4.41

4

Feb 07, 2015

I read this as a recommendation from a Marine friend who is preparing to undergo MARSOC A&S. it is a very matter-of-fact account of the process of transforming a Marine into a special operator, written by someone who is obviously very proud of the people who want to do this with their lives. his tone is always respectful. it is a very informative book, but it is dry reading. I would have enjoyed a couple of colorful anecdotes, just to get a bit of insight into what drives these dudes, what I read this as a recommendation from a Marine friend who is preparing to undergo MARSOC A&S. it is a very matter-of-fact account of the process of transforming a Marine into a special operator, written by someone who is obviously very proud of the people who want to do this with their lives. his tone is always respectful. it is a very informative book, but it is dry reading. I would have enjoyed a couple of colorful anecdotes, just to get a bit of insight into what drives these dudes, what keeps them going when it gets tough. that would be an excellent book to see some day! I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in MARSOC; dick couch had a really special opportunity to spend time with a class and share their experiences (although it's not quite clear to me from this book to what extent he was present in anyone's day).

as sort of a weird note, at one point couch mentions a test with an actual casualty, real blood etc. but kind of glosses over it as a nod to its controversial nature. pigs! I heard it was pigs, which are slaughtered after the exercise. my opinion: I hate it. probably not a big issue to most. couch does also very briefly discuss the possibility of integrating female Marines into MARSOC and other combat roles, which is, I think, not his favorite, but he handles it with relative grace.

I came out of this with mad respect and admiration for the select few who can endure (and even thrive under) such physical and mental duress, as well as everyone who chooses to serve. it's a lot of responsibility to take on. I'm glad that books like this can give folks like me a chance to try to be more informed and understanding. ...more

5

Nov 23, 2014

Always Faithful, Always Forward The Forging of A Special Operations Marine
By Couch, Dick

If you think Marines are just muscle bound teenagers who want to defend their country with a taste for violence this book will prove you wrong. Special Operators are a class of warrior with specialized training in combat techniques, language, and diplomatic skills. The business of special operations is different from that of general purpose military forces. Their assignments are more focused and unusual. They Always Faithful, Always Forward The Forging of A Special Operations Marine
By Couch, Dick

If you think Marines are just muscle bound teenagers who want to defend their country with a taste for violence this book will prove you wrong. Special Operators are a class of warrior with specialized training in combat techniques, language, and diplomatic skills. The business of special operations is different from that of general purpose military forces. Their assignments are more focused and unusual. They are under the general control of US Special Forces Command There are 4 major combat organizations that are tasked to SOCOM, Navy Seals, Army Special Forces (i.e. Green Berets), Arrny 75th Ranger Regiment, and the Marine Special Operations Regiment. Entry into one of these units is on a voluntary basis. Entry is considered a privilege that is fought for and completion of training is not guaranteed. The drop out rate during the training period some of these units is close to 70%.This book focuses on the selection, training, and assignment of these special men, as they enter the Marine Special Operations Regiment. The book goes into great detail covering all the phases of training. Its coverage of one of the classes takes on the feel of reality television show, where not everyone wins the prize of becoming a warrior diplomat . I left the book with a greatly increased respect for both the military and the men who apply for undergo the training to become a member of very exclusive fraternity of Special Operators. ...more

5

Aug 16, 2014

Could you make it as a Special Operations Marine? Best selling author, Dick Couch takes you through the process in his new book Always Faithful. Always Forward. As in several of his previous books, Dick goes with a class seeking to graduate as Special Ops Marines. He lives, eats, sleeps—what little they do—with them and in this book he picks three to follow from beginning to end. The course is a grueling, grinding, crushing trial of the Marine’s total self to see if he measures up. If he does, Could you make it as a Special Operations Marine? Best selling author, Dick Couch takes you through the process in his new book Always Faithful. Always Forward. As in several of his previous books, Dick goes with a class seeking to graduate as Special Ops Marines. He lives, eats, sleeps—what little they do—with them and in this book he picks three to follow from beginning to end. The course is a grueling, grinding, crushing trial of the Marine’s total self to see if he measures up. If he does, he is a Special Operations Marine for the rest of his career. They are operating in 90 countries today. They have been in 120 so far. If you like military information you will love this book. Couch is a retired US Navy SEAL Captain and former CIA Maritime Operations Officer. ...more

4

April 4, 2016

A very good overview of Marine Corps special operations.

4

Aug 02, 2018

Informative

I don’t find it as engrossing and comprehensive as his other works but this is another stellar project on an obscure SOF training program. The pages on Marine Corps history are especially interesting

5

Aug 22, 2017

While Rangers, SEALs, Green Berets, etc. are well known, Couch educates us on training for the fairly new and exciting Marine special forces.

2

Mar 10, 2017

Listened on CD. This made it hard to skip the BORING parts, of which there are many. You have to be a real Military History and a Marine fan to real like this book.

