The Majestic Twelve: The True Story of the Most Feared Combat Escort Unit in Baghdad

The author has captured well the details of his experiences, thoughts and emotions while putting together a convoy security team with scant support and equipment. Not being a military person myself, I was shocked to discover that any service member would have to beg, borrow and even steal the necessary offensive and defensive equipment to perform what should be a fundamental task in war, even as the soldiers were fairly well supplied with comfort needs having nothing to do with combat and defense. Our government does so few things well, but I thought surely the military was one of them. The standard operating procedure for the convoy was established by the author with approval from "higher" prior to the first mission. The SOP was aggressively to respond to any enemy threats or actions against the convoy. It seems most convoys would run away from any aggression, thus emboldening the enemy and encouraging more attacks. The team was composed of volunteers, some of whom actually extended their tours in order to participate. This speaks volumes to me of the character and courage of the men who made up the team. Their extraordinary love for and loyalty to each other is inspiring. A very nice feature of this book is the index. So many names and places are mentioned, it is hard to keep track. The index lists all the names and places and gives a page number where these are mentioned. True to his blunt, in-your-face honesty, Lynch names the names of the weenies and cowards and places these in the index, together with a synopsis of their misdeeds. The index mentions everyone, not just the less-than-honorable, but I was edified to see the good and bad all referenced together - no special favors. The author is bluntly honest about his feelings. He has had some personal difficulties and does not make any apology about his own shortcomings. He acknowledges the absence of spiritual feelings that were present shortly after the death of his first wife. He reports with candor his powerfully passionate appetites (not just sexual) after surviving combat - who wouldn't feel alive and exhilarated? He lovingly reflects upon his second wife and her supportive role to him, even as he also reflects that his experiences have greatly contributed to problems in their relationship. There is an infection against which these men must fight that I also experience. There is a subtle anti-military, anti-American, anti-violence, anti-macho spirit that pervades our society that can only be possible in ease and ignorance. I am so humbled that these great men are willing to risk all to secure and protect the liberties my family and I enjoy. It is said best by someone else, whose identity I do not know, but the quote is: "We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm." As for me, I love these men. They are heroes. I will teach my children to be grateful for these patriots, and others who

I was very surprised when I got a phone call the other day from a fellow member of the Majestic Twelve. I had no idea the book was out and immediately purchased it. This book not only deals with the day to day, many times life and death struggles of a team of the most hilarious and courageous team of men and women, yes women, who were at any given moment on any given day willing to sacrifice not only their personal safety but their very lives if necessary, for the other members of the team. Kudos to Jack, the best leader I have ever served under. I laughed, I cried, I lived again through the pages of the book. Poignant, riveting, and the absolute truth!!!!

A masterful storyteller, 'Top' Lynch provides an insightful look into life beyond the Green Zone. He and his team demonstrate time and time again a warrior ethos and the American fighting spirit. America should be proud to have sons and daughters in uniform like the 'Maji'. He choreographed a team of ass kickers all of whom volunteered to risk it all and do a job no one else wanted. Master Sergeant Lynch is a confident thoughtful leader. That is one of the things I really liked about the book is how Lynch creates an environment of camaraderie, teamwork and enthusiasm within his unit. All of this while dealing with the back stabbing politics of a multinational joint forces environment. And for anyone who has ever worked for inferior bosses before, this book is for you. Top doesn't pull any punches on his thoughts or actions against the rear echelon commandos and some of the timid leadership his team had to deal with. Any Officer or NCO could do a lot to enhance their tactical knowledge and small unit leadership in reading this book.

This book is incredible! Jack Lynch writes and explains better than any other author I have read about combat in Iraq. His personality truly comes out and helps make you feel the hot lead of incoming fire. As a Marine, I intend to have everyone I know read (and buy) this book, because of all the excellent lessons he teaches.

Well, since I was on the team I may be a little bias but I loved the book. Jacks personallity really comes out and he captures the experiences we went though exceptionally well, after all, he lead us. I am an avid reader and thought this book was done very well and think most who enjoy action, real life military books will enjoy it.