The Finishing School: Earning the Navy SEAL Trident
by Dick Couch
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Book Summary Information
Author: Dick CouchEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-05-31
ISBN: 0609810464
Number of pages: 304
Publisher: Three Rivers Press
Book Reviews of The Finishing School: Earning the Navy SEAL Trident
Book Review: As Advertised
Summary: 4 Stars
The Finishing School is the second book in a three book series showing the evolution of sailor in the United States Navy from a Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) trainee to an operation SEAL. The series begins with The Warrior Elite which documents a single evolution through the basic training regime imposed on applicants and the third, Down Range, provides a sampling of real world SEAL operations with some cameos by individuals from the other books now that they have reached active SEAL Teams. This second book details the advanced training that BUD/S graduates receive in the fairly new SEAL Qualification Training (SQT). This is the potential SEALs last formal training environment before earning the official designation of SEAL and then being sent to an operational unit.
The Finishing School is not a demanding read but those who desire a fast paced page turner should instead seek out another author. Dick Couch is a retired Navy SEAL Captain and CIA officer (presumably Special Activities Division but don't quote me). Because of this and the obvious degree to which he makes clear that the majority of this book was done with official co-operation Couch keeps the tone factual and mild. Most of the individuals in the book are assigned pseudonyms by the author where possible and he skillfully skims over the more specific, and therefor sensitive, tactics employed by the program instead choosing to paint a broad picture for the reader. This is a primer on the program which creates Navy SEALs and type of men that are involved in it, not a behind the scenes exposé or a "tell all" by a community veteran. There is neither an agenda nor a fascinating personal narrative, this is simply a factual and well paced overview of the SEAL community's training pipeline. When it comes to providing a reliable and meticulously fact checked picture of a process often obscured by myth, disinformation and rampant second guessing by the peanut gallery this book is indispensable.
Those with an interest in the US military's special operations community in general or the Naval Special Warfare community specifically should read this book. While the first book, Warrior Elite, provides a more approachable narrative of personal struggle this book is a dryer window into the more advanced training given to SEALs. Most of those that are to wash out of the program have already done so which makes this book less a study of the individual and more the study of what it is the Navy considers to be important skills for 21st century special warfare operators and the best method in which to teach those skills. Be warned though: there is little action in this book so if you desire stimulating recounts of combat or hope for juicy secrets or allegorical lingo you will be disappointed.
Summary of The Finishing School: Earning the Navy SEAL Trident
In America?s new war, the first guns in the fight are special operations forces, including the Navy SEALs, specially trained warriors who operate with precision, swiftness, and lethal force. In the constantly shifting war on terror, SEAL units?small in number, flexible, stealthy, and ef?cient?are more vital than ever to America?s security as they take the battle to an elusive enemy around the globe.But how are Navy SEALs made? Dick Couch, author of the acclaimed Warrior Elite, follows SEALs on the ground and in the water as they undergo SEAL Tactical Training, where they master combat skills such as precision shooting, demolitions, secure communications, parachuting, diving, and first aid. From there, the men enter operational platoons, where they subordinate their individual abilities to the mission of the group and train for special operations in specific geographic environments.
Never before has a civilian writer been granted such close access to the training of America?s most elite military forces. The Finishing School is essential reading for anyone who wants to know what goes into the making of America?s best warriors.
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