Sua Sponte: The Forging of a Modern American Ranger by Dick Couch

 Sua Sponte: The Forging of an American Ranger by Dick Couch -364 pages

The author was allowed to observe the rigorous training of a class of Army Ranger candidates during the height of the war in Afghanistan. The book gives a brief history of Ranger units before detailing the current 75 Ranger Regiment and their "direct action" role in the war on terror. The Ranger Regiment is expected to set the standard for fitness and training for all other Army units. It difficult to earn a place in the regiment and tougher to stay in the unit because of the high standards. The title is based on a Latin phrase meaning of their own accord, referring to Rangers' ability to improvise in the field. The book leaves the reader with an appreciation of the dedication required to be part of an elite unit undergoing constant deployments. 

The Fighters by C. J. Chivers

The Fighters: Americans in Combat in Afghanistan and Iraq by C. J. Chivers-374 pages

Chivers is a journalist and former Marine Corps officer who profiles several dedicated military personnel throughout the long conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The book details the pain these individuals experienced and the frustrations of battling an enemy they often can not engage directly. The book clarifies the circumstances conventional forces face in current conflict zones and the effects on U.S. personnel afterwards.

Fearless by Eric Blehm

Fearless by Eric Blehm -257 pages

The subtitle, "The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team Six Operator Adam Brown," makes it clear this is a biography of a man who was admired by his peers. Brown's story is unique for several reasons. He lost his dominant right eye in training and still became a sniper using his left side. He also nearly lost the fingers of his right hand. Brown was known for mentoring new guys instead of hazing them and giving hundreds of shoes to Afghan children. But what makes this book an inspiring read has little to do with Brown's membership in an elite military unit. Incredibly, Adam Brown reached the top tier SEAL unit after years of hard core drug addiction as a civilian. The book details how he was able to overcome a destructive life to become a selfless teammate and family man. In a sad postscript, several of Brown's teammates who paid tribute to him in the book were killed before it was published when their helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan in 2011.