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Dog Company: A True Story of American Soldiers Abandoned by Their High Command
The Army does not want you to read this book. It does not want to advertise its detention system that coddles enemy fighters while putting American soldiers at risk. It does not want to reveal the new lawyered-up Pentagon war ethic that prosecutes U.S. soldiers and Marines while setting free spies who kill Americans.This very system ambushed Captain Roger Hill and his men.Hill, a West Point grad and decorated combat veteran, was a rising young officer who had always followed the letter of the military law. In 2007, Hill got his dream infantry commander in the storied 101st Airborne. His new unit, Dog Company, 1-506th, had just returned stateside from the hell of Ramadi. The men were brilliant in combat but unpolished at home, where paperwork and inspections filled their days.With tough love, Hill and his First Sergeant, an old-school former drill instructor named Tommy Scott, turned the company into the top performers in the battalion. Hill and Scott then led Dog Company into combat in Afghanistan, where a third of their men became battlefield casualties after just six months. Meanwhile, Hill found himself at war with his own battalion commander, a charismatic but difficult man who threatened to relieve Hill at every turn. After two of his men died on a routine patrol, Hill and a counterintelligence team busted a dozen enemy infiltrators on their base in the violent province of Wardak. Abandoned by his high command, Hill suddenly faced an excruciating follow Army rules the way he always had, or damn the rules to his own destruction and protect the men he'd grown to love.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
January 24, 2018
I had to keep reminding myself that this was a true story. Captain Roger Hill, a West Point graduate, after returning from serving in Iraq, became commander of Dog Company I-506th of the famous 101st Airborne. His first sergeant was Tommy Scott, a former drill instructor. The battalion commander was a charismatic but difficult man. He and Hill clashed frequently.
While serving in the province of Wardak in Afghanistan, Hill lost two of his men in combat. Later twelve enemy infiltrators were caught on the base. The men were responsible for many soldier’s deaths including those of Dog Company. The Battalion commander ordered them released. Then the story begins.
The book is well written and reads like a novel. The story has lots of action, drama, suspense and courtroom action and it is all true. This also reveals the problems of competence of high ranking officers and the long ranging effects. It is not an unfamiliar story: similar situations were reported in every war. If it was not for the fact the beeps indicated redacted material by the Department of Defense, I would have found it irritating. Instead, I was curious to see if I could figure out what type of material was redacted. The book made for a good read.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is almost fifteen hours. Christopher Ryan Grant does a good job narrating the book. Grant is an actor and audiobook narrator.
While serving in the province of Wardak in Afghanistan, Hill lost two of his men in combat. Later twelve enemy infiltrators were caught on the base. The men were responsible for many soldier’s deaths including those of Dog Company. The Battalion commander ordered them released. Then the story begins.
The book is well written and reads like a novel. The story has lots of action, drama, suspense and courtroom action and it is all true. This also reveals the problems of competence of high ranking officers and the long ranging effects. It is not an unfamiliar story: similar situations were reported in every war. If it was not for the fact the beeps indicated redacted material by the Department of Defense, I would have found it irritating. Instead, I was curious to see if I could figure out what type of material was redacted. The book made for a good read.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is almost fifteen hours. Christopher Ryan Grant does a good job narrating the book. Grant is an actor and audiobook narrator.
April 8, 2017
An intense, riveting story about Captain Roger Hill and his unit of brave, loyal men in the time of war in and out of the public eye!!!!! THANK YOU GOODREADS FIRSTREADS FOR THIS FREE BOOK!!!!!
May 12, 2017
4.5 appalling stars
I am appalled at what transpired to these men who were a part of the Dog Company in Afghanistan. The fact that our Army would stand behind the "rules" instead of behind these soldiers who were there to defend not only our country but their fellow soldiers was beyond belief.
How could our government rule that people who were employed by the US government, paid for by our taxes, and then be found to be traitors and informants to the Taliban be released after thirty-six hours to do the same thing on another American base?
The fact that our soldiers have their hands tied and forced to follow rules that the Taliban would never follow tells one that we are not fighting by rules. The fact that these people only want to inflict death on our soldiers and ultimately on us makes one wonder why we must be the only ones who follow the ridiculous rules of conduct. We can not demonize the men and women who are out there defending us and each other from those who only have the killing of Americans as their sole purpose.
I am appalled at what transpired to these men who were a part of the Dog Company in Afghanistan. The fact that our Army would stand behind the "rules" instead of behind these soldiers who were there to defend not only our country but their fellow soldiers was beyond belief.
How could our government rule that people who were employed by the US government, paid for by our taxes, and then be found to be traitors and informants to the Taliban be released after thirty-six hours to do the same thing on another American base?
The fact that our soldiers have their hands tied and forced to follow rules that the Taliban would never follow tells one that we are not fighting by rules. The fact that these people only want to inflict death on our soldiers and ultimately on us makes one wonder why we must be the only ones who follow the ridiculous rules of conduct. We can not demonize the men and women who are out there defending us and each other from those who only have the killing of Americans as their sole purpose.
August 26, 2017
This true story is very personal to me. My nephew, Grant Hulburt, was assigned to Dog Company and is one of the main characters in this book. I shudder when I think of what this country asked of him - and all the others who have served our country in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The American people have done a great job of letting our military men and women know that they stand four-square behind them. The military, however, hasn't done such a great job. Imagine placing our young people in harm's way and then not giving them all the support they need - not only to complete the mission, but to keep them alive!
It seems that we give more sympathy and compassion to an enemy determined to kill our young soldiers than we give to our own young men and women in uniform. What a crazy way to run a war!
