No Heroes: Inside the FBI's Secret Counter-Terror Force

This book gives you an inside look at the FBI during a period of some controversy (1960's to present) with its history, which covers everything from the Black Liberation Army to the Oklahoma City bombing. I have found it is difficult living through this history and getting all the facts from the media. Also covered are the ATF and U.S. Marshals which Danny O. Coulson encounters. One of the main topics of this book is the FBI's Counter Terrorist organization, Hostage Rescue Team, and its reasons for coming into existence. Also, the reason for an FBI team as opposed to the very competent Delta Force and Navy Seal Teams.The book opens with the Oklahoma City bombing, then flashes back to why he became an FBI agent, and follows his career from there. It was interesting to learn that Eldridge Cleaver's deadly Black Liberation Army terrorists were a split off from the Black Panthers, which were based in the San Francisco bay area.He gives some of his experiences in dealing with the drug traffic, bank robbers and other low-life encounters, but the main thrust of this book is terrorism and its many forms.From other sources I have some familiarity with the Christian Identity cults (a cult is any group or organization which uses brainwashing techniques to capture and control its members). I had thought they were mostly confined to the state of Idaho, but apparently they are everywhere, and many of these organizations have split off terrorist factions. This book confirms this, but also indicates that it may be worse, in that individuals like McVeigh become their own terrorist organizations. The author, Elaine Shannon, tells these stories in a very easy manner (except at the beginning which seems to jump around a bit) with insight and humor. I enjoyed Danny O. Coulson's sense of humor and his relationships with other people. I especially found hope in his and the FBI's straightforward willingness to talk to anybody at any time to defuse potential disasters. Also included with this work is a complete index in the back so it can be used for reference.I discovered that the ATF is greatly concerned with proliferation of fully automatic and large bore weapons among the cults and other groups. While I applaud this endeavor, I hope they learn a little restraint so that these courageous agents may live longer. Other books I have found of interest in this vein: 1) The Politics of Righteousness : Idaho Christian Patriotism, by James Alfred Aho 2) Snapping : America's Epidemic of Sudden Personality Change, by Flo Conway and Jim SiegelmanIn summary, I found this book to be a fast, entertaining, and frightening read. I believe that it deserves to be read so that everyone will be aware of the dangers we face.

Anyone with an interest in terrorism / counter-terrorism will find this book enjoyable. The book focuses on the FBI hostage rescue team from its hay-day to present. The author was the first commanding officer of the unit and conveys this unit's story in a professional straightforward no "bull" way. You do not finish this book thinking these guys are supermen, but humans. The text has a lot of information on the teams conception, selection, training, personalities and operations to include the Oklahoma City bombing. There is also plenty of insight into the workings and personalities of other counter-terror teams like Britain's S.A.S. and vast amount of information on "DELTA".

Few books about law enforcement or military matters seem to be written from a balanced perspective. I found an interesting book that hits on both subjects at once. It is very well-written, and informative. It deals with a Special Forces soldier wrongly accused of murder after he was attacked by a man in Maryland. This book, Danger Close, by Mike Yon, tells what it is like to complete Special Forces training, then only days later be accused of murder. Danger Close is the recipient of the coveted "William A. Gurley" award, and is a "must read" for anyone serious about a carreer in law enforcement, or for anyone serious about joining Special Forces.

I picked up Coulson's book when I saw he had written about Waco. I knew several from Hawaii who became enamored with Koresh, followed him to California then Waco, and died there. I wanted to see what Coulson's point of view could add to my understanding of Waco.Coulson's behind-the-scenes revelations are enlightening and educational, not just about Waco, but about all the events of which he writes. His book is inspiring. It's good to know that not all those in law enforcement, especially the federal agencies, are spineless desk jockeys bending to political pressures. I strongly suggest anyone interested in understanding more about Waco and Koresh's behavor read "Why Waco?: Cults and the Battle for Religious Freedom in America" by James D. Tabor and Eugene V. Gallagher.

Danny C. certainly goes out of his way to make himself look good in this book. But.....I'd suggest anyone wanting to know "the rest of the story" buy and read "No More Wacos".Regardless, it's a good read, especially the last chapter where Danny finally shows us the "real" FBI.