After Action: The True Story of a Cobra Pilot's Journey

by Dan Sheehan

Now Officially Recommended by the Commandant of the Marine Corps


Not all wounds are visible.
Dan Sheehan is a third-generation naval aviator. He was eager to test his skills as a Cobra gunship pilot in the theatre of combat – and then he got his chance, first, in East Timor, then during two tours of duty in Iraq.

The scenes in After Action crackle with tension and excitement as we follow his path into battle. Bullets pierce their Cobras as Dan and his comrades struggle to separate enemy fighters from civilians - ultimately deciding who lives and dies. Through blinding sandstorms, the smoke of battle and chaos of low-altitude firefights at night, Dan puts us in the front seat of the Cobra - where we white-knuckle our way through barrages of enemy fire - and into his head as he makes split-second decisions that carry lasting consequences.

But there is far more to Sheehan’s story than this – an important reason why he wants us to understand what military men and women experience on the front lines of war. And what they bring home.

After the adrenaline rush of combat, something inside Dan would not turn off. He was a warrior, willing and proud to serve his country and he was fortunate to come out of battle whole, time and again. But he had not escaped Iraq untouched.

The subtle agitation he felt continued to grow into - restlessness - wariness - the hyper-vigilant sense that he needed to be always on guard. Even as he struggled to ignore it, the edginess grew, trailing him long after the action was over. Eventually, it began to intrude into his personal life, his intimate relationships, and threatened to hurt those he loved the most.

What Dan Sheehan learned, and what he exposes so bravely and frankly in his writing, sheds light on the invisible marks left on the soul of many warriors. As he shows us, admitting those marks are there is the next step in a veteran’s journey after action.

If you are a warrior …or know one… you will want to read this brave and moving memoir.

Genres: Military Fiction, Nonfiction, History, Aviation, Biography, War, Memoir

352 pages, Paperback

First published October 5, 2012

About the author

Dan Sheehan served two tours with the Marine Corps in Iraq; the first as an attack helicopter pilot during the 2003 invasion and the second in 2004 as a forward air controller with a special operations unit. His award winning first book After Action: The True Story of a Cobra Pilot's Journey examines his combat experiences and how they followed him home.

His second book, Continuing Action: Completing the Warrior's Journey addresses gaps in the modern warrior's preparation for war and offers pragmatic guidance for veterans navigating the challenges of coming home. It is set for release in 2015.

Dan left the Marine Corps as a Major in 2007, and now lives in California with his wife, their two young children, and a pitbull named Kitty.

Reviews

[Joshua Greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good read on two levels.

First, as a Cobra pilot who joined a few years after Dan, I heard lots of stories about the "Division of Death" and other myths about the invasion of Iraq; this provides a lot of detail about this confusing first weeks, if only from one man's perspective. The story is well told without bravado or hyperbole that I could detect and it was worth it.

The second part is the introspection and analysis that takes place on a personal level. I've had a lot of the same questions myself; "Why does it make me angry to see the Marines cheering my strike videos?", "Why am I annoyed when people thank me for 'what you do'?". If you are a veteran struggling with leftover feelings from your own deployment, you may not find all the answers you are looking for in this book but it is really good to read someone else's struggles and realize that you are not alone, weak, self-pitying, or over-reacting; you are human.

[Rebecca Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have very little in common with the author's experiences and can identify with very little of the story he tells in this book -- which is all the more reason I needed to read it. A masterfully written and compelling story. Thank you for your service, Dan Sheehan, and thank you for sharing your heart in this book.

[Gregg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the best account I’ve read of modern aerial warfare. I struggled a bit understanding what roles the two pilots had but the fact that it was written by a Marine and pertaining exclusively to close air support more than made up for that minor shortcoming. I have some friends that fly cobras that will clarify any of those lingering questions. The fact that I have some mutual friends with the author also highlighted how small the Corps is.

