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The March Up: Taking Baghdad with the 1st Marine Division
With unprecedented access and previously unreported detail, here is a first hand account of the 22-day march to Baghdad that takes you behind the scenes and to the front line...
No one reporting on the war in Iraq had the unique battlefield clearance afforded the authors of this dramatic eyewitness account. Unlike embedded journalists confined to a single unit, West and Smith acquired a captured yellow SUV and joined with whatever unit was leading the assault every day of the fight. The result is a report of what really happened from the heart of the action unlike anything you'll read anywhere else.
"While we will move swiftly and aggressively against those who resist, we will treat all others with decency, demonstrating chivalry and soldierly compassion for people who have endured a lifetime under Saddam's oppression."--Major General J.N. Mattis, 1st Marine Division, Commanding
Here is the story that can be told only by those who actually witnessed the action of the famed 1st Marine Division's march on Baghdad, from the shaky beginning of U.S. operations in southern Iraq to the capture of U.S. prisoners, the misreported "fierce Iraqi resistance," and the aggressive assaults that led to a quick and decisive victory.
With over a half century of military and combat experience between them, bestselling author F. J. "Bing" West and Major General Ray L. Smith, USMC (Ret.), combine expert military analysis with dramatic battlefield reporting. They bring the reader on a march that ended in victory--but was shadowed by second-guessing, unexpected reversals, and the threat of catastrophe. With access to three-star generals in the command centers and to privates in the field, the authors reveal how the strategic plan played out in battle, showing what went well and what failed, and detailing power struggles for military and political control never reported. The result is destined to become the definitive account of ground warfare in Iraq.
No one reporting on the war in Iraq had the unique battlefield clearance afforded the authors of this dramatic eyewitness account. Unlike embedded journalists confined to a single unit, West and Smith acquired a captured yellow SUV and joined with whatever unit was leading the assault every day of the fight. The result is a report of what really happened from the heart of the action unlike anything you'll read anywhere else.
"While we will move swiftly and aggressively against those who resist, we will treat all others with decency, demonstrating chivalry and soldierly compassion for people who have endured a lifetime under Saddam's oppression."--Major General J.N. Mattis, 1st Marine Division, Commanding
Here is the story that can be told only by those who actually witnessed the action of the famed 1st Marine Division's march on Baghdad, from the shaky beginning of U.S. operations in southern Iraq to the capture of U.S. prisoners, the misreported "fierce Iraqi resistance," and the aggressive assaults that led to a quick and decisive victory.
With over a half century of military and combat experience between them, bestselling author F. J. "Bing" West and Major General Ray L. Smith, USMC (Ret.), combine expert military analysis with dramatic battlefield reporting. They bring the reader on a march that ended in victory--but was shadowed by second-guessing, unexpected reversals, and the threat of catastrophe. With access to three-star generals in the command centers and to privates in the field, the authors reveal how the strategic plan played out in battle, showing what went well and what failed, and detailing power struggles for military and political control never reported. The result is destined to become the definitive account of ground warfare in Iraq.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 9, 2003
14 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
Bing West
25 books92 followersFrancis J. "Bing" West Jr. (born May 2, 1940) is an American author, Marine combat veteran and former Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs during the Reagan Administration.
West writes about the military, warfighting, and counterinsurgency. In the Vietnam War, he fought in major operations and conducted over a hundred combat patrols in 1966–1968.
(wikipedia)
West writes about the military, warfighting, and counterinsurgency. In the Vietnam War, he fought in major operations and conducted over a hundred combat patrols in 1966–1968.
(wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 22, 2011
I was surprised by this book because going off the average of the reviews here on Goodreads, I expected it to be mediocre, but turns out, it wasn't so average and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Of course I gave it 4 stars and not 5 and that indicates something went wrong. I couldn't give it 5 stars because it was missing some dialogue. It was few and far between and I would have thought, seeing as they were travelling alongside the 1st Marine Division, that Bing West Jr would have recorded plenty of dialogue. If he did..he didn't include much of it in this book.
