Relentless Strike

The Secret History of Joint Special Operations Command

By: Sean Naylor

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

Length: 19 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

Since the attacks of September 11, one organization has been at the forefront of America's military response. Its efforts turned the tide against al-Qaida in Iraq, killed Bin Laden and Zarqawi, rescued Captain Phillips, and captured Saddam Hussein. Its commander can direct cruise missile strikes from nuclear submarines and conduct special operations raids anywhere in the world.

Relentless Strike tells the inside story of Joint Special Operations Command, the secret military organization that, during the past decade, has revolutionized counterterrorism, seamlessly fusing intelligence and operational skills to conduct missions that hit the headlines and those that have remained in the shadows - until now. Because JSOC includes the military's most storied special operations units - Delta Force, SEAL Team Six, the 75th Ranger Regiment - as well as America's most secret aviation and intelligence units, this is their story, too.

Relentless Strike reveals tension-drenched meetings in war rooms from the Pentagon to Iraq and special operations battles from the cabin of an MH-60 Black Hawk to the driver's seat of Delta Force's Pinzgauer vehicles as they approach their targets. Through exclusive interviews, reporter Sean Naylor uses his unique access to reveal how an organization designed in the 1980s for a very limited mission set transformed itself after 9/11 to become the military's premier weapon in the war against terrorism and how it continues to evolve today.

©2015 Sean Naylor (P)2015 Macmillan Audio

An excellent account of JSOC's history

Relentless Strike is a very thorough and detailed account of JSOC's history. I would highly recommend to anyone interested in military history.

Cool too here the stories of heroes.

I loved the parts about the actual missions that were organized and executed. I didn't really care about who took over this regiment or any of the small logistics. But i guess it wouldn't be the history of jsoc without those parts I guess. Overall very good, just had a few boring points.

WOW!!!

I don't care for long reviews so let me tell you: this book is a amazing re-cap of the defense system of our country from the "boots on the ground" and the fantastic "operators " who fill them to the "suits and top brass" that do what they think is in our best interest.

A terrific story of what technology plays in geo-political conflicts of interest.

Bravo to all the men and women on the front line of defense.

A really good listen.....

Check one, Foot to Gluteus Maximus

This is a in-depth of kicking Gluteus maximus over half the known world, by some of the most elite tip of the spear operators. That got there start from humble beginnings, and a disasters. Growing into and becoming the most feared strike force of direct action with Violent intent transformation of any units since World War II. No holds bar over the good the bad the ugly the wrong the right the overcoming of ones enemy. Told by team members and the leadership that used Technology and sure will of tenacity to bring Battle to our enemies. RLTW

Good but got a little repetitive

It was good for about the first half and then became a little too repetitive and dragged on.

Excellant book

Any additional comments?

Having worked in and around JSOC and been a student of SOF history I felt like I would have a heads up on most of the information in this book but I was wrong. There are tons of great stories and history about JSOC in this book. I do feel like they left out Ranger Reg too often. Regardless, this is a great book for anyone who wants to learn more about JSOC from the beginning to present day.

interesting book

Very interesting book, so was Not a Good Day to Die. Naylor is one of the best military writers out there. Well-researched & has a lot of credibility within the military.

Interesting, but...

It would seem that some or much of his material was obtained 2nd or 3rd hand, or worse. There's no other way for him to of obtained it. I understand that his sources could not be named, but how much embellishment was there in their rendition of the happenings. Delta wanted Delta to look good & Seals wanted Seals to look good, ect...

I guess, in my opinion, it's the lack of credible sources (or any named sources at all) that bring a certain level of doubt for me about the contents of the book.

Much better than expected. I'm glad I was wrong.

Any additional comments?

This is a fantastic history of the special forces. I was worried it was mostly going be a flag-waving, USA-chanting propaganda fest, but I was dead wrong. This is a wonderfully balanced account complete with the mistakes and failures along the way. And the second half of the book is one exhilarating mission after another. This turned out to be one of my favorite books that I'll certainly be giving several chapters multiple listens. This book goes great with "Ghost Wars" and "Dirty Wars."

Best book on US secret commando history by far

This book is well written and moves quickly because there is so much new reporting.