One Bullet Away The Making of a Marine Officer

The global war on terrorism has spawned some excellent combat narratives—mostly by journalists. Warriors, like Marine Corps officer Fick, bring a different and essential perspective to the story. A classics major at Dartmouth, Fick joined the Marines in 1998 because he “wanted to go on a great adventure… to do something so hard that no one could ever talk shit to me.” Thus begins his odyssey through the grueling regimen of Marine training and wartime deployments—an odyssey that he recounts in vivid detail in this candid and fast-paced memoir. Fick was first deployed to Afghanistan, where he saw little combat, but his Operation [Iraqi] Freedom unit, the elite 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, helped spearhead the invasion of Iraq and “battled through every town on Highway 7″ from Nasiriyah to al Kut. (Rolling Stone writer Evan Wright’s provocative Generation Kill is based on his travels with Fick’s unit.) Like the best combat memoirs, Fick’s focuses on the men doing the fighting and avoids hyperbole and sensationalism. He does not shrink from the truth—however personal or unpleasant. “I was aware enough,” he admits after a firefight, “to be concerned that I was starting to enjoy it.”
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User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars One Bullet Away
I am enjoying reading this book. It is very informative as to the making of a Marine officer.

5 Stars What was I missing all these years?
OMG…. Where was this book before? Why did I not notice this? I had no clue about this book until I came across it accidentally in my neighborhood’s bookstore a few days ago and started reading. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. My respect for the US Marines is now doubled. No tripled. no no, it is beyond words and numbers. The book is the story of a college graduate who knows in his heart he wants to be somebody, a warrior, a character larger than life. So he joins the Marines. And what a fine choice. The book is written so eloquently and intelligently that it is hard not to read it. It’s a fine fine book. I am hopeful that Mr. Fick writes more books and I will be his reader. I liked this book and the style of it. If you want an exciting book about the US Military and the US Marines in particular, get this one. Do not miss it. You may not agree with Mr. Fick’s politics or beliefs but this is a story that should be told/read. Loved it and highly recommend it. 5/5

5 Stars “No BS, sir. Marines appreciate that.”
There’s little more I can add to what other reviewers have already said of Nate Fick’s One Bullet Away. All I can say is that, of the scores of military novels, memoirs, and histories that I’ve read over the years, One Bullet Away is one of the best, if not the best. Fick combines obviously well-read literacy, a sharp mind, and the thrills and action of the best fictional novels into a compelling meditation on leadership in the modern military. I came away from this book not only more informed about the boots-on-the-ground experience of the Iraq War, but wanting to be a better person and a stronger leader.

Highly recommended.

5 Stars Great book on leadership
Fick describes his training and experiences in combat with One Bullet Away. He, as the reluctant warrior, provides insight into his transformation from college student to Marine Officer. This book is a great read for anyone interested in military history and modern leadership.

5 Stars Excellent Reading!
I’m thankful that this was an assigned book for a college class. Very enjoyable, even for the causal reader! Met Nathaniel Fick, great guy, powerful speaker, extremely knowledgeable in the content of foreign affair matters.

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