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

Length: 7 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

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!

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.

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.

This Isn't Like Most SOF Memoirs

Adam does a wonderful job showcasing the rigors of his work, and highlighting the wonderful people he worked with. I saw another review claiming there was too much talk about race. But I know first hand that there was absolute truth to his words. His book highlights the power of a diverse fighting force, from the perspective of an elite Tier 1 unit. Adam does not seem self interested in publishing this book. His anonymity, along with protection of various operational details makes this book stand out among the numerous military books that seek to claim glory or tell their war stories. This is going to the top of my reccomended reading list.

How we as emigrants from around the world can make a difference and willing to defend our country which, has adopted us.

I enjoyed listening to this book because i founded it to be informative and patriotic.

Just alright

I admire the author, but too much limitation on what he could portray in the book

Interesting but likely not what reader expects

Let me be clear from the outset that I enjoyed The Unit and would recommend it to others. However, I gave the book 4 stars not 5 stars, because I think the marketing around the book is a bit misleading. This is not like most of the books by former operators where you get a sanitized version of their experience in the military. Contrary to the marketing, this book is much more about the author's experiences growing up and his views on America and his place in America. If you are looking for a book about kicking down doors or practicing CQB in a kill house this book is not for you. The author's military career plays a part in the book, but it is by no means the main subject of the book. The author's military career is utilized as a means of organizing the author's larger discussion of his experience as an immigrant and the importance of immigrants to America.

Additionally, the book is just not particularly well edited. There are multiple antidotes that appear twice or more in the book more or less verbatim and often do not entirely make sense in the context in which they appear. Honestly, at times it felt like the ghost writer was just sticking stories in to increase the page count/book length to make sure it reached the contracted length.

Overall, I found The Unit to be an enjoyable and interesting listen; however, I suspect many will purchase the book based on the marketing and general content of books in this genre and be disappointed.

A different perspective

Fantastic! The author brings different perspective with his story. The narrator does a great job bringing the author’s personality to life.

All American’s should read this book!

Told from the heart of a US immigrant warrior protecting all of us including the Americans who would judge them by their religion or skin color! A true American hero. From an old Vietnam era veteran, thank you for your service!!

Very interesting well written!

Really liked the depth of the story and how he clarified so much of the truth about himself and our country and his culture!
Excellent reader too.