Politics! We often criticize our politicians for standing in the way of military success. However, there are plenty of politics in the military to impede military operations. Who needs civilian politicians? Apparently not the Army! No, they've got politicians whose names are preceded with titles like "Major" or "Lt. Colonel" or "General." No, the Army certainly doesn't need civilian politicians. The ranks of the Army are full of them!
How sad that we would condemn our own soldiers while protecting the rights of those who would kill them! That's what the theme of this book is about. Young Americans in harm's way getting absolutely no support from the higher ups. I'm appalled.
I salute the men in this book, especially my nephew, Grant Hulburt, for the heroism and sacrifice they made.
As I've heard said before, "Where do we find such courageous and valiant young men as these?"
Salute!
The American people have done a great job of letting our military men and women know that they stand four-square behind them. The military, however, hasn't done such a great job. Imagine placing our young people in harm's way and then not giving them all the support they need - not only to complete the mission, but to keep them alive!
It seems that we give more sympathy and compassion to an enemy determined to kill our young soldiers than we give to our own young men and women in uniform. What a crazy way to run a war!
Politics! We often criticize our politicians for standing in the way of military success. However, there are plenty of politics in the military to impede military operations. Who needs civilian politicians? Apparently not the Army! No, they've got politicians whose names are preceded with titles like "Major" or "Lt. Colonel" or "General." No, the Army certainly doesn't need civilian politicians. The ranks of the Army are full of them!
How sad that we would condemn our own soldiers while protecting the rights of those who would kill them! That's what the theme of this book is about. Young Americans in harm's way getting absolutely no support from the higher ups. I'm appalled.
I salute the men in this book, especially my nephew, Grant Hulburt, for the heroism and sacrifice they made.
As I've heard said before, "Where do we find such courageous and valiant young men as these?"
Salute!
April 13, 2017
This book is very well written and tells the story through the eyes of several Infantry Combat Soldiers. They fought not only the Taliban but their chain of command that was suppose to have their back, but left them to the wolves. This is a remarkable book that is a must read. If America fights in wars , America must use every asset at our disposal to win in combat and this means that battalion and brigades and divisions need to support their men and woman on the battlefield. These Soldiers went through horrific experiences fighting the Taliban and after their battles they had to fight the very same people that should have been there to protect them and support them. I could not put the book down after I began reading it. Dog Company had me laughing, had me angry, and sad. This book is incredible.
December 9, 2022
The form this book is written in allows the read to sometimes bog down, especially in the first half to three-quarters of the book. However, the background information is absolutely necessary, and I found the last part of the book to be riveting.
I haven't read any of the other reviews, but personally, I find the restrictions placed on today's U.S. soldiers to be virtually unbearable. When I read about events such as those in this book, and others like in Lone Survivor, it pisses me off. Modern Rules of Engagement for U.S. soldiers, while certainly not all bad, often lead to senseless American casualties. Admittedly, I do not have the answers. I'm just saddened by the inexcusable restrictions that have often resulted in death or serious injury. Those risking it all for our freedom and safety deserve better.
I haven't read any of the other reviews, but personally, I find the restrictions placed on today's U.S. soldiers to be virtually unbearable. When I read about events such as those in this book, and others like in Lone Survivor, it pisses me off. Modern Rules of Engagement for U.S. soldiers, while certainly not all bad, often lead to senseless American casualties. Admittedly, I do not have the answers. I'm just saddened by the inexcusable restrictions that have often resulted in death or serious injury. Those risking it all for our freedom and safety deserve better.
June 19, 2019
To read "Dog Company: A True Story of Battlefield Courage, Taliban Spies, and Soldiers on Trail" is tantamount to watching sausage be made. This book is about the ugly secrets of war, soldiering and being a member of the US Armed Services is not for the faint at heart.
As a military brat, my Father served in two tours of duty during the Vietnam and the Korean war era. He would tell me that Americans are not interested in hearing about war until they see enemy tanks rolling down Main Street USA.
War is indeed ugly. Being a Soldier requires doing ugly things in defense of our country.
Thank you for your service to all current and former Soldiers who continue to serve our country through countless trials and tribulations.
As a military brat, my Father served in two tours of duty during the Vietnam and the Korean war era. He would tell me that Americans are not interested in hearing about war until they see enemy tanks rolling down Main Street USA.
War is indeed ugly. Being a Soldier requires doing ugly things in defense of our country.
Thank you for your service to all current and former Soldiers who continue to serve our country through countless trials and tribulations.
February 28, 2021
Not what I expected but this type of book really does need to be published. It's crazy how the politics of war can really translate into very poor policy for soldiers on the ground. Just the quoted session with the army lawyer asking questions told me all I needed to know. The lawyer wanted a "win" and not the truth. Sounds familiar. Good book
May 26, 2017
What does it take to hold a prisoner in a war?
You just might be surprised at the politics involved that most American's know absolutely nothing about, and if they did, I believe most would be as outraged as I am. It seems like America has to always come out like the good guy during the war and thus our treatment of those who are killing our own troops get treated better than our own soldiers do, even in the face of overwhelming evidence that would easily convict them in our own courts of law. Yet with regard to war time policies, most of this terrorists are allowed to walk free and even have our government provide them with money to leave. Doesn't this just make your blood boil?
In the book, Dog Company by Lynn Vincent and Captain Roger Hill, it highlights one particular event that happened in which American soldiers were abandoned by their high command, meaning anyone higher up the command chain. "In this case the Pentagon does not want you to read about its catch-and-release detention system that allows the same enemy fighters to ambush, bomb, and shoot at America's sons and daughters over and over again. They don't want you to read about the unworkable rules of engagement that ties our troops hands behind their back while sending them to fight against an enemy that has no such rules. They don't want you to read about a system in which young soldiers are court-martialed, kick out of the service, or even imprisoned, while enemy spies who kill Americans are set free.
