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American Commander Pb
In recent years, the world has learned just what is required to bravely serve America through SEAL Team Six. Now, for the first time, we hear from their commander.
As a 23-year veteran of the United States Navy SEAL Teams, Ryan Zinke received two Bronze Stars for battle valor, and eventually rose to command the elite members of SEAL Team Six. During his career, Zinke trained and commanded many of the men who would one day run the covert operations to hunt down Osama Bin Laden and save Captain Phillips (Maersk Alabama). He also served as mentor to now famous SEALs Marcus Luttrell (Lone Survivor) and Chris Kyle (American Sniper).
Written with #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of American Sniper, Scott McEwen, American Commander will offer readers the hard-hitting, no nonsense style the SEALs are known for.
When Zinke signs with the U.S. Navy he turns his sights on joining the ranks of the most elite fighting force, the SEALs. He eventually reaches the top of the SEAL Teams as an assault team commander at SEAL Team Six. Zinke shares what it takes to train and motivate the most celebrated group of warriors on earth and then send them into harm s way. Through it, he shares his proven problem-solving approach: Situation, Mission, Execution, Command and Control, Logistics.
American Commander also covers Zinke s experience in running for Montana s sole seat in the United States Congress. Zinke s passion for his country shines as he conveys his vision to revitalize American exceptionalism. Scott McEwen and Ryan Zinke take readers behind the scenes and into the heart of America s most-feared fighting force. American Commander will inspire a new generation of leaders charged with restoring a bright future for our children s children."
As a 23-year veteran of the United States Navy SEAL Teams, Ryan Zinke received two Bronze Stars for battle valor, and eventually rose to command the elite members of SEAL Team Six. During his career, Zinke trained and commanded many of the men who would one day run the covert operations to hunt down Osama Bin Laden and save Captain Phillips (Maersk Alabama). He also served as mentor to now famous SEALs Marcus Luttrell (Lone Survivor) and Chris Kyle (American Sniper).
Written with #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of American Sniper, Scott McEwen, American Commander will offer readers the hard-hitting, no nonsense style the SEALs are known for.
When Zinke signs with the U.S. Navy he turns his sights on joining the ranks of the most elite fighting force, the SEALs. He eventually reaches the top of the SEAL Teams as an assault team commander at SEAL Team Six. Zinke shares what it takes to train and motivate the most celebrated group of warriors on earth and then send them into harm s way. Through it, he shares his proven problem-solving approach: Situation, Mission, Execution, Command and Control, Logistics.
American Commander also covers Zinke s experience in running for Montana s sole seat in the United States Congress. Zinke s passion for his country shines as he conveys his vision to revitalize American exceptionalism. Scott McEwen and Ryan Zinke take readers behind the scenes and into the heart of America s most-feared fighting force. American Commander will inspire a new generation of leaders charged with restoring a bright future for our children s children."
304 pages, Paperback
First published November 29, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 30, 2019
Zinke’s story of his time as a U.S. Navy SEAL and Congressman is an enjoyable and compelling read. However, the book would have benefitted from more selective editing. In many sections, the interwoven story of his time in the SEALs with exploration of national policy positions simply lacked connection and broke the flow of the memoir. Regardless, I would recommend American Commander... and Thank You Zinke for your service to our country!
July 22, 2019
This is a book with much potential, but, sadly, it fails to deliver.
The book takes several detours, derailing the narrative flow and distracting from stories of growing up in Montana and serving in the SEALs that COULD be both fascinating and compelling. It seems as if the coauthor was intent on letting Zinke's voice come through, and while that's admirable, the end effect comes off more as verbal story telling from someone who couldn't stay on topic. Some more proactive editing would have helped the flow of almost every story in the book - plus, it would have caught some of the more aggravating typos (I've never once heard of ANY Special Forces community referred to as "quite professionals," as the book says at one point; the word they're looking for is "quiet").
Moreover, many of these narrative detours take the form of political proselytizing. It was written at a time when Zinke was a freshman representative, and his periodic diatribes seem meant to burnish his conservative credentials. All of this serves to make the book read less like a military memoir and more like a manifesto. Admittedly, it worked - to a point: he did manage to secure a cabinet post in the Trump Administration (though he could not hold it, resigning amid ethics investigations).
Readers who share his political views and philosophy probably won't mind the substance of his tangents, but I'd have to think they'd still find it distracting to the point of, at times, making the vignettes he's ostensibly trying to relay difficult to follow.
