Year in Review Books, ""Bravo Two Zero," Andy McNabb

Most of the books I read come as recommendations, and this book was recommended to me by a neighbor that has connections in the military world. It is an excellent read.

It was during the Gulf War that eight British SAS warriors were dropped into enemy territory to disrupt communications and to destroy SCUD missile sites. They were carrying 210 lb backpacks and were dropped off by helicopter behind the lines and due to a failure of intelligence were dropped into the middle of a large military presence from Saddam Hussein's army.

Of the eight that went in, only 5 returned. They would face temperatures that were cold enough to freeze diesel fuel...and they were discovered. Their only recourse was to head for the Syrian border 75 miles away and swim the Euphrates to the relative safety of that border.

Andy McNabb was one of the five that survived and this is his story of survival.

The lessons that Marcus Luttrell learned and reported in "Lone Survivor" are an echo of this book.