times it felt like the ghost writer was just sticking stories in to increase the page count/book length to make sure it reached the contracted length.

Overall, I found The Unit to be an enjoyable and interesting listen; however, I suspect many will purchase the book based on the marketing and general content of books in this genre and be disappointed.

A different perspective

Fantastic! The author brings different perspective with his story. The narrator does a great job bringing the author’s personality to life.

Very interesting well written!

Really liked the depth of the story and how he clarified so much of the truth about himself and our country and his culture!
Excellent reader too.

Salad not melting pot

As a career soldier this opened my eyes to a lot of things. Cultural sensitivity being number one and the author does a fantastic job at explaining WHY we need more training in this. I actually got a chance to go to Jordan for a month for this. It was a great start but had so much more to learn. Great job of telling your story SGM!

All American’s should read this book!

Told from the heart of a US immigrant warrior protecting all of us including the Americans who would judge them by their religion or skin color! A true American hero. From an old Vietnam era veteran, thank you for your service!!

Genuine look at the military and the US

A lot of angry Republican nationalists in the reviews are upset it’s not another war story proclaiming how great America is; this is real and nitty gritty about the US, it’s military and the social structures that permeate both. America was never a utopia. But with more good people like the author in it, it can actually become something great.

This Isn't Like Most SOF Memoirs

Adam does a wonderful job showcasing the rigors of his work, and highlighting the wonderful people he worked with. I saw another review claiming there was too much talk about race. But I know first hand that there was absolute truth to his words. His book highlights the power of a diverse fighting force, from the perspective of an elite Tier 1 unit. Adam does not seem self interested in publishing this book. His anonymity, along with protection of various operational details makes this book stand out among the numerous military books that seek to claim glory or tell their war stories. This is going to the top of my reccomended reading list.

How we as emigrants from around the world can make a difference and willing to defend our country which, has adopted us.

I enjoyed listening to this book because i founded it to be informative and patriotic.

Just alright

I admire the author, but too much limitation on what he could portray in the book

Determination

It wasn’t what I expected, but it was still a good book. It’s not the cover of the book that counts, it’s what’s inside that is important.