Dog Company tells the story of one Army unit's tragic experience with all those evils. But Dog Company, a unit of the famed 101st Airborne, is not alone. Her story is being replayed again and again in a lawyered-up war in which, the enemy leverages our rules of engagement by blending into the local population while our warriors, operating in a combat environment, are held not to just the laws of armed conflict but to unprecedented standards of criminal law. Senior civilian and uniformed leaders allow our soldiers and Marines to be tried and convicted for war crimes when, in bygone eras, their actions, motivated by the desire to protect their mates, would have been viewed as collateral damage in the fog of war. " (Author's Note).
I received Dog Company by Lynn Vincent and Captain Roger Hill compliments of Center Street Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Groups. This is such an eye opening book that really conveys to readers the politics that interfere with our soldiers ability to do their jobs. We know that our enemies don't play by the same standards of warfare that we do and they know what we can and can't do to them, so they simply play our own rules against us and further cost American soldiers more lives lost in an effort to combat terrorism. I was immediately drawn into their story that is conveyed in this book and even includes the blacked out redactions that our government executed in an attempt to keep this from being published. The authors left it in so they could share the book as it was intended to be written so you will see pages of the book with black out phrases or paragraphs the government didn't want shared to the reader. This is such an intense but honest look at what is happening behind the battle lines that the media and most American's don't see but need to understand what is happening everytime our soldiers go out each day to deal with terrorist threats or simply doing their job while being deployed in hostile areas. Well deserving of 5 out of 5 stars and perfect for a Memorial Day read! This book does more than simply talk about the lives of those affect and lost, but gives readers more information about what is really happening to our American troops!
You just might be surprised at the politics involved that most American's know absolutely nothing about, and if they did, I believe most would be as outraged as I am. It seems like America has to always come out like the good guy during the war and thus our treatment of those who are killing our own troops get treated better than our own soldiers do, even in the face of overwhelming evidence that would easily convict them in our own courts of law. Yet with regard to war time policies, most of this terrorists are allowed to walk free and even have our government provide them with money to leave. Doesn't this just make your blood boil?
In the book, Dog Company by Lynn Vincent and Captain Roger Hill, it highlights one particular event that happened in which American soldiers were abandoned by their high command, meaning anyone higher up the command chain. "In this case the Pentagon does not want you to read about its catch-and-release detention system that allows the same enemy fighters to ambush, bomb, and shoot at America's sons and daughters over and over again. They don't want you to read about the unworkable rules of engagement that ties our troops hands behind their back while sending them to fight against an enemy that has no such rules. They don't want you to read about a system in which young soldiers are court-martialed, kick out of the service, or even imprisoned, while enemy spies who kill Americans are set free.
Dog Company tells the story of one Army unit's tragic experience with all those evils. But Dog Company, a unit of the famed 101st Airborne, is not alone. Her story is being replayed again and again in a lawyered-up war in which, the enemy leverages our rules of engagement by blending into the local population while our warriors, operating in a combat environment, are held not to just the laws of armed conflict but to unprecedented standards of criminal law. Senior civilian and uniformed leaders allow our soldiers and Marines to be tried and convicted for war crimes when, in bygone eras, their actions, motivated by the desire to protect their mates, would have been viewed as collateral damage in the fog of war. " (Author's Note).
I received Dog Company by Lynn Vincent and Captain Roger Hill compliments of Center Street Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Groups. This is such an eye opening book that really conveys to readers the politics that interfere with our soldiers ability to do their jobs. We know that our enemies don't play by the same standards of warfare that we do and they know what we can and can't do to them, so they simply play our own rules against us and further cost American soldiers more lives lost in an effort to combat terrorism. I was immediately drawn into their story that is conveyed in this book and even includes the blacked out redactions that our government executed in an attempt to keep this from being published. The authors left it in so they could share the book as it was intended to be written so you will see pages of the book with black out phrases or paragraphs the government didn't want shared to the reader. This is such an intense but honest look at what is happening behind the battle lines that the media and most American's don't see but need to understand what is happening everytime our soldiers go out each day to deal with terrorist threats or simply doing their job while being deployed in hostile areas. Well deserving of 5 out of 5 stars and perfect for a Memorial Day read! This book does more than simply talk about the lives of those affect and lost, but gives readers more information about what is really happening to our American troops!
April 30, 2017
There is more than a few atrocities in this book. As a Canadian viewing the American military politics, it's appalling. I am unaware of how ours is, I know there are many problems, but this is beyond anything I could imagine.
No food????? No water??????? and for what?!??!?!?! There is no doubt that this war was a complete shit show. No fault of the soldiers that had lost lives on more than one level. The absolute lack of guidance, of instruction or even backing up the soldiers, there really are no words for what these men went through.
I find it interesting that at the beginning of the book the author said they tried to hide these stories. I took a few notes and looked up names (some I'm assuming are real) and not a single word about them anywhere. When I have looked into other books/names etc...they appear almost immediately.
Honestly, after reading this I am not sure how ANY American would want to join the military when they are used as scapegoats and treated like garbage. Roger Hill did nothing wrong. I hate to say this because it is against my nature, but when it comes to war somethings shouldn't be so politically correct.
I didn't believe in the war then, I don't believe in it now. I do understand that men and women want to be part of something so rich and engrained in their history and patriotic. Even still they should not be treated so poorly. Nor should they have their commanders be so utterly incompetent.
You let terrorists go and you will end up dying. Plain and simple.
It is also clear that the American government has some sort of lie detecting technology. As there are new types that have to do with eye movements and other types, I wouldn't be surprised it's something like that. Those were the censored parts lol. ohh Murica.
