Watch Live: Congressional Hearing on IRS Scandal

Live Now on TheBlaze Radio: ‘The Buck Sexton Show’

Author Behind Upcoming Bin Laden Raid Tell-All Ostracized From SEAL TEAM 6

Aug. 23, 2012 9:59am

[ x ]

Editor’s Note: This guest commentary comes from Brandon Webb, president and executive media director of SOFREP.com, a Web site devoted to coverage of the U.S. and Allied Special Operations Community. Webb also is author of “The Red Circle: My Life in the Navy SEAL Sniper Corps and How I Trained America’s Deadliest Marksmen.”

Note: Scroll down for video interview with Brandon Webb

There’s blood in the water and the media sharks are hungry with the book “No Easy Day,” authored by a former DEVGRU Operator who was a team leader on the raid that killed UBL.

The Internet and social media has created a world where headlines live and die depending on who’s first to Tweet about it. It’s something that is causing major headaches in the US Special Operations community.

“The Admiral (SEAL) has locked down all media projects until further notice”- A SEAL Master chief recently told SOFREP.

Writing tell all books of this rare nature can come with tempting seven-figure contracts. It’s easy to sit back and say this SEAL operator sold out for big money, but before you judge maybe walk a mile in his shoes. More on this later.

The flipside is that I know the No Easy Day author personally, and am aware that he was tormented over whether to write this book under the auspice of selling out the community. Operators have already clearly stated this and at least one DEVGRU operator was quoted in Jack Murphy’s post.

The New York Times also falsely reported that the SEAL author is retired. He did not retire – he honorably separated in 2011 with no retirement benefits, and he has a family.

Thirteen deployments, over ten years of service, no retirement benefits, and a family to support. Put a seven-figure book deal on the table and you’d have to ask yourself, “what would I do?”

Please click here to read the rest of Brandon Webb’s post on SOFREP.com.

TheBlaze Editor-in-Chief Scott Baker talks with Brandon Webb about this post and much more in this in-depth interview:

Back to The Blaze »

Comments (91)

Nicole from CA
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 1:53pm
General Dempsey is a political hack. It was just fine for men in uniform who were still in active duty to march in a gay parade since that fed Obama’s agenda. But a former Navy Seal who is speaking as a civilian bascially is told to shut up.
http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/publications/detail/general-dempsey-forgets-oath-plays-politics?f=must_reads

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Ruler4You
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 3:03pm
  Real SEALs do not give up the faith they entered into via considerable crucible.
  
  The demand for SPECOPS operators has grown exponentially and standards have been ‘modified’ from previous levels. “Character” “IS” as important a individual characteristic as physical and mental strength in the TEAMs. Team 6 “IS” especially choosy about their members (from what I hear).
  
  It seems as though a leech has worked its way into TEAM 6. These kinds of weaknesses can fracture a cohesive symbiotic TEAM, however minutely, and reek havoc on discipline so eloquent that these guys can complete each others thoughts.
  
  We can ill afford such weakness in days when we are so reliant on these skills.
  
  Report this comment
- old white guy
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 3:55pm
  i tink most peoleare tired of bloody military political hacks. jeez guys, how about truth, duty and valor.
  
  Report this comment
- vieteravet
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 4:05pm
  You’re absolutely right, he’s got his nose up Obama’s but!
  
  Report this comment
- Platonician
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 4:27pm
  This book and controversy are a fabricated propaganda operation, planned by Obama operatives, who wrote the book. People don’t buy this crap, send money to charities related to soldiers instead.
  
  Report this comment
- KIOTI-TEXAS
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 4:37pm
  You are right on this one……….
  
  Report this comment
- darrelljr
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 4:48pm
  With the government of today, which lies when its mouth moves, I commend this gentleman and all future ones to come, in speaking up about his experiences. Security is such a lame excuse, and brainwashing those involved to believe that crap, as a means to keep the public ignorant of the TRUTH.
  
  Report this comment
- D-Fence
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 7:14pm
  I’d like to see how the the account in the book differs from the movie that the administration provided unprecedented access to intel for the hollywood hack producers / directors. I’ll bet they are two different stories. Also, I don’t believe the author would provide detailed intelligence that would jeopardize others still active in specops. All I do know is that the war on the military in this country is and has been in full swing for years, and needs to end. We’re screwed if they leave and they’re screwed if we don’t. These poor men and women caught in the middle of it. There is no honor in this adminstration.
  
  Report this comment
princessnutsack
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 1:45pm
publisher said the majority of the proceeds will go to Charities that support families of fallen seals. also, why and how did a retirement come about with no benefits? is it because of the book?

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- ja
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 2:02pm
  i would like to know why fox news gave out navy seals real name and city where he lives?
  
  Report this comment
- Dismayed Veteran
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 2:39pm
  According to the article, the SEAL in question was Honorably Discharged not retired. This means he left at the end of an enlistment period or resigned his commission before he had 20 years in.
  
  Report this comment
- Walkabout
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 3:49pm
  Dismayed Veteran
  
  How many years did he have in?
  
  Did he leave because of the B.S. in the military or by politicos?
  
  Or did he decide to leave after that helicopter of seals got shot down & we will bleed for ground all to have it squanderd by the Karzais of the world or other politicos?
  
  Report this comment
Derek01
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 1:30pm
I would rather hear it from someone who was there than a corrupted story from team Obullsht

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- loggs14
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 1:50pm
  Amen on that one!
  
  Report this comment
- oneshiner
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 2:11pm
  And Amen. Enough kick-back about this will cause many Seals to quit taking the risks they do to have a President take all the credit for what they’ve gone through. Such arrogance. Fire this poster.
  
  Report this comment
- justangry
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 2:48pm
  Even if they don’t agree with what we’ve been doing over there?
  
  Report this comment
Rational Man
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:46pm
He’s retired, so who cares?

I doubt he is going to reveal any secrets that would cause anyone except Obama any harm.

He is welcome at my house any time……………

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Shellback
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 1:06pm
  If you have seen the ending of the movie “Act Of Valor”, you will see a mind numbing list of deceaseed Navy Seals since 9/11/2001. He may have decided the odds were against him and he didn’t want to his family to be without him. He didn’t “retire”, when his enlistment was up he didn’t re-enlist but got out.
  
  Report this comment
- mficentral
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 2:37pm
  I just pre- ordered the book from Amazon. Let me know where and I will donate to his cause. He is an honorable, patriotic American man and I help anyway I can. He doesn’t owe that Identity Thief in the WH nothing. Stay strong we are all with you.
  
  Report this comment
- dublinthewagons
  Posted on August 24, 2012 at 6:35am
  He quit,not retired. We will see how long his lawyer stands with him. (Until the money runs out) everyone is milking the seal for money and he will be crusified. The US military leadership is a bunch of political a** kissers. How do you think they got promoted? One guess
  
  Report this comment
Bill Wallace
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:35pm
I would like to know why this DEVGRU retired, after 10 years, and received no retirement benefits.

I also think he had other options. Former SEALs can earn significant money in a variety of ways. He doesn’t even need to go mercenary. Could have got a job in security somewhere, or even started up a business for self defense training. I know a former Secret Service agent that did that very thing.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- eagle2715
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:49pm
  15 Years is min for enlisted guys to receive ANY retirement benefits, and that’s only if they are ‘involuntary separated’. 20 is the mark were you can voluntarily retire.
  
  Report this comment
- wkw58
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:51pm
  He ETS’d….separated. Not retired. Please read carefully.
  
  Report this comment
- Mojoron
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 1:05pm
  There are no retirement benefits for ten year enlistments.
  
  Report this comment
jungle J
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:31pm
he should not have done it without full approval…he is a soldier not a scuzzy civilian.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- The Sergeant Major
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 4:27pm
  Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
  
  Report this comment
WatchingThePuppetShow
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:18pm
After the President offered the public detailed and classified information to the public why shouldn’t this guy? The President put Seal Team 6 and all it’s members in danger of retaliation along with divulging information that should not have been.

Watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-Xfti7qtT0&feature=player_embedded#!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
ClaudeRains
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:13pm
What’s the big deal. Osama’s…oops…Obama’s lackeys have already leaked most of it. Take the money.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- loggs14
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 1:56pm
  What I like is all the whinners on here. Have anyone read the book yet?
  
  I also love the left whinners… Keep our soldiers quiet, when the commander-in-chief has broken every tradition, agreement, policy, etc.. of every previous president – but “Do as I say”…. Obama is one worthless human being as far as I am concerned…
  
  Report this comment
98ZJUSMC
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:57am
The Admiral (SEAL) has locked down all media projects

All officers above the rank of O-5 are politicians. You don’t survive in the PC military otherwise. They ALL dance to DCs’ tune. SOFs are no different.

