Outlaw Platoon - review

In 2006 at the age of 24, U.S. Army Ranger Sean Parnell was deployed in Afghanistan and had to act like brother, friend and commander. He became leader of platoon, which earned countless honors and experienced true war in the area between Afghanistan and Pakistan. This one particular platoon got nickname “Outloows” and this is their story. Moving and brilliant war memoirs, which will not let you a sleep! It’s almost unbelievable how intense and emotionally fulfilling narration is presented to you and still it’s reality.

Main advantage of this book is used language and combination of describing actual experience with informative parts about army, technology and guns. Parnell is “just another boy” in the war, so his narration is straight and non cryptogamous. There aren’t any hidden meanings and just a few philosophical reflections. Briefly stated just strong and fair story, which presents absolutely new look at soldiers and their normally abnormal lives. On the background of daily patrols in 6 humwees, there are explained their motives as well as their deepest fears and unique fraternal bounds. But it isn’t only about the crew. Parnell is commander and through almost 400 pages, you can experience his role as a father of 40 men too.

Briefly stated just strong and fair story, which presents absolutely new look at soldiers and their normally abnormal lives.

Thanks to that, Outlaw Platoon provides absolutely unique reading experience. You can almost feel pressure of leading role and see the whole battlegrounds from a little unusual perspective. To be honest, I really believe in his description of everyday war and misery. Especially, when he describes intensive moments like hopeless battle (when almost whole platoon died)
or his holiday, when he found out, that one of his men passed out. This particular parts are so well written that you literally pause and give them homage.

What’s more, narration is fluid and well described action full of small details alternates with interesting descriptions of “boring” routine in the right times. Even classic nudging between soldiers and their frequently “stupid” dialogues are extremely interesting and helping to point out their everyday lives in the war.

There is nothing to criticize, because Sean Parnell wrote excellent memoirs and honored all his men.

Because Sean all of that really experienced, there are amusing amount of factual information about U.S Army or Afghanistan and it’s people too. Author even didn’t lose his sense of humor as is evidenced by descriptions of traditions and customs, which are nearly always really funny and knowledge enriching. Especially story about cracked trousers and no underwear is unforgettable. I have to applause you Sean! A few years later, I was enchanted by Wright’s Generation Kill and became seriously interested in the military. Now, Outlaw Platoon even overcame this impression and left really deep effect. There is nothing to criticize, because Sean Parnell wrote excellent memoirs and honored all his men. The only thing I can do is honored his work in the exactly same way.