For those who have read other Iraq War books set in this phase of the War (the push to Baghdad) you may find this book as interesting as I did in that it ties together with other books to give you a view across the battlefield.
An example of this is Generation Kill and Ambush Alley: The Most Extraordinary Battle of the Iraq War. In The March Up you get the odd glimpse of the First Recon Team profiled in Generation Kill, operating on the peripheral of 1st Marine Division. Also some of the things mentioned in Generation Kill are mentioned in The March Up, eg the J Lo dying rumour and the death of a First Recon soldier, Horsehead who was operating external to his former recon team, in another battalion. You also get another perspective on the horrific blue on blue incident that happened in Nasiriyah along Ambush Alley. As explained to us in detail in the book of the same name, Ambush Alley.
There are other books from this time frame of the war that you feel in The March Up, but those are two prominent examples.
Maybe this book isn't for the 'some times or never' military non fiction reader. Maybe it is also not for the military reader who needs a barrage of strategy and battlefield plans.
I liked it because I do read modern war non fiction and it was what I expect (barring the lack of dialogue) from a spectators view. I don't expect a plethora of battle strategy from a book like this. I expect some and got it.
What I want from an embedded journalist, is a more candid style of writing and that is precisely what The March Up gives you.
On a side note; Bing West and his travelling companion Ray, are both Vietnam Vets and I got a real thrill out of the comparisons and information they brought from that war to this. Good to read those connections and it gives this book an extra edge that i have not gotten from other books of this ilk.
Of course I gave it 4 stars and not 5 and that indicates something went wrong. I couldn't give it 5 stars because it was missing some dialogue. It was few and far between and I would have thought, seeing as they were travelling alongside the 1st Marine Division, that Bing West Jr would have recorded plenty of dialogue. If he did..he didn't include much of it in this book.
For those who have read other Iraq War books set in this phase of the War (the push to Baghdad) you may find this book as interesting as I did in that it ties together with other books to give you a view across the battlefield.
An example of this is Generation Kill and Ambush Alley: The Most Extraordinary Battle of the Iraq War. In The March Up you get the odd glimpse of the First Recon Team profiled in Generation Kill, operating on the peripheral of 1st Marine Division. Also some of the things mentioned in Generation Kill are mentioned in The March Up, eg the J Lo dying rumour and the death of a First Recon soldier, Horsehead who was operating external to his former recon team, in another battalion. You also get another perspective on the horrific blue on blue incident that happened in Nasiriyah along Ambush Alley. As explained to us in detail in the book of the same name, Ambush Alley.
There are other books from this time frame of the war that you feel in The March Up, but those are two prominent examples.
Maybe this book isn't for the 'some times or never' military non fiction reader. Maybe it is also not for the military reader who needs a barrage of strategy and battlefield plans.
I liked it because I do read modern war non fiction and it was what I expect (barring the lack of dialogue) from a spectators view. I don't expect a plethora of battle strategy from a book like this. I expect some and got it.
What I want from an embedded journalist, is a more candid style of writing and that is precisely what The March Up gives you.
On a side note; Bing West and his travelling companion Ray, are both Vietnam Vets and I got a real thrill out of the comparisons and information they brought from that war to this. Good to read those connections and it gives this book an extra edge that i have not gotten from other books of this ilk.
July 4, 2019
So slow and boring, this book is a waste of paper.
June 20, 2020
A first-hand account of the Marines invading Iraq. A lot of details, the biggest thing I got out of this book was a deeper appreciation for Generals Mattis and General Kelly
April 27, 2023
inspiring
It’s so refreshing to read a real account. The unknown, the urgent decisions that had to be made under difficult circumstances. Thank you for this opportunity.
It’s so refreshing to read a real account. The unknown, the urgent decisions that had to be made under difficult circumstances. Thank you for this opportunity.
