Shooter: The Autobiography of the Top-Ranked Marine Sniper

by Jack Coughlin, Casey Kuhlman, Donald A. Davis

The phenomenal New York Times bestseller Shooter captures a professional sniper's life, both on the battlefield--where he has racked up more than 60 confirmed kills--and off.

Jack Coughlin is the Marine Corps' top-ranked sniper, the man who personally brings America's military muscle to the enemy's front door. In twenty years of active service, he has accumulated one of the most impressive records in the Corps, ranging through many of the world's hot spots. During Operation Iraqi Freedom alone, he recorded at least thirty-six kills, thirteen of them in a single twenty-four-hour period.

In Shooter, Coughlin has written a highly personal story about his deadly craft, taking readers deep inside an invisible society that is off-limits to outsiders. This is not a heroic battlefield memoir, but the careful study of an exceptional man as he carries forward one of the deadliest legacies in the U.S. military.

Genres: Military Fiction, Nonfiction, War, Biography, History, Military History, Autobiography

304 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2005

About the author

Gunnery Sgt. Jack Coughlin’s autobiography, Shooter, describes his experiences as the top-ranked marine sniper in the Iraq War.

Coughlin is also the author, with Donald A. Davis, of the Kyle Swanson Sniper Novels: Kill Zone, Dead Shot, Clean Kill, and An Act of Treason.

Coughlin grew up in Waltham, Massachusetts, and joined the Marines when he was 19. He served with the Marines during the drive to Baghdad and has operated on a wide range of assignments in hot spots around the world.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/jackco...

Reviews

[Carolina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm keeping my two star rating - I finished the book this weekend, really could have been one chapter - that goes like this...

"I am the best Marine in the sniper world, I have a crappy relationship with my wife, I go to training and change the entire system for the snipers, we go to war, I am the only sniper the commander above me wants on the battle field, commander Bob is a dweeb so I disobey him and go to the war front to kill bad guys, I come home and the marriage is over, I am the best Marine in the sniper world - end of story"

================

It's okay so far, guy out shooting people, comes home to be with family instead of the bars, lack of communication because missions are secret, we will see if much more changes in the next few chapters.

Still reading this one, painfully. I'm getting a bit tired of the repeated theme "I'm the best - everyone else is mediocore - the Marines are just lucky I chose to be one of them". I keep plugging along refusing to give up, but now I see that the missions were what must have kept hubby and son going - I am not that captivated.

I even guessed that he doesn't stay married - BIG surprise there - it's got to be hard to find someone as perfect as yourself, no one could possibly compare.

[Jared · Rating 4 out of 5]

So that one guy was Marine sniper 93 confirmed kills. This dude has fewer but he still manages to spill blood all over the desert. One thing is for sure, there is no lack of confidence in the snipers of the world. I just like these books because it reminds me that things are not always as they appear. Lots of political insight...from the Marine perspective and frankly a lot of information and feeling that has been lacking in the Iraq news coverage. I think stuff like this and say...a good Justin Timberlake song, are a few of my grander guilty pleasures.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coughlin et al. present an interesting presentation of the life of a sniper, particularly as it relates to the War in Iraq. Insight, some of which directly from the point of view of the soldier, helps to flesh out the time in the Middle East and the day-to-day happenings not reported by media outlets. They bring the reality of the war, and an angle of war as means of employment, to the forefront. For men paid to kill within the military system, it is an eye-opener and one that the reader may find highly interesting. The book is not, as it presents itself, a true autobiography. This is surely apparent in its length (both written and audio), as one’s life in such an exciting role can rarely be summed up so succinctly. It is more a first-hand account of life in the trenches of the Iraqi battlefield and, on occasion, the human and familial ties that soldiers possess outside the arena of war. Coughlin uses the book to offer his opinion of things and give an account of the fighting from his perch and through his own scope. Well worth the time invested if the reader desires a behind the scenes look at the War in Iraq, but not as strong a lifelong mindset of a military sniper.

