Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win

battlefield, which could confuse and confound even the most
experienced Soldiers and SEALs. The fog of war in a chaotic urban
environment grows thick rapidly and could muddle even the most
seemingly obvious situations.
The company commander (a U.S. Army captain) in charge of the
Bradley Fighting Vehicle that reported the enemy snipers was an
exceptional warrior and leader, whom our SEALs had come to deeply
respect and admire. He and his Soldiers were an outstanding group. We
had formed a tremendous bond with them through dozens of operations
working together. Our SEAL snipers supported their operations, and they
in turn responded continuously to our calls for help by rolling out in
their tanks down extremely dangerous, uncleared roads to bring
firepower to bear and provide evacuation of our SEAL casualties. Every
time we called for help, the company commander fearlessly placed
himself and his men at great risk. He personally saddled up and drove
out in his tank to bring the thunder on our behalf and beat back enemy
attacks on SEAL positions. Now, the company commander heard the
report of enemy snipers. He responded over his radio, “Give a
description of the target.”
The Bradley’s vehicle commander answered: “Several military-age
males on a rooftop. They appear to have some heavy weapons, and some
have what appear to be sniper weapons with scopes.”
Monitoring the radio calls, I stood next to the company commander
in the makeshift TOC inside COP Falcon. Knowing I had SEAL snipers
on the rooftop near where the enemy was spotted, I quickly asked, “Find
out what building number they see the enemy in.” The company
commander radioed his Bradley commander for an exact position.
“Building 79,” replied the Bradley vehicle commander.