Readers who DON'T happen to share his political views will find all this not just distracting, but at times downright aggravating to the point of alienation. That is the true tragedy of the book's unrealized potential - the stories the author could tell of life as a SEAL deserve to be told without the baggage of political polemics.
I won't tell someone not to read it, but potential readers need to know what they're getting into. This isn't so much a military memoir as it is a somewhat poorly organized political manifesto wrapped in the trappings of early 21st century America's penchant for fetishizing military service.
The book takes several detours, derailing the narrative flow and distracting from stories of growing up in Montana and serving in the SEALs that COULD be both fascinating and compelling. It seems as if the coauthor was intent on letting Zinke's voice come through, and while that's admirable, the end effect comes off more as verbal story telling from someone who couldn't stay on topic. Some more proactive editing would have helped the flow of almost every story in the book - plus, it would have caught some of the more aggravating typos (I've never once heard of ANY Special Forces community referred to as "quite professionals," as the book says at one point; the word they're looking for is "quiet").
Moreover, many of these narrative detours take the form of political proselytizing. It was written at a time when Zinke was a freshman representative, and his periodic diatribes seem meant to burnish his conservative credentials. All of this serves to make the book read less like a military memoir and more like a manifesto. Admittedly, it worked - to a point: he did manage to secure a cabinet post in the Trump Administration (though he could not hold it, resigning amid ethics investigations).
Readers who share his political views and philosophy probably won't mind the substance of his tangents, but I'd have to think they'd still find it distracting to the point of, at times, making the vignettes he's ostensibly trying to relay difficult to follow.
Readers who DON'T happen to share his political views will find all this not just distracting, but at times downright aggravating to the point of alienation. That is the true tragedy of the book's unrealized potential - the stories the author could tell of life as a SEAL deserve to be told without the baggage of political polemics.
I won't tell someone not to read it, but potential readers need to know what they're getting into. This isn't so much a military memoir as it is a somewhat poorly organized political manifesto wrapped in the trappings of early 21st century America's penchant for fetishizing military service.
February 14, 2023
This was ok. I like the insight he gets from the SEALs and whats its like on the inside, leading those caliber of men. One thing that bothered me is that he never capitalized "Marine". Its a title thats earned and should be addressed as proper.
I expected more action, the training missions were cool, the stats of Bosnia was shocking and the Abu Ghraib chapter was brutal. I thought there'd be accounts (story changed ofc) about engaging with the enemy and getting some.
I didn't care for the love stories of getting married and all that. But i did enjoy hearing about the geology studies and how science could support our own energy dependance here. The pipeline and oil situation was educating.
In conclusion, this was good. I don't know what the type is to go after this books but I found it abandoned at the VA hospital. After reading i'll put it back for the next person.
I expected more action, the training missions were cool, the stats of Bosnia was shocking and the Abu Ghraib chapter was brutal. I thought there'd be accounts (story changed ofc) about engaging with the enemy and getting some.
I didn't care for the love stories of getting married and all that. But i did enjoy hearing about the geology studies and how science could support our own energy dependance here. The pipeline and oil situation was educating.
In conclusion, this was good. I don't know what the type is to go after this books but I found it abandoned at the VA hospital. After reading i'll put it back for the next person.
September 2, 2017
Zinke's autobiography reads as though in conversation with the reader. He is able to intermingle stories of growing up in Montana, playing football, and being a SEAL with politics. Not an easy task. I was entertained by his childhood exploits and amazed at his adult insights gleaned from years of experience with the teams. I thought he did a good job covering the broad strokes without giving confidential information and only providing knowledge that was readily accessible to the public. For some who don't follow politics or the military, the book will provide a good lesson on SEAL history. I'm glad he's on our side.
October 6, 2020
There was a lot of things I liked about this book and the stories told make me feel like maybe your dad is actually talking to you telling a story. And what I mean by that is there is very little cohesion to the sequence of the book. I think it could have benefitted from some good editing and maybe taking out some of the tangents taken during each chapter (a lot of it saying “I’ll talk about this later, etc” ) and just talk about it later without mentioning it first. I don’t know. I think this was worth reading because I enjoyed a lot of his conservative values and opinions.
June 15, 2020
This is the best book I have ever read in my lifetime, and I read a lot of books. Mr. Zinke tells it like it is being a former SEAL. Our government needs to honor men such as Mr. Zinke. Not only did he serve in the U.S. Navy as a SEAL, he then continues serving his/our country in Congress.
