Navy Seals: A battle for the conscience
By Barbara Starr
(CNN) - Deep inside the military's special operations forces there is a crisis of conscience unfolding. The publication of "No Easy Day," a former Navy SEAL's account of the raid that killed Osama bin Laden, is forcing many to rethink a fundamental point of military honor. How much should America's commandos talk about what they do?
It's a debate that goes beyond disclosure of classified information, which is a crime. The discussion now centers on honor, ethics and cultural values inside the ranks.
"This is a battle for the conscience of the SEALs," a recently retired senior SEAL told me.
He served for decades in operational positions in the force, and has never told me any of the details of his missions. For years he did what every SEAL has done: Go on raids, find targets and, if necessary, kill them. It's what the nation asks of them.
Buzz ramps up over SEAL's bin Laden book
The question now: Is the SEAL community taking that Tom Clancy superman image and turning it into celebrity? "Was No Easy Day" indeed that last straw?
"It's a generational thing that is happening to some extent," the retired SEAL said. Some younger SEALs who have grown up in the age of the Internet and instant online communications simply feel it's their right to talk about their work, as long as they can claim it's not classified, he said.
This senior SEAL said he and his peers grew up in a generation where "we don't talk about what we do," and he feels it should be kept that way.
In fact, the chief Navy SEAL wrote a scathing e-mail to his 2,500 troops, which began with the fundamental SEAL ethos.
"We do NOT advertise the nature of our work, NOR do we seek recognition for our actions," said Rear Adm. Sean Pybus.
Pybus told the men he is "disappointed, embarrassed and concerned" that troops are now openly speaking and writing about what they do.
"Most of us have always thought that the privilege of working with some of our nation's toughest warriors on challenging missions would be enough to be proud of, with no further compensation or celebrity required.
"Today, we find former SEALs headlining positions in a presidential campaign; hawking details about a mission against Enemy Number 1; and generally selling other aspects of NSW training and operations."
Pybus continued: "For an Elite Force that should be humble and disciplined for life, we are certainly not appearing to be so. We owe our chain of command much better than this."
Every SEAL, indeed everyone in U.S. military special operations units, knows exactly what Pybus is saying. He's warning that fundamental trust is at risk. And the risk is on many levels, from the campfire to the Oval Office.
Matt Bissonnette wrote in his book about casual chatter among SEALs, which he portrayed as less than supportive of President Obama. An Army special operations guy who read that passage was shocked.
"That's just 'team talk' around the fire," he said.
Does anybody expect that to show up in a book? The men on these small covert units literally place their lives in the hands of each other. They trust that they'll keep each others' confidence. And confidence must be unshakeable at the highest levels.
Bergen: Sense and nonsense about Obama and Osama
Pybus' reference to a chain of command is read by some to mean only one thing: the president of the United States. A president has to fundamentally believe when he sends SEALs on a secret mission to kill the world's top terrorist that those in the rank and file aren't going to start talking.
Of course, there has been plenty of chatter about Obama administration officials themselves talking too much about the raid. Now there has been outright admission classified information was exposed.
Pentagon spokesman George Little acknowledged classified information about the raid did get out in the hours and days after bin Laden was killed.
"We were all deeply concerned, not just in this building, but elsewhere in the administration, about the disclosure of highly classified information that made its way out the door," he said. "I don't know precisely who did it, but it shouldn't have happened. And many of us tried to keep some of those sensitive details, particularly those involving sources and methods, from making their way to press reports."
Little was the CIA spokesman at the time of the raid.
But many believe there is a difference between Pentagon officials disseminating information and rank and file members of the military sharing it. If service members want to write a book, the material has to be reviewed before publication. If a service member believes he or she needs to bring wrongdoing to light, there are procedures within the military for whistle-blowing. Bissonnette did not follow the rules, the Pentagon said.
In fact, in the book's introduction, Bissonnette justifies his book, writing "It is time to set the record straight" and, "This book will finally give credit to those who earned it." It's odd phrasing, because so many, including Pybus and Adm. William McRaven, the head of all 65,000 special operations forces across the military, think the SEALs have received plenty of credit around the world for killing bin Laden.
Pentagon: SEAL's book has classified info, didn't follow protocol
Both admirals are agonizing over the emergence of SEALs as celebrities as well as political operatives.
McRaven is aiming squarely at a group of former SEALs actively opposing President Barack Obama. The admiral is referring to the Special Operations OPSEC Education Fund, which has sponsored a Web video featuring former special forces officers accusing the president of taking too much credit for the killing of Osama bin Laden and allowing classified information about the raid to become public.
While McRaven said former SEALs have the right to express their opinions, he wants any link to the active duty force to be kept out of it. "By attaching a special operations moniker or a unit or service name to a political agenda, those individuals have now violated the most basic of our military principles," McRaven said in his e-mail message to the troops.
McRaven and Pybus know their worries are raising eyebrows. That's because the Pentagon itself has encouraged worldwide commercial interest in SEAL lore. In one case, top Pentagon and CIA officials offered their support for the upcoming "Zero Dark Thirty," a movie that Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow is making about the bin Laden raid.
Some in Congress have complained that the Pentagon and CIA should not have offered the filmmaker background briefings.
Active duty Navy SEALs also were given permission to perform in the Hollywood thriller "Act of Valor."
Also, Pentagon sources told CNN, SEALs are also working on two other Hollywood movies.
The recently retired senior SEAL summed up the problem for his brothers in arms since the Bin Laden raid: "We swallowed the golden egg. But now we can't get rid of it."
@natlsecuritycnn on Twitter
I was tempted to buy "No Easy Day" because I was interested in the story. Who wouldn't be? This is the story about a real Seal operation that ended the greatest threat to America this century.
But I didn't buy the book, because I should never know the details of any Seal operation, EVER. The author violated a code of honor, written and unwritten, and I will not reward him with my business.
Since you believe everything you read:
God told me you should give me all your money.
For serious.
Details to follow.
Peter P. – You missed the point or you cannot see the context. He didn't but the book as a way not to suport the premise of SEALs sharing details. BTW – I'm Former Special Operations. De Oppresso Liber. This SEAL should know better than to write this book. Our mottto has always been, "Quiet Professionals".
Just a question, not a judgement here:
I keep reading what of piece of it this fool is for giving away secret info, operations, procedures, etc, on this board. Can't say that I find any of the anger misguided. However, is he the only one to blame here? Did he print, publish, and market this book alone? Is he getting 100% of the profit from sales of this book, or is there is huge publishing/marketing, etc, firm behind the hype around this thing? Is this SEAL the only one buying the book – basically foaming at the mouth for it's release so that he can dive and imagine being there?
No way that this book or any like it should ever be written. Forget freeodm of speech, or of his experiences – when you put on the uniform you give up certain things! But, when those who enable (and pay for) this type of info to be released as entertainment, what does that truly say about society as a whole here in the good ol US of A??
Hmmm...
Were I a betting man, I'd say that the administration is entirely behind this book. It's a 'false leak' meant to reinforce the idea that they reall did kill the guy they had playing bin Laden.
Recall how bin Laden initially, and strenuously, denied a role in 9/11? You can still find stories on this at reputable sites – I remember it well, because I worked in a news room, of sorts, and read several stories.
Curious that he'd deny then later admit to it.
By the way, there's no actual evidence linking bin Laden to 9/11, but I'm sure you're right – questioning the narrative is just silly.
How about that helicopter that was shot down a little while after the raid – one of the only times the Taliban shot down a copter. What a lucky shot, eh?
Well, probably no story there either, eh?
Dum dee dum.
Peter,
This has gone through my mind a million times,
but whenever you say it, people call you nuts.
When the Soviet Union fell, The Military Industrial Complex
needed a new threat to continue the war fro profit business.
So they created an "unbeatable" enemy.
It wasnt an army hidden behind a country or flag.
It was a "terrorist" organization that could "pop" up anywhere
like playing whack-a-mole.
Then to top if off, the found a "face" to put on it.
Osama Bin Laden.
Interesting the term "al qaeda" means "the base".
I wont go into much detail but here are a few clues.
Saudi royal family already knows Osama Bin Laden is dying.
The morning after 911 while all air traffic in the USA is grounded,
The Bush administration allows the Saudi Royal family to fly back to Saudi Arabia.
Why where they here ? Meeting with G.H.W. Bush.
The oil pipeline from Uzbekistan down thru Afganistan into Pakistan
that was on hold because of the Taliban is now a go.
Taliban said no, had to be removed.
Who gets the pipeline ? Unocal.
Who was on the board of Unocal ? Karzai.
Karzai is appointed head of new Afgan government, Unocal gets its pipeline.
Who builds the pipeline ? Halliburton.
Sheer genius.
American taxpayers pay for war.
American soldiers fight war.
Oil companies get gas/oil pipeline and get rich.
Halliburton gets rich building pipeline.
All roads lead to DICK CHENEY.
because we overthrew the Taliban government.
Very interesting, even if fiction!
Back in the old days, when my father worked for a government agency, our family couldn't even put a bumper sticker on our car or plant a political sign in our yard saying who we supported.
Politics was a topic that was off limits, because you couldn't work for the federal government and then badmouth your employer.
I respect people that do their jobs and don't ask for a pulpit to espouse their political views or ask for adulation.
It's tacky and cheap and doesn't make it easy to respect a group that used to be considered above reproach.
didn't the check to see that only Obama can sell Americas secrets
ipmutt
didn't the check to see that only Obama can sell Americas secrets
------------------------------
I see the Republican plan to dum down America has worked.
As I stated earlier, I was just an insignificant little cook in the United States Navy, but I seem to recall reading something once or twice. This is just one part, but I believe it has been forgotten by Mr. Bissonnette:
My Trident is a symbol of honor and heritage. Bestowed upon me by the heroes who have gone before, it embodies the trust of those whom I have sworn to protect. By wearing the Trident, I accept the responsibility of my chosen profession and way of life. It is a privilege that I must earn every day.
Cook, USN
However hard you try; “whistleblowers” tend to have a field day especially in present “media centred” atmosphere.
More worrisome will be the motive, especially if pecuniary benefits are primary.
Sayan.
The guy is an idiot. He is simply working to destroy the honor and integrity of not only the Navy SEAL teams but all of those involved in such operations. It has been and still should be an unspoken word. What he has done is a disgrace to the country and all of those that serve, special operations or not. He clearly has his own agenda and we will see that unfold in teh comming months and years.
Chris, I think the seal in question is simply letting his political views get ahead of the commitment he made to the Navy. He is forgetting himself, I would say. I believe this is another example of "swift-boating".
But have you put the book on your shelf yet? Some of the same people complaining about him on the one hand are also trying to figure out the best way to market it for themselves on the other.
Like I mentioned in an earlier post, back in the 1950s, violation of the lifetime vow of silence was treason which penalty is deatht – he deserves it. He has put all Special Ops at risk because he thinks he was so important. Too bad he didn't flunk out before he ever went on any mission. He didn't deserve the trust placed in him.
Sea, Air and Land
We’re just a merry band
We do the hardest job
We stay far from the knob
We can flutter kick and swim
We have weapons in the bin
We have hunder dollar sunglasses
We can knock haji on their asses
We are hackers, klackers and trackers
We don’t allow no slackers
The only easy day was yesterday
But we cant say that till tomorrow
We wear ballcaps and hoodies
And collect all sorts of goodies
We are Sea, Air and Land
Sea, Air and Land
We’re just a merry band
We do the hardest job
We stay far from the knob
We can flutter kick and swim
We have weapons in the bin
We have hunder dollar sunglasses
We can knock haji on their asses
We are hackers, klackers and trackers
We don’t allow no slackers
The only easy day was yesterday
But we cant say that till tomorrow
We wear ballcaps and hoodies
And collect all sorts of goodies
We are Sea, Air and Land
What I find interesting is this 'Time for credit to go where it belongs'. Huh? First off, I always heard Obama say 'WE got him'. And last I checked that call comes from him and he is an American. Secondly, the SEALs got PLENTY of credit. There's a freaking movie out for them because of the recognition they got from the raid. They were on everyone's lips. On every board and forum I went to at that time it spoke of the SEALs. We all recognized what they did and cheered, applauded and saluted. What more could they want? So acting as if they didn't get any recognition for it is absurd.
