Summary

Preface – Eric Greitens explains to the reader that the book about to be read is about service on the frontlines, about combat and humanitarianism. Greitens also notes that SEALs are humanitarians as well as warriors, and that courage and compassion are necessary for each other.

Part I: Mind and Fist

Chapter 1: Iraq – Eric is awakened from sleep by an insurgent attack, along with a suicide truck bomb. Eric notes that his SEAL training, first passed down by the Underwater Demolition Teams who worked to clear the beaches at Normandy, kicks in. Eric dives to the floor, and along with Big Sexy Francis (a Staff Sergeant and gunner for Eric’s Humvee), Lieutenant Colonel Fisher, Mike Marise (a former Marine fighter pilot who gave up his plane for ground combat), and Joel Poudrier (an intelligence officer) make their way up to the...