3

Sep 16, 2016

Hah! Finally finished! Funny how long it can take to read a book when you only read it over lunch at work.

This was a well-written book; it is filled with a lot of information. It reads more like a ‘textbook,’ per se, than the type of books that I normally prefer to read. It has a wealth of information in it; I know I am repeating myself, but it is true. I cannot say that it was a ‘fast-moving’ book, but that was not the purpose of the author’s narrative. Instead, the author gave honor where Hah! Finally finished! Funny how long it can take to read a book when you only read it over lunch at work.

This was a well-written book; it is filled with a lot of information. It reads more like a ‘textbook,’ per se, than the type of books that I normally prefer to read. It has a wealth of information in it; I know I am repeating myself, but it is true. I cannot say that it was a ‘fast-moving’ book, but that was not the purpose of the author’s narrative. Instead, the author gave honor where honor was due. It was a fascinating account about how the Marines, which are already a ‘special unit,’ developed their own ‘special forces’ unit within their organization, and how a team moves through the training.

I thought the author did a nice job comparing and contrasting different mission requirements of Rangers, Green Berets, SEALs, and special ops Marines throughout the book. He states several times how he has always felt that the Army’s Special Forces were the best ‘all-around’ in terms of the various specialties because of what they could accomplish, but he a could easily see the Marines’ special forces unit ‘replacing’ the Green Berets as the ‘best all-around’ in his mind.

In the “epilogue” the author briefly discusses women being involved in the various Special Forces units. Once all of the political garbage gets pushed aside, I felt he made three valid points to consider in regard to women being involved in Special Forces units. Something to consider.

I also liked how he would discuss other training methods and compare them to the Marines’ methods. It was an interesting look at the similarities and the differences between the various units and how they worked together to cross-train units from other branches.

Each cadre has its own unique specialty as its area of focus, so it’s not really valid to say one branch is ‘better than’ another. Each cadre has its own strengths and weaknesses that they bring to the table. However, the author felt that the Marines were going to soon be bringing ‘the most’ to the table as they are already an elite unit and the MEUs were comparable to an on-call, 911 force. So it will be interesting to ‘see’ how the Marines special forces teams continue to grow, expand, and evolve over time.

I am glad I read the book.

...more

3

Jul 07, 2014

Couch followed the training regiment of a Marine Special Operations class. He described their backgrounds and the skills they are taught. He also gives a brief history of the marine corps and the significance of the establishment of the Marine Special Operations Command.

Why I started this book: When I think of Special Operations, the Navy SEALs are what first come to mind, so it was interesting to learn about another branch of the military.

Why I finished it: The audio kept me moving through the Couch followed the training regiment of a Marine Special Operations class. He described their backgrounds and the skills they are taught. He also gives a brief history of the marine corps and the significance of the establishment of the Marine Special Operations Command.

Why I started this book: When I think of Special Operations, the Navy SEALs are what first come to mind, so it was interesting to learn about another branch of the military.

Why I finished it: The audio kept me moving through the book, but it is a book that is better suited to those in special operations or considering a career as a Marine Special Operator. ...more

3

Jul 26, 2014

Interesting subject material. I've read most of Mr. Couch's nonfiction books, and this one was little different than the others with a significant exception. Mr. Couch delved little into what these MARSOC operators have actually done downrange, leaving a gap in the information the book delivers. I liked this book, but came away wishing the author had closed the circle a bit more and shared how MARSOC is actually working out in theatre. Wider appeal, especially if you are interested in elite unit Interesting subject material. I've read most of Mr. Couch's nonfiction books, and this one was little different than the others with a significant exception. Mr. Couch delved little into what these MARSOC operators have actually done downrange, leaving a gap in the information the book delivers. I liked this book, but came away wishing the author had closed the circle a bit more and shared how MARSOC is actually working out in theatre. Wider appeal, especially if you are interested in elite unit training. ...more

1

Dec 14, 2014

Not my thing - too much boring detail that I didn't understand, though I say this is completely a personal preference. My father would be MESMERISED, no doubt. I, however, couldn't get into it or get through more than the first few chapters, Oh, well...

2

Dec 08, 2013

I've read most of Dick Couch's non-fiction, and he did a great job writing about SEALs, Rangers, Green Berets, etc. But this book is completely different. It reads like a field manual and the actual Marines seem peripheral to me. I was excited to read this book but I am pretty disappointed by it.

4

Mar 15, 2016

Great insight into what MARSOC both from a historical perspective of its formation and to what a MARSOC CSO goes through.

3

May 23, 2016

If you hoping to join MARSOC, read this book first. Interesting read, basically maps out what to expect in the selection process for MARSCOC.

5

Apr 17, 2016

If you want to understand the newest team of SARCOM read this book

5

Always Faithful, Always Forward The Forging of A Special Operations Marine By Couch, Dick If you think Marines are just muscle bound teenagers who want to defend their country with a taste for ...Full Review