No food????? No water??????? and for what?!??!?!?! There is no doubt that this war was a complete shit show. No fault of the soldiers that had lost lives on more than one level. The absolute lack of guidance, of instruction or even backing up the soldiers, there really are no words for what these men went through.
I find it interesting that at the beginning of the book the author said they tried to hide these stories. I took a few notes and looked up names (some I'm assuming are real) and not a single word about them anywhere. When I have looked into other books/names etc...they appear almost immediately.
Honestly, after reading this I am not sure how ANY American would want to join the military when they are used as scapegoats and treated like garbage. Roger Hill did nothing wrong. I hate to say this because it is against my nature, but when it comes to war somethings shouldn't be so politically correct.
I didn't believe in the war then, I don't believe in it now. I do understand that men and women want to be part of something so rich and engrained in their history and patriotic. Even still they should not be treated so poorly. Nor should they have their commanders be so utterly incompetent.
You let terrorists go and you will end up dying. Plain and simple.
It is also clear that the American government has some sort of lie detecting technology. As there are new types that have to do with eye movements and other types, I wouldn't be surprised it's something like that. Those were the censored parts lol. ohh Murica.
December 10, 2020
I gave this book five stars because it told a breathtaking story of what a modern-day infantry-combat soldier goes through in combat. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way throughout the book. Those who are looking to be, have been, or just interested in the military should read this book. It shows the problems of the modern-day battle and how easy it is to lose your advantages. I think it is meant for adults and those teenagers looking to enlist or become an officer in the military. This book is not suited for children at all. Right out of the gate it starts with terrifying actions no child could perceive. I am sure people like Jack McNally and Jude Reifert would love to read this book. Jack wants to go into the military and I know Jude loves to read about the military.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2018
This was a stunning expose’ of our military . I did the audio version and, and it had me spellbound.
August 2, 2017
This review is also available on my blog, Read Till Dawn.
I'm not sure what was going through my mind when I asked to review Dog Company. It's not exactly my typical read, you know? I've been trying to become a little more informed about modern international relations, though, so I guess I thought a true story about soldiers deployed in Afghanistan could be a beneficial read.
I guess I forgot that I really don't like war. I mean sure, I've read lots of stories set during wars–about Jews fleeing the Holocaust, for example, or the brother-against-brother quandaries confronting soldiers during the Civil War–but the main characters in my books almost uniformly are either civilians or green soldiers. Captian Hill is just that: a captain. At the time of the events in the book, he'd served for eight years, and most of his men for far longer. They're all just such complete . . . well, soldiers. And I'm really not one. And I never really want to be. Lots of respect to the men and women who risk their lives to keep the nation safe, of course, but I could never stand the idea of shooting anyone; if I felt the call to join the service, I'd do it as a medic of some sort rather than as a soldier. The other reason I'd never want to be a soldier–and this is a huge one for me–is that I'd dread the day my higher-ups ordered me to do something that went against my moral code.
And really, that's what happened to Captain Hill. He was under orders to release the twelve men who were unequivocally spies for the Taliban, men whose intel had directly led to the deaths of two of his men, back into their freedom because his higher-ups wouldn't accept custody of them. Before they went, he wanted to get some good information out of them that would help them take down the Taliban and, presumably, prevent the loss of more men. To do so, one or two of the soldiers first slapped around a few of the prisoners (something that, in and of itself, was definitely illegal). When that didn't work, Hill grabbed one of them and pulled him outside, dumped him on the ground and shot at nothing so the other prisoners thought he'd killed their comrade. When they still didn't talk, he pretended to shoot two more men and then one of the remaining men cracked, spilling valuable information.
That's . . . pretty awful. I mean, I know the prisoners were probably all horrible people who would have done even worse to the soldiers if the roles had been reversed, but that still doesn't excuse that sort of behavior. We're supposed to be better than the Taliban; that moral high ground is our only real excuse for being in Afghanistan in the first place. So while I can understand the emotional reasons why Captain Hill decided to break the law and use such violent scare tactics on his prisoners, I actually agree with the decision to punish him. Was completely kicking him out of the army necessary? Definitely not, that seems rather disproportionate to his crimes. He should have just been demoted a rank or two (or however they call it) and posted somewhere where he could be monitored a little more closely.
Anyway, while the core moral dilemma is an interesting one, I didn't really enjoy reading Dog Company. It's broken up into units that jumble the chronology just enough to be rather confusing, and just kind of randomly jumps into the backstory of soldiers that were interesting but not exactly relevant. It also covers more than I really needed to know of the months leading up to the prisoner situation, which shifted from intriguing and educational to just straight-up boring by some point. I wound up skimming through a lot of the second half of the book. People more interested in military stuff might find those parts more entertaining than I did, though. Also, the language in the book is atrocious–gobs of f-words are littered in all over the place along with a whole alphabet of other (mildly less offensive) swear words. I pushed past them to read the book, but it wasn't pleasant.
If you've reading this review to the end, then you probably have a pretty good idea of whether Dog Company is for you. I can't say that I really recommend it personally, but it might do something for you that it didn't for me.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not sure what was going through my mind when I asked to review Dog Company. It's not exactly my typical read, you know? I've been trying to become a little more informed about modern international relations, though, so I guess I thought a true story about soldiers deployed in Afghanistan could be a beneficial read.
I guess I forgot that I really don't like war. I mean sure, I've read lots of stories set during wars–about Jews fleeing the Holocaust, for example, or the brother-against-brother quandaries confronting soldiers during the Civil War–but the main characters in my books almost uniformly are either civilians or green soldiers. Captian Hill is just that: a captain. At the time of the events in the book, he'd served for eight years, and most of his men for far longer. They're all just such complete . . . well, soldiers. And I'm really not one. And I never really want to be. Lots of respect to the men and women who risk their lives to keep the nation safe, of course, but I could never stand the idea of shooting anyone; if I felt the call to join the service, I'd do it as a medic of some sort rather than as a soldier. The other reason I'd never want to be a soldier–and this is a huge one for me–is that I'd dread the day my higher-ups ordered me to do something that went against my moral code.
And really, that's what happened to Captain Hill. He was under orders to release the twelve men who were unequivocally spies for the Taliban, men whose intel had directly led to the deaths of two of his men, back into their freedom because his higher-ups wouldn't accept custody of them. Before they went, he wanted to get some good information out of them that would help them take down the Taliban and, presumably, prevent the loss of more men. To do so, one or two of the soldiers first slapped around a few of the prisoners (something that, in and of itself, was definitely illegal). When that didn't work, Hill grabbed one of them and pulled him outside, dumped him on the ground and shot at nothing so the other prisoners thought he'd killed their comrade. When they still didn't talk, he pretended to shoot two more men and then one of the remaining men cracked, spilling valuable information.
That's . . . pretty awful. I mean, I know the prisoners were probably all horrible people who would have done even worse to the soldiers if the roles had been reversed, but that still doesn't excuse that sort of behavior. We're supposed to be better than the Taliban; that moral high ground is our only real excuse for being in Afghanistan in the first place. So while I can understand the emotional reasons why Captain Hill decided to break the law and use such violent scare tactics on his prisoners, I actually agree with the decision to punish him. Was completely kicking him out of the army necessary? Definitely not, that seems rather disproportionate to his crimes. He should have just been demoted a rank or two (or however they call it) and posted somewhere where he could be monitored a little more closely.
Anyway, while the core moral dilemma is an interesting one, I didn't really enjoy reading Dog Company. It's broken up into units that jumble the chronology just enough to be rather confusing, and just kind of randomly jumps into the backstory of soldiers that were interesting but not exactly relevant. It also covers more than I really needed to know of the months leading up to the prisoner situation, which shifted from intriguing and educational to just straight-up boring by some point. I wound up skimming through a lot of the second half of the book. People more interested in military stuff might find those parts more entertaining than I did, though. Also, the language in the book is atrocious–gobs of f-words are littered in all over the place along with a whole alphabet of other (mildly less offensive) swear words. I pushed past them to read the book, but it wasn't pleasant.
If you've reading this review to the end, then you probably have a pretty good idea of whether Dog Company is for you. I can't say that I really recommend it personally, but it might do something for you that it didn't for me.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2019
[Warning: This narrative is not so much an evaluation of this book as of the situation it describes.]
While reading this book, I, as a retired active duty infantryman, got as mad as hell. As mad as hell that we send American troops these days into harm's way without thinking and, subsequently, without supporting them properly.
First off, I've always been upset that, when we deploy our military into hostile circumstances, the entire United States does not also go on a war-footing. How can we put men and women in "the suck" and go on about our regular lives back home? "Thank you for your service" is not a "get-out-of-jail-free card that can make us feel better for this sin. If it isn't worth the whole country getting behind our foreign policy (or even realizing that we are still involved in an armed conflict), then that particular part of our foreign policy in that particular place is not worth it.
We picture our typical troop as superior—strong-jawed, standing-straight, and well-equipped. This book gives the unvarnished truth, however. If war is hell, Afghanistan is the 9th circle. At the "tip-of-the-spear," our combat soldiers are bravely facing a determined enemy while making-do with mission-essential equipment that is often broken or worn-out and supplies and repair parts are not getting to the end of the pipeline in the required quantities or the necessary regularity.
Worst of all is making our deployed units depend on unreliable indigenous military units as well as contracted services and hired local-nationals for support. This last brings people of questionable loyalties, if not downright hostile intent, right "inside the wire" of our operating bases. Imagine rubbing shoulders daily with spies who communicate all sorts of information about your capabilities, facilities, and plans to your enemies. This causes Americans to be wounded and killed. And then, whenever the infiltrators are discovered and apprehended, they invariably get released to continue their depredations against you.
I can easily see how the company-level leaders get frustrated with the situations on the ground. After all these years in the Middle East, will the higher military and civilian chain-of-command ever get their heads out of their fourth-points-of-contact and figure-out what they are trying to do and how to do it properly? If we are going to fight a war against the Taliban, we cannot staff our facilities, especially our remote facilities, with natives. Our military must support our military—even if it requires more support unit deployments—or, if we decide that isn't worth it to do that, well, that means the entire mission isn't worth it.
While reading this book, I, as a retired active duty infantryman, got as mad as hell. As mad as hell that we send American troops these days into harm's way without thinking and, subsequently, without supporting them properly.
First off, I've always been upset that, when we deploy our military into hostile circumstances, the entire United States does not also go on a war-footing. How can we put men and women in "the suck" and go on about our regular lives back home? "Thank you for your service" is not a "get-out-of-jail-free card that can make us feel better for this sin. If it isn't worth the whole country getting behind our foreign policy (or even realizing that we are still involved in an armed conflict), then that particular part of our foreign policy in that particular place is not worth it.
We picture our typical troop as superior—strong-jawed, standing-straight, and well-equipped. This book gives the unvarnished truth, however. If war is hell, Afghanistan is the 9th circle. At the "tip-of-the-spear," our combat soldiers are bravely facing a determined enemy while making-do with mission-essential equipment that is often broken or worn-out and supplies and repair parts are not getting to the end of the pipeline in the required quantities or the necessary regularity.
