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Good to Go: The Life And Times Of A Decorated Member of the U.S. Navy's Elite Seal Team Two
"Fractions of a second in time. What amazing violence can be meted out in the blink of an eye."
In the mid-nineteen sixties, Harry Constance made a life-altering journey that led him out of Texas and into the jungles of Vietnam. As a young naval officer, he went from UDT training to the U.S. Navy's newly formed SEAL Team Two, and then straight into furious action. By 1970, he was already the veteran of three hundred combat missions and the recipient of thirty-two military citations, including three Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart.
Good To Go is Constance's powerful, firsthand account of his three tours of duty as a member of America's most elite, razor-sharp stealth fighting force. It is a breathtaking memoir of harrowing missions and covert special-ops—from the floodplains of the Mekong Delta to the beaches of the South China Sea—that places the reader in the center of bloody ambushes and devastating firefights. But his extraordinary adventure goes even farther—beyond 'Nam—as we accompany Constance and the SEALs on astonishing missions to some of the world's most dangerous hot-spots . . . and experience close-up the courage, dedication, and unparalleled skill that made the U.S. Navy SEALs legendary.
Includes 8 Pages of SEAL Team Action Photos!
In the mid-nineteen sixties, Harry Constance made a life-altering journey that led him out of Texas and into the jungles of Vietnam. As a young naval officer, he went from UDT training to the U.S. Navy's newly formed SEAL Team Two, and then straight into furious action. By 1970, he was already the veteran of three hundred combat missions and the recipient of thirty-two military citations, including three Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart.
Good To Go is Constance's powerful, firsthand account of his three tours of duty as a member of America's most elite, razor-sharp stealth fighting force. It is a breathtaking memoir of harrowing missions and covert special-ops—from the floodplains of the Mekong Delta to the beaches of the South China Sea—that places the reader in the center of bloody ambushes and devastating firefights. But his extraordinary adventure goes even farther—beyond 'Nam—as we accompany Constance and the SEALs on astonishing missions to some of the world's most dangerous hot-spots . . . and experience close-up the courage, dedication, and unparalleled skill that made the U.S. Navy SEALs legendary.
Includes 8 Pages of SEAL Team Action Photos!
477 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 1997
240 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 26, 2024
Very interesting book. We frequently forget our veterans and servicemen - this book will make you remember. The sacrifice is unimaginable. 4.4 stars
February 24, 2017
Review of Good To Go
I have read a number of books on SEALs. These men have my respect. This book promised to tell the story of the SEALs in Vietnam, which was a period of time I’d not read much on. I feel genuine tension at my respect for Harry’s service to the country, my deep respect for the SEALs (and the men and women of our military) and my growing dislike of the book. If I could have just read the first half of the book, I might have felt a bit better about the read. My pro’s and con’s are followed by what I think are excellent books on the SEALs…and a much better investment of your time.
Pro’s
* Stories about Vietnam
* Insights into some of the political issues at hand
* The hope that he really did support Marnie as he describes…this is a class move
Con’s
* Writing was often cheesy and trite. The descriptions of battle can feel very “high school essay-esque” and any time he writes about his relationship with Sandy (and later Barbara) it straddles a line between low grade harlequin romance and awkward teenage relationship angst. Ugh.
* The gruesome celebration of the killing in Vietnam felt unnecessary…and I’ve not seen that type of graphic celebration in any of the other writings I’ve read.
* The testimony on record of “”Chicken Charlie” not actually being chicken, including testimony from Roy Dean and Riojas on his character. Harry recanted this part of the book…but it’s still in there. This to me is embarrassing, and calls into question the other aspects of the book that have not been “fact checked” in court.
* His commitment to obstinance and arrogance gets tiresome…not because it’s real, but b/c there feels to be an air of pride in his continual bad attitude. He muses at one point over some “maybes” as to his trouble…and he eventually comes to the conclusion that it was because “he couldn’t play politics.” “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin would be helpful.
* The narrator gives anyone Harry dislikes a whiny, irritating voice. Seems immature.