This is an outstanding book. I highly recommend reading this book if you are interested in learning how the SEALs operate and what it is like.
This is an outstanding book. I highly recommend reading this book if you are interested in learning how the SEALs operate and what it is like.
August 20, 2018
I'm confused as to why this book was published by the W Publishing Group and sold in Christian bookstores. The Navy SEALs stories were mildly entertaining but nowhere near able to carry the book. The authors were constantly veering off into rabbit trails which made for a very disjointed read. Zinke seems like a good guy but this book is not worth the read.
August 21, 2017
American Commander
Great book split up between author biographical information and big picture coverage of SEAL operations. I was hoping for more details on SEAL operations; however I am sure much of this is highly classified information as it should be.
Great book split up between author biographical information and big picture coverage of SEAL operations. I was hoping for more details on SEAL operations; however I am sure much of this is highly classified information as it should be.
August 24, 2017
f you're looking for political(GOP) book(written by a Navy SEAL) this is the book for you ⭐⭐(SEALs get an auto ⭐) of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.... But TONS of respect to commander Zinke for his service to his nation but as a seal and now as a congressmen.
@repryanzinke
@repryanzinke
February 7, 2018
Go the Navy Seals
A good informative of what it takes to be a American Navy Seal commander I admire the navy in America, Australia and around the world to protect our shores and country from war and terrorism a great story to be proud of.
A good informative of what it takes to be a American Navy Seal commander I admire the navy in America, Australia and around the world to protect our shores and country from war and terrorism a great story to be proud of.
March 20, 2020
I have massive respect for Mr. Ryan Zinke, but the book itself just didn't catch my attention like I hoped it would. His life story is still fantastic but I would rate this 3.5 stars for the pacing and how it's told.
June 8, 2022
Ryan Zinke had a colorful life growing up in Montana, college football player at the University of Oregon, and as a top Navy SEAL commander of SEAL Team-Six who welcomes the challenges America faces in the world. A very engaging story of a patriotic man. An interesting read.
August 8, 2022
4.25 stars. This is a combined narrative of the author's life and upbringing, service in the SEALS, in Congress, and thoughts of an American. The narrative weaves stories and examples that sometimes seem off the path but actually enhance the tale.
July 17, 2024
Definitely worth a read to understand the world of the SEALs. I felt that it could have been shorter with less digressions, but Zinke had multiple purposes in writing and McEwen did as good as could be done pulling them together.
December 6, 2017
Good Read.
Ties his personal journey & military career to national events without going into operational details. Overall good read j hope we see more.
Ties his personal journey & military career to national events without going into operational details. Overall good read j hope we see more.
February 28, 2018
I liked the stories about the SEALs but got a little bored with the commentary about American politics. Not every reader is American or is interested in American politics.
February 13, 2019
Interesting, but goes into his politics more than the Seal leadership I was hoping for.
October 12, 2019
If I read one more "more about this later" it will be too soon. Jumps around, off topic then back again. Disjointed and difficult to get into. Sorry I really wanted to like this.
Read
January 12, 2022I loved the book of how it expresses what their childhood was like, what they've been through, and what they accomplished.
March 10, 2022
I enjoyed the book and appreciated the Montana references.
June 19, 2022
This book did a great job of bridging growing up on a small community working hard to a military career and public service in politics. I enjoyed this read!
October 10, 2022
An excellent book from start to finish. Former Navy Seal, Ryan Zinke, has put together a great read.
October 28, 2023
Extremely good book and everyone should read
November 13, 2023
Too much politics
April 4, 2023
The book starts out with SEAL Team Commander Ryan Zinke in Kosovo. I got a quick education on how SEALs think and are the toughest of all the U.S. military. They are the jack on all trades master of none, but not in a negative way. They are skilled. Much of what they do starts with mental grit. Zinke also goes on to talk about his time in Iraq after 9/11 and a bit about Abu Ghraib prison. There are some good stories about how the SEALs were rebellious and looked like pirates when he came along in 1985. He walks you through the change in leadership. There is also time spent on his upbringing in Montana. He loves America and works to defend the Constitution.