Worst of all is making our deployed units depend on unreliable indigenous military units as well as contracted services and hired local-nationals for support. This last brings people of questionable loyalties, if not downright hostile intent, right "inside the wire" of our operating bases. Imagine rubbing shoulders daily with spies who communicate all sorts of information about your capabilities, facilities, and plans to your enemies. This causes Americans to be wounded and killed. And then, whenever the infiltrators are discovered and apprehended, they invariably get released to continue their depredations against you.
I can easily see how the company-level leaders get frustrated with the situations on the ground. After all these years in the Middle East, will the higher military and civilian chain-of-command ever get their heads out of their fourth-points-of-contact and figure-out what they are trying to do and how to do it properly? If we are going to fight a war against the Taliban, we cannot staff our facilities, especially our remote facilities, with natives. Our military must support our military—even if it requires more support unit deployments—or, if we decide that isn't worth it to do that, well, that means the entire mission isn't worth it.
March 17, 2025
(phrase borrowed from another reviewer) 4.5 appalling stars
Per the subtitle, I had imagined this was a story akin to Band of Brothers or Saving Private Ryan, in which combat soldiers find themselves surrounded by the enemy and have to fight their way to safety. Alas, no. It's much worse.
It's about enemy infiltrators working on the base and sharing secrets via cell phone to the Taliban. Insurgents would disclose travel routes, which resulted in ambushes and American soldiers killed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). With proof of complicity, the spies are detained. And then released by Battalion. Rinse and repeat.
"...the reason terror groups do not fear the American military. They can lie, steal, spy, and kill, and the Americans pat them on their heads and send them back onto the battlefield. This is appalling. All the values are upside-down.
I would issue many cautions: f-bombs galore and language such as you'd find in a combat situation; truly gruesome mental images; grief and loss and betrayal. This is a harrowing subject. Also, there are ALL* the military acronyms, which make it difficult for a civilian to read. A guide is provided.
It took me about a third of the way through to realize that the main protagonist was also one of the authors of the book. I think of this as a memoir written in the third person.
* ALL = Abbreviated Lexicon Language (just kidding, I made that up!)
Per the subtitle, I had imagined this was a story akin to Band of Brothers or Saving Private Ryan, in which combat soldiers find themselves surrounded by the enemy and have to fight their way to safety. Alas, no. It's much worse.
It's about enemy infiltrators working on the base and sharing secrets via cell phone to the Taliban. Insurgents would disclose travel routes, which resulted in ambushes and American soldiers killed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). With proof of complicity, the spies are detained. And then released by Battalion. Rinse and repeat.
"...the reason terror groups do not fear the American military. They can lie, steal, spy, and kill, and the Americans pat them on their heads and send them back onto the battlefield. This is appalling. All the values are upside-down.
I would issue many cautions: f-bombs galore and language such as you'd find in a combat situation; truly gruesome mental images; grief and loss and betrayal. This is a harrowing subject. Also, there are ALL* the military acronyms, which make it difficult for a civilian to read. A guide is provided.
It took me about a third of the way through to realize that the main protagonist was also one of the authors of the book. I think of this as a memoir written in the third person.
* ALL = Abbreviated Lexicon Language (just kidding, I made that up!)
December 25, 2017
This was an interesting book. It covers one incident in the Afghanistan (non)war in which a couple of soldiers are arrested for abusing detainees. We find out that the abuse which occurred (which did indeed occur), was quite minor and should have been handled by counseling and a reprimand, but due to political considerations, not to mention the ponderous army bureaucracy, it was blown out of all proportion. This is the story of the book.
It’s written from the viewpoint of the accused soldiers, and so biased in that direction. Having said that, it is frustrating to see how often the Army seems to want to eat its own junior officers and nco’s, while protecting their senior officers. I hate this about the military, but it goes on again and again and again.
It’s also frustrating to see how political the Afghanistan (non)war became, how much it was affected by graft and corruption, and how good soldiers died because of this. I hate how politicians order soldiers into nasty, brutal places, and then try and run the (non)war from war rooms in Washington. Same story, different war.
It’s written from the viewpoint of the accused soldiers, and so biased in that direction. Having said that, it is frustrating to see how often the Army seems to want to eat its own junior officers and nco’s, while protecting their senior officers. I hate this about the military, but it goes on again and again and again.
It’s also frustrating to see how political the Afghanistan (non)war became, how much it was affected by graft and corruption, and how good soldiers died because of this. I hate how politicians order soldiers into nasty, brutal places, and then try and run the (non)war from war rooms in Washington. Same story, different war.
April 11, 2017
A preeminently lucid, compelling, accessible, and downright surprising story about the complexities of war in our time. My heart sank and my jaw dropped repeatedly. I cannot think of a book in recent memory that does more to elevate the importance of basic empathy, ethical decision-making, loyalty, duty, judgment, sacrifice, physical and moral courage in war. Sure, the book is action-packed and incredibly tragic, but you will swell with patriotism and pride when you realize the characters, undeniably heroes, are real. By the end, you’ll wish there are always Dog Companies ready to support and defend America. A must read for Soldiers interested in the suffering, confusion, exhaustion, fog, fear, and friction that pervade war.
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August 29, 2021This is a true story that must be told to as many American's as possible. It occurred at a time and place where Senior Military Leaders and Politicians purposefully mis-informed the American public as to the nature of the conflict in Afghanistan, the amazing risk they placed our Service Members under with politically motivated rules of engagement. Essential reading for anyone focused on national policy making, rules of engagement, leadership, and morality.
November 16, 2019
This is a story of doing what you think is right for your team even though it may be against the rules. It's a story of pride, bravery, and courage. It's also a story of injustice. When you are put to the test, do you follow protocol or do you do what you think is right?
