I'm asked for military/special operations book recommendations quite often, so I wanted to share some of my favorites.
Feel free to recommend others.
Inside Delta Force | Eric Haney
This is probably the most revealing book on Delta Force out there, even though it covers an earlier period (late 1970s to mid 1980s). Haney goes into detail about his experience during 1st SFOD-D (Delta Force) selection, and talks openly about the culture and training early on in 'The Unit'.
The Reaper | Nicholas Irving
This is the true story of the 3rd Ranger Battalion's sniper Nicholas Irving, known as "The Reaper." It chronicles his record setting 33 confirmed kills during a single 2009 deployment in Afghanistan, and his battle with PTSD after he came home.
Unafraid | Eddie Penney
Eddie details his career in the SEAL Teams, including his time in SEAL Team 6 in brutal detail, along with his grueling journey raising three young children as a single father.
Razor 03 | Alan Mack
This is a memoir by retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Alan Mack. It details his 35 year career, focusing on his time as an elite MH-47 Chinook pilot for the 160th SOAR, including many notable missions like Roberts Ridge (Takur Ghar).
The Glass Factory | Braxton McCoy
You may have seen Braxton on X, he's a regular poster here, but you may not know his story. In his memoir he chronicles his catastrophic injuries from the 2006 suicide bomber attack in Iraq, and his long physical and mental rehabilitation afterwards.
MOB VI | Justin Sheffield
In this memoir by former SEAL Team 6 operator Justin Sheffield, he gives a raw, violent, and real glimpse into the life on an elite operator. He also gives a first-hand account of the mission to rescue Jessica Buchanan in Somalia.
The Last Punisher | Kevin Lacz
In this raw 2016 memoir, Lacz details his service as a Navy SEAL sniper in Task Unit Bruiser, Charlie Platoon, SEAL Team 3 during the 2006 Battle of Ramadi in the Iraq War. He served alongside Chris Kyle, Jonny Kim, Marc Lee and other well-known SEALs.
Fearless | Eric Blehm
This is my #1 book. I recommend it to anyone who reads, whether they are interested in the military or not. It tells the powerful true story of Adam Brown, a man who overcame a severe drug addiction to join the US military and rise into the elite ranks of SEAL Team 6, ultimately giving his life in Afghanistan. Even if you read nothing else on this list, read this.
Extreme Ownership: How SEALs Lead and Win | Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
This is an excellent leadership book, applicable to anyone trying to improve their life. It applies the combat lessons from Iraq's Battle of Ramadi to business, management, and daily life, arguing that a leader must take absolute responsibility for success or failure.
Collateral turns 22 today.
Tom Cruise trained for months, not just gunwork and fight choreography, but to get into the mindset of Vincent, a cold-blooded, calculated assassin.
"You just gotta roll with it."
Jason Everman. Went from being the guy who got kicked out of Nirvana and Soundgarden, to later serving in Afghanistan and Iraq as a US Army Ranger and Green Beret.