Make Your Bed: Ch 6

Study Notes

The author recounts a personal experience of completing a rope course obstacle, where they initially hesitated to slide down headfirst, but eventually overcame their fear and did it, resulting in a personal best time.

A grizzled old Vietnam vet SEAL instructor taught the author that to overcome obstacles, one must take risks and trust their abilities.

The author was involved in a rescue mission in Iraq, where three hostages were being held by Al Qaeda terrorists in a walled compound on the outskirts of Baghdad.
The rescue mission required a daylight raid, with three Black Hawk helicopters carrying the assault force landing in the compound.
The mission was high-risk, with the added challenge of an 8-foot high brick wall surrounding the compound.

The helicopters skimmed across the desert just above the ground to hide their approach.
The author watched via video surveillance as the helicopters landed in the compound, and the rescue force exited and began surging into the building.
The third helicopter's rear wheel clipped the wall, but the pilot forced the helicopter to the ground, and everyone inside was unharmed.
The mission was a success, with all hostages safe and on their way back to safety within 30 minutes.

The author reflects that assuming risk is typical of special operations forces, who push the limits of themselves and their machines to be successful.
The risk-taking is usually calculated, thoughtful, and well-planned, even if it appears spontaneous.
The British Special Air Service (SAS) motto "Who Dares Wins" is quoted, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and pushing limits to achieve one's potential.

The author recounts a personal experience of completing a rope course obstacle, where they initially hesitated to slide down headfirst, but eventually overcame their fear and did it, resulting in a personal best time.

A grizzled old Vietnam vet SEAL instructor taught the author that to overcome obstacles, one must take risks and trust their abilities.

The author was involved in a rescue mission in Iraq, where three hostages were being held by Al Qaeda terrorists in a walled compound on the outskirts of Baghdad.
The rescue mission required a daylight raid, with three Black Hawk helicopters carrying the assault force landing in the compound.
The mission was high-risk, with the added challenge of an 8-foot high brick wall surrounding the compound.

The helicopters skimmed across the desert just above the ground to hide their approach.
The author watched via video surveillance as the helicopters landed in the compound, and the rescue force exited and began surging into the building.
The third helicopter's rear wheel clipped the wall, but the pilot forced the helicopter to the ground, and everyone inside was unharmed.
The mission was a success, with all hostages safe and on their way back to safety within 30 minutes.

The author reflects that assuming risk is typical of special operations forces, who push the limits of themselves and their machines to be successful.
The risk-taking is usually calculated, thoughtful, and well-planned, even if it appears spontaneous.
The British Special Air Service (SAS) motto "Who Dares Wins" is quoted, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and pushing limits to achieve one's potential.

The author recounts a personal experience of completing a rope course obstacle, where they initially hesitated to slide down headfirst, but eventually overcame their fear and did it, resulting in a personal best time.

A grizzled old Vietnam vet SEAL instructor taught the author that to overcome obstacles, one must take risks and trust their abilities.

The author was involved in a rescue mission in Iraq, where three hostages were being held by Al Qaeda terrorists in a walled compound on the outskirts of Baghdad.
The rescue mission required a daylight raid, with three Black Hawk helicopters carrying the assault force landing in the compound.
The mission was high-risk, with the added challenge of an 8-foot high brick wall surrounding the compound.

The helicopters skimmed across the desert just above the ground to hide their approach.
The author watched via video surveillance as the helicopters landed in the compound, and the rescue force exited and began surging into the building.
The third helicopter's rear wheel clipped the wall, but the pilot forced the helicopter to the ground, and everyone inside was unharmed.
The mission was a success, with all hostages safe and on their way back to safety within 30 minutes.

The author reflects that assuming risk is typical of special operations forces, who push the limits of themselves and their machines to be successful.
The risk-taking is usually calculated, thoughtful, and well-planned, even if it appears spontaneous.
The British Special Air Service (SAS) motto "Who Dares Wins" is quoted, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and pushing limits to achieve one's potential.