The Mercenary Option

After his son is killed in the 9-11 attacks Joe Simpson,a wealthy industrialist decides to take action.He forms the Intervention Force (IFOR).This organization has no government ties. The American President decides to build a pipeline across Afghanistan.A Saudi Prince wants to halt this project because it will threaten the power of the Saudi oil industry.He hires former KGB terror master Pavel Zelinkow.Zelinkow arranges for two nuclear bombs to be stolen from Pakistan.One of these bombs will be detonated on the pipeline.His purpose for the second bomb is known only to Zelinkow and his terror associates. American Special Forces cannot be used against the terrorists hiding in Iran.The American President is forced to call upon the Forces of Joe Simpson.IFOR is called upon to handle the assigment.Led by Steven Fagan,Garrett Walker,Janet Briscoe and backed up by other team members IFOR sets out to stop the forces of evil before it is too late.An exciting read that you will enjoy.

The one thing we know about the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and the other countries in the region is how much we DON'T know. One of the most fascinating things that we don't know is the extent to which private armies, private militias, private security firms are acting both for and against our interests. In THE MERCENARY OPTION, Dick Couch has shown just how far this may be going. His background--both as a Navy SEAL and a CIA operator--makes him eminently qualified to slip us the story behind the headlines. And, the action here--with its sly buildup to a bangup finish--is superb. This is a thinking man's thriller and should be considered a great leap forward from his earlier novels SEAL TEAM ONE, PRESSURE POINT, RISING WIND and SILENT DESCENT. Plus, as the author of WARRIOR ELITE and FINISHING SCHOOL, the two definitive books about Navy SEAL training, the reader can look at this as a short course in unconventional warfare tactics and strategies. A great book.

IÕve been a fan of Dick Couch since the beginning. His books are well written, with interesting concepts that are accurate portrayals of what itÕs really like when Special Warfare Warriors are provoked. The Mercenary Option is another excellent example, adapted to current events. Readers looking for an engaging tale of conquering terrorism, the way it should be done, will enjoy this book. And, they will appreciate the authenticity with it has been written. Dick Couch is one of the few who writes from his experiences in similar situations... and does so in a credible and enjoyable manner.

Couch has written a terrific summer read, whether you are by the pool, on the beach or in an airplane headed for vacation---this is a great first book in what promises to be a series. Couch writes with authority having been a Navy SEAL and one who stays in touch with both his old team contacts, as well as the current crop of spec ops warriors. In the Mercenary Option, he out-Clancys Clancy--this is a tight, fast paced book full of believeable action and details. We could only hope such an option exists when it comes to dealing with our current crop of enemies. I recommend this book as well as Couch's non-fiction books to those who want to understand the special operations team mindset, methods and commitment.