He doesn't want recognition, he wants to "use" his SEAL experience as a political sledgehammer. I think the mystique of the Special Forces will not live up to the nitty gritty and we will see these people as the really are, flawed humans with petty grievances instead of heros. Very sad and I think this particular ex-SEAL is a sad testimony to the pledge that he took, he made a promise and now everyone knows he is untrustworthy.
There's one in every crowd. They make the promises, they do the work, but in the end they will not honor either one. If Bisonette truly published classified information, and someone dies directly or indirectly, that will be terrible. But beyond that is the betrayal of the trust to his fellow SEALs. He didn't REALLY have their backs.Sooner or later, we meet someone truly dishonorable.
This ALL goes back to Obama. He leaked lies and innuendo. Obama is a complete idiot! The US military would probably stage a coup in a minute! Obama kills innocent babies at the drop of a hat. He won't stop the violence in Chicago because the drug gangs fund Democrats! Obama has no morals. He is a drug user, drug dealer, and drug supporter.
I'm pretty sure it's difficult to stop crime in any community, regardless of which political party the gangs support.
thats right dd, EVERYTHING is Obamas fault. If your shoe laces become undone, its his fault. If it rains when you planned an outing, its his fault. GROW UP!
I am not surprised that there are seals who don't like Obama, given that we as a nation are polarized in roughly equal numbers along party lines. Why would the military be any different? However, I think its outrageous and disgusting when active military people engage in this kind of political attacks against their commander in chief. Where are the morals and high values that conservatives speak about so often, in this case? I guess values go out the window when its time to get the power!
Tom- I believe it is his very act of openly speaking not only of his Navy SEAL experiences, but openly speaking of the distaste within his team of President Obama that is being openly rejected by the military. His is simply 'breaking our code". He is the exception to the rule (I hope). The military is generally extremely conservative due to the nature of our life and oaths we take. Deal with it. Please don't attack us for the way we run our lives as conservatives.
That has to be one of the dumbest things I ever heard. Congrats on that achievement. It's not an easy to gain.
Obviously you have never been on active duty.
Dude wake up and smell the coffe. your having a bad dream.
you can always tell the creationists ... they think the universe was created at noon on january 20, 2009, and have no recollection of anything prior to that.
You really should take your medicine before getting on line.
Okay dd, its time to eat your dinner. there is some hot soft mush for you that matches your brain perfectly. Maybe one day the doctors will be able to fix your brain and you will be able to think rationally; in the mean time the nurse will be there shortly to change your diaper.
This ALL goes back to Obama
N U T C A S E !!!!!!!!
I was just an insignificant cook in the United States Navy and even I knew enough to keep my mouth shut.
This may end up as a defining moment re:public disclosure. I'm afraid the seal might not have all his whits about him.
Insignificant cook!!?? I went for a week at a time living off of C rats back in the 70's while on patrols. Of the year I spent in Afghanistan I ate MREs most of the time. I don't consider cooks "insignificant"!
Did a stint in the Chief's mess as a quartermaster striker aboard the Courtney. Easy duty but learned to despise all those d!ckwad chiefs. But at least I didn't visit the wardroom much. Hated punk ensigns even worse. Arrogant little trds they were. Didn't encounter the 'ole man' much but the XO 'Fat Eddie' was the worst pr!ck of all. Loved watchin' him chew on the little ensign's behinds though.
OS2 here, cooks are most definitely NOT insignificant! They make or break morale underway 90% of the time.
tommy boy,
My friends who served in the Navy tell me that the food is pretty good. You sell yourself short. Thanks for your service.
Tommy Boy...Thank you for your service, God Bless.
To Obama's credit, at least he didn't land on an aircraft carrier with a gigantic "Mission Accomplished" sign.
Yeah why would he? He wants to keep our boys over there for as long as he can. Just like bush...new boss same as the old boss. Open your eyes....both sides are the same.
Of course they're the same... they just have different sponsors.
Then why are we out of Iraq and drawing down in Afghanistan? Why aren't we involved in Syria or "bomb, bomb, bombing Iran?"
Unfortunately, someone has abused his privileges and now we need a new law. This sort of thing might be appropriate 20 years later, but not when we still have these operations going on.
Do these teams wear coyote brown 550's or do they have an issued uniform? Also, are they encouraged to grow chin hair? These are some technics I have seen online.
As amazing as the SEALS are, they are not invulnerable. Public disclosures of any kind jeopardize their future missions. That's just a fact. Take away their cover and you take away their effectiveness. As amazing as they are they are not Superman. Stealth is key. That means no disclosures.
It was drilled into our heads from day one: "Loose Lips Sink Ships". Say no more.
USN Cook
If you fail to keep you oath as a SEAL, never to reveal...then why should I read or believe anything you say. You have already proven yourself untrustworthy.
Good point!
If only Obama was as careful with secrets as the SEALs usually are.
If only I could read a story and not have to listen to closet-racists.
Just because someone does not like Obama does not make them a racist. I personallyt an't stand the man and it has nothing to do with what color his skin his. It's his morals and ethics that are screwed up. He will take whatever position that will get the most votes.
@Cindy - you mean like Willard Romney changes his positions?
People as obtuse as yourself should not be allowed to vote or handle utensils.
Name one example of Obama revealing a classified secret. I think you are confusing Obama with Dick Cheney – remember the guy who make the name "Valerie Plame – CIA operator", public in order to discredit her husband who said the administration was twisting facts to justify war in Iraq?
How soon we forget.
Ben
If only Obama was as careful with secrets as the SEALs usually are.
You should go back to searching for that BURF CERTIFICATE
instead of posting garbage.
I think it is one of the best books I have ever read, ever. These camaflage gun toters are tight.
MIne is on the way. Can't wait to read it!
This story cracks me up. A story about secrecy of special ops with a picture of a bunch of active duty special ops guys posing for the camera.
It's obviously politically motivated.
Bravo Zulu to the 99.9% of the Bin Laden kill team who did not spill their guts for profit, nor attempt to politically undermine the Commander-in-Chief.
Dear angry people,
You realize that there are thousands of books on the market (from all branches of service) that tell the tale of one mission or another. Heck, this isn't even the first book written by a Navy Seal about Afghanistan. No one here has read the book yet so no one can make an evaluation as to whether secrets have been divulged or not.
Read the book or not – no one can make an evaluation of whether "classified" information was disclosed because they don't know what our field personnel are doing right now. And, I have a flash for you. The information does not have to be classified to be a danger, if released. The enemy is not stupid. You piece together information that someone thought was "unclassified" or "unimportant" with other pieces that other people though were unclassified or unimportant and develop a picture of a classified capability or operation. That's why you KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT. This is not some freedom of information game. Peoples lives are at stake.
Thanks you for your phony-baloney, over the top response. Until someone gets a chance to read the book no one can make an evaluation about what was classified or not. For all we know the author may just recount information we already know.
I guess Milky must have decided not to give up his career at the drive-up window to serve his country. To be so out of touch with the people that protect you is sad.
Is an ad hominem attack all you have. I would expect so much better from someone as knowledgeable as yourself.
Rick1948 – I'm a veteran – had TS/SCI SB clearance, AND I read this book. Nothing classified here – move along. I love how everyone reads an article, makes an assumption and begins to lambast and hang a DEVGRU veteran with 13 combat tours, 5 Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart to name a few. Tell you what – read this book, then go watch the movie Act of Valor (a movie vetted and allowed by the Pentagon), and tell me which one teaches you more about tactics and procedures.
Everyone
Lets get some things straight. GW Bush GAVE UP on finding Osama Bin Laden. Indeed, don't forget that late in his presidency he said finding OBL simply did not matter anymore. Second, there was significant pressure from a number of people, including Secretary Gates, NOT to approve the mission as Operation Eagle Claw (Desert One) still hung over a number of people's heads. So, I think Pres. Obama deserves at least some credit for ordering the raid, particularly when it was not a 100% certainty that OBL was at the compound and that there was significant risk posed by crossing into Pakistani territory without Pakistan's permission or knowledge.
Now, in regard to the book. Mr. Bissonette's reasoning regarding why he did not seek Pentagon permission before publishing the book do not stand the test of observation. Either you signed a NDA or you didn't. When you signed it doesn't matter. National Security is not an issue where one can have one's cake and eat it too. This, by the way, should also apply to the administration. In my view, any consequences Mr. Bissonette now faces is on him, period. He violated his NDA, but more importantly, he violated the trust of his fellow SEALS and service members.
Thank you for providing factual data....and not 1/2 baked political-rhetoric.
This guy let his buddies down, the SEALS, and all of his fellow Americans.. Hope your act of treasonous act was worth the 30 pieces of silver you received, you Judas. By saying to President Obama, "You didn't get bin Laden, WE did" is not part of the oath you took before becoming a SEAL. The SEALS only accept the best; apparently, you snuck through the bunch and a traitor was on the loose. The fact of the matter is OBAMA DID GET BIN LADEN. There would have been NO raid without his calling it, and who would bear the blame if it failed? The President!! Where would have you been then? What is the penalty for treason? Death by hanging or by a firing squad?
How do you know he GAVE UP? Were you there?
Yea It was silly the way the Dems dressed Obama up in a soldier suit and flew him out to an aircraft carrier with banners flying.......Oh sorry that was BUSH!
I thought it was great!!
Great photo op of Bush climbing out of a jet with a sock
down his pants.
You DO realize those who wish this country harm will be going over this book letter by letter, word by word, sentence by sentence, etc. What may seem trivial or insignificant to casual readers may be all that is needed to blow an ongoing operation or someone's cover. Give our enemies the credit they have earned, they are smart, they know what to look for and can even spot what is missing.
Personally, it is enough that this piece of porcine excrement is no longer creating havoc. After the war has ended and time has passed, then the story can be told.
After WWII, the British do not de-classify the fact they had broken the German's top secret code, ULTRA, until the 70's. Would that this SEAL had done the same!
Some in Congress have complained that the Pentagon and CIA should not have offered the filmmaker background briefings. Navy Seals working with Hollywood. Obama's people running their mouths at the bar after work.The Media I don't want to leave them out of the story.Everyone acting like children. All of this crap is out of Control with Stupidity.You idiots that think he did this book for money. Educate yourself before running your mouth.Read the book first before giving your ignorant opinion.Get the Facts first.
Yeah! I believe a good portion of the money is going to fallen SEAL's families.
Like a post above about how foreign countries will pour over this and put 2 and 2 together and get 4. Years ago I had a civil service job but I had to attend a briefing on security and how security personnel (2 or 3) would go on a ship and usually within 2-3 days at the most they could figure out the mission just from bits and pieces of conversation. SO, if the government doesn't take all the money, I don't think fallen SEALS families would want the money because the information gained from this book will only result in more fallen SEALS! No honor for Bisonette!
The SEALs didn't have to work as hard as the aircrew that got them there and risked their lives as well. So any SEAL or SEAL fanboy should recognize that the SEALs only get silver medal for heroism anyways!