The book differentiates itself in a good way in how it deals with PTS(D). This is an honest account of an intelligent and rational individual coming to terms with some very difficult things. While it is a journey of self reflection, he is able to get at the root causes for his injury without taking anything away from those that have it worse or those that do not bear the scars. I am happy he was able to find an outlet, and in some way, perhaps help others. The distinction between the wounds left from ground combat and those from the aerial combat provide extremely valuable insight into the nature of PTS.

One concept that really stuck: The Mohawk word for warrior does not have a direct English translation, the closest concept is, “one who bears the burden of peace.” That is profound and I will take some time determining what that means to me.

This was a good book and I found it relevant, timely, emotional, and near as I can tell, completely accurate. 5 stars.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book multiple times at this point in my career, and each time I continue to learn new things from Shoe's story, about myself, and my experiences.

I've also had the distinct pleasure of meeting Shoe through a friend and to talk to him about After Action (I could fill this entire review with my praises of his selflessness in coming to visit my Flightline shop at the squadron).

All of this to say that if you want to read a book to understand the effects of warfare on the mind of those who lived it, this is one of two books I'd recommend (the other Is "Tribe" by Junger). Shoe expresses in 'After Action' that each buries the burden their own way, and that understanding and introspective, can be the key to a happy and fulfilling peace.

[Lorca Damon · Rating 5 out of 5]

From my interview with the author about his book:

There is no shortage of reads–good, bad, and ugly–that offer readers either fictional stories in the military genre or completely honest, raw, non-fiction accounts of actual war. But Dan Sheehan‘s self-published title After Action offers readers something that not many well-known books present, which is an amazingly well-written open look at what happens when the bullets stop flying and a decorated soldier tries to come home to adjust to a new level of normal.

“It chronicles my combat experiences as a Marine helicopter pilot in Iraq in 2003 and 2004,” Sheehand explained in an interview with Good e-Reader, “then it delves into the challenges I faced when I came home in adjusting to normal life after combat. It wasn’t something I thought I would ever need to do. I found I was really well prepared for the technical and tactical aspects of going to combat, however I was basically unprepared for recognition of the human costs of doing so. It chronicles that journey of going to combat and then realizing the effect those years had on me.”

Sheehan didn’t start writing the book until five years after his second combat tour, wholly unaware that he needed some sort of outlet to process the feelings he had kept hidden from even himself about these events. When his younger brother was in a terrifying helicopter crash in Afghanistan, Sheehan was overcome with unspoken feelings about his own combat experience. He turned to writing to get some thoughts out on paper, explaining I could “keep them from bouncing around in my head if I gave them a place to live on paper.”

“Writing became a means to uncover what I was going through, even though I never intended to write anything about my military experiences. But in the aftermath of my brother’s crash, I realized that there was something going on in me and I needed to figure it out.”

Sheehan turned to CreateSpace to publish his book, following a brief look at the traditional publishing industry and quickly realizing that the model wasn’t right for his book. His decision was due in large part to the understanding that so many other veterans are undergoing the same process he experienced, and he felt the need to make this book available to those readers with a sense of immediacy. The response to his book has been overwhelmingly positive, with Sheehan hearing from other veterans in an ongoing way, people who thank him for putting a name to the feelings they, too, are experiencing.

“It’s an overlooked concept. You assume you’re 100% fine unless you have full-blown, incapacitating PTSD. There’s a whole middle ground of veterans who are dealing with the after effects of combat, consciously or unconsciously, and it’s impacting their lives.”

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know much about being a warrior. But I have a couple of cousins who are former Marine attack helicopter pilots, which is pretty much warrior personified in my book. The older one, Dan, just published this book. He loved what he did and was good at it, serving our country well and honorably. What he wasn't prepared for was his return to civilian society. After years of battening down the emotional hatches (something that is truly required of all warriors), he struggled with opening up to his feelings. This difficulty stemmed in large part from the fact that in order to access his emotions again he was compelled to process the feelings that surround the reality that his job involved killing people. This book explores that process of moving from emotional ice cube to shouldering the "burden of peace" as honorably as he served our country. To being as available for his family now, as he was for us all during his years of active duty.

