American Commander

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

By: Ryan Zinke, Scott McEwen, Rob O'Neill - introduction

Narrated by: Daniel Butler

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

For more than half a decade, Ryan Zinke was a commander at the most elite SEAL unit. A 23-year veteran of the US Navy SEALs, Zinke is a decorated officer and earned two Bronze Stars as the acting commander of Joint Special Forces in Iraq. 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 #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of American Sniper, Scott McEwen, American Commander will offer readers 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. 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, and Logistics.

American Commander also covers Zinke’s experience in running for Montana’s sole seat in the United States Congress. Zinke’s passion for his country shines as he conveys his vision to revitalize American exceptionalism. Scott McEwen and Ryan Zinke take readers 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.

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

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

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;)