rapidfire In Review

Level Zero Heroes: The Story of U.S. Marine Spe- cial Operations in Bala Murghab, Afghanistan. By Michael Golembesky and John R. Bruning. St. Martin’s Press, 2014. $26.99. ISBN 978-1- 250-03040-5.

For seven months from 2009- 10, author and Ma- rine Corps Staff Sgt.

Michael Golembesky was the joint terminal attack controller (think forward air controller) for the 23-person Marine Special Operations Team 8222 in the hotly contested Bala Murghab River Valley in northwest Afghanistan. Graphic, profane, and

refreshingly honest, this memoir tells of combat operations against the Tali- ban, with Marines fi ght- ing alongside U.S. Army paratroopers and Italian and Afghan soldiers and Golembesky coordinating precision air strikes with A-10s, B-1 bombers, F-15s, and AC-130 gunships. His descriptions of the high-tech equipment used today for close-air support coordination are fascinat- ing, but the real strengths of this book are his vivid portrayals of close combat, blue-on-blue fratricide, un-

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

reasonable and restrictive rules of engagement, and the powerful camaraderie and sacrifi ce of men under fi re. He has high praise for Marines, paratroopers, and the U.S. Air Force and scorn for clueless senior leader- ship and the cowardice of coalition and Afghan forces.

Such Troops as These: The Genius and Leadership of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson. By Bevin Alexander. Berkley Cali- ber, 2014. $26.95. ISBN 978- 0-425-27129-2.

Best- selling military histo- rian Bevin Alexander claims

Confederate General Stonewall Jackson (1824- 63) was “by far the great- est general ever produced by the American people,” in this study of general of- fi cer leadership during the early Civil War. Alexander argues

Jackson was the only Con- federate general whose strategic vision could have won the war. He describes Jackson’s tactical and stra- tegic indirect approach (swift off ensive movement to strike at Union weak- nesses), which was rejected by General Robert E. Lee and Jeff erson Davis. — William D. Bushnell

«NutritionNOTES»

FRESH BREAD HOT FROM THE OVEN is a wel- come addition to any cold winter night — and yeast breads contribute to a healthy diet. Whole-grain products are high in fi ber, B vitamins, and various minerals. When milk and eggs are added, they pro- vide protein, calcium, and other nutrients. One thin slice of bread provides less than 100 calories and very little sugar and fat. The healthiest bread products usually are made

at home, so you can maximize the whole grains and minimize the fat, sugar, and salt common in com- mercial bakery products. Making yeast breads at home can be a lengthy and tiresome process — but bread machines make it a cinch. To keep your bread looking homemade, hand form it after it’s been thoroughly kneaded in the ma- chine’s dough cycle. — Find bread

recipes and tips from Rear Adm. Joyce Johnson, USPHS (Ret), D.O., at www .moaa.org/nutrition.

TRICAREUPDA+E

MENTAL HEALTH CARE IS AN IMPORTANT PRIORITY OF THE MILITARY HEALTH SYSTEM. Servicemembers and their families grappling with the stress of deployments and frequent moves on top of the stresses of typical family life should know mental health concerns are treatable. TRICARE covers mental health care that is medically or psychologically neces- sary. Coverage varies by the type of care. Find details at www.tricare.mil/mentalhealth. Crisis phone lines can help with immediate assis-

tance; call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or text 838255. By recognizing the signs of mental health concerns, anyone can be an advocate for mental health services.

JANUARY 2015 MILITARY OFFICER 27