* His tearing down of his ex-wife was also unnecessary. Did she deserve it? I think that is beside the point… Its was low-brow and I’m not sure it did Harry any benefit to dredge it up and write about it.
My recommendations for reading about SEALs:
* “Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown.”Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown This is the most inspirational book I’ve ever read…SEAL or otherwise. Eric Blehm is a fantastic author. This book is the best.
* “Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win.”Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win My favorite book on leadership. Simple. Short and to the point. The lessons were powerful and are the foundation for any leadership team.
* “The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader” by Jason Redman. The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader I thought the story, writing, and redemption of Jason Redman was powerful and well written. It brings both the realism of the teams and battle, the struggle of a man, and his eventual redemption w/o feeling trite and arrogant.
* “Resilience: Hard-Won Wisdom for Living a Better Life” by Eric Greitens.Resilience: Hard-Won Wisdom for Living a Better Life Meaningful that delivers on its promise of wisdom. The lessons were powerful and well worth the time to read…and reflect on. I read advice from a reviewer of the book to first read his previous book, “The Heart and the Fist.”The Heart and the Fist: The Education of a Humanitarian, the Making of a Navy SEAL It gave context to who Eric was, and where the wisdom in “Resilience” came from. This was great advice, and made “Resilience” that much more meaningful and rich.
* “Lone Survivor” and “American Sniper” both were very good as well.
* Finally, anything by Dick Couch on the SEALs is worth reading. His insight and access is unmatched. I started with “The Warrior Elite,” the read “The Finishing School,” and the finally read “Navy SEALs: Their untold story.” I really liked all 3.
The Warrior Elite: The Forging of SEAL Class 228
The Finishing School: Earning the Navy SEAL Trident
Navy SEALs: Their Untold Story
I have read a number of books on SEALs. These men have my respect. This book promised to tell the story of the SEALs in Vietnam, which was a period of time I’d not read much on. I feel genuine tension at my respect for Harry’s service to the country, my deep respect for the SEALs (and the men and women of our military) and my growing dislike of the book. If I could have just read the first half of the book, I might have felt a bit better about the read. My pro’s and con’s are followed by what I think are excellent books on the SEALs…and a much better investment of your time.
Pro’s
* Stories about Vietnam
* Insights into some of the political issues at hand
* The hope that he really did support Marnie as he describes…this is a class move
Con’s
* Writing was often cheesy and trite. The descriptions of battle can feel very “high school essay-esque” and any time he writes about his relationship with Sandy (and later Barbara) it straddles a line between low grade harlequin romance and awkward teenage relationship angst. Ugh.
* The gruesome celebration of the killing in Vietnam felt unnecessary…and I’ve not seen that type of graphic celebration in any of the other writings I’ve read.
* The testimony on record of “”Chicken Charlie” not actually being chicken, including testimony from Roy Dean and Riojas on his character. Harry recanted this part of the book…but it’s still in there. This to me is embarrassing, and calls into question the other aspects of the book that have not been “fact checked” in court.
* His commitment to obstinance and arrogance gets tiresome…not because it’s real, but b/c there feels to be an air of pride in his continual bad attitude. He muses at one point over some “maybes” as to his trouble…and he eventually comes to the conclusion that it was because “he couldn’t play politics.” “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin would be helpful.
* The narrator gives anyone Harry dislikes a whiny, irritating voice. Seems immature.
* His tearing down of his ex-wife was also unnecessary. Did she deserve it? I think that is beside the point… Its was low-brow and I’m not sure it did Harry any benefit to dredge it up and write about it.
My recommendations for reading about SEALs:
* “Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown.”Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown This is the most inspirational book I’ve ever read…SEAL or otherwise. Eric Blehm is a fantastic author. This book is the best.
* “Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win.”Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win My favorite book on leadership. Simple. Short and to the point. The lessons were powerful and are the foundation for any leadership team.