The Marine's job is to fight when the Commander in Chief orders the Marine to fight. For those of us who are, or who elect, those who make the decision to go to war, it's only fair that we understand what we are truly asking our people to do. They are justifiably proud of what they do on our behalf. We need to honor that by asking them to shoulder these burdens for good cause.

Read it.

[Sandrine Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is a book you need to read. You should ask, why? And, I'll tell you why.
First, if you have fought for our country, you will be proud to be part of this family of warriors as you read this book. This book will help you shed a light how to cope with post traumatic stress.
Second, if you are a civilian, you need to read this book to understand your fellow Americans who have fought bravely to protect our Nation. I believe it is our duty to help each other, especially our soldiers. You will find the author's battles in his mind is very much relatable as we all have spiders webs and skeletons in our closets. This book helps us face our demons as we all should.
Bottomline, this book is for all walks of life to read and helps us to be honest with ourselves as we face challenges in our lives.

[Sharon Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible. The last 10% of the book is the best! Filled with honest insights, reassurance, hopeful. Unlike most military books. Very well written.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some time ago, I got my hands on "Low Level Hell," which I thoroughly enjoyed. The pilot in that book was flying an OH-6 Cayuse, scouting large sections of territory in Vietnam, looking for Viet Cong (VC) or North Vietnamese Army (NVA) operations. When he found someone / something, he could engage directly (he usually had a door gunner with a .50 caliber machine gun; later models carried a minigun) or, for larger concentrations of troops and larger facilities, he could call in a "Snake," an AH-1 Huey Cobra. Anytime a scout like him took to the skies, there was usually a Snake not far behind, just waiting for the word to roll in and bring heavier fire on whatever target he found.

That was a good book. Tell me more. Let's find a book by a Cobra pilot.

The author of this book was a Cobra pilot in Iraq. We get the perspective of someone operating a larger, more-lethal aircraft and Iraq is more current than another book from Vietnam.

If you're looking for a book about the adventures of a combat pilot ... this is probably NOT the book you're looking for.

He goes into detail about his training, his operational activities, etc. That's less than half of the book.

At least half of the book is devoted to his exploration of why he seemed to be an emotional wreck. He's married with one kid, another on the way, and he's finding that a lot of things that he's kept bottled up, up to that point ... aren't staying bottled up. And, quite frankly, he's concerned that his difficulties are going to end up having negative consequences for his kid(s).

Many people who are wrestling with PTSD have done things which they regret. Others have seen people they cared about die horribly. Sure, he lost some colleagues but those were relatively "clean;" he was notified that so-and-so had died but he didn't have to watch them die, didn't have to clean up their blood, etc. When it came to firing on the enemy, he was VERY conscientious about who he fired on. He recognized the responsibility that he carried and was scrupulous about holding fire when the people on the receiving end were noncombatant.

He's been in combat, he's killed The Enemy but he's done it as cleanly and honorably as possible. He's proud of the fact that he's a warrior and he's not some indiscriminate butcher. He's not had to deal face-to-face with the trauma that others have faced. So why is he an emotional wreck? And what does he need to do about it?

If you are a veteran, or you are in a close relationship with one, this book contains things with which you likely need to be acquainted. I won't post spoilers but, suffice to say, not just people who've seen and / or done "terrible things" can have PTSD. Helping someone who is suffering from same is fraught with difficulty; a great many people, well-meaning and wishing to be helpful, can end up stepping on the emotional landmines that have been laid.

I also read, recently, "The White Donkey," a graphic novel based on a Marine who served in Iraq. In that one, the main character loses a close friend and goes into full-blown PTSD. Well-meaning folks, as well as others who have no idea what he's been through, keep stepping on the emotional landmines. The book doesn't explore the details of what PTSD is or how to get through it. It simply lays bare the fact that people ARE suffering from this and makes easily-visible some of the early, and not-so-early, signs of this.

