Roughneck Nine One [Archive] - Professional Soldiers ®

Guy

01-20-2006, 22:54

A powerful look inside a Special Forces A-Team and its dramatic and controversial battle against a huge opposing force in Iraq.

On April 6th, 2003, twenty-six Green Berets, including those of Sergeant First Class Frank Antenori's Special Forces A-Team (call sign Roughneck Nine One), led a battle against a vastly superior force at a remote crossroads near the village of Debecka, Iraq. The enemy unit had battle tanks and 150 well-trained, well-equipped, and well-commanded soldiers. The Green Berets stopped the enemy advance, then fought them until only a handful of Iraqi survivors finally fled the battlefield.
In the process, Nine One encountered hordes of news media and at the peak of the fight, a US Navy F-14 dropped a 500-pound bomb into the middle of a group of supporting Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, killing and wounding dozens. This is the never-before-told, unsanitized, unedited story of the fight for the crossroads at Debecka, Iraq, and a unique inside look at a Special Forces A-Team as it recruits and organizes, trains for combat, and eventually fights a battle against a huge opposing force in Iraq.

SFC FRANK ANTENORI, U.S. Army (Ret.) joined the Special Forces in 1988. Since then, he has participated in numerous operations in over thirty-four countries and has been awarded numerous decorations and citations, with seven received for combat actions.

HANS HALBERSTADT has authored or co-authored more than fifty books, most on military subjects, especially U.S. special operations forces, armor, and artillery. He served in the U.S. Army as a helicopter door gunner in Vietnam.

Take care and stay safe!

Bill Harsey

01-20-2006, 23:05

Thanks Guy,
Ordering the book tomorrow.

CoLawman

01-21-2006, 01:53

Scratching my head...........I recently read of Sgt. Antenori at Debecka.....but don't remember in what book.

Will be getting this book, thanks Guy.

Sdiver

01-21-2006, 08:18

In the process, Nine One encountered hordes of news media...

:eek:
Glad they got out of THAT enounter safe and sound.
So is that a new evolution at the Q-course...."How to face hordes of News Media and not kill them right away" ??

Thanks for the Heads up Guy....looks like a Great read.

Bill Harsey

01-21-2006, 19:47

My delicate wife went to town today and ordered the book, Barnes and Noble told her it wouldn't be available until 30 May 2006. She pre-ordered anyway.

Any of you guys or gals know different?

Gypsy

01-21-2006, 20:00

Mr. H, even Amazon has it listed to releasel 30 May. Looks like their list price is 16.47.

Ammodawg

01-22-2006, 19:13

Just pre-ordered from Amazon.com with May 30 release, can't wait :munchin

Roughneck 91

01-23-2006, 23:08

Guy,
Thanks for the plug on the book.

Frank A

The Reaper

01-23-2006, 23:20

Guy,
Thanks for the plug on the book.

Frank A

Frank:

Welcome aboard.

TR

Bill Harsey

01-24-2006, 09:41

Guy,
Thanks for the plug on the book.

Frank A
Welcome aboard Sir.

Seth

01-24-2006, 12:32

Another Pre-order.

In the book biz, pre-orders can entice the big distributors to push a book to the brick and morter stores.

-Seth

Bill Harsey

01-24-2006, 12:38

Good intel Seth,
I'll swing into town and pre-order a couple more just to irritate the liberals at the sales desk.

Gypsy

01-24-2006, 14:50

Guy,
Thanks for the plug on the book.

Frank A

Welcome aboard.

Pre-ordered my copy as well.

Roughneck 91

01-25-2006, 23:10

Thanks again guys. Were donating a protion of the procedes to the SF Association's Tribute Fund. For those of you that don't know what that is, the SF Associations provides immediate cash to families that receive notification that a Special Forces Soldier has been KIA. It's not much, but it helps the family with immediate expenses such as airfare for relatives and other "pop-up" incidentals.

More to follow.

I appreciate you guys spreading the word about the book, maybe Oprah will let me join her book club.

Frank

Roycroft201

01-26-2006, 00:15

I know how my Borders Holiday gift card is going to be spent.....will pre-order tomorrow.