Coughlin has penned a number of books whose premise relies on his military past and I chose to invest some time in learning the perspective of the author before diving in. I am eager to see how Coughlin will portray his characters, with this background knowledge, and how the stories will mirror his life as a sniper. The book was a good introduction for any reader to set the scene. I wonder if reading James Patterson’s biography, or that of John Grisham, Stephen King, Randy Singer, or even Charles Brokaw would give the reader as through a peek into their lives and why they write what/how they do.

Kudos, Mr. Coughlin on this book and helping the reader better understand you as you work your way through the world of fiction.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I don't think this book is for everyone, I do think it deserves 5 stars (though it should have spent more time with the copy-editor, as there are some obvious errors). It was a fascinating, first-hand, account of the war in Iraq from the perspective of a Marine sniper. It was written very honestly and bluntly, a style that typifies most military men, yet Jack was able to infuse the book with humor and emotion.

It was truly amazing to hear this story told from a first-hand, military perspective rather than the spun and inevitably distorted version pumped over the airways by different media channels. I never appreciated how quickly our tropps progressed through Iraq to liberate Baghdad... and it seems that while that part of the mission was well planned and successfully executed, it was when they arrived at Baghdad that communication broke down and they were asked to do a job they had no business doing--policing the Iraqi people.

Honestly, I gained a whole new respect for what our troops endure. They face challenges and decisions that no human should have to make, but they're put in life-and-death situations where the safety of themselves, their friends, loved ones, and even strangers are at risk. It was hard to read about the loss of civilian lives, but encouraging to know that everything possible was done to prevent it, and that it wasn't taken lightly by our soldiers and Marines. It was times like that the humanity of these warriors really crept into the story, and it was strangely comforting.

[Ryan Irish · Rating 4 out of 5]

shooter


Shooter was number one on the list of New York Times Bestseller in 2005. Shooter is an autobiography of the top ranked marine sniper in the Iraq war in 1993. Gunnery Sargent Jack Coughlin performed the world's farthest sniper shot. He carried a bolt action .50 caliber sniper rifle with a "magical" scope. His mission was Operation Iraqi Freedom. As he ran through blistering hot desserts and bizarre battlefields killing his targets one by one he has over sixty confirmed kills. in the book he said that was the worst thing he has ever had to do and that he will never fight again.

I really liked this book because it was full of action. He was extremely brave for what he did. I would never be able to do what he did. I give him a lot of credit for the things he's done. There were some parts in the book that were suspenseful because i didn't know what was going to happen. There were parts where he nearly died by being shot at and from being bombed. This was an excellent book because it is full of courage.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading war stories. It is filled with action, courage, and sadness. I would also recommend this book to men and women of the service who have had this type of experience or know someone who has had this type of experience.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book probably has a very narrow audience, and will probably fall into the "like it or hate it" catagory for most people. It is a first hand account of a little know military specialty. More importantly, it gives a good insight into how a lot of our military approach their jobs as soldiers and defenders of our nation. For those of us "on the outside", it seems almost crazy to acutally be enthusiastic to go to war. But we fail to keep in mind, that's what these people train for. We aren't surprised atheletes look forward to games, or many people actually look forward to their jobs. Just so for these men and women.
Secondly, this book also gives us an up front and personal look and expereince of the War in Iraq. I found it quite interesting to read the soldiers view of some of the key battles of Iraq, as well as his feelings about 9/11 and the political lead up to the war on terror.
If these themes interest you, I think you'll enjoy the book. If not, move on to something else...

[Scycer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have seen a marine in movie or in real life you will hear the same confidence and focus on action throughout the book. For a guy from India, I am amazed at the level of patriotism indicated by the American Armed forces. I am sure that even our military folks are awesome but the positivity and belief that we can carry out any action is something I am yet to come across.

The book is about the life of Jack Coughlin and his dream of building a mobile sniper force as a strategy for urban combat. Interesting insight into how a sniper thinks. It was interesting to note on how emotions are handled during action and how it affects personal life. There is not much description about the depression or the pain while losing a relationship when all you are looking for is a shoulder to lean on.

