Shooter: The Autobiography of the Top-Ranked Marine Sniper

Despite the braggadicio title,this is actually the autobiography of a humble Marine.Actually the title should say "with over 200 unconfirmed lives saved",but unfortunately this wouldn't sell books.That's the snipers job,to save lives and this marine did it well.I particularly enjoyed the story of how the sniper team was shooting the engine blocks of Iraqi civilians so that they wouldn't drive their cars into a "killing zone".Not to mention how many U.S. boys were saved by the Marine snipers who discovered hidden ambuscades of the Iraqi soldiers and guerillas.There is alot of tension in this book as the Marine makes his instantaneous decision to terminate a life or not.You can literally feel his brain evaluating the threat.He does not take this decision lightly. This book is the story of a middle class youth who survives the quality control of the Marine sniper schools and rises to the top of his profession through years of war and trials.In the middle of his tour in Iraq he is confronted by a divorce with no support from his homefront family,but still he goes about his job as if nothing was amiss.You have to admire that type of dedication.I really appreciate people like this Marine.This book gives you a healthy respect for our public servants such as the military,police fireman,paramedics,etc. the list is just too long.Underpaid and at times underrespected they go about their jobs on our behalf.

VERY GOOD STORY, MODERN DAY CARLOS HATHCOCK, YOU GET THE IDEA HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED AND HE ADAPTED WITHOUT A PROBLEM TO THE CHANGES NECESSARY . BEING A TARGET SHOOTER MYSELF I UNDERSTAND KENNETH M. WADE

Sgt. Coughlin was the top Marine sniper, and he carried the sniper's role to a new level--a mobile, up-front weapon--in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The story is wonderfully well told. I haven't had a more satisfying combat read since Ed Rasimus's "When Thunder Rolled". A great book about an outstanding warrior (no matter who's responsible for the prose: the gunnery sergeant, his lieutenant, or their ghost writer). Get it and read it! -- Dan Ford

While reading this book you feel like your looking through the scope of Gunny Coughlins sniper rifle. He brings you into the highs and lows of todays battlefield. Gunny Coughlins experience as a Marine sniper is his own not Gunny Hackworths or any other sniper. I'm sure Gunny Coughlin has the utmost respect for his craft and all other snipers who came before him and all to come in the future. To give a bad review because of advancements in weapon technology is to show disrespect to the craft and to the marine sniper and Gunny Coughlin. Semper Fi.

It is not often that I find a historical non-fiction book of the military variety that I can read in one sitting. This book reads like a fictional page-turner although it is a real life account. The authors give you a great mix of historical fact and personal storytelling - delving deep into the thoughts and actions of lesser known heroes of the war. I have served in OIF, and this book brought me right back to the dusty roads of Iraq, although these gentlemen experienced first hand some of the most historical events of the race to Baghdad. It is refreshing to read accounts not written by officials and high ranking officers - giving you the down in the dirt perspective of one of the most important current events of our times. I highly recommend this book to anyone regardless of your military "expertise" level!