We do NOT advertise the nature of our work, NOR do we seek recognition for our actions,
Our motto in the Navy was "what goes on cruise stays on cruise", but that was before cell phone cameras and the internet. Shipmates helped each other and kept their mouths shut.
Yet, there are literally thousands of books and movies on the market that do just that.
I get it. Two wrongs (or a thousand wrongs) make a right. Good to know.
No mission should be secret, unless it wasn't executed yet. The strategic plans before operating the mission should obviously be secret, until the mission is over. If missions are secret and the details of the mission are held from the public, then how can the public form a valid opinion when it comes time to the voting booth? If America is supposed to be a transparent democracy, then how do you expect democracy to work if the public doesn't know what their country does? Saying we don't need to know for security reasons leaves you just as vulnerable (to the power of government) as the very threat they proclaim non-confidentiality causes.
Its very important to safeguard details of missions so as not to disclose techniques used to accomplish it. There is plenty of oversight for military operations. Some of your elected officals review every op and question every move. If you don't trust your elected official then hire a new one.
If the mission details are kept secret, then how are we going to judge that our elected officials are doing their job when we don't even know what they're reviewing?
Democracy can't function solely off "trust", it has to contain factual information which the public can form their own opinion and choose to elect an official based on that official's actions. If you can't elect officials which you agree on based on their actions and have to rely on "trust", then that's a blind democracy.
Missions are kept secret because similar ideas may be used in future missions. Missions are kept secret because the targets' survivors are out for revenge. Missions are kept secret because civilian do not understand operations and procedures. Missions are kept secret so you know you can trust that dude you just spilled your guts to. And, most important is knowing what happens around a campfire stays around a campfire. When you brainstorm, your random thoughts are not going to end up in someone's book.
Z1 you are a fool. Our military has systematic approaches to everything. Divulging the details of an operation or mission even after it is executed gives our enemies a blueprint for future operations. If a boxer telegraphs his punching method to his opponent, he may land the first or second strike, but on the third he's going to get knocked out.
There is also a trend on this thread, and that is a complete and total ignorance of how our military decisionmaking works. Z1 you put that ignorance on full display. You don't vote for the individuals who make tactical decisions, nor is it your place to assess whether they are doing their job adequately. Our civilian leadership's role is not to make decisions on military employment, tactics, or procedures; it is to ensure that the military acts within the political intents of the government and does so according to the laws of war. It is their job to STAY OUT OF THE WAY when it comes to tactical decisionmaking. So your argument of transparency in democracy is uneducated and illogical. The more YOU know about military operations, the more at risk THEY are as they execute them.
You're the damn fool. Have you ever heard of black operations? How can we judge that the "military acts within the political intents of the government and does so according to the laws of war" if the very mission (a black operation) is withheld from the public and even most government officials themselves? Educate yourself on black operations and realize the importance of knowing what your government is involved in, so that democracy can operate righteously.
All good republicans kill for profit, not country.
Right, Mr. Chaney?
Party politics aside for a moment, being a 20 yr Navy vet we easily recognize military members are simply prosecuted and sentenced to prison when we divulge classified information. I can understand the ultimate frustration of all service members as we are forced to sit idle while our civilian leadership sells the farm to journalist frequently in all administrations and endanger the lives of those who have served, and those serving yet today. When the classification of such material or operations, supposedly upheld by presidential Executive Orders, used to safeguard national security is blatantly disregarded from the President down. No One appreciates being burned, and spending the rest of their days looking over their shoulders as this nation's enemies conspire to hunt down those involved in various missions. There's enough blame to go around, a Stand Down to discuss the proper handling of classified information is in order, and should be directed by the POTUS beginning with his own office and administration, to include the House and Senate, and filter down through the Department of Defense to all parties concerned. Enough is enough. Restore this nation's integrity NOW!
Good idea.
As a four year Navy vet from 68-72 (discharged as 2nd Class PO) who handled his share of classified information (40 years ago) I would tell you that classifying information is done in real time but not with the real world taken into consideration. As a Navy vet you know more about these guys they call SEALs than most. They are smart as whips and hard as rock. If anyone has the right to speak out it is these guys. Chances are everything, except specific personal recollections, that the book has is already out there in the world for all to see. The internet has done that. What you should be concerned about is how your shipmates (and we are all shipmates in the USN) are treated by the government and the public at large. If the Bush administration gets a pass on Valerie Plame this kid, who did a hell of a lot more good that W for his country, gets a pass. SEAL is about team and I would bet my bottom dollar that all members of this team support and contributed to this book. If not, it would never have been published or even written.
About the president "outing" the mission – I would ask you, would you rather have heard about this mission from the mouth of the POTUS or from an al Jazeera or BBC news feed? You can be certain that before the newscast of the president speaking was even announced that they had the word on the death of bin Laden. Classified is not supposed to mean that everyone in the world knows about this but us. This book will finally do something that the rest of this country only gives lip service, it will support the people in the SEAL community who have gotten lots of praises but not so much raises. These guys could quit today and be making more money tomorrow by working for one of those "contractors" (read – merceneries), but they have chosen to do the right thing. Never diminsh the sacrifices that these men and their families have made for you and I. They have earned what so few of us in this country have earned, a right to speak their minds.
What is Pybus squeaking about–? The 'Barrio Bomber' sat in the White House livingroom with the CIA and used his troops to commit an assassination in a foreign country... something we'd never, never, never, believed possible... In fact we were told in the '70's, that, "The CIA does not do assassinations in foreign countries..." (the common quote) Then, after the bin Laden assassination, we learned that the Seals who'd not gone along, were shot down: easy hit. Secrecy isn't the problem here: The problem is the perversion of military might by Pybus' own Commanding Officer.
Do I take then that you did not agree with the raid being carried out? This is how the war on terrorism is supposed to be fought, not by occupying countries that have little to do with attacking America. Things have changed and we have new media to get the word out. Staying ahead of that is a big job. Where was the righteous indignation when the Bush administration outed a working, covert CIA agent?
The American public will undoubtedly and overwhelmingly stand in support the Navy Seals (including the one who wrote the book), over the beuracracy of D.C..
President Barrack Obama is The Commander In Chief Of The United States
Armed Forces.
I stand behind the President.
Every now and again one of these types slips through the cracks of special operations screening. Don't let him make you sour on the entire corps. Overall SOA does a great job of picking the right people for the tough jobs. Most soldiers, sailers, airmen involved in these op's know to keep it to themselves.
Amen brother!
SEAL's don't have conscience they have heart.
How much money is Bissonnette going to share with his fellow SEALs and special ops support team? Better yet, did he say he did not write the book for personal profit and would donate all revenues to charity? What is missing in the headlines? Is it the Lamestream Media trying to paint Bissonnette as an opportunist willing to sell out his comrades? I think not...actually, the media has been too kind to Bissonnette, the SEAL TEAM of ONE.
He did say he was going to donate a portion of the proceeds to charity, although he didn't specify which one. I imagine he has a lot of people to pay for putting the book out there first. My concern is not the monetary gain he's seeking, its the political war he's waging against the COMANDER & CHIEF. That's sad. It potentially undermines the presidents authority in future operations.
Just a quick correction...it is : Commander in Chief...just sayin
LOL....my spelling has allways sucked but my aim has always been great
Oh and I forgot to say...I agree with your post! 🙂
Actually, I read on a resonably reliable source that he is donating proceeds to the families of fallen SEALs. Just another indication that we give our heroes lip service instead of the rewards they deserve. This old fool will give you one piece of advice and that is to pick your battles well, and dont pick one with these guys. They will you knock you over with a hard stare.
If you think that this kid wrote this book without the input and blessings of the rest of this team you do not know what SEAL is all about. These guys are beyond amazing but they are still human. I, like you, have not yet read the book so I am reserving judgment on "classified" information. Trust that America's enemies will get more useable intelligence from the latest bang bang shoot 'em up movie than they will from this. You are on the wrong side of this conversation.
If you think that this kid wrote this book without the input and blessings of the rest of this team
So, he is going to share the profits with the rest of the team ?
If i was on his team i would tell him what he could do with his book.
He was the chosen among them. Even if it is only because he was the next to retire. I expect they only want the truth to be told, from their eyes. I am sure more profits will make their way to the loved ones of fallen SEALs. You are on the wrong side of this.
I think this guys sold out for a buck( a bunch of bucks). I think he's also probably telling truths ( which is what we all want), but, in military actions... I would rather not know the truths that would give any enemy a helping hand in one uping us in battle or in terriorism. I would rather they keep it to themselves ( the military). But we, the people, ( of course not -ALL- of us but a big boat-load do) demand the nitty-gritty " truth of everything. Keeping truths or the nitty-gritty details of an operation (or any operation for that matter) secret in the past has led to corruption from within– . Then when something goes bad or goes down wrong ...the public demands to know the truth– the public wails and crties that " This shouldnt be happening !" " Do something about it !!!" remember the water-boarding news?! Why, that's the most terrible thing to find out we were doing to the enemy !! ( sarchasm) But, you know our ememies out there were doing terrible things to our guys too. Oh... our guys peed on the dead corpes of the enemy... well, the enemy cut alot of heads off of their enemy–.... who weighs it to see what's more terrible to do in a war situation. Osama was a wanted enemy. We got him. That's all we need to know. The world is a better place for it. This seal guy is retired... he wanted to get some things off his chest– so he wrote a book. I'm wondering if his comrades he rode with feel he's a good guy or a bad guy? Only they will know. Unless they all retire and they all write a book. We the public demand to know the truth- even if its stretched– we want to know and we want to go see the movie!! The internet generation demand instant gratification. I prefer we have some honor and respect for these guys... the seals and all military- within and without.
Absolutely agree.
Nice post.
Amen to that.
This Guy needs to be stripped of any metals he has earned, and lose all of his Military benifits and pensions and receieve a Dis- Honorable Discharge for his actions in which he put the secruity of our country in jeapardy.
Why?
He has done alot more than you have for your country.
Stripped of his "metals" you say? What "metals" would that be? Gold, silver, platinum? Maybe you meant medals? Anyone, including the writer of this piece, who talks trash about these honorable warriors, is not a wart on the butt of a Navy Seal.
I have read the book and there are no secrets. Everything about the seal training and the mission has been common knowledge.
Judging by these comments, half of America already hates this guy.
Have a nice life traitor.
Their job is a killing machine wherever the country tells you who they will kill. If you can not handle it then get the hell out of there. Just do not be a traitor and a snitch tell all for money.
If the navy seals can't stop flapping their flippers disband them. By the way that 1st shot Osama Bin Laden received basically left him brain dead. Their was no need for the navy seals to play judge, jury, and executioner.
Yes there was. That's what they were sent there to do. SEAL's do what they're told
I have great admiration for what the Navy SEALs do, and all special ops personnel for that matter. As a former army man whose seen combat myself, I understand how important trust amongst your fellow soldiers is. I don't know the inner workings of the SEALs of course, but I assume that they have a kind of unwritten pledge amongst themselves that discussion of their operations is not for the public domain. If someone goes public with it, then it seems to me that is a violation of that trust. Again, I'm assuming they have that understanding based on my experience as a combat vet, I could be wrong.