* “The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader” by Jason Redman. The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader I thought the story, writing, and redemption of Jason Redman was powerful and well written. It brings both the realism of the teams and battle, the struggle of a man, and his eventual redemption w/o feeling trite and arrogant.
* “Resilience: Hard-Won Wisdom for Living a Better Life” by Eric Greitens.Resilience: Hard-Won Wisdom for Living a Better Life Meaningful that delivers on its promise of wisdom. The lessons were powerful and well worth the time to read…and reflect on. I read advice from a reviewer of the book to first read his previous book, “The Heart and the Fist.”The Heart and the Fist: The Education of a Humanitarian, the Making of a Navy SEAL It gave context to who Eric was, and where the wisdom in “Resilience” came from. This was great advice, and made “Resilience” that much more meaningful and rich.
* “Lone Survivor” and “American Sniper” both were very good as well.
* Finally, anything by Dick Couch on the SEALs is worth reading. His insight and access is unmatched. I started with “The Warrior Elite,” the read “The Finishing School,” and the finally read “Navy SEALs: Their untold story.” I really liked all 3.
The Warrior Elite: The Forging of SEAL Class 228
The Finishing School: Earning the Navy SEAL Trident
Navy SEALs: Their Untold Story
March 4, 2008
Best, most realistic portrayal of a Seal from a truly human perspective. If you want to read about Navy Seals in Vietnam, there is none better.
This is one man's story from training to retirement. By the end you cannot help but admire the man.
This is one man's story from training to retirement. By the end you cannot help but admire the man.
December 2, 2017
I listened to the audio book and it was very, very, very good. This book did not spend as much time on BUD/S training as other SEAL books I have read and it is the first book I have read/listened to about The Viet Nam War.
Harold is incredibly funny, as most SEALS are, and tells some funny stories that have me laughing throughout the book. I believe you have to develop a sense of humor in combat otherwise you will crack-up from the pressure. I have never been in combat and I only say this due to the number of books about combat I have read where most develop this sense of humor.
The book is also about how Harold overcomes adversity several times throughout his life and career and he is blessed with lots of doses of SEAL luck.
The part of them being ambushed and attacked in their high rise hotel during the TET Offensive when he and a buddy were acting as snipers on the roof and their British accents is hysterical and I laughed so hard I cried; it was Dave Barry funny.
I highly recommend this book
Harold is incredibly funny, as most SEALS are, and tells some funny stories that have me laughing throughout the book. I believe you have to develop a sense of humor in combat otherwise you will crack-up from the pressure. I have never been in combat and I only say this due to the number of books about combat I have read where most develop this sense of humor.
The book is also about how Harold overcomes adversity several times throughout his life and career and he is blessed with lots of doses of SEAL luck.
The part of them being ambushed and attacked in their high rise hotel during the TET Offensive when he and a buddy were acting as snipers on the roof and their British accents is hysterical and I laughed so hard I cried; it was Dave Barry funny.
I highly recommend this book
May 10, 2024
Good To Go
I lost a lot of sleep staying up late wanting to read just a little bit more. Harry is about 8 years older than me but we pretty much share the same time space during Vietnam. I lost at least one classmate during fighting in Vietnam. His miraculous escapes were exciting to read. I don’t know how he kept going back. I felt angry at the politics being played against him so many times. But he kept at it and never gave up. That’s what really counts. I’m sorry his dad took his own life. He had secret demons he couldn’t fight.
But I was especially glad when he finally got Sandy out of his life. She was his worst detractor. She was a selfish, narcissistic lady. Hope Marnie is doing well too.
I lost a lot of sleep staying up late wanting to read just a little bit more. Harry is about 8 years older than me but we pretty much share the same time space during Vietnam. I lost at least one classmate during fighting in Vietnam. His miraculous escapes were exciting to read. I don’t know how he kept going back. I felt angry at the politics being played against him so many times. But he kept at it and never gave up. That’s what really counts. I’m sorry his dad took his own life. He had secret demons he couldn’t fight.
But I was especially glad when he finally got Sandy out of his life. She was his worst detractor. She was a selfish, narcissistic lady. Hope Marnie is doing well too.
