QUOTES

3 " Set the highest example. Remember, no one ever did anything absolutely right. Perfection is impossible, but striving for perfection is not. You have the power to do that. "

― , The Warrior Elite: The Forging of SEAL Class 228

4 " Interestingly, when they are on our side, we usually refer to them as guerrillas or partisans or freedom fighters. When they, the men in the hills, oppose a government we support, we call them insurgents. "

― , Chosen Soldier: The Making of a Special Forces Warrior

5 " Muzzle control has to be a religion. You cannot point that weapon at one of your brothers-or yourself. Know where you barrel is at all times, and know the condition of your weapon-loaded or unloaded, bolt forward or to the rear, round in the chamber or not, safety on or off. Keep your finger off the trigger unless you're going to kill something. "

― , Chosen Soldier: The Making of a Special Forces Warrior

6 " Real bullets are for keeps, and concealment is not necessarily good cover. "

― , Chosen Soldier: The Making of a Special Forces Warrior

7 " We have to work extra hard, because we in America are very ethnocentric--we think our culture is superior. Why's that? It's because we've got moon rocks, and nobody else has moon rocks. "

― , Chosen Soldier: The Making of a Special Forces Warrior

8 " You may need help or information from some nongovernmental organization, and the local person heading that NGO may be some West Coast, liberal-educated, no-leg-shaving, Birkenstock-wearing female uniform-hater. And you gotta deal with her. "

― , Chosen Soldier: The Making of a Special Forces Warrior

9 " Now, I’ve got a few things to say. You’re on your way to First Phase, so make me proud of you. After Hell Week, those of you who survive will still have to face the scuba pool comps in Second Phase and weapons practicals in Third Phase. I’ll want to shake your hand at graduation. When you get there, I want to think of you as one of Reno’s warriors.” There’s another roar from the class. Reno is very popular with Class 228. While he has frequently made them suffer, the trainees know that Reno and the other Indoc instructors have tried to give them what they need to survive in First Phase. “Be on time. Be alert. Be accountable for your actions in and out of uniform. You officers, look out for your men and your men will look out for you. Your reputation is everything in the teams. Remember this if you remember nothing else. For each of you, a chance to build on that reputation begins on Monday morning at zero five hundred in First Phase.” He looks around the class; every eye is on him. “For those of you who do get to the teams, I want you to take this on board. The guys in the teams are a brotherhood. You’ll be closer to them than you ever were to your friends in high school or college. You’ll live with them on deployment and some of you may even die with them in combat. But never, ever forget your family. Family comes before teammates. Most of us will grow old and die in bed, and the only people who will be there to help us die will be our family. Put your family first. I want you to never forget that. "

― , The Warrior Elite: The Forging of SEAL Class 228

10 " TRUST AND PERFORMANCE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES "

― , The Warrior Elite: The Forging of SEAL Class 228

11 " We are an impatient culture and an impatient electorate. "

― , Chosen Soldier: The Making of a Special Forces Warrior

12 " You can get into trouble really fast because it’s often not what you say or mean, it’s what they hear and understand. And be careful not to take offense when they mean no offense. "

― , Chosen Soldier: The Making of a Special Forces Warrior

13 " It’s more about what this training teaches a man about himself than a skill he’ll take with him into the groups or into combat,” Captain Shields added. "

― , Chosen Soldier: The Making of a Special Forces Warrior

14 " When it comes to a fight, you need all your skill and professionalism, but if you want to win that fight, you have to bring a controlled rage as well. We’re training to be warriors. "

― , Chosen Soldier: The Making of a Special Forces Warrior

15 " Know where your barrel is at all times, and know the condition of your weapon—loaded or unloaded, bolt forward or to the rear, round in the chamber or not, safety on or off. Keep your finger off the trigger unless you’re going to kill something. This is basic; you have to do the basics right—we won’t move to the next block of training until you get this one right. "

― , Chosen Soldier: The Making of a Special Forces Warrior

16 " I am a member of my Nation’s Chosen Soldiery.
I serve quietly, not seeking recognition or accolades.
My goal is to succeed in my mission—and live to succeed again. "

― , Chosen Soldier: The Making of a Special Forces Warrior