Who vetted this guy that wrote the book? I'll answer that, it was the system. In our military there has always been a disconnect with certain warriors from the true purpose of the mission. The fundamental problem has always been the same since Korea, we don't give the warrior the true reason he is on the front line. This guy assumed that it was for him as an individual to get rich and famous. This man has a huge hole in his covert military mentality. Doesn't he realize he's a SEAL for our purposes, our country's and most importantly, it's a privilege he's Special Forces. Do we want to know that these certain SEALS hate the president? It's not his right to share that information to the country. Isn't it a fact that they are a covert organization? They used to be thought of as faceless super warriors that would do the countries bidding without personal gain or a second thought. They should be the truest expression of the American ideal that only a handful of people could ever dream of achieving. Unfortunately, this incident makes our elite SF core of people suspect to some people. Not me, I believe this is an aberration. Doesn't this guy get the concept that now some will wonder if the rest of the SEALS are coming out with other versions, at odds with the official version. There will be hell to pay when people who are supposed to be covert get uncovered. The media is wrong when they show operatives faces. It should be a rule that if your face is shown then you should be reassigned. Isn't it true that the biggest feather in any enemy's cap would be to kill/capture Special Forces and/or their families? The military system needs to drill into these people the philosophy of the mission, the actual purpose they kill or die. The failure to do so is what causes these sad incidences. I want to reiterate that this guy is an aberration and I will always be a supporter of our military personal, especially our Special Forces. I’m a Vet. USMC, 1967-1968 Veitnam. Semper Fidelis
Thank you for your service, and welcome home.
Since Obama and the military brass support Hollywood in making a movie about the raid, I see no problem with those who risked their lives telling the story. Apparently, the SEAL officers see no problem in benefiting from what the SEALs do.
President Obama and most of his staff are not, and were never SEAL's. They are not bound by the same oaths, agreemnets, or pledges. Your comparing apples to bullets. Stop your ridiculous argument.
Part of winning any war is propaganda. Sad but true. Strategic information is presented to help send a message to our enemy, to our own population and to the rest of the world. Winning hearts and minds. A blurring of the truth is a necessary evil in war. The fact War provides such an excuse to distort truth is one of the reasons it should be avoided. What is lost on many here is that we are still at war. As such – it is not this soldiers decision as to what propaganda should be released. You may disagree with the POTUS, but he is commander in chief and it IS his decision to determine what would be appropriate to release as part of the propaganda campaign. The seal in question did not have his book vetted and as such was out of line. If he had worked with DOD – none of this would be an issue. He is a smart guy (otherwise he would not have been a Seal), so he knew that. He made a conscious decision to play it this way. He wanted this controversy. That sends a message to the enemy there is dissension in the ranks which in turn can bolster their resolve. As a Seal – he would know the impact of this type of propaganda problem. Whatever good this guy did for his country was undone with this action.
Very thoughtfully stated.
I can answer the question without even reading this article: The SEALs, and others in similar roles with security clearances and performing classified ops, should not speak a word about their activities...ever. There is a time limit , a waiting period, which needs to transpire after a classification is de-activated before it can be mentioned in the public domain. Example, the satellite which eventually was declassified and which has provided Google Earth the information is now displayed on that web-site. While that satellite was operational, it was Top Secret and even the mention of it's code name or the four letter code that referred to it was prohibited.
I spent 27 years in the military – 14 in the SOF. And, there is one thing that you shouldn't have to depend on signing a NDA to know. That is that you NEVER talk about anything you were involved in – EVER. The reason is that your former comrades are still out there doing their jobs and you don't know where they are or what they're doing. The enemy is not stupid. They piece together some information, that you thought was unimportant or unclassified, along with other pieces that other people thought were unimportant or unclassified and develop a picture of a classified operation or capability. And, that gets people killed.
Totally agree. Our classified military operations is not to be used for politics and the minute our elite forces begin playing politics... it's time for discharge. Plain truth is... people lives are at risk and those of informants... absolute disgrace to the uniform... to try and use mission objectives for the purpose of personal monetary gain at the cost of active members... we are not mercenaries... remember your oath...
Read the book – then tell us if you think he did.
That's the exact point and why he should not have written anything. I don't know what's going on right now, he doesn't know, and you don't know. So, the only safe avenue is to keep your mouth shut.
My knowledge is not the problem. The problem is what our enemies know. What if a certain color is mentioned that a specific SEAL favors, that could aid in putting 2 + 2 together to equal 4. That information would not be classified, but it could tilt the bar and possibly get someone 'blown' or killed. Not to mention the loss of trust among this elite group. I'm sure they are wondering how safe it is to talk if their trust has been betrayed.
Send a message, dont buy the book.
For all of the incredibly great things Navy Seals have done, to break the Seal code of honor to make money certainly as well as putting US security at risk is unconscionable.
Apparently they DO talk about what they do and DO seek recognition for their work. There was a big flap on CNN recently about a SEAL working with a Hollywood director to publicize their work. I suppose this pretty much shows the attacks on Obama for leaking info about them are Swift boat ads.
I agree. And for those Navy Seals to call out Obama as being a national security risk. .and then not calling out those Seals out to make money on this one. . .certainly compromises their credibility.
The question is " How much should the President and his staff talk about classified information?". Lead by example , Mr. Obama.
Lead by example , Mr. Obama.
He does, you are not paying attention.
The word of the Western man means less and less every year. SEALs gotta tell their stories now, marriage vows are a lot of empty blather, heck, not even ordinary Web users can follow the simplest Rules of Conduct in any forum or fashion, because they have The Truth to Tell, every right and above all, the vulgar compulsion to tell it. For profit. ."Gonna set the record straight for all of us. Getting a reality show to so"
True Fact This is why some folks just shrugged after 9/11....
Some people shrugged because some people are evil. It's as simple as that.
No post mortem pics = the mission never even happened.
There were post-mortem pics, not made public, but members of Congress of both parties who wanted to see them could see them under very tight security. They all agreed it was Bin Laden, and that the pictures should not be released.
They should be charged with treason!
They should be charged with treason for telling their story of how they took down American Enemy #1? I say more power to 'em, let them exercise their freedom of speech. Heck, I bet you support Wikileaks, or at least many of you do, so how can you call this treason or anything other than exercising a right to give an account of what happened?
For talking about a mission which the White House itself has been helping to film makers make a movie about?
Read the book Frank – then post on here what treason was committed. So tired of reading everyone's judgements based on an article. In fact – read President Clinton's book and President Bush's book and list their recollections as treason too.
For decades We Operators have been silent as we protected freedom, BUT this Obama Administration has betrayed our trust, our jobs, AND our safety just to get re-elected. Screw Obama and his Harvard minions as they get US killed for their own self interests. The Obama supporters and this administration are the biggest threat to the security of this nation than at anytime previously. Kick Obama out of the White House and restore this nation to one that respects our military and doesn't purposely attack & put US in danger for politics.
Can you be more specific? He hasn't given away military secrets to oil companies like Bush did?
Not only that, this administration has fought to improve the care of our veterans unlike the previous.
Not to deminish the difficulty of the necessary and amazing job of the seals but its not for everyone and some of them simply sound like disgruntled employees. If you can't handle it, get reassigned. Selling secrets is treason whether written publication, internet or directly supplied to the enemy via verbal communication. Shut your mouth.
Why is it conservatives so often feel the need to make stuff up?
Light on truth...hmm, seems to be the rights moniker lately anyway, so sure...
You are not now, nor ever have been "an operator". If you were you would have more discipline and respect. If you ARE an operator or ever have been, you are a disappointment and should've been summarily dismissed for your lack of discipline and failure to follow your military chain of command and the rules and regulations set forth therein.
You sir, are an embarrasment to the forces you CLAIM to be part of. I am personally glad you are an EX-operator if it isnt just all an internet lie to make you feel like a big man. That would be additionally shameful for you to be such a poser.
Since our first exposure to OPSEC training “We Operators” know the rules.
We are even given an explanation as to why we need to abide by these rules.
Just because an administration does not follow these procedures does not mean we are relieved of our responsibilities.
I thought all “Operators” knew this.
You're not an operator.
A veteran
You are right I retired after 26 years.
I'm sure you retired, but you were not an 'operator'. An 'operator' wouldn't get on here and call themselves 'an operator'. Nonetheless – in all seriousness – thank you for your service.
ok, you did not get the " " part.
Whats your def. of an operator?
I define an operator as a shooter or assaulter in a Special Operations group. I worked with Spec Ops for years – but I was a linguist – so I was support – therefore, although I worked with them – I am not an operator.
gunship FE last 15 years untill 2010
Blast them out of the air with the 20mm! Hope I didn't offend you. I'm just really fired up about the response to this book. I had a TS/SBI and signed some major NDA's when I got out, and there's lots of things I can't talk about to this day. I know we were told that just because someone leaks classified information doesn't make it unclassified. My whole problem is that I took hours over the last couple of days researching the White House releases and statements on Operation Neptune Spear – and (after literally 35 releases) it jives almost identically to Bisonnette's account. And there truly is no disclosure of tactics or weaponry etc. I'm an avid reader, and I typically only read military memoirs and history. The way this guy tells his story is no different than a hundred other military memoir I've read. The fuss is the historical nature of the mission he describes, the short time that has passed and most importantly the departure from the White House/Pentagon version of OBL's death and transport. I do not think it was a smart idea for Bissonette to write this now considering we still operate in Afghanistan and it could incite or encourage jihadists, but not being smart does not make someone a traitor. My only hope is that everyone who posts here would read the book before jumping to conclusions.
Again – thank you for your 27 years.
Complete B.S.. Reagan and Bush II were the worst to work for. Reagan was a lying POS and Bush was just stupid, he stood down SOF Det-D in Bora Bora when they had Bin Laden.
You are not now, nor have you ever been an "operator", what you are is another sidewalk commando spreading b.s..
I guess no one has told you, so I'll be the first, playing Call of Duty: Black Ops in your mom's basement doesn't make you a member of any SOG.
Airborne Hawkeye
Ok.
Funniest thing I ever herd on the radio “station calling Hawkeye what is your location".
What do you operate ?
A joy stick ?
Whipe your nose, Obama is here for four more years.
I've seen a lot of people make comments, stating that as long as no critical or highly classified information is used, special Op forces should be allowed to talk about their missions. However, I do not agree for a few reasons. First, if they cannot keep their mouth shut, fewer people will want to work with them and our intelligence departments. By saying they had been training for this mission for months, he essentially told enemies that they had a mole or at least an informant that was giving information for several months. This means that they would change a lot of their plans and the last several months of intelligence we had gathered was now highly questionable, if not completely useless. Furthermore, doing such things puts the informants as risk because if gives the enemies and/or foreign governments a timeline to work with when searching for the informant. One of the informants used for the bin Laden raid is not in a Pakistani prison. If potential informants know they will not be protected, do you think the CIA will be able to get as many sources? Do you think the special forces from other countries will want to do joint operations with us? Do you think intelligence agencies from other countries will volunteer as much information? Also, our enemies are not fools. Even seeming small or trivial admission of something can still help our enemies get a better understanding when they combine it with their other intelligence. You must also understand that the ability to trust each other is a requirement amongst these teams. If they cannot trust each other to keep their mouths shut, even if it is just a generalized statement implying most SEALS do not support Obama, you do not have the trust.
Many people mention things like the Act of Valor movie when saying the Pentagon and Navy are already betraying secrets. Well, here is a news flash for you.... they are usually quite careful about what they put into those movies what is actually released/revealed in them. I did not see a single tactic or technology in that film that I did not already know about or at least consider likely. Furthermore, if done right, the films can help us. Think about it... films that special ops teams to be god-like on the battle field will make the enemies hesitant to take action against them. By showing scenes in which active-duty SEALS go through so much to retrieve a captured ally will imply that we protect our sources. There is a big difference between a controlled release of information by the pentagon and a betrayal of trust.