September 20, 2018
It's the second book about navy seals in Vietnam I read and while this author appears to revel in the killing less it's still a very similar story devoid of any introspection. At no point does the author considered what he was doing or the conduct of the troops. Closest he gets is to mention that soldiers in Vietnam stole from the military (of course the author did not) and that Vietnamese soldiers were cowardly and officers corrupt. Project phoenix? Total success! No idea what all the fuss was about.
June 28, 2020
I listened to the audio book and this was the first book about the Vietnam War I have read or listened to.
The book is not quite as good as many of the books I have read about the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq though is still filled with the adrenaline rush one gets from reading about combat and gives the reader a very good idea what it was like to be there in Vietnam.
I definitely recommend this book.
The book is not quite as good as many of the books I have read about the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq though is still filled with the adrenaline rush one gets from reading about combat and gives the reader a very good idea what it was like to be there in Vietnam.
I definitely recommend this book.
April 15, 2025
Good read
A very honest account of intense Vietnam war experiences as a very competent and deadly Navy Seal. It was very interesting and sometimes disturbing to read about his real life troubles trying to balance his intense work life with being a husband and fitting in to civilian life. Good resolution as the superman Navy Seal turned out to be a sensitive, humble and giving person.
A very honest account of intense Vietnam war experiences as a very competent and deadly Navy Seal. It was very interesting and sometimes disturbing to read about his real life troubles trying to balance his intense work life with being a husband and fitting in to civilian life. Good resolution as the superman Navy Seal turned out to be a sensitive, humble and giving person.
April 3, 2023
Outstanding
Very well written book and a great story of one's life. This book tells how perseverance and willingness will help anyone overcome life's curve balls. No matter our background, achievements, or successes, we all face challenges. Sometimes God's plans for us are in His time, not ours
Thank you for your service, and I am glad you found happiness and peace
Very well written book and a great story of one's life. This book tells how perseverance and willingness will help anyone overcome life's curve balls. No matter our background, achievements, or successes, we all face challenges. Sometimes God's plans for us are in His time, not ours
Thank you for your service, and I am glad you found happiness and peace
July 3, 2018
I’ve read a lot of war memoirs and this is by far one of the best I’ve read. Great detail with funny bits and some edge of your seat bits. Kept my attention from page one to the very end. Will definitely read again.
Harry Constance is the pure definition of a combat warrior.
Harry Constance is the pure definition of a combat warrior.
January 5, 2019
Really good.
A gripping tale and great read. This book was hard to put down. It's well written and the subject matter intense and thought provoking. When I finished the book my feeling was.... Wow.
A gripping tale and great read. This book was hard to put down. It's well written and the subject matter intense and thought provoking. When I finished the book my feeling was.... Wow.
January 9, 2019
This is one of the greatest books every written I feel from the eyes of a solider. Its told in a way that makes you live it with him step by step this book had a big impact on me and couldnt put it down
January 9, 2021
Absolutely brilliant read couldn’t put it down from beginning to end ! A very personal account of the Vietnam war from both being in country to family life. If your a fan of reading about Vietnam this is one of the best books I’ve read yet about the Vietnam war.
January 20, 2021
an entertaining and insightful look at the life of a SEAL and his experience of the Vietnam War. I recomment watching Ken Burns' popular The Vietnam War documentary series first to get a general idea of what happened over there
February 16, 2021
This is fiction
This is someone's stolen valor story. Time after time I came across things that were simply not true, but could be believable to someone who knew little about the Vietnam War.
This is someone's stolen valor story. Time after time I came across things that were simply not true, but could be believable to someone who knew little about the Vietnam War.
October 28, 2022
The Paradoxes of Life
great read! The Vietnam action sequences especially, but all very interesting. I liked how he was so bad ass tough as a SEAL but his home life was a wreck. I can relate.
great read! The Vietnam action sequences especially, but all very interesting. I liked how he was so bad ass tough as a SEAL but his home life was a wreck. I can relate.
