A True Story of American Soldiers Abandoned by Their High Command

It showed how far we have gone away from contact with the enemy to win the war like in WW2. To many lawyers making up rules of engagement and prosecuting for violation that would have got a medal instead of court marshalled.

Great story and very well written. Captain Hill and his company are true heros and we are blessed as a nation to have them on our side. Also, the audible version is captivating and I find myself sitting in the car an extra half hour listening before I can turn it off.

Outstanding writing style. Most e-books riddled with typos and grammatical and punctuation errors.
The subject of the story illustrates our country's difficulty with management of 2 wars in other countries whose cultures are still difficult to understand and accommodate.

I enjoyed the book, the Mix military action and reading about the unfairness of the army towards it soldiers. I was disgustedWhen I read about detainees having greater privileges than our soldiers. I would recommend this book

MUST READ! GOOD TO KNOW THE 'REAL STORY' THAT OUR BRAVE SOLDIERS ENDURE ON A DAILY BASIS... 'POLITICAL CORRECTNESS' IS VIRTUALLY DESTROYING OUR MILITARY AND INCAPACITATING OUR FIGHTING MEN AND WOMEN!

I find it very disturbing that we are sending our soldiers into combat, not supporting them with what they need to do the job and then ruining their lives by second guessing their action. We can do much better!!!

An incredible story of courage, principled leadership, and political failings. It is a must read for anyone that is interested in what true leadership looks like. I admire Roger, his men, and their families. They are the heart of what makes the United States the best country in the history of the world!!

A good account of soldiers being prosecuted for the incompetence of the policies of higher ups in handling spies in Afghanistan when front line officers took some liberty in interrogating suspects. The careerists in the armed forces have been doing such deeds since time immemorial but more so with unreasonable political correctness prevailing it probably happens more frequently. So the story is not new but the description of the fighting men and their personal experiences is quite moving. The format and order of presentation mixing present, past and documentation of events can be confusing from time to time, but overall an informative account of Captain Hill and his men did their best to serve while some higher ups were not only unsupportive but literally sabotaging their mission, culminating in exploiting a small incident to remove Hill and disperse his company.

disclosure: Im a pro military hawkish right winger.
I'm really troubled about the US' future and the future of its armed forces. This stuff is not rare. In fact American Sniper mentioned that every sniper kill had to be reviewed by a military lawyer. This book, with minimal differences, is almost exactly the same plot as Breaker Morant and the book it was derived from. Red Platoon. Beyond the Call. Honor and Betrayal...The Men the Mission and Me....all have similar troubling themes.
Now i'm not military. Never have been. But I've read quite a few books on war from sweeping accounts to personal stories. This crap, which offends me as an american citizen, is apparently endemic. Idiotic couch generals making decisions from 5000 miles away. Asinine rules of engagement. Crippling shortages of critical materials. And it is, thankfully not limited to us; Rommel quit the war for the same reason, abandoning the men he lead and loved because Hilter and the imbeciles he surrounded himself with wouldn't get enough supplies to Rommel to do his job, fortunately for us...
As much of a skeptic as I am, i fully believe every single word of this book. My heart goes out to Hill and Scott; I could feel the horrible trapped feeling they had. I kept shouting to myself "take the plea!" and "don't do it!" simultaneously.
In addition, when I read this, I am repulsed by things that I find not becoming of a world power's military...to whit...the entire nature of military justice and the lopsided formation of court martials? The fact - seen all too frequently - that we rely on locals with an entirely different culture of truth and integrity for help on the bases? In Erik Prince's book about Blackwater he made it clear- the US military couldn't function without them, nor could it without contractors on the ground. Bringing in potential spies and terrorists to work on your base....correct me if i'm wrong...did we do that in Korea? France? Tarawa? and also, there seems to be a culture now that it is the men then the mission. I've read thousands of pages of WWII history and never heard anything that suggested that the platoons would take a day off for mourn and have a funeral. It is wonderful that our culture celebrates the loss of 2 men so thoroughly, but I never heard of anything like that in WWII when thousands were being killed a day. Sure, there were truces so that the sides could fetch their dead, but i think it was culturally inconceivable that they'd stop the battle of Monte Cassino or Kasserine to have a funeral. They just pushed on. And this contempt for the grunt isn't new. In Atkinson's trilogy there was a very offhand story about a group of americans celebrating, I believe, a push up into France or Italy by getting drunk, and the general, and damned if I can remember his name - I think he was from Vermont or Delaware - ordered them executed. Let me repeat. After the carnage they endured to succeed in their mission, they were getting drunk (NOT during battle, I should add, or maneuvers..) and he ordered them executed. Fortunately, saner heads prevailed. But what a repulsive thought.
In addition, this entire thing about hearts and minds, putting americans on these far flung bases to deal with taliban and treacherous locals, without adequate supplies, with joystick jockeys back in North CArolina countermanding their decisions, just doesn't work.
I'm sorry. Get 'em out, put 'em to work here guarding our borders, and redirect the resources we're wasting to clear up the Islamofascist fifth column and its useful idiots (the media) here. I do worry about the IED maker in afghanistan, but I worry more about the truck bomber in Kansas City.