*typo: I originally wrote, "One of the informants used for the bin Laden raid is not in a Pakistani prison." I meant to say, "One of the informants used for the bin Laden raid is NOW in a Pakistani prison"
The issue is that whatever you said and tagged as "classified" are leaked to media and public by the CIC and his staffs for political advantages at least 1 1/2 years ahead of this book.I read the exccert, and I believe that the media has choose the most sensitivity sentences: I do not see any classifed info here at all except the 3 seconds of killing Bin Laden.
I think that if Obama did not try to use this as a political adventure and telling US the truth, knowing how to leave the pieces of the painted cake for these respectful people then we would not know the "animal" was killed like a little rat, which is conflicted to Obama's hero painting!
Good luck.
Here's a novel idea I've come up with today – Read the book! Act of Valor show's a lot more detail about tactics and weaponry than this book.
The Seals deserve full credit for carrying out the raid on Bin Laden. However, without President Obama's approval, this raid would never have happened. Obama is commander-in-chief and deserves credit for having the "guts" to give the order to proceed. In this tell-all society it's disappointing but not surprising that a Seal will follow an agenda for his own glory without regard how his actions impact the greater good of our country. If it's determined that he has revealed classified information then he should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Obama has guts as long is they are other's guts. He never has or will put his life on the line. Just as he loves taxes as long it is other-people's-money he is spending. What a fraud!!
This is truly, one of the most idiotic posts I have seen on this subject.
Geez Bob – even the Generals wage war from the comfort of the Pentagon.
Obama has guts as long is they are other's guts. He never has or will put his life on the line...
You want the President Of The United States to put on some camo
and pick up a gun ?
Bet you think Bush was a hero because he got a piggy back ride in a jet.
LOL Bobr...are you actually saying you believe president should be on site for military raids, or that he shouldve been there in the thick of it and firing on the enemy?
You sir are a complete and utter failure.
You are a moron.
Obama disapproving this mission would have been akin to Cinton standing down the raid on Bin Laden when we had the chance to kill him in the 90s. He deserves credit only for staying out of the way of his military, for once. It is a sad commentary on our country's politicians when we heap praise on them simply for avoiding a clear, catastrophic poor judgment. A trained monkey could have given the approval for the Bin Laden raid, but we'll celebrate our President for it and release pictures of him and his administration sitting huddled around a table in Washington intently focused on a monitor, with sleeves rolled up as if they themselves were the warriors on the battlefield. It all makes me sick.
Poor Alex.
Just cant get over the fact that Obama did something right.
Just eating you up inside.
Dry your widdle tears, you will find something else to gripe about.
Anyone remember the attempt to rescue the hostages taken during Carter's term? I'll bet Obama had that in his head. He had a 50-50 chance to take out someone who did us such a wrong. Probably would have been passed up by many others. Obama put his Presidency on the line and said "go" to the SEALs. He could have passed up the opportunity, as Bush did, but he acted. Plus he gave a kick-a$$ preformance at the Correspondents' Dinner the evening before the raid. Total surprise, in and not, no casualties, and the prize of prizes. Al Quaea in distress and vowing revenge is a lot better than Bin Laden's plots.
As is always the case when the general public replies to news stories, many of the comments in here are imbecilic and idiotic.
I"m a retired military officer and ALWAYS obey the terms of the non-disclosure agreements I signed with your Government. All citizens with access to classified material at ANY level of classification sign agreements with the Government that they will NEVER disclose any of the information, and that if there's ANY publication planned related to their official duties, that they WILL submit the writings for review by Government security officials to insure there's no classified or sensitive material. There is NO grey area here...it's a clear agreement with CLEAR purposes and this clown violated it because a) he's a racist who hates the President, and b) was a malcontent who didn't get along with the rest of his unit. I say FRY the guy and stick him in prison the rest of his life. Getting rich from the few pieces of classified information anyone knows is immoral, and this clown broke the code.
I'm a former Army officer, and I couldn't agree more with your comments. Well said.
It amazes me that so many people dont understand that signing the dotted line on your military contract is basically indentured servitude. Once you sign, they OWN you, literally. That's not an exaggeration, or a joke, it is the plain and simple truth.
The general public is terribly ignorant and self-informed when it comes to military service. The lack of discipline of the average civilian makes the concept very difficult for them to grasp, not having the same freedoms anymore so that those who live in the country can have theirs.
The Teams should not discuss what they do in order to keep themselves, their Team, and their families safe. They also shouldn't discuss anything in which the smallest detail would give the enemy operational insight. Lastly, no Team member or the GOP should criticize our President as divulging too much information and then turn around and write a tell all book. What a bunch of hypocrites.
Where did this all start? Did it start with the book? Did it start with the administration's involvement in Zero Dark Thirty, or when the administration bragged about the president's leadership? Did it start when the SEALs at the top of your story posed at the premier of Act of Valor? Did it start when "former SEALs" became pro wrestlers, actors, and politicians?
There is only way to put the genie back in the bottle: if Al Queda attacks a retired SEAL for his involvement in the Bin Laden killing, others will have to decide whether they want to risk the chance of exposure if they act to save his life. Of course, they would generally defend a comrade who gets in trouble – but will they save a comrade who gets in trouble for a few pieces of silver?
Excellent point.
I was thought if anyone even knows about the mission then it failed.
When I was in the service I served on board a nuclear fast attack submarine. We were on many missions that would be considered classified. I have never talked about those missions to anyone, and it's now been 40 years. And when I was in the service, it wasn't considered to be a "cool" thing to do. No one came up to me and shook my hand for serving our country. This was during the Vietnam Era, most people thought you were an idiot to be in the service. This seal broke his word and betrayed his team mates.
nothing lick outof white house is the that get the info , go back and sell the info beuse of money, that what we seen now
I read the book last night and couldn't put it down. I have to tell you it read like a movie script, but to actually know that it happened, wow amazing. Myself well The chariot is now on fire. Men are now becoming a special ops. guy for the chance at a hollywood script! Back in the day even the soars people never talked about anything to no one. I still haven't talked about any of my jobs to even my family. Though at many times i take off my shirt to go swimming and people gasp a the scars on my body from combat. The problem is that the pentagon has a lot of loose lips that they can't trust amongst them. It's a virus that needs to be irraticated!
This is why they should have sent Delta.
No one EVER talks about Delta.
Shhhhhhh.
Correct, I retired from Special Forces over 10 years ago and worked with Delta on a few occasions. Non-disclosure means just that, you don't discuss operations, training or anything deemed by higher as sensitive. While I have friends that served as SEALs, the majority were of the same mind set.
It is obvious that many of you have not served our country or you wouldn't be saying the things that you do. I have personnaly served with Seals and they are honorable, hardworking and do a job many of us couldn't and wouldn't do. This man does no credit to those who serve with honor and keep their mouths shut as they are required to do. This guy has watched too many movies..wants his name in the limelight...well, shame on him. When you join the service, there are some things that you do not talk about...set the record straight...what? We didn't know that honorable Seals did the job and succeeded? And for those of you who haven't served, don't question the honor of our troops..you do not have the right.
You should also add the Democrats and Republicans fight side by side to defend our country. To hear some tell it there's only one party in the military. Many soldiers risk their lives and get no glory for it.
Sorry you write a book you're not our troops. Plain and simple.
I hope the hacks criticizing him understand that they can't diminish him without diminishing Obama's role.
He was there, he actually helped carry it out. He risked his life. Obama just gave the no brainer nod to the operation.
This is one of two real achievements he's had since he's been in offiice. It's this and Obamacare. Keep attacking the men who performed it and it'll soon just be Obamacare.
The no-brainer nod that several presidents before him didn't give? Clinton and Bush both had opportunities and they folded.. Obama would have taken the head had it failed so he should be able to gloat that he made that call. He praised the troops endlessly and did nothing wrong. This guy is just out to make a quick buck and in doing so is putting all of his "brothers" in danger. What kind of honor is this? He should donate 100% of those funds to Disabled Vet's.
Wasn't a no-brainer, far from it. If you remember, President Obama didn't even know for sure that Bin Laden was in the compound, his military advisors were unable to confirm. Gutsiest call by a President since Kennedy faced down the Soviets over Cuba.
No Brainer? Invading a sovereign country, and an 'official' ally at that, and one that we are walking a tightrope with? Really, a no brainer? When half your staff is telling you it's a NO-GO? Lesser men would have taken the safe route and not make the call. If you don't like our President, fine. But give credit where it is due. An operation like involves and requires everyone to be all-in, including the man who takes the ultimate responsibility, the President.
"Obama just gave the no brainer nod to the operation. "
And, what would you and your ilk be saying now if it hadn't been OBL in that compound? That Seal who wrote this book would have faded into the background and every Tom, Dick and Harry with an opinion would have been excoriating President Obama. You have absolutely zero credibility with anyone who can actually think and do the math about the risk President Obama took with his decision to approve this op.
Unless they recieve official clearance they should SHUT – UP and follow orders like the rest
of our soldiers !
What do you expect from the NAVY? They are hardly military, they have no code, they had Dont ask Dont tell since the 1700's
Not sure how "trained killers" can have a conscience. Frankly I do not believe any of the Bin Laden fable. I thought the seal team that was on the raid was killed in a ch46 crash in Afghanistan a week or so later to shut them all up ?
If this SEAL's book get in line with Obama's acct for animal Bin Laden killing and not consist some personal comment to the non-sense CIC, then he is OKay, right! What's a joke.
This SEAL's actions are going to be the undoing of the elite units ability to covertly operate.
We have alreeady seen how muslims have infiltrated some areas of our military, how long before one gets in with the SEALs or some other Spec Ops group and undermines missions? The guy who wrote the book should be tried for his crime, he didn't committ treason obviously but since he disobeyed DOD rules governing disclosure of information he is guilty of something.
Many of you have said it already. This SEAL is a betrayal to the honor and integrity of the brotherhood of SEALs.
Those of us current and past of the military services know this so well. The SEALs were always that SPECIAL group who could be depended on to get the extra sensitive missions done the first time. They didn't pop their mouths off about what they did prior to or after the mission was completed.
This guy would not be the first SEAL to write a book. Many have done it. He would just be the first Team 6 guy.
Perhaps we need to look carefully at the comment:
"Pybus' reference to a chain of command is read by some to mean only one thing: the president of the United States. A president has to fundamentally believe when he sends SEALs on a secret mission to kill the world's top terrorist that those in the rank and file aren't going to start talking."
Yes, the President has the expectation that secrets will be kept, however when the Administration itself "blows its own horn" in public that indignation is phony.
PS I am a retired Army Special Forces officer and do believe in keeping secrets–was this really a secret or had the cows left the barn already???
Um, the administration letting the american people know that bin laden was dead was not a threat to our security. Disclosing every little detail of the operation and the unit, in writing, in a BOOK that will become reference reading for all our current and future enemies is a whole another ball of wax, and can very well come back to haunt us.
Blame the media, everyone now is looking to make a quick buck even though their reputation would be destroy, who knows maybe a move too, the media is hungry for new news, and would pay up to anyone who is willing to betrayed his own, which by the way that is what this individual has done, he has betrayed the code, and please do not compare any other branch of the uniform with the comanndoes and other special ops units, this are very separate mentality.
He should be stripped of any rank, and or medal he ever gotten, what a shame...
Seals should not talk AT ALL. If you want to make money go get an MBA instead. Don't blow America's cover by writing books to make yourself rich. I'll bet this guy is NOT donating the proceeds to charity is he?
the problem is not the Seals, it is the obama administration that released lies, cooperated with a hollywood producer for a movie, and has let pakistan jail the person who helped catch bin laden.
if obama and the rest of the gang had kept quiet, then everybody else would too. cnn as usual, is attacking the truth to protect the obama lies.
This is a falsehood perpetrated by the ultra conservative movement in America.