It is indeed truly lonely on the top. Gunnery Sgt.. a salute to you. May your ideas live on and hopefully be acted upon, through your legacy which is this book.

An awesome read, do pick it up.

[Jim Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book with Jack Coughlin is kind of similar to "American Sniper" in a way because of the fact that were both snipers, they were both Top Ranked, and they were very good at what they did. This book is kind of sad in a way because it shows the effects of being in the Marines or any type of military force can do to you mentally and physically. These books are always nice to read and i would definitely give this on a 5/5.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Parker Hobbis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Incredible story telling and accounts of real world situations and how both professional and personal struggles were overcome. Absolutely moving book that I would 100% suggest reading

[Bob Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read, One of his better books that he has written Maybe because he wrote about himself makes the book more personable.

[Josh Cline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review for "Shooter" By Jack Coughlin and Casey Kuhlman

This book, for me, was one of the greatest war stories ever to be told. It was so in depth, and used so many little details to really paint a picture. You should definitely read this if you're into very detailed books about war.

Jack Coughlin was a staff sergeant over in Somalia. He was one of the best snipers there. Since looking through the scope, he could really see and describe the things he saw, which really came out in his writing. The descriptions he gave about the people he was soon going to pull the trigger on was almost creepy in a way. It was really interesting reading about the more action filled parts of this book, but what I really like is the stealthy missions.

Jack Coughlin is a pretty tough guy, especially for a sniper. He won't back down from anything. Even when the guys above him begin to talk down to him, he doesn't back down. He just stands up straight, and says what he believes is right. He's got two little girls, and one wife who doesn't seem to love him all that much. But, admittedly it would be pretty hard for a military wife, especially during a war right after 9/11 because everyone was really scared. Jack Coughlin and his family live in a really hot desert in California on a military base called Palms 29 (this sort of prepared Coughlin and his men for the deserts of Iraq when they were deployed). One thing that proved how pushy and persistent Jack is, is the fact that he wanted to change the way snipers worked. He was tired of the way people perceive snipers. Everyone thinks they should just find a good hide, and support other fire teams from a distance. Coughlin wants to prove that wrong. He wanted to develop a mobile sniper team, but other people were not being very supportive. He had to pretty much do this himself. He kept pushing through the opposition until he finally got what he wanted.

Jack Coughlin's main goal in life, was to just always be in the fight. He couldn't wait to get out into the war. He had to fight his way into the fight. But like I said before, he is very persistent. To me, he is one of the bravest war heroes ever. He just kept practicing, and practicing his shooting until he became the top-ranked marine sniper, which is truly amazing. He is not only one of our nations heroes, but one of my heroes. I want to be just like him when I get into the marines because I too want to be a marine sniper.

This is one of my new favorite books. You should definitely read it just because it is an all around good book. It's not your average, ordinary, everyday autobiography. Somehow, it's just different. I loved every minute of this book, and every page.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to read something about what it's like to look through the scope of a sniper rifle in wartime, and this book delivers a straightforward, sometimes blunt, easily readable account of just that. It's the story of Jack Coughlin and Casey Kuhlman's experiences on the March to Baghdad. I had not read anything on the Iraq War, and after reading this book feel that was an oversight. All Americans were involved in this, we all put these guys on the ground, and to hear about their experiences only through a media lens (from "the Jackals," as Coughlin calls them) is a disservice to them.

I did not feel the book was overly rah-rah or sentimentalist, but since others have criticized it as a "hooyah" book, that perhaps comes from perspective. I'm fairly ambivalent about the Iraq War myself, but I respect the craft of the men and women who practice the art of war. They don't decide where they go or who the enemy is. It's important for all of us to understand the humanity on both sides of the rifle. Coughlin's personal reflections are not overdone, but they do add an important and touching element to the story. I think the criticism of his account as cocky miss the point. He acknowledges a certain amount of cockiness, but what do people expect? Are soldiers supposed to walk around with drooped shoulders for our benefit? He also gives much credit to his fellow soldiers.