As my discussions with other people have pointed out, combat isn't the only thing which can cause PTSD. But a great many veterans are suffering from this and don't want to appear "weak." Many of them would rather die than admit to something which is widely perceived as weakness. Far too many do, actually, die rather than admit to something which modern, macho attitudes would brand as weakness, face it and get better.

This wasn't the "combat adventures" book I was looking for. But it's a damned fine book, nonetheless. I am glad I read it. 5 stars.

[Chad Manske · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Marine Cobra gunship pilot, Dan Sheehan, is a highly trained aerial killer who knows his craft and understands the mission he’s given. After his initial training he and his peers are eager to employ their skills and get on with killing. He gets his chance when his unit is thrust into the OIF 2003 invasion during his first deployment. After patiently waiting for his opportunity, he is able to apply his craft during some pretty harrowing ordeals. The following year he gets another chance as a forward air controller. Yet upon returning from these experiences he struggles to rationalize his feelings and behavior and descends into drinking, unable to unpack his emotions and the baggage war has left behind. His significant other, also a military member, cares deeply for him and want to see him healthily face and defeat his demons. It isn’t until a memorial he attends for one of his very close battle buddies in which his former CO admits to him his own struggles that Dan is able to confront and frame his own—which is the beginning of his own healing. One of the best accounts of aviators dealing with PTSD, this book is a fantastic combat account and revealing admission of struggle and finding emotional peace to move on.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘After Action,’ a memoir of a Marine cobra pilot’s career, well-written and touching.

I couldn’t quite get into it.

As a former naval aviator, I could relate a little too well to author Dan Sheehan’s life experience. We trained in many of the same places, and several overseas destinations named in the book were all too familiar. He could have been any of my buddies from flight school. I, however, never bought into the Marine Corps mystique that seemed to be such an important building block of Sheehan’s, and my buddies’, self-image.

Consequently, there was an element of yes-and? to reading the first part of this book. His stories, while unique in their particulars, felt familiar to me. I was waiting for the element that made his experience stand out among those of many others, and that experience never came.

That lack of specificity, however, helped in the last part of the book. There, Sheehan discussed his readjustment to civilian life, his evolving relationship with alcohol, and his coming to grips with the realization that PTSD is, as much as anything else, a reckoning with the moral and emotional consequences of killing. This was the unique part, but it was unique while retaining a universality that could help other veterans on their own journeys.

[Mark Rosenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can definitely see why the commandant added this to his list of books all Marines are required to read. Not only is it a fun read hearing about the start of OIF, it was also really good to hear a stereotypical Marine talk about the difficulties he faced when returning home and how important mental health is to a warrior. Marines should read this book to realize that everyone has their issues and you shouldn’t be afraid to talk to someone or to recognize it in a friend.

[DC Burch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every veteran should read this ...

It’s too bad this couldn’t be required reading in basic training to instill alongside the warrior ethos we’re force fed and indoctrinated into for the remainder of our contracts/careers.
Don’t get me wrong, the warrior ethos is absolutely essential but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to be tempered with compassion for oneself.
If you fight with knives, you’re going to get cut ...

[unclesamsavage · Rating 3 out of 5]

A deeply personal retelling of the author’s wartime experiences in the early years of Operation Iraqi Freedom communicates fear, regret, and spiritual resolve. Listening to the narration from Roger Wayne, I felt like Sheehan was intimating his innermost reflections to me on my commutes to work. Lessons and careful thoughts were taught and recounted here that I would never have considered had I not taken the time to listen. Thank you, Mr. Sheehan, for sharing this story with us.

[Vincent J Ribaudo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but very long to get to the actual issue.

The book is interesting from the fact that the issues experienced by the writer apparently are very similar to what many of the military returning home today have experienced. It would have been great if it included any correlation there may been with the veterans of World War II.

[4keaps · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think every veteran and anyone who loves one should read this!