Roycroft201

eva05

01-29-2006, 08:51

Preordered at Amazon ^^

j

Doc

01-29-2006, 09:45

Guy,
Thanks for the plug on the book.

Frank A

I'll be dammed.

Welcome aboard Roughneck 91.

Give 'em hell.

PM out to ya.

Doc

Guy

02-01-2006, 11:35

Guy,
Thanks for the plug on the book.

Frank A

Antenori touts expertise in war on terror (http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/news/local/012806a5_antenori) :D

VOTE4FRANK (http://www.vote4frank.com/)

Stay safe and take care!

brantlyw

02-01-2006, 14:41

Thanks for the book rec., great to read about the best in action.

The Reaper

02-01-2006, 14:48

Thanks for the book rec., great to read about the best in action.

brantly:

Read and comply with the stickies and intros before posting again.

TR

CoLawman

02-01-2006, 21:14

Welcome aboard sir. This place is crowded with history makers, heroes, and mere mortals.........this mere mortal will give you my elbow room anytime.

ghuinness

05-27-2006, 21:37

Looks like the release date was moved up. Just picked it up at the local B&N (amazon still has it listed as pre-order status) :)

Bill Harsey

05-31-2006, 16:50

My delicate wife went to town today and ordered the book, Barnes and Noble told her it wouldn't be available until 30 May 2006. She pre-ordered anyway.

Any of you guys or gals know different?
And Barnes 'n' Noble called last night, 30 May, telling me the book was there.
Just took the saddle off the horse and got the hardcover book out of the pack.

Roughneck91, Thank you.

Roguish Lawyer

05-31-2006, 17:46

I just received my copy. Roughneck 91, PM inbound.

jatx

05-31-2006, 19:30

I read it in two sittings over the weekend. It is well written and a real page turner. You'll definitely want some time in the Javelin simulator after reading it!

eva05

06-01-2006, 14:47

With the new Neal Asher book.

Can't wait to dive into it :)

j

TFM

06-02-2006, 15:24

maybe Oprah will let me join her book club.

FrankI just put in the request. It's late, and I may have had one too many, but I would love to see her have an SF soldier on her show.:D

TFM

06-02-2006, 15:48

TFM, pls post the link for doing this! (Nominating Frank Antenori to go on Oprah!) That's a great idea!

There you have it.
https://www.oprah.com/plugger/templates/BeOnTheShow.jhtml?action=respond&plugId=B2100004

Gypsy

06-02-2006, 18:32

Thanks TFM, just put in my vote!

Some each week would be a good thing!

Folks should put calendar reminders for 2 - 6 weeks out!

Good idea.

Your latest choice in footware....well I'll not sully this thread. :D

Roguish Lawyer

06-07-2006, 09:29

I just finished it. Liked it. Bill, I see what you mean!

Bill Harsey

06-07-2006, 13:52

I just finished it. Liked it. Bill, I see what you mean!
;)

Simple Simon

06-07-2006, 14:05

Received my copy today along with Guests of the Ayatollah by Mark Bowden. I am currently reading First In by Gary C. Schroen and Leadership and Training for the Fight by Paul Howe. I notoriously start a book read a few chapters then start another to mix it up.

x SF med

06-07-2006, 18:07

Scratching my head...........I recently read of Sgt. Antenori at Debecka.....but don't remember in what book.

Will be getting this book, thanks Guy.

Probably read about it in Commandos (a pretty good book) - my bad the storly there is about the 1st Gulf War and Balwancz's team.

bberkley

07-01-2006, 00:52

Just finished reading this book. Like Masters of Chaos, I found it to be a great book that I had a hard time putting down. The absolute coolest thing for me, was seeing a name of someone I knew when I was at Bragg mentioned on page 93.

7624U

07-01-2006, 02:35

:eek:
Glad they got out of THAT enounter safe and sound.
So is that a new evolution at the Q-course...."How to face hordes of News Media and not kill them right away" ??

