The gripping memoir of Navy Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart recipient SEAL Lieutenant Mark L. Donald
As A SEAL and combat medic, Mark served his country with valorous distinction for almost twenty-five years and survived some of the most dangerous combat actions imaginable.
From the rigors of BUD/S training to the horrors of the battlefield, Battle Ready dramatically immerses the reader in the unique life of the elite warrior-medic who advances into combat with life-saving equipment in one hand and life-taking weapons in the other. It is also an uplifting human story that reveals how a young Hispanic American bootstrapped himself out of a life that promised a dead-end future by enlisting in the military. That new life begins with the Marines and includes his heroic achievements on the battlefield and the operating table, and finally, of his inspirational triumph over the demons caused by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that threatened to destroy him and his family.
MARK L. DONALD, the son of a retired U.S. Army Warrant Officer and a Mexican mother, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps before transferring to the Navy to train as a Corpsman. He subsequently completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training and served in SEALs until 1996 when he was selected for the Intra-service Physician Assistant Program. He graduated with a degree from the University of Nebraska and was commissioned a Medical Service Corps officer. Following the September 11th terrorist attacks, he was assigned as operational medical support to special operations, where he served in a number of capacities until his retirement. Donald was awarded the Navy Cross, the highest medal awarded by the Department of the Navy, for extraordinary heroism while engaged in enemy action against al Qaeda fighters in southern Afghanistan. He lives in Chesapeake, Virginia.
This book was a recently published memoir by Mark L. Donald, with Scott MacTavish. Many memoirs that I read go into great detail on very specific historical events. Especially with SEAL memoirs, much time is spent on the indoctrination and training of the SEAL, as that’s such a major part of those individuals’ lives. This book does not minimize any of that, but its focus is on the internal story of Mark Donald.
This is the first book that I’ve read in a long time that focused on the conflict of being a soldier and being a medic. Many of the memoirs I’ve read of late have been written by snipers and or other individuals much more focused on the logistics of the fight, as opposed to the repair afterwords. Since the role of corpsman was not a role given to Donald, but one he chose, his story reads very differently than others. I don’t really want to compare, because I don’t think that does any book justice. Donald shares his very personal understanding and acceptance of combat stress and PTSD in his life, including the very dark struggles before recognizing he needed to ask for help.
Like other books within this genre, there are always individuals that greatly impacted the writer’s life. In this author’s case it was his mother. Mrs. Donald is a women that I would be greatly honored to meet some day, because she has more wisdom in her pinkie than many people do in their whole being. She seems to always know just what Donald needs to hear, but also says it in a way that doesn’t encourage defensiveness. I cried at almost every mention of her in the book because I know how valuable people like that can be in your life.
I can see this book being an excellent resource for individuals or family members who may be experiencing combat stress or PTSD, either directly or indirectly. Donald does an excellent job of talking about not only recognizing the problem, but finally reaching out to those he felt comfortable sharing his experience with. In my own personal experience, I know individuals can be conflicted about asking for help. This book just helps outline why help may not only be a good thing, but might mean getting your life back.
I’ll leave you with my favorite quote from Mrs. Donald, which I think sums this up nicely:
“You know, people want to help. You just have to let them know how.”
Mark Donald's memoir started off as journal writings to help him come to terms with his PTS after serving in several intense combat situations. The first part is primarily a bio, starting with going to high school in New Mexico as a member of a low income family. He joined the Marine Reserves at 17, completed Force Recon training, but then decided he wanted to serve his unit as a medic. However the marines don't train service members in that discipline. All medics serving in US Marine units are Navy Corpsman. He managed to get transferred to the Navy to study medicine. During this process he was recommended for training as a SEAL, and became one of the few SEAL combat medics. Remarkable for a young man that didn't even know how to swim when he joined the Marines!
Even though Donald went on to earn a Master's Degree in physician assistant studies, and a commission as a Medical Service Corps Officer, he continued to deploy with SEAL units serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is one of the most decorated service members to have served during our country's war on terror.