October 10, 2018
I wanted to like American Commander, I really did. As someone who belongs to both DOI and the Navy, I was interested in learning more about Secretary Zinke’s military service. When I learned that Scott McEwen, co-author of Chris Kyle’s American Sniper, co-wrote American Commander, I thought that I was in for another great read. Unfortunately, this book missed the mark.
This book is a testament to Scott McEwen’s skill as a co-author: in both American Sniper and American Commander, the primary authors’ voices shine through without interference from McEwen. To be more precise, Kyle’s narrative reads like that of a humble man and true hero; Zinke’s reads like that of a pompous git. It’s impossible to avoid the word “I” when writing an autobiography, but Zinke overdoes it. The first half of the book seems more like a Navy Fitness Report (an officer performance evaluation) or a list of accomplishments than anything else. Every other phrase is “I did this” or “I did that.” At one point Zinke writes that a mistake he made as a Commander (O-5) prevented him from becoming an Admiral (O-7). It’s more than a little presumptuous for someone who hasn’t even selected for Captain (O-6) to think himself a shoe-in for Flag. Gah!
Aside from the arrogant tone of American Commander, Zinke’s book is tainted by his politics. It’s no secret that military officers tend toward the conservative end of the political spectrum, but Zinke’s insistence on blaming the Obama Administration for everything that’s wrong in the world is more than a bit off-putting. Additionally, the repeated invocation of President Obama’s middle name – which was used as an epithet during the 2008 campaign – is unnecessary.
This book isn’t wholly bad, however. If one can endure the self-promotion and stomach the partisan politics, there are some insights to be gleaned. Most (if not all) of the Navy SEAL books that I’ve read were written by enlisted men; it’s interesting to read an officer’s perspective. Zinke spends some time examining the managerial side of special operations and also the officer-enlisted dynamic in the SEAL Teams.
In closing, if one has to choose between American Commander and American Sniper, opt for the latter.
This book is a testament to Scott McEwen’s skill as a co-author: in both American Sniper and American Commander, the primary authors’ voices shine through without interference from McEwen. To be more precise, Kyle’s narrative reads like that of a humble man and true hero; Zinke’s reads like that of a pompous git. It’s impossible to avoid the word “I” when writing an autobiography, but Zinke overdoes it. The first half of the book seems more like a Navy Fitness Report (an officer performance evaluation) or a list of accomplishments than anything else. Every other phrase is “I did this” or “I did that.” At one point Zinke writes that a mistake he made as a Commander (O-5) prevented him from becoming an Admiral (O-7). It’s more than a little presumptuous for someone who hasn’t even selected for Captain (O-6) to think himself a shoe-in for Flag. Gah!
Aside from the arrogant tone of American Commander, Zinke’s book is tainted by his politics. It’s no secret that military officers tend toward the conservative end of the political spectrum, but Zinke’s insistence on blaming the Obama Administration for everything that’s wrong in the world is more than a bit off-putting. Additionally, the repeated invocation of President Obama’s middle name – which was used as an epithet during the 2008 campaign – is unnecessary.
This book isn’t wholly bad, however. If one can endure the self-promotion and stomach the partisan politics, there are some insights to be gleaned. Most (if not all) of the Navy SEAL books that I’ve read were written by enlisted men; it’s interesting to read an officer’s perspective. Zinke spends some time examining the managerial side of special operations and also the officer-enlisted dynamic in the SEAL Teams.
In closing, if one has to choose between American Commander and American Sniper, opt for the latter.
February 19, 2017
Zinke tells a great story about growing up in Montana and joining the Navy after a football career at Oregon. He makes a lot of sense and I hope he will continue to serve his country.
February 11, 2017
I enjoyed Secretary Zinke's book. He does a great job of explaining his life experiences which obviously molded his political beliefs. As a 23 year Navy SEAL he sacrificed, trained and studied the necessities of our (you and me) and their (his SEAL teams') safety and security. Thank you Commander Congressman and Secretary Zinne.
February 13, 2017
Too much politics... if you wouldn't mind indulging in those, some of the lessons he tries to impart can make a pretty good read.
January 2, 2017
Most impressive of all is that Ryan Zinke is living proof that the strengths of our pioneer roots persist to the benefit of all Americans.
Zinke is a fifth generation Montanan and comes from hardy stock. Through great persistence he is making the most of a pretty tough childhood.
The author(s) also pull no punches and refuse to sugarcoat the complications arising from politics, family life, and macro history itself.
Zinke's continuing success and honesty, even humility, make his call to action compelling.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews