Books : Brotherhood of Warriors: Behind Enemy Lines with a Commando in One of the World's Most Elite Counterterrorism Units

Rating: - A "Must" Read
This should be required reading for military and law enforcement professionals. I received training from Aaron Cohen, but knew little about his past. I ordered the book to learn more about him, his background and the basis of the instruction he provides. I got more than I bargained for and gained a greater appreciation for his training.

In "Brotherhood of Warriors," Aaron shares the unusual experience of an American serving in an elite Israeli counter-terrorism unit. Through his unique perspective, Aaron shows the sharp contrast between the American and Israeli cultures and each nation's ability to cope with the terrorist threat. Aaron's journey is fascinating and there are valuable lessons to be learned from his commando experience.

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Rating: - Rich Boy Joins Israeli Special Forces
The author Aaron Cohen grew up in Hollywood, California to a wealthy family. Yet he knew that something was missing in his life.So at the age of eighteen, he travels to Israel where he works and lives on a kibbutz.Later, he joins the IDF.
But he is not satisfied with just any unit but works hard and is accepted into a Top Secret Israeli Special Forces unit that takes the war to the terrorists.I really enjoyed his details of his training but was a bit disappointed that there was not a bit more information on his combat missions (that was due to security reasons).I would recommend this book to anyone who has aspirations on joining the IDF.

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Rating: - Stunning
Brotherhood of Warriors is a disturbing look at life in one of the Israeli Special Forces, the Sayeret Duvdevan. The Sayeret Duvdevan is a counterterrorism force that works in the West Bank conducting secret operations against Palestinian militants. They undergo a year and a half of intensive and dangerous training which would surely be illegal in the U.S., followed by less than a year of active duty in the West Bank.

The stress and emotional toll taken by the soldiers is startling, as are the differences between life in the U.S. and Israel. The author's background in the U.S., as well as his lack of knowledge about Israeli life in the beginning of the book help American readers connects to the story. The steady change he undergoes throughout his life in Israel is the most compelling part of the book; it shows the damage to humanity from being in an unending war.

This book is a real eye-opener for any American wondering what life on the front lines of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is like. I had never heard of the Sayeret Duvdevan before reading this book, and I will be looking for more good books on the Sayeret Duvdevan and their fellow IDF Special Forces, the Sayeret Matkal, and the Sayeret S-13.

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Rating: - Worth your time and money
My very brief review: Well written, engaging, humorous at times, inspiring, educational and most importantly a testament to those that put the safety and well being of their countrymen above their own.

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Rating: - Very Introspective, not Enough Military Info
I got this book about 20 days ago and I just finished. If I can use one word to describe this book it will be "introspection". The author spends about 50% of his narrative on his Jewishness and his desire to be in touch with it entirely. A lot of the introspection is about his childhood and upbringing; moving to Israel; life in Israel; and his feelings/reactions to special operations in the IDF special forces (Duvdevan). The other 50% is very unrevealing in the way of military operations. Very little is conveyed in the way of tradecraft and what is revealed is very basic. He does provide a glimpse into IDF special mission units, but just a glimpse. Of course, he is protecting operational security and methods, but it leaves a lot to be desired of a book with such a title. It seems like the story glosses over missions and operations and then he abruptly ends the book with his exit from the Israeli Defense Forces. It then becomes a little preachy on the lack of American resolve post-9/11. Otherwise, a good book with something to be desired. I came away feeling like he could have written more.