January 8, 2018
"The only redemptive feature of war is the brotherhood which it forges."
--- Max Hatings
"Never do anything against conscience, even if the state demands it."
--- Albert Einstein
--- Max Hatings
"Never do anything against conscience, even if the state demands it."
--- Albert Einstein
April 12, 2020
Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. I was intrigued, shocked and confused throughout. A thought-provoking case study on leadership and morality. Highly recommend.
September 21, 2017
Interesting book, however biased as it pertains to the detainee abuse investigation. There are probably X versions of this story (CID, BDE, BN, Soldiers in Dog Company, Lawyers, etc.) which tell the story differently. The one thing I can say for sure was that conditions on this FOB were indeed deplorable, but where does the blame truly lie for this? The 96 hour detention rule worked more against us than for us and I can testify to that. I struggled with this particular inquiry because of course it felt surreal to investigate our own in such an environment. How many sides did we have? The good guys, the bad guys, and those covering up facts to climb higher and save their own skin? This is what Dog Co accuses the entire chain of command of doing, but is this not also, in the end, what Dog co did, cover up facts to "save their skin"? If this command team truly felt that what they did was the right thing, then why not come out with it and be honest, own it and disclose everything? I wonder that if this command team had just told the TRUTH up front and encouraged its Soldiers to do the same, how the fate of those involved might have changed. Would I have done the same? I have asked myself this question many many times! It's hard to say not being in this commanders shoes, however, he having walked the prestigious Long Grey Line, most undoubtedly realized that he was headed down the wrong path and ultimately covered up the truth! If it were up to the authors and most of the Soldiers in this company, I would never now because a woman could never comprehend what they went through! There was a lack of discipline amongst the ranks and disdain for any and all not part of Dog Co. The word "rouge" comes to mind. Can we say for sure that incidents like this didn't occur elsewhere? How many commanders worked around the 96 hour rule? How many just weren't caught? Was this company out to protect each other or were they out for blood? You decide!
January 30, 2022
I have nothing but respect for Roger Hill and Tommy Scott. In my opinion, they did the morally right thing. As the leaders of Dog Company, their men's lives were in their hands and two of their men had already died. Releasing known spies that would bring information to the enemy likely enabling them to be able to overrun Dog Company's position would be the pinnacle of tactical stupidity...yet that is precisely what our rules dictated. If Battalion had backed Dog Company, none of this would have happened. Hill and Scott were put in an impossible situation. Follow the rules and risk every man's life in Dog Company, as well as let possible conspirators of two of their brother's deaths go; or, break the rules and pay the price handed down by the very people who should have had their backs. We need more men like Hill and Scott who are willing to do the right thing no matter the cost.
The Rules of Engagement that our men are forced to fight under against an enemy who knows no boundaries is wrong...criminal! We ask them to do a terrible, difficult, and demanding job in which they risk their lives every day, and instead of having their backs and making their job as easy as possible, our policies cost lives time and time again. War is not nice. Or pretty. Or fair. It's messy and gruesome and terrible. I'm not for flaying captives until they scream everything they know, but when you are going up against an enemy that beheads their captives, you need to be able to get a little rougher than slapping...or you aren't going to win. As it was, an open hand slap ended a man's military career.
Thank you Captain Roger Hill and First Sergeant Tommy Scott for your service. We love you
The Rules of Engagement that our men are forced to fight under against an enemy who knows no boundaries is wrong...criminal! We ask them to do a terrible, difficult, and demanding job in which they risk their lives every day, and instead of having their backs and making their job as easy as possible, our policies cost lives time and time again. War is not nice. Or pretty. Or fair. It's messy and gruesome and terrible. I'm not for flaying captives until they scream everything they know, but when you are going up against an enemy that beheads their captives, you need to be able to get a little rougher than slapping...or you aren't going to win. As it was, an open hand slap ended a man's military career.
Thank you Captain Roger Hill and First Sergeant Tommy Scott for your service. We love you
July 15, 2017
Exciting, indicting, sad, cruel true story of a group of soldiers in Afghanistan who are betrayed by their supposed friendly Afghans, betrayed by the US Army and suffered wounds, disabilities, dishonor and deaths as a result of the US Army policies in that conflict. Having served in the Air Force in Vietnam I saw the same type things as described in this book. The military in the US is a politically correct, dog-eat-dog, corrupt and self-serving institution that no one should ever volunteer to serve in (unless it gets you out of worse trouble). For example, one of your (supposedly) most reliable and trusted Afghanis working on the base turns out to be a spy who causes the death of two American soldiers and several badly wounded is turned in to intel who give him money, release him with no punishment and find him work at another American base. All true with details leading up to the legal assault on Captain Hill and 1stSgt Scott for questioning and threatening detained local spies to gain information that saved countless American lives. The book will make you want to hit someone or something but it gives you faith in our real American heroes - the men and women who stand up to the US military despite overwhelming odds where senior officers lie and deceive to preserve their careers and lower ranked officers and enlisted men are made scapegoats. And, of course, records of most everything either disappeared or have been reacted by the government. America no more.
June 5, 2018
"To do what you believe is morally right, regardless of consequences, regardless of castigation, loss of livelihood, or even criminal punishment - that is the definition of moral courage." This book was an emotional roller coaster. In 2008 the men of Dog Company were in Wardak, Afghanistan fighting the enemy both inside and outside the wire of FOB Airborne. When an insider threat is found they deal with it the only way they can without the support of Battalion. After trying to stop a large scale attack by forcing information from detainees CPT Hill and 1SG Scott are put on trial for "war crimes" by the higher ups that left them in the dust to begin with. Although they never physically hurt the men in custody the politically charged environment saw it differently. I was left so angry that as opposed to helping these men they were left in a position to deal with what they had to on their own. Fighting an enemy that doesn't follow a set of rules and being expected to yourself is almost impossible. CPT Hill and Lynn Vincent did an amazing job telling the story of these men and what they went through in detail. I found myself attached to the men of Dog Company before finishing this book and so angry that they were failed by an overly bureaucratic hierarchy.
