The Finishing School: Earning the Navy SEAL Trident

In America's new war, the first guns in the fight are special operations forces, including the Navy SEALs, specially trained warriors who operate with precision, swiftness, and lethal force. In the constantlyshifting war on terror, SEAL units--small

in number, flexible, stealthy, and efficient--are more vital than ever to America's security as they take the battle to an elusive enemy around the globe.

But how are Navy SEALs made? What special training and preparation sharpen the physical skills and intangible character of a regular soldier into that of an elite warrior? In the acclaimedWarrior Elite, former Navy SEAL Dick Couch narrated one SEAL class's journey through BUD/S training, the brutal initial course that separates out candidates with the character and stamina necessary tobegin training as Navy SEALs. In The Finishing School, Couch follows SEALs into the next levels of training, where they further develop their endurance and strength, but also learn the teamwork andfinely honed skills they'll need to fight with the best--and win.

Dick Couch spent six months living with and observing SEALs in training for operational readiness in the months leading up to the Iraqicampaign. He follows them on the ground and in the water as they undergo SEAL Tactical Training, where they master combat skills such as precision shooting, demolitions, secure communications, parachuting, diving, andfirst aid.

From there, the men enter operational platoons, where they subordinate their individual abilities to the mission of the group and train for special operations in specific geographicalenvironments. Never before has a civilian writer been granted such close access to the training of America's most elite military forces. The Finishing School is essential reading for anyone whowants to know what goes into the making of America's best warriors.

"From the Hardcover edition."

DICK COUCH is the author of The Warrior Elite: The Forging of SEAL Class 228 and five novels. He commanded a SEAL platoon in Vietnam that conducted one of the few successful POW rescue operations of the war. He lives in central Idaho.

From the Hardcover edition.

The prerequisites — The finishing school — Postgraduate training — The men — The platoon — The squadron — Epilogue: the fight continues.