In OIF1 the easy way to get rid of the media was put your Sunglasses on and head scarf then just tell the Pesh, We dont want them here then watch the show :munchin

The other way was just tell them dont step off the road cause its mined
then walk or drive over the next hill, Trust me they wouldent follow after that first media guy got killed by steping on a mine when he stopped to take a piss, during the opening days of
Viking Hammer.

Radar Rider

07-01-2006, 08:57

I just finished reading Roughneck Nine-One. In addtition to being superbly written, it is exceptionally engrossing, as well. It is a tale of events that happened in April of 2003; the style makes the reader feel like an on-scene observer watching the events unfold before their eyes. It is amazing to see the great work that the SF men carried out, and makes me proud to be a part of the Army that produces such magnificent efforts in hotspots around the world.

While new technology on the battlefield is often questionable at best, it pleases me immensely that the Javelin missile can allow a single U.S. Soldier to kill a tank.

Roughneck 91

07-19-2006, 16:44

If anyone lives in Southern Arizona, or knows anyone that does, let them know that this Saturday I will be doing a book signing at the Borders at 4235 N Oracle Rd, in Tucson. Store contact #: 520-292-1331 if you need more info or directions. If any of you guys come by and let me know who you are I'll personalize the book for you.

Frank A

STR8SHTR

07-23-2006, 18:57

Prior to going on vacation last week I picked up a copy at one of the B & N in Raleigh.

I had a hard time putting it down. It kept me on the edge of my beach chair for about two days. Also, it was hard to focus on reading and looking at the bikini's on the beach at the same time. But I'm good at multi tasking.:D

Excellant book and thank you for sharing your experiences.

Gypsy

07-23-2006, 20:21

I had a hard time putting it down. It kept me on the edge of my beach chair for about two days. Also, it was hard to focus on reading and looking at the bikini's on the beach at the same time. But I'm good at multi tasking.:D

Well, when you do a lot of reading it's always good to give your eyes a rest. From the print. :D

A member here graciously offered to pick up a book for me at the signing, and got it inscribed. I cannot wait to receive it and begin reading!

Gypsy

07-26-2006, 18:35

Received my book today, and cannot wait to begin reading.

Roughneck 91, my sincere gratitude to you for your service to our Country and for your most kind inscription. I will treasure this book and your words forever. God bless you!

And my thanks to the member who sent it to me. ;)

I love this place...

JMI

08-01-2006, 21:32

Warrior-Mentor

08-01-2006, 21:41

There's a pretty long write up about it in the Army Times 07AUG issue.

Seems to sell the book well...

Gypsy

08-02-2006, 17:04

Just ordered the book and put in my request to Oprah. :lifter

You won't be sorry, it's an amazing read...

JLF

08-11-2006, 20:13

I just finished the book and thought it read really well... There's a big difference in the perspective of a team guy relaying a story versus some journalist/reporter aspect.

I really appreciate the inside look that you gave on the TL/TS relationship that you and Eric shared.

Man, on the whole reporter incident: Wow! You completely reminded me of an incident we had on another situtation. We getting ready to hit a compound when an overhead ISR platform relays squirters egressing out of the objective area and we were like, "$h!t are we compromised?" We had to split our force; to do the hit and the cordon force ran an intercept on the squirter... It was Time Magazine man! Well we rolled them up and did the standard deal... what a nut roll! However, treating them like a hostile unknown/PUC was alot easier than the nut roll you suffered through. You're a better man than me.

Oh, and on the Javelin; I had the pleasure of carrying that piece of kit around in Afghanistan with C troop 1st SAS in Nov 2001 through Jun 2002. We relished the hope that we could fire one but never did get the chance. Sadly, we didn't bring one in OP Anaconda as we were dismounted and were operating well above the snowline; it would have come in handy then. Hope the picture brings back fond memories.

Oh, I ran into Jake not too long ago (on the OIF side) and he hasn't changed at all... Still smoking like a chimney and full of piss and vinegar... When you mentioned that part in the book about Jake pointing out to you that he wasn't a TACP I totally laughed my @ss off. I can see him saying that to you right now with that half-@ssed grin on his face. I'm going to be giving him crap though about being 3rd Groups little chauffer-whipping boy. :)

Gypsy

08-16-2006, 17:19

Meant to post this a while ago, finished the book...it was fabulous. Thanks for writing it and for your service to our Country!

