Chosen Soldier

The Making of a Special Forces Warrior

By: Dick Couch

Narrated by: Kevin Foley

In combating terror, America can no longer depend on its conventional military superiority and the use of sophisticated technology. More than ever, we need men like those of the Army Special Forces---the legendary Green Berets. In Chosen Soldier, Dick Couch draws on nearly a year spent at Special Forces training facilities and offers an unprecedented view of the education of these men.

Following the experiences of one class of soldiers as they endure this physically and mentally exhausting ordeal, Couch spells out in fascinating detail the demanding selection process and grueling field exercises, the high-level technical training and intensive language courses, and the simulated battle problems that test everything from how well SF candidates gather operational intelligence to their skills at negotiating with volatile, often hostile, local leaders. Chosen Soldier paints a vivid portrait of an elite group, and a process that forges America's smartest, most versatile, and most valuable fighting force.

©2007 Dick Couch, Foreword copyright 2007 by Robert D. Kaplan (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Definitive . . . insightful . . . should be read by every American who despairs [about] current tumult." (Linda Robinson, author of Masters of Chaos)

Great book following the evolution of ODA

This is a great book following me progression of an ODA class preparing for there careers ahead.

Most Insightful!

Decently the most insightful book on (Army Special Forces) I've read. It was the most detailed with SFAS & the Q course.

Dick Couch again

Dick Couch is a former Naval UDT and early SEAL who dives deeply into the training and operational capabilies of the U.S. military forces.

SF a Unique Asset

If you’re looking for a book about Rambo this isn’t it. Couch follows SF candidates through their foundational Q course training, and at the end of the book visits with operational ODA’s in Iraq. He gives his brief but important two cents on how we’re doing at the end of the book. Note that language and SERE schools are excluded from the book, the latter being mostly classified. SF are a diverse group, and the crux of their operation is intellectual and social ability. Good book, will give you a good sense of how these guys come up.

Perfect for someone trying to get details.

Exactly what I've been trying to find out about SFAS for years. Not at all hard to stay engaged listening to.