This story is not just about a SEAL on the Iraqi battlefield, but a SEAL at war with himself, and his ultimate victory. [Redman’s] story will inspire the reader, just as it did me.
The Trident is a frank, compelling and inspiring chronicle of an American warrior’s journey.
[A] book all leaders and aspiring leaders should read; both military and civilian—not only for the heart-pounding ride-along into battle, but for the inspiring reminder that a warrior’s strength and tenacity comes not from his physical stature but from his family and from within.
The Trident is a riveting, brutally honest and heartfelt story of a warrior’s journey to hell and back. It’s one of the best memoirs about love, combat and triumph against all odds that we’ve seen in a generation.
As a SEAL operator, I had the honor of serving with some of the best warriors and leaders in the United States military. Jay Redman’s humble and direct account of his journey . . . is remarkable. His life is the epitome of the ‘Never Quit’ spirit.
As a SEAL operator, I had the honor of serving with some of the best warriors and leaders in the United States military. Jay Redman’s humble and direct account of his journey . . . is remarkable. His life is the epitome of the ‘Never Quit’ spirit.” — Marcus Luttrell, New York Times bestselling author of Lone Survivor and Service
“The Trident is a riveting, brutally honest and heartfelt story of a warrior’s journey to hell and back. It’s one of the best memoirs about love, combat and triumph against all odds that we’ve seen in a generation.” — Sean Parnell, New York Times bestselling author of Outlaw Platoon
“[A] book all leaders and aspiring leaders should read; both military and civilian—not only for the heart-pounding ride-along into battle, but for the inspiring reminder that a warrior’s strength and tenacity comes not from his physical stature but from his family and from within.” — Eric Blehm, New York Times bestselling author of Fearless
“This story is not just about a SEAL on the Iraqi battlefield, but a SEAL at war with himself, and his ultimate victory. [Redman’s] story will inspire the reader, just as it did me.” — Robert M. Gates, former Secretary of Defense, from his Introduction
“Lt. Redman doesn’t hide anything . . . Only an intensely personal account like this can show us what he and thousands of others like him have gone though, and will continue to struggle with, for the rest of their lives.” — Larry Bond, New York Times bestselling author of Exit Plan
“The Trident is a frank, compelling and inspiring chronicle of an American warrior’s journey.” — Washington Times
Decorated Navy SEAL lieutenant Redman served in Colombia, Peru, Afghanistan, and Iraq before leading a mission against al Qaeda in 2007 that left him grievously wounded. During the several years and 37 surgeries he needed to recover, he became famous for the sign on his door at Bethesda Naval Medical Center admonishing visitors not to feel sorry for his wounds. With a 100,000-copy first printing.
2013-10-28
In a debut memoir, a young Navy SEAL describes his maturation as a military leader. Redman introduces himself as an arrogant junior SEAL officer who, ignoring contrary orders, went to the aid of comrades under fire in Afghanistan only to learn that his actions actually placed their lives at increased risk. Shunned as a showboating hothead, he was exiled to the Army Rangers for further training. During this time, he came to admit the reality of his shortcomings and acquired a more mature, humble and selfless approach to leadership. He redeemed himself fighting in Iraq until near-fatal injuries required him to take up the physical challenges of recovery and consider his motivations once again. An intensely introspective book, it is less about training and battles, though these are stirringly described, than about Redman's evolving mental state. This is unusual for a combat memoir, as military men are not generally given to such self-awareness, at least in print. As a result, however, the narrative lacks dramatic conflict, as much of the story consists of the author describing his perceptions and internal changes rather than demonstrating them through events. While he is unstinting in his self-criticism, much of the writing otherwise adheres to the tiresome conventions of military adventure: His colleagues are always thoroughly dedicated "warriors" (or, more clinically, "operators") and sterling fellows all, his lovely wife and children are unfailingly and wholeheartedly supportive of whatever he is doing, and so forth, none of which is either credible or perceptive. For all Redman's declarations of newfound humility, it seems that everything is still ultimately about him, even as he struggles through his medical rehabilitation with the single-minded goal of leaving his long-suffering family behind once again to give himself another crack at his nation's foes. A curiously unsatisfying memoir of personal development through service in an elite military team, introspective but not very insightful.
