The Unit

My Life Fighting Terrorists as One of America's Most Secret Military Operatives

By: Adam Gamal, Kelly Kennedy

Narrated by: Adam Gamal, Peter Ganim

This program features an introduction narrated by the author. It has been modified to maintain the author's anonymity.

The first and only book to ever be written by a member of America's most secret military unit―an explosive and unlikely story of immigration, service, and sacrifice.

Inside our military is a team of operators whose work is so secretive that the name of the unit itself is classified. Highly-trained in warfare, self-defense, infiltration, and deep surveillance, "the Unit," as the Department of Defense has asked us to refer to it, has been responsible for preventing dozens of terrorist attacks in the Western world. Never before has a member of this unit shared their story—until now.

From Adam Gamal, one of the only Muslim Arab Americans to serve inside “the Unit," comes an incisive firsthand account of our nation’s most secretive military group. When Adam arrived in the United States at the age of twenty, he spoke no English, and at 5’1” and 112 pounds, he was far from what you might expect of a soldier. But compelled into service by a debt he felt he owed to his new country, he rose through the ranks of the military to become one of its most elite and skilled operators.

With humor and humility, Adam shares stories of life-threatening injuries, of the camaraderie and capabilities of his team, and of the incredible missions―but also of the growth he experienced as he learned to understand his own moderate faith.

Enthralling and eye-opening, The Unit is at once a gripping account of the fight against terror, an urgent examination of the need for diversity, and an inside look at how America fights its battles abroad in the modern age of terrorism.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

©2024 Adam Gamal and Kelly Kennedy (P)2024 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“[Gamal] volunteered for a force so secret that he can only refer to it as “the unit.” The author describes it as similar to special forces, employing the same murderous training, teamwork, daring, and firepower, but with additional emphasis on surveillance and intelligence gathering. Most of the book recounts missions in the Middle East and Africa, and the text, some of it redacted, features plenty of fireworks, including an encounter when Gamal was shot and almost died…. The compelling story of an unlikely hero in the war on terror.”—Kirkus Reviews

“In The Unit, Adam Gamal takes readers on an extraordinary journey from immigrant to elite operator. A gripping tale of bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering determination and patriotism written with vivid detail and relentless suspense. The Unit recounts the adrenaline-fueled encounters and the heart-stopping moments when lives hang in the balance while exploring Gamal’s inner struggles and sense of purpose. The book is a stark reminder of the sacrifices of America’s special operations forces and how America’s melting pot is its best defense.”–Kevin Maurer, #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of No Easy Day

"Adam Gamal served in the most secret military organization in our country and he did so with distinction and courage. Read The Unit and get a glimpse inside the highest levels of special operations."–Will Chesney, US Navy SEAL (ret.) and bestselling author of No Ordinary Dog

Great US military story from an Egyptian Muslim perspective

As an enlisted (E6/TSgt) Air Force veteran medic of Desert Shield/Storm, I was especially interested in this story about “The Unit.” I appreciated and found truth in his perspective of Army basic training and his career. As a female veteran, I didn’t find his cultural perspective as woke, he describes the differences in his views and other Muslim cultures very well. It sounds like his unique interrogation skills made a difference. However, he started to lose me when he discussed the importance of his education, a double Masters Degree. After obtaining US citizenship, he wanted to challenge the Army sergeants board but with a basic college education he could have obtained his commission and gone to Officer’s Training School. With one Master’s Degree he would have had great career opportunities, let alone two. Around Chapter 20 he discusses a soldier that has his eye shot out in a skirmish and was replaced with a cow’s eye, which just isn’t plausible. The narrator has a pleasant voice and the story is organized and told well, although possibly fictionalized.

how much he wanted people to feel sorry for him.

liked very little I just liked a lot. we grew up the same time that he did in Montana breaking horses riding bulls fighting fires got hurt dozens of times way worse than getting your foot run over by a tractor. grow up. quit telling people how bad you had it.

Thank you

1st, I want to say thank you for your story, and thank you for coming to this GREAT Country and serving all Americans.

Although I can only imagine the struggles of an immigrant joining the military and rising to a tear 1 team. I didn't buy the book for the DEI lesson, maybe it just the timing of my listening, but it seems to be crammed down our throats daily.

Continue to seek the help you need, as we that didn't serve have no idea of what you truly did for us. We owe you a debt and that debt isn't paid until you are whole again.

Funny, insightful, not what I expected.

Story was good and gave me a different perspective of an operator. Book was less about his missions but more of a background into the life of a Muslim immigrant operative. Also about his call to action for more of people like himself to join special forces and fight the oppressive regime that you left behind. I enjoyed the book and respected his views and opinions he had shared.

Great Book

Thanks for your service from one SGM to another. I enjoyed your story and your dedication to every mission you were on.

It has great incite to the Middle Easts geopolitical situation

The whole book is thick with his experiences of racism and how big army failed to move faster toward a diversity, equity & inclusion model. not about his experiences on missions with the unit.

More of a biography

This was an interesting story. Not as exciting as I would hope, but well written and narrated. Thank you for your service to our great country.

Great!

It is a great story with a great narrator. It is very engaging and entertaining.

Less about war than goodness

A damn good story. If you’re looking for tales from war, this isn’t it. This is a great story about the silent professionals that very few know about yet everyone needs. They do what they do in service to this great nation and don’t care one bit about being recognized for what they do. If only we could all operate with humility like these folks.

The dedication

Listening to an immigrant become an American while loving his home country and his adopted country impressive. The tolerance shown is touching. It is easy to learn from the author and the story.