What lies Repugnant/D-Bagger. Obama was the one who had to make the decision to after the America's no. 1 enemy against the advise of his closest aides including Robert Gates. In doing so he took a great risk. Had the mission gone south, I am sure you and your pack would be the first ones to excoriate him. No Repugnant had the decency to congratulate him public. Instead everyone was either trying to minimize his courageous decision or trying to 'Swift Boat' him. Shame on you all!
I was in the Army Special Forces and it's a 'very quiet' group, but the problem here was over a long period of time and in many instances the politicians used this info, lied about it, and tried to use it to political advantage. I don't blame this guy for going public, there is a limit to how much you can use the service to disservice the service. this administration treats the military terrible and I'm glad it got it's due!
Really? This administration treats the services terribly? Whatever. I suppose you were fine with going to Iraq for bogus intel with the former admin. Oh, by the way I served as a pilot for 8 years and spoke my piece to my chain while an officer. I still performed my duty as expected.
NICE RESPONSE , He is a FUBAR
Thank you for your service and welcome home.
Hey Leo. It's obvious where you belong. This admin has always tried to do good by the service by bringing the troops home from an unnecessary war in Iraq and trying to wind down in Afghanistan, in the process saving the lives and health of thousands of young men and women. It has also supported increasing the financial aid benefits to the service men.
Obviously you are reading a script from your hate mongering party.
Leo Special Forces, i applaud you for your service, from One Vet to another. Tell me how this administaration has treated the military in your words (TERRIBLY), I am all ears You state and I quote (but the problem here was over a long period of time and in many instances the politicians used this info, lied about it, and tried to use it to political advantage. I don't blame this guy for going public, there is a limit to how much you can use the service to disservice the service. this administration treats the military terrible and I'm glad it got it's due!) How did he Lie about it, there was no twist of the facts, He ws the most WANTED MAN IN THE WORLD, gave the ORDER to go into another country and get the SOB, our forces were ordered, many felt proudl to participate in that operation, What ever your political views are they are not displayed in combat or any other exercises associated in the Military, THERES ONE FLAG, POTUS, CINC, and it never should be wavered for Political Gain, and it hasn't been. Your poitical views have influenced your thought process, But not in uniform, Nor when there is a need to know basis
It most certainly is a generational issue, and the article is right-on about how younger people today seem to expect unlimited freedom to any and all information, and to distribute it. The sickening amount of support for Wikileaks is proof of that. I work with a lot of young former soldiers and many of them are demanding, opinionated arrogant people who won't conform to workplace rules and decorum and constantly get reprimanded for it. This trend of releasing military information without clearance or even simple common sense needs to be stepped on HARD. "Generation ME" needs to learn that they are not immune to responsibility. Unfortunately, the problems we are seeing are not confined to the military or anyplace else. Hard work, courteousy, respect, and productivity are all out the window everywhere you look. .
To be blunt, they would have kept their mouths shut if Obama had kept his shut.
When he started leaking information and bragging about killing Bin Laden, they feel the need to tell the REAL story.
This is a FoxRush lie.
Texas, where is your evidence? Twice that I have read here you have claim it is a "Fox/Rush/UltraConservative" lie that the Administration lied and leaked about the ObL assissination.
The leaks are public knowledge – confessed and apologized for by the Administration.
The lies would only be known to those possibly telling them (the Admin) or those they are about (the SEALs). If this SEAL accuses the Admin of falsehood, that does not mean they were. It is, however, an accusation from one of the few people qualified to make it. Therefore, it should not be dismissed out of hand, but acknowledged and analyzed in a search for the truth.
message to you idiots giving Obama credit;
Who wouldnt have said take him out?
Takes a real big man to sit in a room and say go do something without ever being in any danger.
Navy Seals took out Osama, no one else.
We idiots? Who defend America just as you do? Keep drinking your dummied down FoxRush Koolaide.
By a simple extension of your "logic" (and I use the word loosely) ,Bin Lauden should not have been held responsible for the World Trade center because he didn't fly one of the planes.
The president is the Commander in Chief, and as such is the person who gave the orders to the seals. Without the order Bin Lad an would still be in Pakistan alive and planning against us.
So should we expect our president to be doing anti-terrorism missions behind enemy lines? Is that what we're proposing by saying Obama had nothing to do with killing Bin Laden? Were we outraged that Bush didn't pull the trigger on Saddam/
Hey tbone, or should I call you numb skull. When was the last time a POTUS or for that matter any leader in modern history was expected to be on the front line? Did your venerable Bush ride on the advancing tanks rushing towards Bagdad or was skirmishing with the Taliban during Afghanistan invasion? Only a Repugnant / D-Bagger sounds like you......tweet! Stop listening to Faux News and the likes of similar minded liars.
These warriors, like any operator that is in the military or law enforcement or TSA, knows to plan, execute and then swiftly and silently move about just like they are a regular member of society. We have learned how to discern and use atrophy without hesitation and then just melt into society as if we are not highly trained skilled operators. People probably think I sell shoes. We can build a weapon from scratch and fight 4 men with a toothpick and a popsickle stick.
TBone – this just in – recent enhanced analysis of the painting Washington Crossses the Delaware reveal that George washngton did not so muych as touch an oar on this trip – His men did alll the rowing. Even worse, Washngton – in defiance of all smalll craft safety praci ces stoood uyp – in the front of the boat – the entire trip – which was reallly just a combin taxpayer funded winter ski trip to the Pococos and electioneeering junmket!!!!!
Are you stupid or something? The Commander-in-Chief is the person exercising supreme command authority of a nation's military forces or significant element of those forces. As a practical term it refers to the military competencies that reside in a nation-state's executive, Head of State and/or Head of Government. In the case of the US, this power resides in Barack Obama. The SEALS would have never been there if the Commander-in Chief had not givin the permission to proceed with the mission to eliminate Osama bin Laden. Everyone that was involved in that operation, from the Comander-in-Chief to the last sailor on the USS Carl Vinson can claim a part in the successful completion of Operation Neptune Spear. The Navy SEAL who has published this book has betrayed the trust, honor, ethics and cultural values inside the ranks of the United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group , the United States Navy, and the overall umbrella organization of the Military Forces in general. It appears to me, in my humble opinion that HE wanted to make sure that HE got credit. This just exposes him for the narcissistic egoist that he certainly appears to be.
VERY WELL SAID,
It is false to say that there was no risk to Obama –
He risked soldiers dying for a Laden-less compound.
He risked causeing an incident with Pakistan for a Laden-less compound.
He risked killing women and children in order to take a compound (with or without Laden).
He risked Laden being taken alive and sent to Gitmo for valuable enhanced interrogation time.
There was a great deal of political risk Obama took on when, had he chickened out, none of us would have known.
I cannot say if Obama did the political math and took a gamble on the positive press that the operation would generate, but he did take that risk, even if for the most base of reasons, and he deserves the props for coming to the right decision reguardless of what the motivation might have been.
Now, the Administration has been milking it well betond what is tasteful, but that is not a flaw with the raid or the Administration's role in it – it is a consequence of the dearth of positive accomplishments the Administration has to toute in an election cycle that the few he has are overexposed.
Robert Gates, a Republican, advised against the raid as did others in the Administration. Had it failed you would have lambasted him for the risk and sent him the way of Jimmy Carter. Obama's instincts were right, he personally thanked the team who got Bin Laden. He never stood on a carrier deck in front of a banner that said Mission Accomplished, he just accomplished that mission!
My son is not a SEAL, however he’s served as support for Army SF teams. He was badly injured during a mission in 2005. To this day I do not know the details of the operation he was on when injured, I’m pretty certain I never will. When I’ve asked about it his response is, “Don’t worry about it – all in a day’s work! Bad men – do bad things – to bad people – to keep good folks safe!” End of story. This is a man who will not share with his own mother.
Forget the NDA, Bissonnette broke a trust between Brothers. This alone speaks volumes about his character. He is not an honorable man.
obama and his minions presented lies and tried to take credit for nothing. the Seals and the author have more honor than obama and his supporters will ever have or be able to understand
So easy to take away credit when the POTUS in office is not one of your fear mongering Repugnant!
this just in – recent enhanced analysis of the painting Washington Crossses the Delaware reveal that George washngton did not so much as touch an oar on this trip – His men did alll the rowing! Even worse, Washington – in defiance of all smalll craft safety praci ces stoood up – in the front of the boat – the entire trip – which was reallly just a combination taxpayer funded ski trip to the Pococos and electioneeering junmket
BRAVO!!!!!!!!
this just in – recent microscopic analysis of the emanuel leutze painting Washington Crossses the Delaware reveal that George did not so much as touch an oar on this trip – His men did alll the rowing! Even worse, Washington – in defiance of all smalll craft safety pracices stoood up – in the front of the boat no lesss – the entire trip – which was reallly just a combination taxpayer funded ski trip to the Pococos and electioneeering junmket
obama and his minions presented lies
The only one lying here is you.
Care to try again ?
It has been my privaledge to work directly with many in our Spec-Ops community and they are truely the finest our nation has to offer and I tip my hat to your son. He exemplifies all that the warrior ethos stands for. He is truely an American Hero and we owe him a debt of honor for his service, his sacrifice and his courage on our behalf. Tell him I said "Bravo-Zulu"- job well done. God bless you both./
Thank you Jim, I'll pass along your kind words!
Please thank your son for his service. I am grateful for his service. Props to you, too. You raised an honorable, moral man.
whatever is in this book, there's no way in hell anything truly classified is being released in it. the book has to be published, and it may tell a gripping story, but anything that would compromise the SEALS or America is left out I'm sure. honestly would you think the pentagon would allow someone to write a book spilling every secret about everything? someone would come out with a new tell all book everyday.......oh wait, they do, and they're crap.
jagger, 'classified' may not have been released, but little 'tells' might have been. Campfire complaining should stay around the campfire. I've complained plenty about my boss, I'm relieved my friends did not tell him how I felt. I hope this is all a tempest in a teapot, but a few years and lots a retirements would have been a better time for release of this book.
By the by, I would have loved to hear the campfire talk about Bush once the troops realized there were no weapons of mass destruction! I'll bet it was a lot more 'colorful' than this was!
I don't feel this book should have been written and published. Some things should never be put in print and this is one of them. What the Navy Seals are trained for and the operations they carry out should be kept private. Just my opinion of course.
they should do their job and keep their mouth shut...
I have a retired SEAL as a brother and he would NEVER tell me about his ops...but he is old school...these new guys are glory chasers...that is certainly not "old school"...as for the President taking credit for the death of OSBL...well he was Commander in Chief wasn't he??? The military said nothing when Bush said ..."Mission accomplished" did they? The military is not supposed to be political at all so an active military should not speak poorly of their Commander. EVER.
JUST SAYIN!
Please thank your brother for his service.
Simple if you sign a non-disclosure agreement, ehm duh you are not supposed to disclose sensitive information. However, this guy is probably a self-serving tea partier so what does he care. Anyway, now a point that some Republicans and tea-partiers have said, without the Presidents final say or decision Navy Seal team 6 does not act, Mission carried out by Team 6, credit given to the President top have the gumption to order such a mission. However, ohh boy had the Mission failed these snakes, will be the first in line to criticize the President till Kingdom come. Go ahead keep on hating. Your hypocrisy, hate, underlying racial overtones, bigotry, are pretty quite clear.
Why are active duty seals posing for group photo's like above on CNN? since they belong to such an elite group of the military why would they want the world's bad guys to know who they are?
Because they are bad ass and will tell the so called bad guys to come get some.
A lot of soldiers put themselves in harms way and don't get this kind of glory. Think about that for a while.
