One Bullet Away : The Making Of A Marine Officer by Nathaniel C Fick

The New York Times bestselling book offers a gripping and often disturbing portrayal of Nathaniel Fick’s experiences serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to US News & World Report.

If the Marines are known as “the few, the proud,” then Recon Marines are the smallest and most proud of them all. Fick’s journey begins with a brutal summer at Quantico, following his junior year at Dartmouth. Just after the tragic events of 9/11, he leads a platoon in Afghanistan, and two years later, he reaches the pinnacle of his career as a Recon Marine on the eve of the Iraq War. His extensive expertise puts him right on the front lines, leading a group of twenty-two Marines into the deadliest conflict since Vietnam. His mission is clear: to bring back every single one of his men safely. However, accomplishing this feat will require more than just his top-notch education. Fick provides an inside look into the process that transforms Marine officers into legendary leaders and candidly discusses the disparity between military ideals and the harsh realities of warfare, which can often contradict those very ideals.

While delving deep into the experience of fighting on today’s front lines, Fick uncovers the immense pressure faced by young leaders in combat. Making split-second decisions can have far-reaching national implications or devastating immediate consequences, leaving no room for hesitation. One Bullet Away spares no candid truth, yet ultimately it serves as an inspiring testament to the mastery of the art of war.

“Fick’s unique writing style sets this book apart from other recent accounts of military conflicts, guaranteeing it a spot in the war memorial hall of fame,” asserts USA Today.

Leadership Under Fire: Balancing Mission and Morality

In the 1990s, while in college, I witnessed the rise of the dot-com industry. Many of my peers were eager to join the corporate world of Wall Street and Silicon Valley. However, I felt a yearning for something more meaningful. My options came down to the Peace Corps, the Marine Corps, or a similar path. Ultimately, I chose the Marine Corps, influenced by a poignant piece of advice given to me during my training.

An officer, aware of the dangers we would face, told me, “Nate, never rush to put your Marines in harm’s way.” This message resonated deeply, emphasizing the delicate balance between accomplishing the mission and protecting the lives under my command.

During my time of service, we received a distress call from an Iraqi civilian. He informed us that a rocket-propelled grenade had landed in his backyard without detonating. Unfortunately, Marines were prohibited from disposing of such ordnance, leaving us with a crucial decision. Leaving it behind was not an option.

Requesting volunteers, I found brave souls among my loyal Marines. Together, we approached the unexploded grenade. My heart raced as they crawled towards it, placing plastic explosives on its surface. After returning to safety, we crouched behind a protective wall alongside the grateful Iraqi citizens.

With a thunderous explosion, a massive column of dust and debris rose into the sky. The entire village felt the impact. In that moment, I realized that every mission I asked my troops to embark on needed to adhere to two fundamental tests.

Firstly, it had to be morally right, regardless of the politics or strategy involved. Our small part in the larger picture needed to align with a deeply ingrained sense of morality. Secondly, I had to be prepared to visit the hometown of any fallen Marine and honestly explain to their parents why their child sacrificed their life working under my command – and why, in my judgment, it was worth it.

This bar of responsibility was set exceptionally high. Yet, in the context of war, we cleared that bar every single day. It’s the reality of leadership during times of intense combat.