The Warrior Elite: The Forging of SEAL Class 228

It Pays To Be A Winner

In this book, The Warrior Elite by author and experienced Navy SEAL Dick Couch is an amazingly inspiring book which follows Class 228 as they travel through BUDS Training, the first step in earning the prestigious Navy SEAL Trident. Dick Couch shadows the class through all of the training, through all of the struggles, and through all of the team building. There are four phases of training which the BUDS Trainees go through, but throughout the training they consistently and constantly have men DOR, or Drop On Request. There are some who don't make it through the first hour before they quit, but then there are those who persevere and who endure to reach their ultimate goal. The training focuses on the truth that it pays to be a winner. Life isn't all simple and nice, but it is full of competition and occasional disappointment. When the trainees win a race they are rewarded, but if they don't they are forced to do more physical training. Because of the excessive amount of physical torture that these trainees are put through they are as a result mentally tested as well. It is amazing what the human body and mind can endure when it is focused on achieving one goal. The book also largely focuses on the theme of endurance. The Trainees quickly realize that having this trait is not enough to pass BUDS Training- no, they must have their entire life focused on this trait. In fact the training starts out with over 150 zealous, enthusiastic trainees who have all excelled at their various Basic Navy schools. There they were above average, but at BUDS Training they will have to be far more than that to survive and endure the ruthless training they face. There was also a large focus on teamwork. These young men are put through incredible tasks together.
Because of this they learn to work with one another. They learn each others strengths, weaknesses, and places for improvement. The BUDS Training is also strategically difficult. It is such a smart system because it quickly weeds out the ones who will not excel and help out the team. The teamwork and bonds that they create with each other is also so important because of what these trainees are actually training for. Unlike a sports team, these men are being trained to kill and survive. If they aren't connected with each other then it could literally result in the death of fellow comrade and friend. I really like how Dick Couch was able to create a bond between the young men in the book and the reader. When they excelled you felt inspired, when they failed you felt sad for them. I wish that the author had described in more detail what they went through though. Because the BUDS Training is a 9 month process Dick Couch leaves out lots of experiences for lack of time. But he uses amazing imagery in the parts that he chooses to share with the reader. Overall I would give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. It was very entertaining, inspiring, and well written. Dick Couch has a true gift of making the reader feel like part of Class 228 and I am looking forward to his next book.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Great Book!

This is a great book. For a SEAL candidate, this book serves as a BUD/S roadmap. For a civilian, it serves to give legitimate insight into a misunderstood and Hollywoodized warrior culture. Dick Couch has done the Navy SEALs and all special operators past, present, and future a great service in telling their stories in his books.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Very Interesting!

Informative inside look at what these men "really" go through. Quite impressive!!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Warrior Elite-written by an Elite

Capt Couch has written the very best account on Navy SEAL training that I have read. He graduated from class 45 himself, he served in Nam, and walks the talk!! Truly a marvelous read for all who love good reading of the Military variety!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Excellent reading

For anyone who has ever been curious about SEALS training....this is your book. The bravery and mental toughness of these men,as explained by former SEAL Dick Couch,is incredible.

Great Book

You'll learn a lot of things the recruiters (and GI Jane) won't tell you. Definitely an enjoyable read.

A Great Book

This was a great and inspiring book about the Navy SEALs. It amazes me that the body can go through so much physical and mental toil, but it is the hardest training in the world. HOOYAH!

Gutsy, Non-quitting Real Life Heroes

A very readable, exciting book about the the toughest men the U.S. could ever want to send on missions. From the start of their training, they willingly endure physical and mental punishment beyond belief to graduate into almost undefeatable fighters. They have incredible willpower that never lets them quit. They are loyal to their teams no matter what the outcome of any mission. It is easy to see why a class of over 100 men graduates only about 20%. They are the pride of our Navy and our country.'They also inspired me to finish whatever I start, no matter how hard it is!

It pays to be a winner

A good behind the scenes look and evaluation of what it takes to pass the first evolution to become a SEAL operator. The BUDS program weeds out the wanna-bees, but as the book explains there are years ahead in more training after BUDS. This is the first in series of books on SEAL operators from BUDS to deployment down range. You might enjoy them by reading them in sequence to follow the operator's career path.

Great Book

I loved this book. As I've said in some other reviews I hate reading but this one I could not put down. I recommend it to anyone who wants to know how Navy SEAL training is or is just a military type of person.

Awsome

I rented this book from the library and i liked it so much i bought it, i recomend this to anyone who likes the SEALS and is interested in presuing a dream of becoming a SEAL. This book has conviced me to become a seal in the future.

The best ever

this was the best book i've ever read. this book closely documents the hardships of training. This book has mouments that will inspire you for the rest of your life.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Best book ever

Amazing, the best book i have ever read about traning of any kind. It personally helped me push myself in runs and in sports I was involved in.

Discover what it takes to be part of the warrior elite

As Dick Couch follows class 228 through BUD/S, the reader gets a very personal view of individual's experiences during each phase of training. Couch's detailing of the progress of the trainees as the weeks went on makes the reader feel like a spectator rather than just a reader. This book is captivating, informative, and inspirational!

Beginning of a Warrior

This book shows you the greuling training that these men have to go through to join one of the smallest forces in the U.S. military.

Warrior Emphasis

I've had the chance to listen to CPT. Couch before my class went into hellweek in class 242 and he emphasized on warriorship. At the time, I haven't read his book until months after I quit BUD/S and then realized what he was talking about. Being a true warrior. A great book to read for any respective SEAL candidate.

Excellent insight into Seal Training

Capt (Ret) Couch leads us through what it takes to become one of the Navy's Elite. He gives detailed, yet easy to understand descriptions of tactics and weapons. I am an USN Intelligence Officer, having served 15yrs. I have worked with SEALs from time to time, but until this book, never full appreciated what it took to become a SEAL. A great account of BUD/S and SEAL training!

One Perfect Book

This is by far one of the most comprehensive books on BUD/S training out there. If you are interested in becoming a seal or interested in BUD/S training this is the book to read...

A Great Book On The Navy's Most Elite

Warrior Elite is a great description of BUD's recruits and their thrive to be the 'best of the best'. The book follows class 228 and the lives of those who took the challenge of BUD's training. It follows the failures and successes of trainees and really gets into the minds of the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it because of the way it is told. A definite book to add to the collection of those who are military, non-military, and enthusiasts. A must read!!!!

One of the Best

This is one of the best books I have ever read having to do with the training of Navy SEALs. It tells you everything you need and want to know about BUD/s training. 'A must read for anyone who is thinking about becoming a Navy SEAL.