Reading about the experience of the snipers finding and eliminating targets is definitely disturbing. It should be. I didn't get any sense that the author was glorifying it. He was explaining the thought processes. That attempt, the vulnerability that it requires for him to talk about his mindset, should be respected.

All in all, I enjoyed this and intend to read more from this author and others like him.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I borrowed this from my friend, because it seemed like an interesting read, especially for someone who occasionally dabbles in military-related books. It was my first book dealing with Iraq, so I wasn't sure quite what to expect. I think it could've been better.

The pros:
The book is well written, and the the events happen in the correct chronology.
I especially liked the ProMet part and how Jack Coughlin was able to establish a new, mobile way of sniping.
It has several fast paced parts where I really wanted to find out what happened next.
I was able to hate a character (Bob) which I believe is a sign of a good author. Of course, Bob actually existed, but the way he was portrayed made me intensely dislike him, almost as much as Sobel.

The cons:
Kinda slow moving occasionally
He tended to drift off at some parts
The epilogue

It's a really good book though.

Final rating: 3 and 1/2

[Rob · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was a part of me that wanted to like this book very much.

It is clear from this book and others like it (ie. Ambush Alley) that the Marine Corps has evolved
greatly from my days of service (1960-1964) and the technology and combat training
is certainly superior to that of my time.

I found it hard to feel much affinity with GySgt Coughlin as he seemed to come across
as egotistic and arrogant in pursuing a course of action that others had rejected (mostly
his superiors).

On the other hand, he came across as an extremely dedicated Marine and one who was trying to take care
of his men while accomplishing the goals of his unit. The kind of Marine who make up the backbone
of the corps.

I think I could have liked the book better if I could have felt more empathy for the Gunnery Sargent
and his particular situation. Overall his account of Iraq has a truthfulness to it that made it hard to put down.

[Tyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fairly unbiased and true account of the second Iraq war. While the book has several gung-ho moments Coughlin does a great job of explaining how warriors must put their emotions on hold in order to complete their missions. While he does reveal how he handles his demons from his actions he mostly describes how the standard sniper doctrine is outdated and how he and his team contributed to a more modern tactic that places the sniper on a constantly moving battlefield.

A very engaging novel with a very humanistic face in war. Nothing is held back as we ride shotgun with one of America's elite soldiers. Highly recommended.

[Aladdin Elaasar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. Perfect with Silent Victims The Plight Of Arab & Muslim Americans In Post 9/11 AmericaThe Last Pharaoh Mubarak and the Uncertain Future of Egypt in the Volatile Mid East

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quite readable, well-written account by a Marine sniper/sergeant in the vanguard of the Iraqi invasion by the Coalition forces. He describes his grim experiences as a sniper and his clever innovations to boost the snipers' military effectiveness as mobile warriors used in urban war zones like the Iraqi cities. He was there at the famous toppling of the Saddam Hussein statue in the city square in Baghdad. If you want to read the fighting soldier's view of the invasion, this is a good source. Some funny moments help to lighten the subject matter.

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the story is written with a classic republican and somewhat of a redneck attitude, it is still quite admirable to listen to some of the hardships soldiers are exposed to, even in a war so one sided. However this book also brings to light what it takes to be sniper.

[Jeff Yoak · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a well-told autobiography of a Marine Corps sniper. The subject is generally interesting, but yet my attention started to wander and I lost interest. If you are particularly interested in the subject matter, I'd recommend the book.

[Matt A · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly written braggadocio from a possibly fictional marine.
Save yourself a week and pass this one up.

[Katelynn Blackwood · Rating 1 out of 5]

L + bozo + stolen valor + didn't even attend sniper school

[Paul Spence · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts off with a lot of macho rah-rah, and a jab or two at liberals. Here we go, I thought, another righter-than-right tough guy with something to prove. Well, as it turns out, this book actually has quite a lot of humility and political balance. Not that that's necessary for a good war (auto)biography, but it sure helps make this book an interesting read. Coughlin wasn't the typical "grew up with a rifle in his hands" boy from Texas. In fact, he didn't really shoot until entering the Marine Corps. Once there, he found he had prodigious talent for the job, including the stealthy hunting aspects required to be a Marine Sniper (an elite group within the Marines). Coughlin serves across the globe in a variety of hot spots, including Somalia, before joining in on the war in Iraq (#2).