Included with his action filled accounts of his service, he recounts the difficulty of maintaining a family life. A recurring theme is what an influence his mother had on giving him inspiration to excel in all of his achievements. The last part of the book deals more with Donald's recognition of his PTS, finding support to help him deal with this condition, and his eventual retirement from the service to work on his new goal of helping service members and their families deal with the psychological effects of deployment and loss. A great book for readers seeking a better understanding of what our military heroes go through during and after their service. Thank you Mark Donald for your service to our country, and your courage to write! My favorite quote from the book: 'In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.' —JOSÉ NAROSKY
Intriguing but also frustrating memoir of a SEAL medic (like it says on the can.) The story Donald tells - growing up in a poor Latino family in Albuquerque, New Mexico, becoming a SEAL, fighting in Afghanistan, coming home and struggling with PTSD - is fascinating. But he tends to bring up issues and stories, then skim over them without getting into depth.
I completely understand that much of his military career is still classified, but I'm talking about other things. He mentions that there was some family drama with his siblings that had a huge effect on him, but doesn't give any details. He says that when he finally tried to get treated for PTSD, he didn't get along with his first therapist and had to try another. Then suddenly he's doing much better. The end. No explanation of how he was helped and what that was like.
When Donald does recount events in detail, the effect is riveting. There's a long battle sequence in Afghanistan which is must-reading for anyone who wants to write a contemporary military story. I only wish he'd slowed down and written the whole book like that. I, at least, cared just as much about how he put himself back together as what made him come apart.
This was an excellent memoir. Honest, humble, not political (although he makes some good points toward the end about needing to define what “winning” means). The writer spends several chapters describing in detail a pivotal event - the event that likely laid the foundation for his later struggles with PTSD. It’s hard for me to believe he can recall every detail, especially in the heat of a firefight, but I found it very compelling.
He doesn’t go into a lot of detail about his PTSD; like so many, he was reluctant to speak out, and spent a good deal of time denying he needed help. One of my favorite stories - the kind that really make this author human - is about his mom calling when he’s at his lowest point. He finally admits to her that he needs help, and she says, “I know mijo, that’s why I called you.”
I loved this guy’s MOM! Though the course of this book you can really see how she impacted his life. While he was growing up, she had it rough, and yet she would say “People want to help; you just have to let them know how.” How true is that?!
But what perhaps struck me most was the underlying element of faith. Mark doesn’t hammer on the topic but makes it clear he was raised in a Christian home (saying that his mom had “a direct line to God”). He also makes it clear that he struggled with his faith.
I recently had a conversation with a friend about how many veterans are lost and depressed, even with all the support they have available to them. I keep thinking: why? And more and more, I come back to a belief in God.
You can’t place all your faith in human beings. Every one of us is fallible and at some point we will disappoint even the ones we love. I can’t help wondering: if more veterans knew God and understood His love for them, maybe they wouldn’t feel so alone.
A favorite quote from the book: “I was beginning to realize my tower of strength was built on a foundation of faith in a higher power, and a belief in mankind wasn’t strong enough to hold it together… Without a resilient foundation the bricks came tumbling down.”
What an amazing story! Mark Donald gives an extremely though-provoking memoir, ideal for those who want to better understand the hearts and minds of our military men and women who are coping with the effects of combat stress. He gives a very personal account of his journey, first as a young man looking for direction and meaning in life who joins the marines, then as a combat medic and SEAL, and finally in his many support roles on returning from combat. In this story, the reader gets views of the intense bonds of friendship and acts of bravery that abound in the SEAL teams. At its heart, the story describes the internal stress that combat takes on Mark in his dual role as a warrior and a medic. Through this journey he reveals his own difficulties in trying to deal with PTSD alone and the need to reach out to others in the military community. Mark Donald is a man of strength and courage, tempered with humility and faith. He continues to serve by reaching out to those in need and helping others understand the effects of combat stress.