This man deserves no respect.
This is all just Psyops.... This guy was given a secret nod to do this. Just because the pentagon fakes shock at it does not mean they didn't have knowledge of it previously. The military does this sort of thing all the time.
Psyops? Are you now revealing secrets or just speaking with no knowledge? Most likely the later.
wmbarker... of course I have no direct knowledge.. just my theory. The nature of the SEAL teams is one thing. Very tight group of type A guys. The guys who are invited to Team 6 by their peers are a whole other level of professionalism. These guys just don't toss that aside. There must be more to it.
Spelling error... You meant the latter.
Very tight group of type A guys.
I wont ask.
To what end – to excite and recruit the best Minecraft players out there to join the SEALs so that the US quest for oil can continue unabated? Did I get it right, the real truth?
To what end? Well who would be better at gaining intelligence from than Osama? If the mission ended in a capture rather then the advertised killing, who better to step out and state he was really killed then someone on the mission? Remember there was no other hard evidence presented that Osama was killed. So the book comes out. They make the book slightly different then the official story to present a valid reason for the guy to release it. I know.... crazy right? Governments never do this sort of cover up..... lol
He may get some money from his book, but he knows full well he betrayed a brotherhood.
He's no SEAL. He gave up that honor for a fast buck.
Oh please... every officer that goes to one of the academies takes an oath to not lie, cheat or steal nor tolerate anyone amongst their number who would. All this man did is tell the truth... that conflicted with the LIES this administration told.
i think you missed the big picture regarding this article and this situation. not even talking about the gov't but the other SEAL's he betrayed by going public w/anything. i believe they know going in being a SEAL that they need to keep their mouths shut about any mission they may go on and for him to have written a book i don't think he was SEAL material from the beginning.
Sure, if your spouse cheats on you, you may parlay it into a reality show. Its your right. Better, worse, sickness, health, do do part, screw it all – its all just a lot of crap you recited, but now you're out for revenge and deserve it all. Fame and fortune, the one and only American dream.
If you accuse someone of lying you should cite references. Not just listen to FoxRush noise.
the LIES this administration told.
Care to list them Scott ?
We will wait, we have all day.
Waiting..........
still waiting..........
Agreed. He is disgraceful.
Seems kind of hypocritical for the Navy to be decrying this book in light of the propaganda film "Act of Valor" that was just released. The trailer for the movie boasted that active duty SEALS performed in it. So celebrity status is OK for some SEALS? I'm confused.
The guys in the movie received no royalties, they were "on duty" during the filming.
This all starts with the dumb Obama and his decision to tell everyone it was Seal Team six who conducted the raid. When the commander and chief sets a horrible example like that what do you except the guys under him to do.
2011
The CIA was unable to rule out the existence of an underground bunker below the compound. Presuming that one existed, 32 2,000-pound (910 kg) bombs fitted with JDAM guidance systems would be required to destroy it.[45] With that amount of ordnance, at least one other house was in the blast radius. Estimates were that up to a dozen civilians would be killed in addition to those in the compound. Furthermore it was unlikely there would be enough evidence remaining to prove that bin Laden was dead. Presented with this information at the next Security Council meeting on March 29, President Obama put the bombing plan on hold. Instead he directed Admiral McRaven to develop the idea of a helicopter raid.
McRaven assembled a team drawing from Red Squadron, one of four that make up DEVGRU. Red Squadron was coming home from Afghanistan and could be redirected without attracting attention. The team had language skills and experience with cross-border operations into Pakistan.[44] Without being told the exact nature of their mission, the team performed two rehearsals in the U.S. on April 10 in North Carolina and April 18 in Nevada.[43][45]
Planners believed the SEALs could get to Abbottabad and back without being challenged by the Pakistani military. The helicopters to be used in the raid had been designed to be quiet and to have low radar visibility. Since the U.S. had helped equip and train the Pakistanis, their defensive capabilities were known. Furthermore the U.S. had supplied F-16 Fighting Falcons to Pakistan on the condition they were kept at a Pakistani military base under 24-hour U.S. surveillance.[46] The U.S. would know immediately if the Pakistanis scrambled their jets.
Remember why this book and the anti-Obama Seal campaign began. It was the leaks about their work and missions from the White House and/or DOD that prompted this, not the other way around. Besides, the word "former" is an important distinction here. This is backlash from the inaccurate leaking that was meant to bolster the Obama image.
There's the official story, there are the conspiracy stories , then there is the truth and the truth is exactly what we are not getting. This latest seal STORY is just another STORY to obfuscate the truth. The sad thing is there can be no healing without the truth. That is why our world is becoming sicker by the day. Until we start getting real and tell the truth we are going to get worse. Dynamic creativity within the laws of the planet Earth we live on will create a healthy vibrant magical world. Lies, ignoring the reality of natural laws will result in grief, suffering and untimely death. May truth, integrity and peace prevail.
It's disturbing to me that there were special forces in WWII that did as much as these guys did, got no credit at all for their amazing secret missions in both theaters, and didn't say a thing about it because their government asked them to, many of them dying before the world finally understood their full story. Now, we have pukes like Bissonnette that are so freaking immature that they cannot wait to get some celebrity status off of their service. They aren't doing their job because they care about it, they're doing it for appearances. Why the military can't do a better job of making sure people like this don't get to such a high level is beyond me.
"They aren't doing their job because they care about it, they're doing it for appearances."
what kind of bull sh-t is that? atleast these men are risking their lives, going on missions that me or you couldnt even imagine of for the well being of our country. who cares if they ask for a little bit of recognition. nowadays, when some one accomplishes anything, they like to be recognized for it, its not that one persons fault, its how society has molded us, its not the WWII era anymore guys.
i congratulate the author of the book for doing what others wont, and knowing that sometimes; the truth does need to be spoken.
also, to add. A lot of you on here are saying how dishonorable the is for writing the book, how he breached his contract, and has a big mouth, none of which is true.....he didnt tell any secrets, or anything that would require a security clearence.
Going after personal glory and fame while compromising the security of the team and country and disregarding the legions that do and die is pathetic. I don't understand any of the viewpoints that are supporting this guy that's singing away all the secrets of the navy seals, and that too in writing. Its very disturbing.
It's a fact that if a guy writes a book about his experiences in a Seal operation. He's not a Seal. That's all there is to it. He shouldn't have been on the mission, and if he was, it was probably a political placement. The tendency these last few years to make celebrity soldiers is pathetic from the football player who got shot up grandstanding by his own comrades, to the Uk's own Prince Harry going on missions and getting pulled out at the last minute because details got leaked, it's pathetic. Why do you think the helicopter crashed?
The only reason this is an issue is because "The Truth" conflicted with the sanitized story told by the administration. Just because men of honor will not tell your lies does not make the men of honor wrong....
Sorry men of honor do not gossip.
Correcting a lie is not gossip. Standing up and saying "the things he said I did, it did not happen that way"... thats not gossip. Its standing up for the truth.
"Mission Accomplished", eh? So, all that talk about honor, and respecting the chain of command, means nothing because its about getting Obama?
NEWSFLASH Scot, Do you honestly beleive any administration is going to give you the full truth, Bottom Line is Mission accomplished. Whne it comes to issues regarding national Security i firmly believe in a NEED TO KNOW BASIS. It's obviousl you have never dealt with issues in a grave matter that endangers lives that information may be harmful.
Scott
Correcting a lie is not gossip. Standing up and saying "the things he said I did, it did not happen that way"... thats not gossip. Its standing up for the truth.
---------------------------------------------------
You have already posted things that prove you dont like Obama.
What you are saying is, this guy is telling the truth and The Obama Administration is lying.
Show me proof, or YOU ARE LYING.
The SEALs get an EPIC FAIL because of this guy. Pretty clear anyone in the military with a political grudge or self aggrandizing agenda, or both, has no fear of military retribution. Need to toughen penalties for this type of disclosure. As for the tell all guy, I wouldn't hire him, if he can't be trusted to honor his contract in the military I know he won't honor any business confidentiality, either.
Precisely. It's one thing to shine light on wrongdoing, but to just start talking just because you have a grudge... That's 'f'd. What ever happend to the "quiet professionals"? There's no way he could keep a trade secret in the civilian sector, he just cdan't be trusted.
Imagine what secrets this guy would start singing about if he were captured for some reason. This guy has loose lips. As a former service member this guy gets none of my respect.
Thank you for your service.
In some cases I feel that secrecy is necessary for things like effecting military missions and communications codes and nuclear weapons, but in general the benefits of a free and open society is essential to protect and enjoy our freedom.
Classifying authorities should be limited and classified material downgraded as soon as its purpose has been served.
Google JFK speech on secrecy.
For service members, maintaining an unadulterated chain of command free from political consideration is paramount. The Commander in Chief must remain assured that his orders will be carried out without regard for a troop's personal feelings. This undercuts that trust and places us all in grave danger.
Is anyone else here tired of the "give me give me, me, me, I, I" generation?
You can't buy this sort of publicity. Controversy sells books. His phone is probably ringing off the hook with offers of making a movie or mini series.
Uh,.... how much should the Commander in Chief talk about "SEAL Team Six"?
At least four more years 🙂
That's entirely up to the president since he is the Commander-in-Chief.
Actually no it isnt, the president is bound by the same laws as every other American is. So if something is classified, he can go to prison for speaking publically about it too.
Scott, you don't know what you're talking about. Sitting presidents don't just "go to prison". There must be an impeachment. Nothing the president or his administration has said comes even remotely close to justifying that kind of action. And I beg to differ with your assessment on one key ground. I'll be damned if I'm going to agree that some lower level government employee of military officer has the right to "classify" information leaving the President of the United States no way to overrule that judgement. That is simply crazy talk.
Although laws are supposed to apply to all, even the president, in this case, nothing would ever happen to him (Obama) because of the joke that is our Attorney General (Eric Holder). Holder would never take a step against Obama. He only enforces the laws he agrees with. Just another reason to get rid of them both.
This is an EXCELLENT POINT!
The Commander in Chief should keep his mouth shut! Both the President and Vice President have used the Military and Intelligence Agency's for their own political gain – It makes me Sick!
My father was in the Military for 20 years and my son has been for 3 years – I know how important keeping our secrets, strengths and weaknesses quiet are to Our Country.
News Flash – Obama didn't get Bin Laden – The United States Military Did!
Tom
This is an EXCELLENT POINT!
The Commander in Chief should keep his mouth shut! Both the President and Vice President have used the Military and Intelligence Agency's for their own political gain – It makes me Sick!
My father was in the Military for 20 years and my son has been for 3 years – I know how important keeping our secrets, strengths and weaknesses quiet are to Our Country.
News Flash – Obama didn't get Bin Laden – The United States Military Did!
NEWS for you TOM, He is CINC, for you it's Commander In Chief, With that said, He made the call to go, Into a another country's Terriority, (That was a hard decision) Can you imagine if the OP failed, What consequences... Stop Yelling from the Arm Chair, This Navy Seal is in clear violation of his oath, As an American and a Seal. What political gain he gave the ORDER and it worked. Yes he does deserve some form of recognition, HE GAVE THE ORDER, No one else, He accepted the outcome positive or Negative. That's what being a leader is accepting the responseability, He has to answer to DEAD AMERICANS. Oh BTW i served 30 yrs in the military, My Son 10 yrs so far and I have had the priveledge of working with SEALS in Fastroping...
Obama DID get Bin Laden .
You are not much of an American.
You have put politics over duty.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
How dare this man tell the story of a top secret operation that was aired on CNN 5 minutes after it happened. The audacity!
