Title: Lone Survivor
Author: Marcus Luttrell
Publisher: Back Bay
Books
Pages: 392
Content:
The strength of this true story lies in the light that it sheds on the strength
of character, mental toughness, of the soldiers; as well as the confusing
cultural and ethical nuances that epitomize operations within the Afghan
theatre of operations. The central unit, a four man recce team, is faced with
hard ethical questions relating to prisoners when their deep reconnaissance
mission is compromised by Afghan shepherds. The challenges of modern,
asymmetric warfare are highlighted when the team struggles with the factors
influencing what courses of action they have to pursue. The reader comes to
quickly appreciate that answers and decisions are not cut and dried and that
all have their consequences. Additionally, the book is a fascinating study of
the inner workings of the Afghan/Pashtun culture. The concept of ‘lokhay’ or
the responsibility that a family and village has for the protection and support
of a guest, at the expense of all else, is one that is completely alien to
western cultures but is deeply rooted in the Pashtun psyche. Finally, the book
provides additional proof of the necessity for tight team cohesion and training
as you would fight. While many expound upon these concepts, too often we let
these standards slide to our ultimate detriment.
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