To the men in this book and those of you who were not mentioned.... This military spouse would like to thank you for your service.
To the men in this book and those of you who were not mentioned.... This military spouse would like to thank you for your service.
December 31, 2017
This book made me angry...not at the author, but at the DOD whom heavily "redacted" information to save from monumental embarrassment. I won't spoil any of the main story, but...it is a must read, plain and simple. The "real time" illustration of the bravery and frustration of the 101st Airborne's Heavy Weapons Company, slugging it out with the Taliban halfway between Kandahar and Kabul on infamous Highway 1. The soldiers are real...they die, they bleed, they cry. The Obama Administration's Leadership is in full, grimy detail; the Rules of Engagement, catch and release of murderous Taliban to appease political theocracy. In today's public/press dialogue, it is difficult to imagine what Obama really did in this war, except of course his live evening broadcast that "he" got Osama Bin Laden...this treatise left a very bitter taste in my mouth. But, I couldn't be prouder of the Screaming Eagles Dog Company, from their forward operating base (FOB) with hands tied behind their back, in spite of the most feckless president in American History. The fate of one officer in particular brought bitter tears streaming down my face, I will never forget him. A warrior, doing his job in the most difficult place on earth, betrayed by cowards at the highest level of government, the President. A real world must read.
August 12, 2022
This book was in the long side though when I reached the end I understood why. The complete story of certain combat operations and history of D Co had to be told to set the stage.
This book includes some adrenaline rush combat stories as well as some leadership stories too including at least one example of what not to do as a leader.
This book deals with the moral and code of combat and explains extremely well the position our soldiers faced in Afghanistan and Iraq due to Rules of Engagement (RoE) written by lawyers or politicians who have never experienced combat. It also gives the reader a great example of why combat troops don’t talk about their experiences with others that have never been in combat because they just don’t or won’t get it.
This book also deals with doing the right thing in spite of your training and RoE as Hill and Scott did and paid the price for it. They ended their careers as a result and others who did the right thing became pariahs and shunned by the Army (Kay and Cheasty). Contrast this with corporate America and you see the same thing, do the right thing and be labeled as a whistle blower and shunned by your colleagues or dismissed for made up cause or lack of performance based on a narrow slice of time.
I highly recommend this book.
This book includes some adrenaline rush combat stories as well as some leadership stories too including at least one example of what not to do as a leader.
This book deals with the moral and code of combat and explains extremely well the position our soldiers faced in Afghanistan and Iraq due to Rules of Engagement (RoE) written by lawyers or politicians who have never experienced combat. It also gives the reader a great example of why combat troops don’t talk about their experiences with others that have never been in combat because they just don’t or won’t get it.
This book also deals with doing the right thing in spite of your training and RoE as Hill and Scott did and paid the price for it. They ended their careers as a result and others who did the right thing became pariahs and shunned by the Army (Kay and Cheasty). Contrast this with corporate America and you see the same thing, do the right thing and be labeled as a whistle blower and shunned by your colleagues or dismissed for made up cause or lack of performance based on a narrow slice of time.
I highly recommend this book.
July 24, 2017
A shocking expose - while not entirely surprising how politics and self-serving promotion goals can take precedence over taking care of the men on the front lines, the extent that it occurs in this case, and the subsequent efforts to throw those men under the bus made my blood boil. I respect deeply the men and women who serve this country and respect the men in this book all the more for serving in the inhospitable conditions propagated by their own high command.
At first I didn't care for the writing style much, but found that it grew on me as I continued. I appreciated the forthright accounts of the emotions experienced by men who typically strive to suppress outward expression of those emotions. The plethora of names, ranks, and military jargon can become confusing, especially with any significant breaks in between reading sessions, but regardless, a complete picture is formed, and a compelling story.
At first I didn't care for the writing style much, but found that it grew on me as I continued. I appreciated the forthright accounts of the emotions experienced by men who typically strive to suppress outward expression of those emotions. The plethora of names, ranks, and military jargon can become confusing, especially with any significant breaks in between reading sessions, but regardless, a complete picture is formed, and a compelling story.
September 12, 2017
Former Army officer with 1 Iraq deployment. I found the book emotional on so many levels, but mostly because of the overwhelming sense of betrayal. I would very much appreciate anyone to try and write the "other side of the story." Thanks to the authors for presenting the moral ambiguity in a way the reader could struggle with and didn't come off as self-righteous. Super powerful book. Best I've read in years. For a fictional portrayal of Army politics and leadership style choices that helps put this book into perspective, see also Once An Eagle by Anton Myer. It seems reasonable to believe that DeMartino's career was indeed affected by this affair since he retired as a LTC, but it shocks me to see that he is now an assistant to SecDef Mattis. I expect better and will communicate as much to the political leadership.
July 21, 2018
Very enlightening read. This book gives a pulse of the current state of affairs within the military. I have a brother in law who is current active duty, and he as well has been “investigated” on several occasions. I having served primarily in peacetime never quite understood what was going on with him, why, or what he was going through. I have a better understanding of that now. This book goes into the story of D Company of the 101st Airborne who were investigated and charged with war crimes for actions taken against captured Taliban spies. Serving our country, specifically in the military, has become a dual edged sword; Not only will one find themselves being attacked by the enemy, but also by those you thought were on your side and that you were protecting.
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