I believe that this man's book could improve the lives of any warrior, and maybe even save a few. #22 Dan is a warrior for sharing this with us. My best friend who is a retired Marine suffers the burden, PTSD and TBI'S. I REALLY HOPE HE READS THIS.

[Paul Endris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done story initially focused on the Iraq invasion as an AH-1 pilot but ventures further than the veneer of missiles and ground fire into the psychological impact firing those rounds has upon the warrior—and how coming to terms with it might be the toughest of battles one faces.

[Angela Stearn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was frustrated with the author's excitement to kill and be "hard" through the first 2/3rds of the book. The end message was a strong one though. Veterans bear the burden, but they shouldn't have to suffer in silence.

[Brian W · Rating 3 out of 5]

Follows USMC Cobra's pilot through the invasion of OIF and then proceeds on ground tour as a FAC. Very honest portrayal of combat and how it impacts individuals emotionally, spiritually, and their loved ones.

[Caleb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great insight

This book provides a great perspective into not only the pilot life in Iraq, but also into the issues that come after combat and how to deal with those.

[Nanci Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual genre of book, but a worthy, fast read. About a Cobra Pilot's experience in Iraq and how the killing of enemies affected his personal life.

[Elizabeth Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real


Enlightening, raw, helpful, and educational for me in the human service field. Hope I can use it in my work.

[Kevin G. Zakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Reflection

Riveting and inspiring. An excellent read regardless of background or make-up. Writers depiction can help anyone understand trauma and it's burdens.

[Jeffrey L Adger Jr (The Equalizer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author was very knowledgeable and had first hand experience that conveyed a thoughtful message.

[Anthony Angell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan provides an in-depth look at what military personnel face on a daily basis!

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A soldier's account of his war experiences.

Not an account of 'what I did', but rather 'How what I did did to me'.

[Lynelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense, compelling, thought-provoking for anyone.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read, really like how he defines a warrior and the lens in which he views it from. Recommend for anyone who has been deployed and actually seen combat or is close to someone who has.

[Ryan Eames · Rating 3 out of 5]

4 stars, the fact that the book was a way for the author to move on and the stories and realities of war and the atrocities that follow men and women were described in honest detail. A good read.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know he didn’t write this book for me, so it seems odd to say that I appreciate Dan for having written it. But I do. As the wife of a former Marine pilot, who served with Dan, I would send my husband off – to war, to train – with ever-present but varying levels of concern, dread, and curiosity. What really goes on over there? What is it like when they’re flying? Now I feel like I know. Really, Shoe, you fell asleep?!
I read this book over the course of a few days, neglecting many of my obligations, and another book that was in line ahead of it, in the process. I just found it hard to stop reading. When the book arrived, it fell open to one of the last chapters when I took it out of the box. With a tear-stained face, I decided I should go ahead and start at the beginning, having read the end. On a personal level, I am glad that I got a glimpse of the personality of one of the men that my husband chose to honor by giving our son his name, and then Dan flew me over the helicopter crash that killed the other pilot for whom my son is named. Part of what made the book so compelling to read, notwithstanding my personal connections, was this vivid story-telling. It seemed like I was actually there, flying along on the missions, hanging out with the guys.
As the wife of a war veteran, I also appreciate that the book is more than a turbo-charged, testosterone-laden thrill ride. There are real people at home and real lives to pick back up with when the action ends. Dan shows that his bravery persists after the fighting by choosing to tackle his personal demons and then sharing them with all of us. He shows a true love for his comrade in arms, and a hope that his account of his personal struggle might help someone else with theirs.
I’ve read several books in this genre. I consider them all to be worthwhile, but this one is unique. This book is very well written, which is not always the case. Some books of this type delve into subject matters that are weighty and academic, and some become detailed accounts of history or policy. This one doesn’t attempt to be more than it is. It is an exciting, fast-moving description of one pilot’s experiences in combat, combined with an honest and candid discussion of the consequences of having had those experiences. I think everyone should read it. I will be proud to share it with my children, many years from now, when I don’t mind them reading the “f-word” that many times.