Thank you CPT Hill, 1SG Scout, the men of Dog Company and their families. A grateful nation salutes you. Must reading at USMA, ROTC, all NCO and Officer courses. Since Clinton was president, there are increasingly more commanders who are political animals (to whom the only mission is self advancement and subordinates are only tools). The Warrior who craves to honorably lead his soldiers into the fray with all intentions of completing the mission and bringing all his men home, is becoming a relic and increasingly at risk with the politicization of the military and the rise of political elites. And unfortunately, the "Justice System" is not about justice but is about resolution. And in the Army, is is always about a resolution most favorable to the Army.

I have read many books about our War Against Terror . This book tells us as none soldiers what our brave men and women are up against not just from our enemies but from having their hands tied by military burocracy . I recommend this book very highly

A book of stories that need to be heard. It's sickening to think this goes on yet so important to know about it. Politics has no place in an active war and we should do everything in our power to protect our soldiers. God Bless all of our troops.

A very poignant and profound dissertation pertaining to the tragic reality and immense challenges of command in a combat scenario. Additionally, the ROE(s) that our soldiers have to contend with are outrageous, a disgrace to our nation, and a betrayal to those who with honor and courage are serving this nation. This book is a painful reminder to those who have been in combat, and a revelation to those who have not served.

Great subject matter but unfortunately it is too hard to read because the authors jump around between past and future without continuity—way to frustrating for me.

After more than a hundred pages the story picked up where it left off on page 80, from that point on it reads well and doesn't jump around as much and sticks to the story line—for this reason I've revised my ranting to three stars. It's an important read to understand not only the abuse of our troops by military higher ups but those policies and attitudes pushed the president and DOD by his direction.

First of all the initial start of the chapters jump around which makes it difficult in following the true subject but eventually becomes so interesting that you can`t put the book down. Dog Company men are hampered by Obama`s limited warfare policies which endangers their lives. You can`t fight limited wars and this should have been learned from the Vietnam War. You have all of these battalion officers like LTC Antonino Demartino who try yo achieve medals through the sacrifice of their soldiers and the Deskjocky JAG who are,attempting to tell the Army of how to fight a war. This book is a great read of how the US Army places the enemy lives over the price of their own soldiers!

Essential reading on the Afghanistan War. Between the horrible rules of engagement and the lack of support from field grade officers lies our young warriors trying to do the best they can. The odds are definitely stacked against them in this newer style of counter-terror battlefield. The story of these men needs to be read by all Americans to honor the lives of those who gave their all and to understand why we need to hold our leaders accountable for supporting those men the best we can.

The story also exposes how unjust the UCMJ/JAG system can be as anyone who has seen it at work can attest to.