Coughlin, a cussing, hard-driven, salt-of-the-earth Gunnery Sergeant quickly impresses his commanding officers with his ability to use sniping as a powerful tool on the battlefield. His idea of mobile snipers was first tested in an exercise in the US, but it rapidly starts proving itself in Iraq. The co-author, Captain Kuhlman, works with Coughlin and is a strong supporter, as is the head Colonel. Unfortunately, an incompetent officer (Officer "Bob") keeps reigning Coughlin in just as he starts making a real difference in the front lines. The damage a good sniper can do is invaluable for its effects on moral, disrupting reinforcements, and minimizing collateral damage and innocent casualties. And Coughlin is undoubtedly a very good sniper.

What I found most interesting was the psychological description of his work. Coughlin is absolutely, completely, a cold-hearted killing machine when an enemy is in his scope. No hesitation, no remorse (although he does comment that the faces of those he kills always come back to him in dreams). At first this seemed like just macho bravado, especially after reading On Killing (a book about the heavy cost of killing another human in combat). But then Coughlin shoots an enemy soldier twice, and miraculously, he finds that same soldier later being treated in a US infirmary. Coughlin immediately feels tremendous relief and empathy to know that he didn't "finish" the job (technically, he did, removing an enemy combatant). But it shows his human side. Then there was that infamous scene where people trying to flee Baghdad kept driving into Marine units. Coughlin is striken with helpless remorse as he tries shooting engines, tires, windows, anything to turn civilians away from the Marine lines. Because once they get too close, the Marines have no choice but to open up in self-defense. For some bizarre reason, too many people don't turn away from being shot at, and drive furiously onward to their doom. Watching kids die, watching families get shot up, really throws Coughlin for a bad curve. He psychologically shuts down for an entire day, unable to deal with what he was helpless to stop. This, above all else, revealed the human inside the killer. Coughlin also shows a softer side with the Iraqi children he comes across, who remind him of his own children (and strained marriage) back home. Coughlin praises the US for taking action against Saddam, but curses Rumsfeld and the civilian leaders who botched the post-invasion plans so badly.

I could go on, but I don't want to give away everything in the book. Suffice to say, this book is filled with enough action to satisfy anyone, but it also has enough depth to it to make it worth thinking about after you put it down. As Coughlin often says, war sucks. But if you're going to have to do it, having a surgical, highly-effective sniper like Coughlin on your side is probably a good thing.