I highly recommend this book for anyone trying to understand the internal struggle of those coping with PTSD. Mark Donald's story provides and inspiration for all of us to try to better understand and support our military men and women returning from combat. His detailed account of his own personal struggles also serve as an inspiration to all of us to reach for support in times of need and a reminder that people want to help, if only you let them.
Mark has done an outstanding job in his description of PTSD. The cause, the affect, and the sometimes deter mental effects of PTSD. A SEAL warrior turned Doctor, turned warrior again. The agony of loss, the UN-known of mental health issues. Then, we see the redemption and determination of this warrior.Mark's book is a help for all of us battle survivors.He shows how the elite of the elite suffer and seek help. This book gives me the courage to continue on in my daily struggle. Mark's book offers hope, help, and the chance to reconnect to this world we live now. I highly recommend you read it. I also recommend those who have lost loved ones in the battle zone to read as well. This book explains how guy's like DOC Donald gave all to save all.Through his humble experience, he gives hope to many; and again is a DOC to us surviving at home.
The idea of this book intrigued me. I wasn't sure what to expect of the book, but I found it very moving. This book is amazing, heartbreaking, and empowering all in one. To see what he faced, and how his role as a medic and a warrior oftentimes clashed, and how he finally managed to come out of it still in one piece is very stirring. At some points, he got a little too political but overall the book is quite good and well worth reading.
Two things That I found interesting about this book:
1. The struggle that must exist in a combat medic who has to coexist as both shooter and life saver, and all of the personal struggles that come along with those issues.
2. Mark was the first SEAL I read about that actually started out as a special operations member of another branch of the Military. Mark originally started out as part of Marine Force Recon, and I find it interesting how he maintains his ties to both groups. Every other memoir of a SEAL I have read is very clear...I'm a SEAL. The only difference in allegiances that takes place at that point is what Team they are on.
I really enjoyed the book, and if this is a genre you like I think you'll enjoy the book too. With the exception of the point of view this book is remarkably similar to other books I have read, and if you have read the accounts of other authors this will probably be on par with them.
AMAZING BOOK! Truly cannot say enough good things about this book? Wonderfully written with the usual SEAL book/author encounter at BUD/S. I enjoyed the start from home life and the hardship there right til the end with a Tha just sayin in the notes to his mom. Very good example of what a super tough guy (as every SEAL is presumed to be) who not only has to kill by is the expected to save lives. Something I'd never thought of before. Super informative about the stressors and triggers of PTSD. Anyone with a friend or loved one suffering from PTSD really should read this-moms, wives, sisters, friends etc not excluded. Don't be fooled by the title. I recommend this to EVERYONE.
This was a great story about the life of a true hero. For me, it dragged a little in the middle, but the beginning and certainly the ending more than made up for that.
Ever wandered what it takes to become Marine? After reading this book your answer will be more eloquent than “a lot!”
Ever wondered what’s the way to be called “Doc.” and become a corpsman? You got the right book to enlighten yourself even with this.
The first part of book devoted to why and how the hero becomes marine. He tells us that finishing the training is much more about mental abilities than physical.
Protagonist is involved with taking lives and saving lives. In the second half of the book, he is haunted by cases when regardless of his actions his wounded comrades died.
How I rated the book went down mainly of writing style and organization of the second part. I felt the author missed to turn into story facts of suffering, depression and PTSD after returning home from war zones. Maybe, I would prefer to eliminate some content and be more focused on the central topics. That would be that the author, a trained medical provider, was not able to cope and be there for the family. How difficult is it for servicepersons without medical background who do not understand what are happening to them?
In the category of its own, quotations, at the start of the chapters, are extremely well selected and hold deep wisdom.
This is an excellent description of the self reflection which every veteran experiences, whether a combatant or non-combatant. It needs to be read and digested in its entirety.