CoLawman

08-16-2006, 22:20

Thanks for bumping this Gypsy.....I too finished the book. You know I really, really don't like that Major X! Thanks for writing the book and your service to this great nation sir!

lrd

08-17-2006, 21:01

You know I really, really don't like that Major X! Thanks for writing the book and your service to this great nation sir!I agree.

I sat down to peek at the pictures and ended up reading the whole thing.

Sionnach

01-27-2007, 08:27

Amazing book. SFC Antenori is my kind of NCO.

Jgood

01-29-2007, 11:21

Very good read, enjoyed it alot

takeumnow

02-04-2007, 19:19

Great book, finished it without setting it down. The part about engaging the enemy with the javelins was something I had to share. Thank you for your service.

Fonzy

02-19-2007, 09:28

Gentlemen

Sorry to revive a dead thread, but I borrowed this book off a buddy of mine on one of our down days out here in beautiful Kosovo. Read it in one sitting. Amazing read.

SPC Fonz

SouthernDZ

02-19-2007, 10:19

Frank is one of those amazing guys you meet in SF. We went through Paramedic training shortly after Gulf War I and were at the JSOMTC together.

When you cosistently stand up and speak up for what is right you make a few enemies,.....you also make a hell of a lot of friends!

If Frank had kept his mouth shut more, he would've retired a CSM; I'm glad that wasn't in his character. He would've been a great congressman (maybe we can talk him into anouther run).

Team Sergeant

02-19-2007, 11:32

SouthernDZ

02-19-2007, 11:59

You do know Frank is a member on this board right?;)

TS

Sure - but his last post appears to have been Jan 2006.

JMI

02-19-2007, 12:46

Great read. What I did not understand was the reluctance on the part of Major X to confront the tanks during the day time. I can imagine the danger those men put themselves in, and being a civilian I am NOT trying to armchair QB here. But as I was reading I was thinking that by nightfall, there would be more danger to the men because they would not be observe movement as easily as they would in daytime.

This was a really well written book and was exciting to read. And of course they destroyed a larger force with a bunch of badass SF'ers and 80 Kurds.

JMI

02-19-2007, 12:48

SouthernDZ, I used to have that avatar, sans the Green Beret of course. :cool:

Team Sergeant

02-19-2007, 14:51

Sure - but his last post appears to have been Jan 2006.

That may be so but he was online here a few days ago.;)

enterfirst

02-19-2007, 15:11

Just being a civi, I loved this book. I read it in one sitting (as seems to be similar to other posts). Extremely inspiring for SF hopefulls like me. Thanks for letting us receive a glimpse of SF in preparation and in theater.

SouthernDZ

02-19-2007, 15:31

SouthernDZ, I used to have that avatar, sans the Green Beret of course. :cool:

Clothes make the man..er..squirrel.

Warrior-Mentor

02-19-2007, 22:03

That may be so but he was online here a few days ago.;)

Big Brother is watching... :eek:

Hipshot

03-10-2007, 01:13

Just got my copy yesterday and will be reading it tomorrow. Took a peak at the pictures and seeing the Javelin brought back a lot of memories. I worked on the Javelin program in Tucson a little over 5 years ago. Was there on 9/11. We were adding some new features to the software and it's a fantastic weapon. Beats the heck out of the old Dragon which I got to shoot at ANCOES back in 1974. I have video and powerpoint slides from T-72 shot at the range in Huntsville, AL. Loaded T-72 came apart at the seams - with the turret doing 8 seconds of hang time after missile impact. Makes me not want to be a tanker!

Hipshot

03-11-2007, 11:42

Finished my read of Roughneck Nine One - heck of a story. I wonder if Maj. X was a product of the Peter Principle (one always seems to fall through the crack) or if he had some 'political pull' that got him to that level of responsibility. Another good example why the news media should not be allowed to go roaming around the FEBA.