This book provides a peek into the War on Terror and the impact of the U.S. Army focusing on improving relations in the world over fighting the enemy. It provides relevant insight into today's immigration debate and provides evidence that not all nationals who provided aid to the US were/are friends of the US. There are nationals who worked for our military as a means to spy against us. This book lets the reader peek inside a true band of brothers as they fought the War on Terror. It is written in such a way that the moral dilemma facing Hill and Scott becomes a moral dilemma for the reader. The acronyms were, often, difficult for this non-military versed reader. Had the glossary been at the beginning of the book instead of the end, this book would have earned 5 stars from this reader.

Captain Hill should be commended for his support of the men in his command. He clearly demonstrated how a true leader performs when things get tough without a thought of throwing his men under the bus. His commanders should have exercised the same support for the people in their command, however they only worried about their careers and did not challenge the politically correct rules.

Captain Hill should be commended for his support of the men in his command. He clearly demonstrated how a true leader performs when things get tough without a thought of throwing his men under the bus. His commanders should have exercised the same support for the people in their command, however they only worried about their careers and did not challenge the politically correct rules.

An eye opening account of what our troops are going through in Afghanistan at the hands of a gov't more concerned with idiotic rules of war than the lives of our service members. WW II could never be won today.

This book is very well written and tells the story through the eyes of several Infantry Combat Soldiers. They fought not only the Taliban but their chain of command that was suppose to have their back, but left them to the wolves. This is a remarkable book that is a must read. If America fights in wars , America must use every asset at our disposal to win in combat and this means that battalion and brigades and divisions need to support their men and woman on the battlefield. These Soldiers went through horrific experiences fighting the Taliban and after their battles they had to fight the very same people that should have been there to protect them and support them. I could not put the book down after I began reading it. Dog Company had me laughing, had me angry, and sad. This book is incredible.

This is my review of the Audible version of this book.

The story, while compelling and with an important message, jumps around a lot. Starting with a flashback, then scenes from the trial, then more flashbacks detail Roger Hill's assignment as captain of Dog Company. Then, more courtroom.

I am a big fan of true to life war accounts. This has that element, but much of the focus on relationships between the characters and the bureaucracy they had to deal with.

Maybe this approach would work in a movie. However, in a book what happens is that each "act" gets you emotionally pulled in and then the rug is pulled out from under you when you have to reorient to a different story line at a different time and place. I realize that I'm in the minority given the overwhelming praise this book has garnered. I am with everybody on that. It is a great book with an important message about how red tape and policies are dictating how spies within the ranks of American troops were merely given a tap on the wrist...ultimately costing Amercian lives.

However, I think authors would have better off doing the trial in one piece. Courtroom drama can stand on it is own, and I think, emotionally that would have been a nice climax to the book.

Dog Company suffers many of the same afflictions that I find most military firsthand account books do. That being a crazy huge cast of impossible to remember characters and a long, confusing list of sophisticated military terms, phrases, and acronyms. It’s something I always notice with these kinds of books and unfortunately something that I don’t really think is avoidable. So if you can look past that, this is a pretty good book. I don’t think it is nearly as good as the five star rating that it has however. It is enjoyable, and I think, above all, informative. It tells the story of the impossible task given to our soldiers overseas; to handle an enemy hell bent on killing as many people as possible, any way possible, using the most nefarious and backhanded ways available, all without threatening them, hurting them, offending them, or detaining them unless as an absolute last resort in many cases. Any other path of action is met with harsh reprimand and that is what this story is about. Choices made by soldiers that go against this impossible code of conduct for the betterment and safety of others. These choices were then met with harsh penalty in a court of military law.
So on that front, it is an entertaining and informative read. However, I couldn’t help but feel lost in the endless barrage of nameless soldiers and military terms being thrown my way. Maybe it’s just me, but it really took away from the fluidity of the story. The story overall is a little less than fulfilling as well but that’s excusable since this is real life and it doesn’t always work out like our fairy tales.
In any case, if you want to learn about the tough day to day choices confronting the front line soldiers of today overseas defending the country, this is a great place to start. I like that it isn’t afraid to show the less glamorous side of things, that’s pretty much what the book is predicated on, but the story itself is just not terribly entertaining.

