I wouldn't go around feeling sorry for any members of that Seal Team or any of the QRF (quick reaction force), surely they weren't feeling sorry for themselves. They are/were operators doing what they loved to do and had the honor of going out on their shield.
Did I enjoy Lone Survivor? Yes, the book and the movie were excellent. Did I have to "shut off" In order to enjoy it? You bet. The fact that I have extensive knowledge of Operation Red Wings and all the operational intel surrounding it made it hard to watch. I had the pleasure of serving 6 years in Army Special Forces and have had countless deployments to major conflicts all over the world. When watching this movie or reading the book it's painful. It's painful knowing how big of a f*#%ing disaster the entire operation was and the toll that 19 operators had to pay because of not just one bad decision but one after another. It's a story if survival. It's theatrical with explosives and Hollywood action, though I did personally find it somewhat accurate operationally.
The movie is no doubt the best Navy recruitment video next to Top Gun. It doesn't make it bad, but let's call it what it is, propaganda.
I won't address conspiracy theories or anti war remarks but I will say if you haven't served in a time of war you have no voice in this matter. Opinions are like assholes, everyone's got one and honestly we don't care to hear your Alex Jones babbling about why we invaded, why we stayed or why we fight. When you have boots on the ground and are in contact with enemy forces you fight for those on your left and right, and the chance to go home catch a wave or two and enjoy ice cold beer.
Did I enjoy Lone Survivor? Yes, the book and the movie were excellent. Did I have to "shut off" In order to enjoy it? You bet. The fact that I have extensive knowledge of Operation Red Wings and all the operational intel surrounding it made it hard to watch. I had the pleasure of serving 6 years in Army Special Forces and have had countless deployments to major conflicts all over the world. When watching this movie or reading the book it's painful. It's painful knowing how big of a f*#%ing disaster the entire operation was and the toll that 19 operators had to pay because of not just one bad decision but one after another. It's a story if survival. It's theatrical with explosives and Hollywood action, though I did personally find it somewhat accurate operationally.
The movie is no doubt the best Navy recruitment video next to Top Gun. It doesn't make it bad, but let's call it what it is, propaganda.
I won't address conspiracy theories or anti war remarks but I will say if you haven't served in a time of war you have no voice in this matter. Opinions are like assholes, everyone's got one and honestly we don't care to hear your Alex Jones babbling about why we invaded, why we stayed or why we fight. When you have boots on the ground and are in contact with enemy forces you fight for those on your left and right, and the chance to go home catch a wave or two and enjoy ice cold beer.
Brave souls!