CNN didn't sign a confidentiality agreement. The author did. He's now a distant relation to Bradley Manning. Suck on that.
Operational Security (OPSEC), before, during, or after an operation, involves EVERYONE, not just operators. Will I read this book? Absolutely unless it gets banned in the US and I am unable to buy it. However, again, OPSEC and non-disclosure agreements need to apply to everyone, not just operators. Why are politicians able to write books about military operations without prior approval from the Pentagon and nothing is said? Sometimes these politicians have more inside information than operators. Yes, this book might get people killed because it MIGHT reveal tactics however, it is no different from a politician leaking information about current military operations (i.e. the Bin Laden raid when it was leaked that Seal teams are currently conducting a raid).
Why did the GOP do nothing to Orin Hatch after he told the World that we were listening to Bin Laden Cell Phone calls..and Bin Laden never used a cell phone again..why is it alright for a former insurance salesman to right those spi novels that give out interesting information...He got his start by hanging out in a bar where CIA employees drank after work...He has made millions ... what about the Navy and CIA people that actually did those missions...He just changes a few details and calls them fiction...
it is different- politicians are undisciplined sharks- who play a poularity contest to get elected....
our military is different- it is a trained and disciplined professional force with ethics and traditions of excellence...
the Navy has a massive black eye from this conduct... the SEALS were one of the most well thought of elite units in military history...now- they have alot of work to do- to counter this unprofessional and dishonorable behavior that has stained their name.
this is disgraceful and unbecoming of the Service.
Two ways I will read this book. First borrow it from the library or two buy it used in a thrift store. Neither way gives the author any royalties.
Bissonnette is an egomanical, self-serving political operative; we trained him to both HONOR and SERVE our great country... with the publication of his book, he has shown that he knows nothing about either...
Obama was the first to blab in an attempt to brag about the mission. Obama you did nothing! You've done nothing and your time is up!
The DECISION to order is a huge responsibility. That decision was taken by Obama. If the mission had gone terribly wrong, you would be the first one, standing in line, to blame the president. Remember Carter's Iran mission?
Being able to give credit where it's due probably doesn't come easy for some folks.
And look at the reverse of leaking information...Dick Cheney probably held a higher security clearance then GWBush did..When Bush was running a amall Texas oil company..Dick Cheney was helping to run a super secret supply system sending WMD's to Saddam in Irag under the Reagan Administration...You Know who was incharge at the White House the morning of 9/11/2001...Dick Cheney...and You Know NORAD had drills just like the real 911 attacks...And they never told the airports, airlines, or other US law enforcement Agencies...and Miss Rice turned down Richard Clarke's request for SAM sites around New York and Washington DC as a last resort against an attack like 911...We knew years before 911 from information from Bin Laden's own people they had plans to hijack passenger jets nd use them as home made cruise missiles, the on borad fuel as a weapon, and crash them into our government buildings and skyscrappers...They wanted to crash into the CIA headquarters..Did the CIA headquarters have hidden SAM sites around it before 9/11/2001..They sure do now...
The Commander-in Chief of the United States military is responsible for all of the actions of the military he commands.
This POTUS – this Leader of The Free World-ordered the strike of our military into a foreign country -keeping a promise no one else would make- to the American people of going to "search out, and close with and destroy" all enemies foreign and domestic of the United States of America.
Bush- gave up on the search for bin ladin... Obama resumed the search- found him and sent our troops to destroy him... it was his responsibility to avenge teh honor of the United States of America and you sir- are off base- and i think with a personal agenda- counter to the traditions and honor of the United States of America.
Look at the tape. Obama announced to the world that it's most wanted terrorist had been killed. Before anything else he gave credit to all those who were involved. He wasn't bragging about anything. He's the Commander in Chief. He had the balls to order this mission and it's his place to tell the world. People like you would have been the first to blame him if the mission had failed. At least he didn't do it from a battleship with a " Mission Accomplished" banner behind him. Did you think Bush was bragging when he made that announcement, which turned out to be totally wrong? I seriously doubt it. You were probably cheering him on. Obama said he would kill or capture Bin Laden and he did.
That's like saying Eisenhower gets no credit for the D-Day Normandy invasion. He didn't personally storm the beaches, but he oversaw the planning, gave the order, and in doing so took on responsibility for the consequences. Obama may or may not have participated in any of the planning, but he did give the order and would have suffered consequences if the op had gone badly, just as Jimmy Carter did after Operation Eagle Claw. Romney is on the record as saying he wouldn't have gone after Osama in Pakistan - though I'm sure he wishes he could retract that statement now. Whatever else I think of Obama, he gets props from me on this issue.
helloooooooooooo this FOX NEWS, remember they dont like the blackman in the white house so is this seal. this seal palin and simple he dont like obama. whats new about fox news????
Race card? The majority of President Obama's supporters were white people. So now if he does not win again it is because of his race?
just the tea party racist crowd...
of course the whites in USA hired Obama- the alternative was a doddering fool who didnt know the country was hanging off a cliff with a clueless VP nominee that had never read past "Sam I Am" books...
its the reason white America will re-hire Obama- he cares about American- and teh other guy is a thieving Republican corporate raider who destroyed American companies and puts Americans out of work- so they can open companies overseas giving jobs to foreigners so they make more profits. Romney doesnt care a fig about Americans...
Romney said – he will run the country like he ran his business- and I believe him... if white America hires a guy who is sure to deregulate the financia markets again and we'll be robbed by wall street again...
The poor dont have any money... they are trying to "privatize" social secuirty and swap medicare for a "voucher" and reduce stuff for middle Americans... hiring Romney is cutting white Americans throats- its counter intuitive...
Obama makes much more sense. But if he loses- so does white Americans... they will be rehiring the same bush administration people that got us into trouble in teh first place- look at Romney's "advisors" Karl Rove and Condi Rice and the same old gang are in the wings. Good luck with that.
It seems that in the Twitter/facebook age, NO ONE can keep their mouths shut... not even the once proud, stealthy Navy SEALs. I agree with the rear admiral; they should NOT 'advertise' their work. It undermines their commitment to serving the country without question and in silence. Imagine how WW2 would've gone down if Patton's 7th army had to stop and tweet every few minutes? Or the slapped soldier in Sicily had a book deal waiting for him when he got home?
I admire SEAL Team 6 for a job well done. I just wish they didn't feel the need to pat themselves on the back quite so much. Whatever happened to the dignity of serving in silence?
Great post!
You assume quite a bit. You realize that Team 6 didn't collaborate on this book. In fact, there are about 2,000 Navy Seals that didn't write this book.
Oh please, the only secret revealed in this book is the administration lied to the country about how Bin Laden died... In a democracy... a gov't of the people by the people for the people... the gov't shouldn't be allowed to lie to the people.
Hey Scott, what did you think when we invaded two countries on lies? and furthermore to quote most repblican'ts this is a republic not a democracy
Ah I get it... you don't mind your gov't lying to you as long as its "Your guy" lying to you... and its all okay cause evidently its okay for Republics to lie to their people... Democrats are pathetic... obviously your loyalty to party is more important to you than your country.
People in general are stupid and can't handle what it really takes to make this country as safe as possible. It is not all sunshine and unicorn farts. It is an ugly world out there that requires a certain amount of secrecy and force to get the job done. I'm ok with not knowing all the details of every little thing that goes on. Does it really affect you and your life that much that you know the government isn't giving us all the details? Maybe you need to rethink your life.
Good thing we live in a Republic than and not a Democracy... It might be a democratic Republic but it is still a Republic.
Not quite as bad as the LIE about WMD's which got us into a big a$$ war huh?
Mr Scott, How do you know the administration lied? Were you there? How do you know that what they said was not what was reported to them? How do you know whether this self serving ex-seal's version is the absolute truth or just his convenient interpretation? If you pay someone a huge amount of money to provide juicy information how can you be sure that person is not going to be biased and try to exaggerate?
What is this lie you're yapping about? I don't intend to read this shameful book, but what I've heard so far agrees in substance with the President's report. There are always difference of detail (fog off war and so on), but I don't see any major difference.
If the US Army had handled this op- all you would have heard was the President announce its completion... and that'd be it...
US Army special operations forces don't go telling tales after they do their job... thats just a fact.
leave it to teh navy to kiss and tell... i find the lack of professionalism- dismaying. Disciplined military have ethics and tradition of leaving politics out of it... thi is a black eye on the navy and a step away from professionalism.
should have sent USA Rangers you wouldn't have this. leave the squids in the sea.
That is correct -
Army (Delta-1st SFOD-D) - Special Forces Groups/Teams [Green Berets], and 75th Rangers Bn) do their jobs quietly.
The SEALs are elite yet I also blame the Navy a bit for this as well.
And for the people knocking the current CofC for receiving credit would also
have to knock General Eisenhower for D-Day success, General
Grant for the Union victories and even President Reagan for the Cold War success.
I agree with the Navy Admiral who is the current head of Naval Special Warfare, that the SEALs (current/former) need to get out of business of talking about SEAL missions, training, etc.
Army/Marine Elite forces seem to have a bit more discipline in this area.
Remember most Army/Marine Special Operational Forces were previously Elite Infantry Soldiers/Marines
before becoming special operators. I believe that says a lot about discipline. Most Delta operators were
previously grunts (Infantry/Airborne Infantry), former Army Rangers, and former Special Forces (Green Berets) before becoming Delta operators. The SEALs community is professional and elite yet are also known to be bit on the "wild" side. That wild side culture has always been embraced by their community whereas the Army and Marine Corps community would see it as a "serious problem" and lack of maturity and professionalism.
Nevertheless the SEALs are a very elite force which needs to stay focused on the mission as "secret" professional elite operators who execute highly "classified" missions and keep secrets as they are swore to do. Every time you turn around we are hearing something about the Navy Seals who number (known – not secret) around 2500 out of an approx. 65,000 Special Operational Forces Soldiers. Notice that we rarely hear about the other 62,000 Special Operators from the other military branches.
Below is a listing (non-classified/public information) of those “other” Special Operational Forces that seem to stay in the shadows as they should – minus US Navy
Special Mission Units [SMU's]
• 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta ["Delta Force/ACE/CAG"] (United States Army)
• Intelligence Support Activity ["The Activity"] (United States Army)
• 24th Special Tactics Squadron ["24th STS"] (United States Air Force)
United States Army
• United States Army Special Forces ["Green Berets"]
• 75th Ranger Regiment ["Rangers"]
• 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment ["Night-Stalkers"]
United States Marine Corps
• Marine Special Operations Regiment
• United States Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance
United States Air Force
• United States Air Force Combat Control Team
• United States Air Force Pararescue
• Air Force Special Operations Weather Technician
• US Air Force Tactical Air Control Party
I've read about 20 of these stories and noticed one thing: no one chimes in that there's no such thing as an "ex-SEAL". Try using the words "ex-Marine" (or failing to capitalze it), and you will promptlly told that there is no such thing as an "Ex-Marine", and have your butt handed to you. lol. God bless all these folks but tell the SEALS to shut up and that this isn't reality TV and a book deal isn't part of the service. Our governemnt is just as guilty with that recent SEAL movie and the boot camp TV show with the celebrities. It can be done more tastefully- the current content is beneath our servicemembers.
It looks like someone needs to be told that online rebukes isn't part of the service.
P.S. Don't mess with Wisconsin.
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Texan – here's a list of recommended professional reading by the Commandant of the USMC http://home.comcast.net/~antaylor1/usmccommandant.html . I'm fairly certain there are multiple, multiple books by former Marines who describe their experiences on specific deployments or battles. Essentially exactly what this book does.
No way! According to most of the "its about honor" phonies this has never happened before.