Outlaw Platoon

Heroes, Renegades, Infidels, and the Brotherhood of War in Afghanistan

By: Sean Parnell, John Bruning

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

In combat, men measure up. Or don't. There are no second chances.

In this vivid account of the U.S. Army's legendary 10th Mountain Division's heroic stand in the mountains of Afghanistan, Captain Sean Parnell shares an action-packed and highly emotional true story of triumph, tragedy, and the extraordinary bonds forged in battle.

At 24 years of age, U.S. Army Ranger Sean Parnell was named commander of a forty-man elite infantry platoon - a unit that came to be known as the Outlaws - and was tasked with rooting out Pakistan-based insurgents from a mountain valley along Afghanistan's eastern frontier. Parnell and his men assumed they would be facing a ragtag bunch of civilians, but in May 2006 what started out as a routine patrol through the lower mountains of the Hindu Kush became a brutal ambush. Barely surviving the attack, Parnell's men now realized that they faced the most professional and seasoned force of light infantry the U.S. Army had encountered since the end of World War II.

What followed was 16 months of close combat, over the course of which the platoon became Parnell's family: from Staff Sergeant Greg Greeson, the wise, chain-smoking veteran who never lost his cool; to Specialist Robert Pinholt, a buttoned-down conservative with the heart of a warrior and the mind of an economist; to Staff Sergeant Phil Baldwin, the platoon's voice of calm and reason, a man who sacrificed everything following the events of 9/11 - career, home, financial stability - to serve his country. But the cost of battle was high for these men: Over 80 percent were wounded in action, putting their casualty rate among the highest since Gettysburg, and not all of them made it home.

A searing and unforgettable story of friendship in battle, Outlaw Platoon brings to life the intensity and raw emotion of those 16 months, showing how the fight reshaped the lives of Parnell and his men and how the love and faith they found in one another ultimately kept them alive.

This audiobook is enhanced with a downloadable PDF containing photographs from the hardcover edition.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2012 Sean Parnell (P)2012 HarperCollinsPublishers

reads like a novel

Where does Outlaw Platoon rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is a great story about men at war in Afghan.

What did you like best about this story?

The combat scenes are outstanding.

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

A great reader who makes you feel like you are there.

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

The whole story was moving for me.

Telling story from a true hero

Wonderfully produced, the narrator captures the emotions and inflections correctly throughout the book. The story is telling and real, told without any political tone or agenda.

I’m forever affected by Sean’s story

I had the privilege of meeting Mr Parnell at an event where he continues to serve his military brothers and their families. That was before I read his book. Today, I am so profoundly moved by the ignorance I’ve carried as a shield since becoming an adult in this world. My perspectives have shifted. My deepest gratitudes go to those men, women and families who have sacrificed everything for so many of us that we may continue to live free and in blissful ignorance.

Great book

The book and the story are great.
The only reason I gave Ray Porter a 4 is that I have listened to several novels that he narrated that hearing his voice gave it a "fiction" feel to me. Not that he did anything wrong. That was just my hangup.

Best story of real combat

This is a very personal story, that covers an extended deployment filled with numerous battles and personalities. Sometimes you want to shake the heroes (yes, they are heroes) and tell them to get better medical treatment after the conflict. And then there is the politics and the leaders who don't pull their weight, and you wish there was greater retribution. I have listened to several other non-fiction accounts of battle. Several were excellent, but this one is really the best for coverage of multiple engagements and something you should listen to, if you are interested in real people in unbelievable circumstances. The reading by Ray Porter is great. I always love his work and his mastery really shows in this and all the people he portrays.

Outstanding!

Gripping and insightful, a must read for all politicians and military leaders. Face the true gravitas of sending our fighting men and women into combat, and make sure all unnecessary hurdles are removed so they can succeed. It's your duty!

Thank you!

Thank you to Sean and all the men of Outlaw platoon for your sacrifice. You have no idea how much what you do means to this country. This book is outstanding. Really lets you into the action... Must read

real story

Would you listen to Outlaw Platoon again? Why?

no, too many things I want to forget.

What did you like best about this story?

REAL!

Which character – as performed by Ray Porter – was your favorite?

Ellison/

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

Of Course....when the old man warned the troop of invading insurgent soldiers coming to their base.

Any additional comments?

Thank you for making it personal. What else do we have if not each other.

Great Military Memoir

A great War memoir for this generation. Grabs you right in the beginning and doesn't let go.

book worthy of your time

good story about combat/army life. recommended for those who have the desire to serve our country. an eye opener inside look at the sacrifices made daily by our men and women. no bs just reality of being a service member. hooah.