If "Dog Company" was a novel it would rate five stars for plot, character development, and overall writing. But the book is classified as non-fiction and must therefore be held to a higher standard. The first problem in meeting that standard is that one of the principals involved in this controversial story (Captain Roger Hill) is also credited as being one of the co-authors, thus creating a conflict of interest. Still, it seems clear that the major part of the writing was done by Lynn Vincent. She is, after all, an investigative reporter and several times reveals herself by referring to army Basic Training as Boot Camp, a term usually reserved for the training of sailors and marines (Vincent is also a Navy veteran). Vincent deftly overcomes concerns of possible conflict of interest with solid research, unwittingly helped along by a lack of cooperation by many on the other side of Captain Hill's dilemma including the Army itself.
"Dog Company" is fighting a brutal war against a determined enemy while simultaneously fighting their own higher command for the resources and support they need to accomplish their mission. The infighting within the army pits those who see the army as a career against those who see it as a calling. The conflict peaks when Captain Hill and his First Sergeant are accused of abusing Taliban prisoners in an attempt to get information they deem critical to the immediate safety of their men.
This is sad story, but an important one too. In the end, the reader is faced with a moral dilemma similar to the one faced by soldiers on both sides of the issue: what is legal, and what is right? Do those (civilian and military) who have never heard a shot fired in anger have the right to pass judgment on those who have? Where do we, as a nation that prides itself on doing the right thing, draw the line in a war where the enemy has no rules and where justice can be as elusive as the Taliban itself?
This book should be required reading, not only for those in a leadership role within our military, but also for civilians who, either directly, or indirectly through our representatives, send our young men and women in harm's way. As a book held to the higher standard of non-fiction it keeps its five stars.

It is tough to separate the emotional from the textbook or legal solution here. Personally, I am a retired CIA officer who was back on conract and stationed nearby in the Eastern Regional command when this case went to trial and have much experience with the military.. As mentiond in the book, the Army really kept this event from being known. You can't escape the dialogue from Capt. Hill's civilian defense atty in his advice to the command to NOT go to a general court marshall: Hill and Scott were in the wrong,but the Army had problems in leadership that it would not want to come to light. It is naive for both men to have thought that they could take their lumps and pick up where they left off--what CO would want them in their command. I would not ever want to have to faced what they felt required immediate action to save American lives, but the senior citizen in me knows that if you are faced with this dillema that you resign and then go public rather than break the law which in the post Abu Gharibe era was well indoctrinated into the US military. Despite the emotional trauma in this case, what really struck me as significant was how their civilian atty patterned his defense after his earlier defense of LtCol West--that was really the highlight. This won't make me popular with the troops,but is the more realistic way to combat the problem.

Hands down the most realistic military book yet. It takes the hidden truth and throws it out there for all to see. The authors really did a great job with the details in the true events that happened in this book. I say if you are interested In politics, military, history or just a plain old good read this is definitely the book for you. Go out today and buy this book. You will not be disappointed.

Just as everyone has expressed, I could not put down this book. I laughed, cried, and also felt completely disgusted by events that unfolded on these pages. Lynn and Roger did an outstanding job at telling this story and honoring these incredible men. I've had the privilege of hearing about this experience both through this book, and from the mouth of someone in this book who lived these moments personally. I could not be more satisfied that Donnie and Paul received the utmost respect for their sacrifice throughout the telling of these events.

I had two son's serve and heard about the BS they had to go through in order to return fire. But what the hell the people who make the rules don't do the fighting or do their son's. Our warriors get hung out to dry and our government pays the people shooting at them. Put them in our warriors shoe's and see how fast the ROE changes. I'm super happy my son killed the junk car that was following them too close and of course the owner was at the gate the next day looking for money, you have feet walk. This book should be read by all americans so they know just how handcuffed our warriors are God bless them all including the hero's kia.

Well written, compelling story! A close-up look at the difficulties our warriors face in current combat operations. But be warned, this story will make you angry at the treatment these true heroes received. A must read for every American!

This book is a MUST read! I only put it down in order to wipe my tears or shake of my disgust at how things went down for all of these heroes. Having served 25 years I have seen my fair share of dereliction and toxicity in leadership but this is beyond words. The hard choices they had to make in the face of events that never should have happened really highlight how far leaders will go to protect their team. People who have never been in a situation where they, or their team, are close to being sent home under the very flag they swore to protect may not understand the train of thought and deep emotion felt by Roger, Larry, Tommy, and crew. Anyone who had led Soldiers in combat and buried their friends will be able to understand quickly how things got as far as they did. I am fortunate to know one of the Soldiers in the book and be able to ask all the follow on questions I had. My heart breaks for the Soldier's of Dog Company, especially those that are still struggling with the events and betrayal. They will be in my prayers.

This is a story of heroism and sacrifice by the 89 men of "Dog Company." The most amazing part is that it's true. These men risk their lives for our country every day of their deployment, and some pay the ultimate price. The book takes you through a full range of emotions, and you won't want to put it down. The action is non-stop and perfect material for a blockbuster movie. Thoughtfully written, it makes you question if all is fair in war.

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Dog Company: A True Story of American Soldiers Abandoned by Their High Command ★★★★★ from Frank O Davis on December 5, 2017

We knew each other all of five minutes and he opened up to me like we'd known each other for years

I met 1SG Scott a few months ago at a local tire store in Clarksville. We knew each other all of five minutes and he opened up to me like we'd known each other for years. As he was telling me the story about Dog Company and the circumstances they were put in, I could tell he was sincere about the love and commitment he and CPT Hill had for their men. I immediately went to buy this book... unbelievable, is all I could think. Too many field and flag grade officers are so concerned about their next promotion that they honestly forget where they came from and the reasons why they are successful leaders. I, as a medically retired NCO and two combat tour veteran, without a single doubt in my mind, believe that 1SG Scott and CPT Hill did absolutely nothing wrong! I wish more leadership in the Army and military as a whole had the commitment and intestinal fortitude these men have. This book explains to a tee, why young Soldiers and leaders leave the Army. Higher ups will smile to your face then talk about you behind your back. I would've been honored to serve with all of Dog Company.

Ne Desit Vertis

But I've never felt so emotionally involved in a book. My heart went out to these brave men, and although I find it hard to relate to the heart of a soldier, I empathized 110% with their situation. My Momma/Grammy heart wants to take each of them, hold them tight and tell them, "You are loved and respected." No American son or daughter should have to undergo the shameful events these young men suffered. Shame on our military, shame on our presidents, shame on us for allowing it to happen! Roger, I am so sorry!

I spent time on this book, a considerable amount of time, to digest everything carefully. I personally never got deployed but I spent 6-1/2 years in an SF MI Company back in the 1980s, and I knew and know some dedicated soldiers who had to endure the modern military filled with non-warrior types at the highest levels. So called leaders who care more about their own little cocoon of narcissistic leaders such as the former POTUS.

It is so disgusting to have to come to the realization that the greatest military in the world has been taken apart from the inside. Political correctness, feminism, godlessness, and political expediency seem to rule the day rather than dealing with the enemy of the soul in the way they should be dealt with. They need to realize that if you bring smoke to America, America will FIRE to your whole world. Obviously, that is not what is happening and this book reveals the truth of our higher echelons of our government not governing, not leading, but bowing to an ignorant voter. America is within a generation of becoming ungovernable and Afghanistan is but a mirror of what happens to culture and society steeped in the self serving such as what leads this country now. The 1960s generation is at the head of the nation--that thought alone should cause one to tremble.

This book reveals a lot of what I have come to believe through my military friends, experience and acquaintances, that the true warrior is anathema to most in this country with an unattainable ideal of trying to satisfy the enemy so they will then love us. They are like the modern democrat and some in the republican party, never satisfied even when they have been given more than they deserve, they are never satisfied.

America will decline if divine intervention does not come to the hearts of the godless now leading the nation to the abyss. This book clearly shows the decline and it should be a warning to a younger generation, but younger generations are not being taught, they are being indoctrinated and the end result will be more godlessness and chaos.

I lament the direction the nation has taken since the 1960s. I lament the fact that the church has become impotent in speaking truth to the comfortable congregations across the land, and I really lament what lies just beyond the next hill in the history of this nation. Unless the Lord intervenes in the direction the powerful have led the nation, the road to the abyss is wide and the gate open.

Lord have mercy upon us.......

If you have any interest in either accurate descriptions of Iraq/Afghanistan combat/warfare or how midlevel command often fails the frontline troops, then this book will give you both in spades. This book also tells a story that reinforces how war is never black and white, and how the determination of the value of a frontline soldier's life is really a moving target.

This book is well written and I'm enjoying the narration on the audible version.

What's difficult is what I'm reading. I'm so angered by the b.s. political crap - I don't WANT to believe it- but history has shown that it's probably true. And having been in law enforcement and associated with city government I can totally see it.

All I can say is how sorry I am to our military folks- and if there's something we little people stateside can do to help- we need to know what that is.

I kept up with this story as it happened in the newspapers and online. The details were not clear at that time other than it seemed that the military was overly concerned with crazy rules and not concerned enough with the protection and survival of its soldiers. Now that I have been able to read the details I know these men have suffered a great injustice. It still doesn't make sense how something like this happened. Brave, honorable, protectors of America deserve better.

I found this book at bjs whosale club where I bought Michael savages latest. This book is killer. If I didn't have to get up and go to work I would have stayed up to devour it. It is very well written , I can't wait to read more later

Every former 101st Airborne Div vet will be sickened by this sad story. CID- Blatant lies, fabrication of false evidence and abuse of 101st soldiers while indulging known Afghan spies and willfully electing to neglect their known activities...can't introduce classified info...what BS! It was hard to determine who was more reprehensible... 101st senior leadership OR Army CID investigators who treated our own soldiers worse than known terrorists formerly held at GITMO. Buck, a Navy vet, San Diego

Thank you Roger for standing up for your men even though it cost your career. Roger and his wife were my next door neighbors when I lived in Auburn, AL. He is one of the most thoughtful, caring, and brave men I've ever known. I am grateful to have been your friend brother!
-Adam Russell

Not surprising from the previous administration and it's pathetic leadership, it's pretty bad that during war we could only detain a known terrorist spy for 96 hours then release them to try to kill our service members.

I could not put this book down. Being in the Military I understand that mission is first. But you also have to understand that the Safety and lives of the Soldier has to be considered in every decision. If I had a decision to make to either save the lives of my Soldiers or the enemy, I would pick my Soldiers every single time. CPT Hill and 1SG Scott did nothing wrong but saved lives. Reading this book gave me a greater insight into how the Military operates. They value insurgents lives or American Soldiers lives. Sometimes your command team watches out for themselves and it is very noticeable in this book. Hopefully not all echelons of the Military operates that way. Read it, understand it, and learn from it.

Very well told and a fast read. It’s scary to see the US military degrading to post-Vietnam status. Clearly something is wrong when military personnel in a combat zone are held to standards far higher than cops in the US.

This is a story of one company in Afghanistan and how they were abandoned by their higher command. Reading the 'Hooligans of Kandahar' gives a very different story about what was done and how the rules are enforced. The military decided to prosecute the senior personnel of this company for trying to do the right thing for their brothers in arms.
This is a story of the failure of the rules of engagements against an insurgency and the cost in American blood.