April 9, 2024
great book
Very well written book and story of this hero. Including all the tragic episodes he had to endure and struggles he faced both in Nam and the service.
Great story for start to finish and highly recommend this book
Thank you for your service and sacrifice
Very well written book and story of this hero. Including all the tragic episodes he had to endure and struggles he faced both in Nam and the service.
Great story for start to finish and highly recommend this book
Thank you for your service and sacrifice
February 22, 2025
A good read
While this has war stories, it is not your typical Vietnam book. It was interesting to read about the politics and raw ego antics that are present in the military. Thank you for your service.
While this has war stories, it is not your typical Vietnam book. It was interesting to read about the politics and raw ego antics that are present in the military. Thank you for your service.
February 26, 2025
Best true Vietnam story.
Being an avid reader and arm chair military historian, this true account of a Navy Seal’s tours in the jungles of the Mekong Delta, was, to me, really telling it like it was, no holds barred. I am thankful that we have warriors like Harry Constance.
Being an avid reader and arm chair military historian, this true account of a Navy Seal’s tours in the jungles of the Mekong Delta, was, to me, really telling it like it was, no holds barred. I am thankful that we have warriors like Harry Constance.
March 9, 2025
One of the Best...!!
Excellently written with very precise detailing that grabs the attention and immagination of the reader. The humble honesty of the accounts and the transparency is a talent and gift appreciated.
Excellently written with very precise detailing that grabs the attention and immagination of the reader. The humble honesty of the accounts and the transparency is a talent and gift appreciated.
March 23, 2025
Trust
You can never trust an officer. They will stab you in the back every time. Same goes for so called friends
Trying to further themselves. Only officers I trusted were mustangs.
You can never trust an officer. They will stab you in the back every time. Same goes for so called friends
Trying to further themselves. Only officers I trusted were mustangs.
July 23, 2025
Fast Paced and Action Packed
What a story. I am sure everything is as factual as Harry can remember. Having been in the same war, without the combat exposure Harry had, it all rings true.
What a story. I am sure everything is as factual as Harry can remember. Having been in the same war, without the combat exposure Harry had, it all rings true.
October 27, 2025
Gripping
Masterfully told. CWO Constance keeps you on the edge of your seat with each story. One can feel the intensity as if you were there. A must-read if you are a fan of the Navy Seals.
Masterfully told. CWO Constance keeps you on the edge of your seat with each story. One can feel the intensity as if you were there. A must-read if you are a fan of the Navy Seals.
July 4, 2021
Read it as a teenager. Amazing book and story about Constance. Couldn't put it down.
September 17, 2021
Great Read
First person story telling of his experiences in Vietnam and around the World as a member of SEAL TEAM TWO.
First person story telling of his experiences in Vietnam and around the World as a member of SEAL TEAM TWO.
November 23, 2024
A truly amazing story, Harry sounds like a guy that I would love to know better. Hard to believe that he lived through it all.
February 14, 2025
Navy Seal story
Loved true stories, especially when told by one who lived it. Easy to hate rank without experience, particularly when it is used by weak officers to discredit.
Loved true stories, especially when told by one who lived it. Easy to hate rank without experience, particularly when it is used by weak officers to discredit.
April 6, 2025
Resilience
This story is authentic, a must read. Just hearing about the PRU was news to me, and gratifying. Thank you.
This story is authentic, a must read. Just hearing about the PRU was news to me, and gratifying. Thank you.
April 21, 2025
great story
A great book. Very enjoyable read. It takes you to the action…almost like you are there. Straightforward and brutal. He should have dumped Sandy a lot sooner!!
A great book. Very enjoyable read. It takes you to the action…almost like you are there. Straightforward and brutal. He should have dumped Sandy a lot sooner!!
June 18, 2025
Amazing
I really enjoyed this,what those young men did is truly amazing. I couldn't put this down thank for writing this !
I really enjoyed this,what those young men did is truly amazing. I couldn't put this down thank for writing this !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews