The Unforgiving Minute

The Unforgiving Minute: a Soldier’s Education
By Craig M. Mullaney
Penguin, 2009. 386 pgs. Biography

This is a powerful literary memoir from a young Afghanistan veteran. Craig Mullaney writes of his military education, through four years of West Point and the camps and retreats involved in becoming an Army Ranger. His two years at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar coincided with 9/11 and his approaching 5 years of military service immediately gained new aspects and potential consequences. His story builds to the ‘unforgiving minute’ when he finds himself leading his men through a brutal gunfight with Afghan insurgents.

Mullaney is a gifted writer and his story is presented with fascinating observation and insight. His writing style is honest and he skillfully leads the reader through his experiences. I was impressed with the level of sacrifice and dedication required of those who plan to lead our troops. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone especially any who would like a better understanding of modern soldiers.

CZ