The flipside is that I know the No Easy Day author personally, and am aware that he was tormented over whether to write this book under the auspice of selling out the community.

I have no doubt of that whatsoever. These guys are his brothers (and sisters). It’s not an easy decision. The Author is doing this for a reason, not money.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- hidden_lion
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:26pm
  The reason the author is doing this IS for the money. But, that doesn’t necessarily make it wrong.
  If he reveals methodology and or names names he is a traitor to his team and country. If not it is no big deal.
  
  Report this comment
- eagle2715
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:50pm
  Kinda splitting hairs, but there is a difference between “The reason” and “A reason”…
  
  Just saying…
  
  Report this comment
- mecanic
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 3:22pm
  @hidden_lion…whats no big deal….is you.
  
  Report this comment
ImMormon
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:55am
I haven’t heard yet, is this a book that bash’s Obama’s “Binladen Kill” or supports it?

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
RANGER1965
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:39am
If the book paints the Seals in a good light without giving away operational details, or endangering Active Seal operators, then the guys on the teams will love him for it. He might officially be ostracized, but not in reality.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- wtd
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:55am
  If you read the linked source, sensitive operational details aren’t necessarily apparent to the SOF. As mentioned in the comments at that source, if this book should surface at a failed special forces operation, how is this young soldier going to handle that?
  
  Report this comment
mdbd
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:34am
Where is my post???

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Gorp
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:02pm
  Don’t get too upset unless you wrote something gross and vulgar. Most of my posts take up to 10 minutes to show up.
  
  Report this comment
DLCraig
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:21am
While reading some of these posts I began to detect the faint odor of “Grassy Knoll.” And no geniouses, Obama did not take out the former bogyman… That honor goes to the Seals and to Doctor Shakeel Afridi who obama has abandoned to rot in Packi Prison where he is quite likely to die quite suddenly and certainly prematurely…

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
mdbd
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:14am
SHAME on Fox & anyone else who released his name. Real danger to him & his family are probable. I did not think Fox would crawl into the gutter with the Obama channels. I am disappointed & angry!!!

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- wtd
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:56am
  Ditto!
  
  Report this comment
- DTOM47
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:59am
  I totally agree if this SEAL or his family is harmed in any way Fox News has blood on its hands. The last chance for a half decent news agency has fallen. Stock up on gold and ammo folks!
  
  Report this comment
- hidden_lion
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:30pm
  Don’t stock up on gold. Beans and lead. If you want a commodity that will be worth more than gold, stockpile 100 proof liqueur (vodka, rum, whiskey) It has multiple uses beyond the obvious drinking, and it will be nearly impossible to get after a societal breakdown.
  
  Report this comment
- rangerp
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:35pm
  DTOM47
  
  and dont forget the dry rice, beans, and source of water.
  
  Report this comment
- skimmer57
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 3:55pm
  Don’t forget some of those swell Glenn Beck sweatshirts and coffee cups. I’m sure he would appreciate it.It makes no sense not to look stylish for the end times. Is it the caliphate that will get us all or the Muslims? What is Glenn saying about it today?
  
  Report this comment
netmail
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:48am
“My country right or wrong”….?? Only if ALL players are on the SAME team. Obama plays for someone else, not us. Call him out all day long as far as I am concerned.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
FatFreedom
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:45am
Bin Laden was dead for years. They could not even produce his body, hence the reason to have a burial at sea within hours where he could never be found. Then a bunch of the seals involved were flown into enemy territory in a slow moving chopper so that no one would blow the whistle. Then we had the hokey photo op, where the whole administration were watching. The only thing they needed was popcorn.

The stunt worked. Most Americans were fooled. TV, has destroyed the Americans ability to critically think for themselves…

I hope and pray that there are enough people awake.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- kywrite
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:11am
  No WAY the SEALs would cover something like that up. They are among the most honorable people I’ve ever met – awesome, inspiring, physically-commanding dudes. I’d be quicker to believe any and every crazy story about Obama than to believe the SEALs participated in a Big Lie.
  
  Report this comment
- Sosorryforyou
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:20am
  If bin Laden has been dead for years, and this was all a hoax, then why did many prominent Republicans, including Michelle Bachman, state that they saw the photos of dead bin Laden, and that it was clearly him. Don’t you believe them?
  
  Report this comment
- AvengerK
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:26am
  One of my best friends is a decorated SEAL. I’ve tried numerous times to get him to talk to me about operations he went on….he won’t even hint at anything..he remains silent. Even his own wife complains he won’t give her any details. I’m not surprised active duty SEALS are having a problem with the author of this book. Their lives are on the line.
  It’s not just a matter of sensitive information..it’s a matter of revealing to our enemies how the SEAL’s operate…how they do what they do. Giving away this kind of information only makes their job harder.
  
  Report this comment
- Chairborne
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:13pm
  @KYWRITE: Let me clarify IRR for you. When you enlist active duty you agree to serve 3, 4, 5, 6 years on active duty service. When you sign your initial contract it is for 8 years. So 8 years minus whatever you serve on active duty, or even the Reserves or National Guard, is your IRR obligation. The author served for 10 years, thus he has NO IRR obligation. So when he separated from the Navy, he separated clean.
  
  Report this comment
- mecanic
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 3:32pm
  @avengerk……..it’s a matter of revealing to our enemys how the SEAL’s operate…you mean like barry and HIS white house does??????
  
  Report this comment
- AvengerK
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 5:20pm
  MECANIC..exactly.
  
  Report this comment
Duddio
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:31am
Curious…. It was rushed to come out a couple of months before the election.. Is there a political agenda?

If this former Seal reveals classified information in a tell-all book, then the Patriot Act has him in a hole the rest of his life. UNLESS he is going to play up the “brave President Obama” killed Bin LAden angle, then I can see the WH allowing it without DoD knowledge or approval.

If this book is critical of the WH, then was it rushed to be a knock on one of Obama’s only bright spots, the day Panneta, er, I mean Vaerie, Jarret gave him permission to order Bin Laden killed?

Interestinger & Interestinger…..

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
NHwinter
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:29am
We need to support those that are trying to get the truth out to the public.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
libertyandresponsibility
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:28am
Hollywood is making a movie. Obama and his drone run around making it sound like he was leading the raid himself. Now this guy,a SEAL, trying to support his family, that was there that risked it all wrote a book. I hope he kept OPSEC in mind, but lets face Obama already released most of the details.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
NHwinter
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:28am
More division in the ranks. That should please the president.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
mertmag
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:24am
Isn’t it obvious? He gave up everything for his country again, because he is a man of honor who was serving a man who has none.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
RLTW
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:24am
Being ostracized within the SOF community for telling too much and giving away TTP’s is common, it’s not always warranted.

The first Commander of Delta was adamant about anyone keeping training or mission notes because he didn’t want anyone writing a book, yet he upon retirement wrote the first book.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
mcmueller
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:21am
As far as I am concerned, if he wrote a book to clear up some of the lies and half-truths the Obama Administration and obviously the movie producers will tell to politicize and glorify the mission and it does not compromise any SEAL still serving, then so be it.

The man earned the right to tell his story the hard way…….

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Fipper
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:15am
The President is making this a political thing and he is the Commander In Chief of the military. Where is the outrage from this organization of the details released to movie directors, newspapers, TV outlets, etc?

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- kywrite
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:16am
  What org, the SEALs? The ones still in active duty are oathsworn to not talk about it – it’s a criminal act that can land you in Leavenworth, right or wrong; frankly, the man who wrote this book will still be in the IRR, and he could be activated and charged in a military court if they choose to make an issue of it. The few who are in the know and who have gotten out, you might notice, are as verbal as they can be without endangering their comrades and other operatives.
  
  The U.S. Military has fewer freedom of speech rights than any other American, even though they are the ones who guarantee OUR freedom of speech.
  
  Report this comment
rangerp
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:12am
After Eric Haney wrote his book Inside Delta Force, he has not been on the Christmas Card list of a whole lot of operators past and present.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Kerbouchard
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:59am
  RANGERRP, Haney? What about Beckwith?! I tend to think Haney was simply giving the enlisted perspective of the SFOD-D equation after Beckwith’s book had already been released. Haney’s real sin, IMHO, was “The Unit!” What a bunch of silly and embarrassing nonsense!!
  
  Report this comment
- RLTW
  Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:22am
  Are telling me the show “the Unit” wasn’t real? Lol… Unfortunately Haney was not the only former Unit member involved with that primetime joke.
  
  P. Blaber had his hand in some episodes
  
  Report this comment

It appears that you have Javascript Disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser preferences for a better user experience on TheBlaze. You can not comment without Javascript enabled.