September 3, 2016
The March Up is a pretty good read about the War in Iraq and the day to day operations of the First Marine Division and their march through Iraq and straight into Bagdad.
This is told by a couple of combat veterans and is a pretty good run through the daily life and details of 21st century combat in the field. Some interesting perspectives and a good feel of what it was like in the action, the realistic opposition of the Iraqis, and the daily challenges facing our Marines.
I thought the groundwork early in the book around the importance of capturing the oilfields before they were destroyed ad cost the US Billions to repair was interesting. I also gained more respect for Tommy Franks and his executed strategy.
This is NOT a political book. If you are interested in 21st century field combat, and also a Marine or US Military History buff, you will likely enjoy this read.
If anything the story does not do a great job of flowing and grabbing your attention.
I would say this is 3.5 stars.
This is told by a couple of combat veterans and is a pretty good run through the daily life and details of 21st century combat in the field. Some interesting perspectives and a good feel of what it was like in the action, the realistic opposition of the Iraqis, and the daily challenges facing our Marines.
I thought the groundwork early in the book around the importance of capturing the oilfields before they were destroyed ad cost the US Billions to repair was interesting. I also gained more respect for Tommy Franks and his executed strategy.
This is NOT a political book. If you are interested in 21st century field combat, and also a Marine or US Military History buff, you will likely enjoy this read.
If anything the story does not do a great job of flowing and grabbing your attention.
I would say this is 3.5 stars.
July 9, 2013
The march from Kuwait to Baghdad in the Gulf War by the 1st Marine Division is documented here on from a personal perspective. Our two authors have access from privates to generals and manage to place themselves at the point of action throughout most of the campaign. They give us an interesting perspective of the fighting, desert and the enemy with numerous accounts and anecdotes. The incredible firepower, organisation and professionalism of the Marines are clear although it seemed that when action was joined, chaos often reigned over the radio net. I thought this was quite a readable account on a campaign about which I knew little.
January 18, 2015
War is cruel land unforgiving. Bing West and Ray Smith are both veterans of the Vietnam war and served as advisors for operation Iraqi Freedom. This book is their first hand account on their 22 day journey to Baghdad to take down Saddam's Regime. I personally found this book very informative and very deep. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the Iraq war and understand the true face of war.
January 7, 2021
Getting a report on first Marine Division and it’s run up to Baghdad by authors after the fact tells part of the story. Having a USMC Major General Ray Smith (ret) and a second reporter embedded with the unit throughout the fight gives you the first hand report of what actually went on. A thrilling book that kept you sometimes frustrated, sometimes excited, and always in the know of what war and the various units involved in a 21st century military battle is all about. A true page turner.
September 19, 2007
A good account of the first three weeks of the war from the individual to Division level. The authors mainly talk about actions for which they were present, or actions very close to them. The focus is on 7th Marines, but they mention 1st and 5th Marines. The book introduces you to the men and the fighting, but does not have many tactical or operational insights.
July 12, 2010
A look at the 1st Marine Division's role in the taking of Baghdad during the initial stages of the Iraq War. It's interesting to contrast and compare this account of conventional warfare with later accounts of anti-insurgency operations. The paperback edition even includes some of that in an epilogue added that revisits the division a few months later.
July 22, 2013
As the mother of one of the brave Marines of the 1st Marine Division, I was intrigued to read this account and comprehend the situation experienced by my son. I was not disappointed. I appreciated the accounting of the military and the humorous situations related in this book. Ooh-rah!
June 9, 2009
I was strange to read a book about somrthing I was a part of. Really enjoyed it.
May 27, 2011
I enjoyed this book, but I don't think it's especially accessible to readers who don't have military experience. For them, I'd recommend Generation Kill.
July 30, 2011
It was a pretty good book and is written for non-military to understand
February 29, 2012
Interesting war journalism by some very educated Marines
December 7, 2012
Made me both laugh and cry.
March 7, 2016
Very interesting book.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews