Книга Alpha: a reckoning for the Navy SEALs
The shocking, true story of a soldier gone rogue, and the court martial case that divided America.
This is the full story of Eddie Gallagher, a US recruit who was inspired to serve his nation, who became addicted to combat, and whose need to prove himself among his fellow soldiers pushed him to extremes. His actions during a combat deployment to Mosul would divide his platoon, then the SEALs, the Navy, the armed forces, the government, and even the American public, when the President intervened in his trial.
Alpha is an examination of how culture within the military has evolved since 9/11. In an endless war without major victories, the media has instead celebrated achievements of SEAL missions — such as the killing of Osama Bin Laden, the rescuing of Captain Phillips, and the survival of Marcus Luttrell. But the SEALs’ popularity blinded the public to what was also happening within the armed forces. When Gallagher was accused of killing an unarmed enemy combatant, it created a scandal that reached the White House and millions around the world.
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‘New York Times reporter Philipps presents an enthralling, blow-by-blow account of the 2019 court-martial of US Navy SEAL platoon chief Eddie Gallagher for stabbing a wounded ISIS prisoner to death … This is the definitive portrait of a saga that exposed deep fault lines within an elite fighting force.’
" - Publishers Weekly, starred review"
‘A dogged researcher and gifted writer, Philipps turns the story of Gallagher’s rise, his alleged war crimes and the botched Navy prosecution into an infuriating, fast-paced thriller.’
" - The Washington Post"
‘Shakespearean … An excellent read from a seasoned reporter who covered the entire saga [of] Eddie Gallagher.’
" - The San Diego Union-Tribune"
‘This disturbing but gripping account by award-winning New York Times correspondent Philipps will appeal to a large audience but few SEAL admirers … After a review of SEALs history, training, and operations in Iraq, Philipps delivers the result of years searching confidential Navy documents, court transcripts, service and medical records, thousands of text messages and emails, and interviews with current and former SEALs … Brilliant journalism that offers a deeply disquieting commentary on America’s dysfunctional cultural divide.’
" - Kirkus Reviews, starred review"
‘I’ve been haunted these last few days by Alpha … It’s engrossing, full of horror and deeply damning.’
" - The New York Times