Betrayed: The Shocking True Story of Extortion 17 as told by a Navy SEAL's Father

Update August 2022 - Since I wrote this review I have received some additional input a) A report by an AC-130 pilot who described seeing and reporting suspicious activity near the intended landing zone just prior to the launch of multiple rockets at the helo and b) several sources describing the high level of compromised US/Afghan operations originating with members of the Afghan "partner" forces. My recollection is that the Afghan component onboard the helo was a last minute substitution for Afghans who had been briefed on the mission including the LZ location. Finally as a pilot and looking at a topo chart of the area the valley was very narrow and knowing only that the helo was inbound from a general direction selection of a workable launch site would not be very difficult.Great read about a sad story that should never have happened.A father's story of a larger than life son who was inspired by 9-11 to become a Seal. The tragedy of loosing that son in an helo shootdown that should never have happened. The further story of a coverup and deception that's become all too common today.When it seems the coverup and lies can go no further the author unveils another level of corruption and deception. Most disturbing were the notes regarding conversations with senior military officers with line responsibility for special forces in the region (unless control has been delegated to other commanders)What's especially disturbing is that the costly lessons so tragically learned at Desert 1, Somalia and Tarkur Gahr were so casually forgotten by the armchair generals and politicians running the so called war. Desert 1 taught the special forces that their missions demanded both special air assets and pilots. Somalia taught us the hard lessons snd high of going to war without taking critical assets (AC-130's), especially when they are left behind for political reasons.Extortion 17 taught us again the highly predictable cost of not using the right equipment, the right pilots and of neutering the AC-130 gunships. The difference between the helos is the difference between your family sedan and a NASCAR racer. It can do things your car can not do. The difference between the guard pilots and the special operations pilots is the difference between a highly skilled chauffeur, perhaps with some defensive driving skills , and the capabilities of an experienced racer.There's also the issues of lack of planning, swapout of the Afghan troops, lack of attention to the landing zone and approach until the last moments and the willingness to send American troops into battle in a helo which should have been in the junkyard while breaking most every rule of sound operations.Digging further it's trying to wage war on the cheap while shoveling trillions into social programs, wall street bailouts, insider deals and "assistance" to those who have promised to kill us. Add to this a military which is rapidly being purged of officers who are deemed to be too loyal to the Constitution and not pliable enough for the administration. Flowing into the gaps are officers who have reversed the age old pledge of a military officer to rank his concerns as mission - men - me with the me at the low end of the priorities, not the top.Yes, the author's passions and grief get in the way of objective writing on occasion; however, it took someone with this highly focused passion to bring the story into the light. For that I am grateful and highly recommend this outstanding book.

Best Navy Seal's, brave warriors lost their lives while being flown into hot battle zone in outdated, slow, troop transport carriers that are not even safe from an armed 5 years old kid, rather than using modern MH-47 Chinooks that are designed to get in and out of hotspots quickly and dodge the shots...One of most brave warriors, Aaron's parents, having some doubts in mind, in their search discover not only the shocking truth about that fateful night but answers of many questions, that I believe, most American citizens ask over and over, yet left scratching their heads with screwed up replays.I am not an American, neither had interest in politics, but had my own questions based mainly on feelings of how much America has been changed in last few years. Why it's not war but conflict, if more US soldiers lost lives in conflict than in war? Why US Army does not sound as powerful as years ago? Why it makes more sound than action? Why today more Christians who show support and kindness to Muslims (this is what our wonderful religion demands) don't pronounce name 'Jesus' but say 'God'? Why don't they let even the most friendly Muslims know it's our God, our Jesus who sends us do good, not their Allah answers their prayers and uses infidels, Peter(s), Judas(s) to serve them? How can these 'christians' make Islamic or any other religion respect our faith and culture as we do theirs, when they put shame on it, with excuse 'it's not diplomatic and is against Muslims rights and feelings'? Who will bless good Christian deeds then, if they hit an other nail in Jesus body? Why Obama won't accept Armenian Genocide as promised before elections? More than million most horrible deaths of a Christian nation... And actually why this seemingly perfect deal ROE, that sounds so protective and human, does not feel right deal either? So many questions that this single book gives fair answers and opens eyes. BETRAYED! Unfair deaths of real faithful heroes who fall also for those ROE faithful servants, who are more busy making extraordinary heroes out of ordinary islamists that appear to care a little for own civilization. Unfair deaths of real heroes, who had no right to demand 'no cursing' from imam, neither 'no prayer' from a renegade chaplain over their dead bodies.More questions after reading this heartbreaking story: Who is the soldier under ROE? A babysitter armed with tissues and soft shoulders to comfort so sensitive Muslims, and a kid with weapon that can't use even for defense? A protection for Muslims from other Muslims and from himself? Isn't it obvious that this rules are not made for winning Muslims hearts and minds, but the opposite? Isn't it obvious that ROE is for wild radicals to keep detonating planes and buildings, and for making fruitful soil for civil friendlies to wax hearts and minds with their theological and cultural values? A weapon for Islam that skillfully uses and directs even famous 'American ignorance' to American fundamental civilians rights, culture and values. In all cases, today Islam is a good chess player, that perfectly uses its multiple faces according the situation.Dear Billy & Karen Vaughns, Thank you for your bravery. No wonder where your son Aaron received his brave heart. No doubt he and his fallen friends are real heroes who must be honored, as they chose to serve by honoring those, whose battle and lost lives made America the country that whole world used to look up to.

Gripping and rather sad story of the betrayal of the SEALs by the Obama administration, and the sacrificing of the soldiers in the armed forces for political image.A must read, even if you are a fan of Obama.

Directly to Billy - I am truly sad for your (and Karen's) lose, as I am sad for all lost fighting this war protecting your country and mine.This book is written through the eyes of Billy and he's beliefs views are pushed very strongly. I found it hard particularly early in the book to find the facts and the story among the constant religious references. That said this book opens up well and the facts, conversations, quotes and this story truly come alive in the second half.

Great informational piece about SEALS and their prior secrecy was outed by high level politicans leading to their deaths. Unfortunately the author goes on and on repeating often these problems in far too much detail for me. As well you get the sense that unless Seals are Christian that they may have problems

Great insight on how government restrict troops in action by the rules of engagement, putting their lives at risk with no consequence to themselves.

The authors one of whom I had the pleasure of meeting once at a conference held in the honor of his deceased soldier-son compiled an interesting if Not amazongly thought provoking account of ambiguity I. Outcomes of national missions into foreign teritorries. Highly recommendable reads