[Pat Rauch · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHOOTER AUTOBIGRAPHY OF THE TOP RANED MAIE SNIPER
GUNNERY SGT. JACK COUGHLIN, USMC WITH DONALD A. DAVIS
The book is about Gunnery Sgt. Jack Coughlin , USMC Retired. Being disheartened with college he decides to become a Marine. He excels in shooting.
The Corps decides to train him to be a sniper. All the training hardly prepares him for Iraq in 2003. The days in chemical protection shits, sweating, no sleep, along with constant killing this is not what he anticipated. The people of Iraq have no concept of sanitation, the heat coupled with the chemical protection suit brings in the knowledge what hell is all about.
The water is not potable, must rely on water supplied along with Gator Aid to keep him from dying of heat exhaustion. He is a rooftop sniper scanning in the blistering heat looking for a kill. His excellence in killing surpasses more than he anticipated. In one afternoon alone he had killed three insurgents.
He still has two tests awaiting him. Perched on a rooftop waiting for enemy cars to ascend a hill makes it difficult for him to discern whether it is people going about their daily lives or a suicide bomber. End result is many civilians are killed. His other major issue is highly disturbing but he has a job to kill bad guys. His wife is either not home a baby sitter for his two girls answers the phone. His mind is now in turmoil where is his wife? He cannot allow this to interrupt his job of being a sniper. Tired hot dirty not hard when the body wants to sleep in a decent place have decent food clean or dirty what is going on with his wife.
On page 131 paragraph 4 Bing West who James Mattis flaunts as his photographer and best friend this is not so. Generally, the two people predominant in this book are Major General Ray Smith and Bing West that rode around documenting the war was not exclusively James Mattis.
Major General James Mattis who is a front stage lecturer and author on how to conduct a war is in the back ground with the Regimental boss Colonel Steve Hummer and Lieutenant Colonel McCoy. Mattis appears to be the troops morale booster and spectator. Bing West not by his side as he claims. Only those who served know the truth about Mattis and Bing West.
Moving along now with Coughlin his biggest kick in the ass happens when he comes home to 29 Palms. When at home at 29 Palms he has time to focus on his wife and children... What is going on? She meets him as when he comes home. They drive to their home the girls are happy dad is home. Coughlin cannot wait to get cleaned up showered and put on clean clothes. He walks into the living room. His wife “arms crossed” tells him she filed for a divorce here are the papers. The real shocker for me reading this book she gives him the girls. She wants no part of parenting. Now his career is over he must retire. It is a tearful happiness; deployments are happening he can no longer hold his beloved gun but must hold on to his girls. His last quote in the book “I will never fight again” this happens in 2005 when the uniform is finally retired. The girls ask “Daddy war over”? Well it is now in 2005 for Coughlin.
Good book a little slow getting off but once in Iraq it takes off like a race horse. Ending is bittersweet he is home wife didn’t care about leaving her children or him. But now he has two girls he must love and take care of.
Amen!

[RICK "SHAQ" GOLDSTEIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: THE ENEMY MUST DIE… AND JACK CHALKS UP ANOTHER!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would first, like to make a point about the title that I picked for my review. Some people might possibly find it offensive. But if you were watching a motion picture, or a TV program, that had Jack as one of the main characters, and his comrades referred to him in that exalted way, you would take it in stride. Imagine Jack, as the young sniper in “Saving Private Ryan”. With that being said, let’s continue with the review. I felt this was an excellent book, and one of the things that appealed to me, as a U.S. Veteran, is that Jack and his co-writers, wrote in the “language”, that is truly spoken between men, not only in war, but in training for war. Another thing that I really liked, was the fact, that as bad as Jack wanted to be a sniper, he then had even higher goals. He had the desire, to not just be the best sniper, but he had the drive and vision, to try to improve the entire operating procedure of snipers. The battlefield was not the same as in World War II. A couple of earlier Marine marksmen, Hathcock and Mawhinney, showed in Viet Nam, “that snipers could be much more aggressive and effective by getting out of their holes and going on the hunt.” I know what Jack meant, when he describes the anguish, of not only keeping classified missions to yourself, but also, dealing with the uncontrollable memories of death you’ve created, that reverberate in your dreams, that you can’t discuss with anyone, including your wife. Jack says: “If I awoke suddenly in the middle of the night, with a start so violent, that it shook the bed, Kim knew not to question why or what was going on in my head. She was careful not to startle me with a sudden touch.” This passage… sent chills up and down my spine, since in my own life, twenty years after I was out of the service, I was a single father, who always wanted my young son to wake me, before he left for school, and give me a kiss. He got scared, at the way I would wake up, swinging and yelling, about things I never told anyone. We then used a procedure, where he would come into my bedroom, tap my shoulder, and then run to the doorway, and after I got back to normal, I would give him a hug and kiss goodbye. I would like to give one last comparison of Jack’s stature, especially, for the benefit of people that weren’t in the military. I was awarded the “Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, (SAEMR) with an M-16. Comparing that, to what Jack did, is like you comparing your
Two-year-old son’s, hitting a wiffle ball, off a plastic tee, to the accomplishments of Babe Ruth. There are three things I’m happy for, after reading this book: 1) That Jack was on our side. 2) That Jack got home alive. 3) That Jack and his cohorts wrote this book. God Bless America!
P.S. The 2007 movie with the same name, has absolutely nothing to do with this book.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autobiography (well, really more operational/deployment memoir) of one of the top Marine snipers of all time, operating from the late 1980s to 2005. He has all of the self-confidence you’d expect from someone accomplished in a risky endeavor, and very little tolerance for low performers (including some officers above him, specifically “Officer Bob” from the invasion of Iraq).

