Tough Rugged Bastards

A Memoir of a Life in Marine Special Operations

By: John A. Dailey

Narrated by: Tom Beyer

Following the 9/11 attacks, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld directed the Marine Corps to establish a unit that would answer to US Special Operations Command. The eighty-six-man "Detachment One" was formed with a two-year charter to train and deploy as a "proof-of-concept" to assess the viability of a larger Marine Special Operations contribution in support of the Global War on Terror.

For such a departure from the norm, a special leader was needed. The Commanding Officer—Colonel Robert J. Coates, a Marine Force Recon legend—was given his pick of personnel. One of the four team leaders he selected was Gunnery Sergeant John A. Dailey.

These men built a unit from nothing, trained for unknown missions in an unknown location, and deployed amid controversy and skepticism. Once in Iraq, they were dubbed "Task Unit Raider" and quickly won over the naysayers who doubted the Marine's ability to operate successfully.

This book tells Dailey's story of the creation, training, and volatile 2004 Iraq deployment of Task Unit Raider that led to the creation of the Marine Forces Special Operations Command. Det-1 served as the bridge between the Raiders of WWII and the Marine Raiders of today.

©2024 John A. Dailey (P)2024 Tantor

Great historical account of the precursor to today’s MARSOC

Dailey telling this story from first hand experience is amazing. He inadvertently, or maybe on purpose, shared strong principals that are worth reading or listening to for anyone.

Memory lane

This memoir, for me served as a nostalgic look at the past and will probably do the same for those who have also lived it. Whether you're a GWOT era sevice member or a MARSOC Raider. For me, having completed the 3rd ITC class, and served at 1MRB it was both. Ive crossed Johns path a numorous times, I always knew he was held in high regard but I never really knew him that well so its really neat to hear his story. For those that havent lived it there are still benefits in the form of lessons learned and mantras that can be used for success, I still live by most of them and can certianly attest to them.

Interesting and historical

What an interesting story told from a first person, humble perspective. Dailey has a masterful way of weaving in early history with current views. Highly recommended.

Almost too familiar

If you want to get a true impression of what being in Marine Special Operation during its infancy, this is easily the best reflection I’ve seen.

John is a great guy and has created something special.

An incredible memoir detailing the author’s journey through war and the establishment of Marine Special Operations Command

I thoroughly enjoyed how the author delivered his story. He brings the reader into the experiences of war: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Through first hand knowledge, the author accurately portrays what it’s like to be a part of an elite unit, dedicating oneself to a life of discomfort in search for a higher purpose.

Humble honest work

Heard your interview on Mic-Drop. I was impressed with it and equally impressed with your book. Good job and keep up the good work

I highly recommend this book.

This book exceeded all expectations and from my humble perspective, is a testament to the high standards and stoic professionalism that have defined “Ranger” Dailey and so many of the elite men he mentions in the book.
5/5 Stars.