‘Outlaw Platoon’ is one of my new favorites

I just wrapped up Outlaw Platoon, by Capt. Sean Parnell (USA, ret.) and have to admit that I have never read a book quite like it.

I have read many memoirs from various wars. While all are interesting, few stand out. Parnell’s account of Outlaw Platoon’s (part of the US Army’s 10th Mountain Division) deployment to Afghanistan in 2006 was truly gripping.

Parnell shows the reader just how difficult life as an infantryman in Afghanistan can be; enemy fire can often prove less of a concern than the “allies” and fellow soldiers fighting alongside today’s infantryman. This book lays bare the betrayal, the corruption, the barbaric atrocities (by our enemies), and the international activities (of our so-called allies) so incredible you won’t want to believe it.

The combat scenes are as vivid and intense as I have read. What I got out of Parnell’s (and co-writer John R. Bruning’s) work that I haven’t found in other titles is the platoon leader’s journey from fresh officer to proven combat leader, his focus on unit integrity, and his efforts to keep his platoon human throughout their deployment (not everyone who comes home from war really “comes home”).

Parnell shows that “Mission first, men always” is more than just a cheap slogan; I would give anything to have served with the men of Outlaw Platoon.

If you don’t drive straight to the recruiter after reading Outlaw Platoon, then you aren’t wired right.