Yes, I recognize many of the issues raised even though my military experience was over 50 years ago. It still resonates within my mind either actively or in the shadows.
I would like to thank Mark for elaborating on the impact of military service and the memories which are still in place. I fondly remember the friends and events encountered during my service and I would not trade them for the world. I also believe that national service is a must. I recalled those moments when I performed under considerable stress and survived to live with the consequences of those times. Yet the service and the aggressive approach to pursuing personal objectives will remain until I my death.
There is nothing more beautiful than to open your ears so another can speak freely and receive advice or assistance from the person listening. Follow the beauty and add to it the sensitivity and humility flows from the story teller. Finally, showing love and compassion as this most personal and sorrowful story is told. LT. (SEAL) Donald accomplished these three areas of life and more. All I can say to LT. Donald is, thank you. You are one of America's HEROES! Thank you for the sacrifices you made for us to ensure our freedoms. Thank you Marky (as Grandma called you). Thank you Devil Dog (USMC). Thank you Corpsman. Thank you Lieutenant. Thank you Doctor. Thank you Marine Recon. Thank you Sailor. Thank you SEAL!
As a veteran who has lost friends and delt with the issues described in this memoir, it gave me a hard look at myself. Struggling with PTSD is hard but struggling alone is even harder. This compiling book shows a side of war that is not often seen, and that is the medical side of the house. Serving as a corpsmen myself, that look at the medical done in the field brought memories I had put in those boxes and gave me a new look at my recovery process. Struggling with the same feeling of I'm the doc I have to be okay has been hard on me and my family. This memoir has been a blessing to have read and would recommend to anyone.
Not a page-turner, but that's probably the way you can tell that what you read is mostly unembellished truth. The story begins rather differently from that of other usual trident-covered books, reflecting Lt. Donald's unconventional journey towards said Trident, but more powerfully, it ends with a very distinct, brave coverage of his own struggles with PTS - and his call to action for others facing a similar situation to get help. Brings light to another side of the life of an operator - the stateside picture you don't see often in other SEAL literature.
Battle Ready was an inspiring book. Mark Donald opened his life in the Marines and Navy as a medic in battle. I appreciated the way he told his story of before enlisting, going through training, preparing for battle, and then the battle scenes. I was able to visualize the scenes as he was describing them. His desire to help his fellow soldiers as a SEAL and a corpsman was valuable. His job was to kill when necessary and patch up when necessary. His rise in rank and skill was fascinating. I have the hightest respect for his service. Thank you, Mark. Read this awesome book to learn about serving as a SEAL and in medicine. Loved it.
This is an incredible memoir. The author takes you through his childhood, decision to join the Marines, becoming a Recon Marine, leaving the Marines to become a SEAL, and ultimately becoming a PA. His life in the Teams is spent ping ponging back and forth between operating and practicing medicine. Needless to say, his military career was not cookie cut. He also goes into detail about the personal struggles he has encountered as a result of combat, which makes up the last quarter of the book. This is a really solid book that I highly recommend.
Awesome story of a kid who grew up on principle and faith who didn't have much, but set his sights high and never turned back. He joined the Marines out of highschool, his medical passion sent him to the Navy to be a Corpsman and later to be a Seal and then a Doctor. Lt. Donald has done it all, seen it all and experienced it all, and he tells an amazing story taking the reader through his jounrney from growing up with his mom to being one of the most decorated Navy Seals in the war on terror.
An eye-opening memoir that gave me a glimpse into the internal struggle a warrior medic goes through. I learned a lot and am grateful the author was so open about his PTSD. All our soldiers are such heroes and deserve all our respect and support.
It was a compelling story of a persons journey who made the right decisions throughout his life and excelled in every stage of his life through a strong faith provided by his mother and A love of country and the navy.A real hero and not a make believe Rambo.
I found the last chapter the most valuable. I am sure this was therapeutic for the author but I believe he could have conferred with others in the writing. Takes awhile to get invested in this book.