He developed the doctrine of deploying snipers directly with assault units (basically as a modern Designated Marksman role), rather than the pre Iraq model of snipers operating in groups of 1-3 for long stalks and primarily as scouting assets. He scrounged some vehicles (up-armored hnmwv with mk19) from an unfortunate tasking as a headquarters GySgt, and was able to hand pick a team of excellent Marines.

One thing I liked about this book is it skipped most of the filler content about life before the action, basic training, etc commonly found in military books. It also showed that as a front line Marine senior enlisted he actually had better knowledge of the geopolitics of the situation than most of the senior leadership at the time. However, keeping it from being really excellent as a book, there was little to take from the book and apply anywhere else. Still a decent read to learn about one man’s experience in the invasion of Iraq, and a good autobiography of a sniper, but maybe not broadly appealing.

[Robert Alexander Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐⭐ Informative but Not Deeply Moving

I picked up Shooter because I enjoy military history and it was available at the library. Snipers are a fascinating subject, so I went in expecting technical detail and insight into how they operate. On that level, the book delivered. The tradecraft, the explanations of how snipers think, move, and plan, and the descriptions of their work in Iraq were all interesting.

What stood out most was learning how snipers deal with difficult urban situations, especially at roadblocks and choke points. Coughlin explains how these spots are some of the most dangerous areas for both troops and civilians, and how snipers must assess threats instantly, coordinate with ground forces, and make precise decisions under pressure. These moments gave me a clear picture of how demanding the job really is.

Overall, I didn’t feel an emotional connection to this memoir the way I have with other military books. The writing felt more informational than personal, and while I found the details fascinating, the book never fully drew me in on a deeper level. It’s a solid read for anyone who enjoys military topics, but it didn’t resonate with me beyond the technical interest.

I would still recommend it to readers who specifically enjoy sniper history or military memoirs, but it wasn’t a standout for me.

[Jayrchase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good portrayal of a slice of Gunnery Sergeant Coughlin’s life preparing for and taking part in the second Gulf War. The descriptions in the book were very evocative and even poetic at times. I thought the style would clash with what seems to me to be out of sync with his no nonsense descriptions of himself. I imagine this is because he had a co-writer with the skills to edit and enhance the scenes without detracting from the action narrative.

The story was good - one star off because the book seems to glorify a level of insubordination, which in my book is a trait that should be VERY rarely exhibited in a military setting... (I do wonder if “Bob” ever read the book and what his thoughts were...)

The most important takeaway from this book, especially for anyone who works in a field that takes a psychological toll, is his explanation of the dichotomy of work in the field and home life, which is more important, and the need to transition between the two!! For that reason, I highly recommend this book for anyone who is considering those kinds of professions as well as their loved ones.

All the best,

Jay

[Rorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-written, engaging account of Coughlin's part in the war in Iraq. I've read a handful of military/war books over the last several months - some engaging, some not - and this is one of the engaging ones. Coughlin puts you in the heat of the battle with him, and gives the reader an insight on what it's like to be a sniper.
After reading this book and a few others, I'm somewhat ashamed to admit that I didn't realize the full extent of what it means to be at war. The thing that stood out to me the most was the lack of showers and other things we see as basic, daily necessities. These men went weeks without even seeing a shower, much less having the chance to use one. I don't know why I ever assumed that they would have access to those things in the heat of a battle, but I guess it wasn't something I ever thought about.
Books like these can be tough to read, but I am glad for the chance to do so, as it shows me just how much these men and women went through (and are still going through) to serve our country and try to help others.