American Commander

Serving a Country Worth Fighting for and Training the Brave Soldiers Who Lead the Way

By: Ryan Zinke

Narrated by: Daniel Butler

Length: 10 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

In recent years the world has learned just what is required to bravely serve America through SEAL Team Six. Now, for the first time, we hear from their commander.

As a 23-year veteran of the United States Navy SEAL Teams, Ryan Zinke received two Bronze Stars for battle valor and eventually rose to command the elite members of SEAL Team Six. During his career Zinke trained and commanded many of the men who would one day run the covert operations to hunt down Osama bin Laden and save Captain Phillips (Maersk Alabama). He also served as mentor to now famous SEALs Marcus Luttrell (Lone Survivor) and Chris Kyle (American Sniper).

Written with the number-one New York Times best-selling coauthor of American Sniper, Scott McEwen, American Commander will offer listeners the hard-hitting, no-nonsense style the SEALs are known for.

When Zinke signs with the US Navy, he turns his sights on joining the ranks of the most elite fighting force, the SEALs. He eventually reaches the top of the SEAL Teams as an assault team commander at SEAL Team Six. Zinke shares what it takes to train and motivate the most celebrated group of warriors on earth and then send them into harm's way. Through it, he shares his proven problem-solving approach: situation, mission, execution, command and control, logistics.

American Commander also covers Zinke's experience in running for Montana's sole seat in the US Congress. Zinke's passion for his country shines as he conveys his vision to revitalize American exceptionalism.

Scott McEwen and Ryan Zinke take listeners behind the scenes and into the heart of America's most-feared fighting force. American Commander will inspire a new generation of leaders charged with restoring a bright future for our children's children.

©2016 Ryan Zinke (P)2016 Thomas Nelson

Respect

The author’s opinions permeate the story. Sometimes he pontificates. I truly respect his military service and his current service as Interior secretary. I think it’s important for readers to know that this is not just a story Commander Zinke and his service. Oorah

True American Values

I would recommend this novel to anyone attempting to gain a more Libertarian view of the world and what we must add to it.

Character rich read.

A genuine sharing of the building of character and a moral compass for life's challenges.

Part memoir, part political manifesto

A reviewer on Amazon wrote that the book details Ryan's specific decision-making / problem-solving approach. I heard it mentioned shortly in the book, but there wasn't much of an explanation of it, let alone apply it.

Apart from that, the book was enjoyable. I personally agree with at least 95% of what Ryan stands for, so the political content didn't rub me the wrong way at all.

There was less political content than I expected from the book's description. Most of it is a memoir of his life, and the SEAL stories are told in that manner – i.e. as recollections from the past – anecdotes if you will. That means there's little action to be found here. It's not Extreme Ownership by Jocko & Babin by any stretch of the imagination.

It reminds me of Seal Team Six – Memoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper, by Howard E. Wasdin. Ryan's book is okay, but not as enjoyable as Wasdin's. The latter is more emotional – made me shed a few tears. Ryan's book is more on the dry side, and I found myself wanting to skip the parts about his childhood, which all seemed quite trivial.

He also keeps his cards close to his chest – there are no secrets revealed here. At all. I know most of his missions were likely classified, but still: I wanted more than I got.

Oh, there's another (similar) book I enjoyed more than this one. It's Unbreakable, by Thom Shea. Part love story, part memoir – but also lots of battle-action and life lessons.

All that said: Ryan's book is okay, too;)

great read

this book is a little different from the previous seals book. it's not all about fighting in missions but it talks about the thoughts of this commander

Wish I hadn’t read it.

I like Zinke’s representation as a congressman, but this book really upsets that image. It is full of self promotion. Like most officers it is replete with excuses and uninformed praise of other military officers. One only need to read The Only Thing Worth Dying For to really understand and know how the reality of James Mattis is from the public image. If you praise Mattis, you’re uninformed and don’t know what you’re talking about.

Great read

An American hero who loves our nation and has his head on straight! A rare combo for a politician!

Great read!

I Read it twice in a month! I will look for other books by this author.

Really enjoyed this book. True American hero!

I'm a Veteran and am very thankful for men like this. Thank you for sharing your part of history and thank you for defending our freedom!

Zinke for President

USA has been under the pathetic control of George Soros funded anti American forces. It’s time to take USA back!