I am only part way through reading this book so I will have to update this when I finish it. Thus far I have enjoyed reading this account but it has not drawn me in like some other authors I have read. This is the first book I have read concerning our current war in the Middle East so it was interesting to see it from the view of someone who was there rather than just the media. I have struggled with following all the characters and keeping them strait because there are so many, but I often do, so that may not be a problem for other readers.

Joker One by Donovan Campbell is the first person account of a Marine lieutenant serving in Ramadi, Iraq in 2004. Joker One, the platoon’s call sign, is not an in-depth review of why the United States is fighting in Iraq. Instead, Campbell provides a personal and detailed account of one platoon, thrown into an intense combat situation, with limited practical training and Campbell’s efforts to bring his men out alive.
Campbell provides excellent insight into the daily life of a Marine stationed in Ramadi, just as the violence in the area begins to increase. The vast majority of the book contains retellings of the day-to-day life of the Marine platoon that Campbell leads. Many of the stories are humorous—the retelling of a particularly raucous song and dance number is amusing, other tales are much more grim. Campbell’s retelling of patrols in hostile territory, coming under enemy fire, and ultimately, the loss of a fellow Marine, places the war in Iraq in a narrow focus, from a unique point of view.
Ultimately, Joker One is the closest most Americans will come to being in an actual war zone. Campbell’s love of his fellow Marines, his deep faith in God, and his own personal determination to lead his platoon to the best of his ability, makes for a fascinating, if somewhat heartbreaking, read. ( )

It was hard to read this book without becoming overwhelmingly furious at the leaders, both military and civilian, who ask our young men to do impossible jobs without the proper tools. President Bush surely knew better than to attempt a land war in Asia, after all, it's only been a military maxim for better than 50 years. How many times did Mr. Campbell mention that the radios didn't work correctly or that they STILL didn;t have enough Humvees? Funny how the civilian mercenaries can seem to find radios that work perfectly and have plenty of vehicles to do their job.

I was also a bit bothered by the coercive nature of the prayer sessions. This seems to be increasingly prevalent in our military forces. In other words, to be part of the team, you must take part in the rituals laid out by the team leader. Joker One, was by Cambell's account, a diverse group of guys. Surely there was at least one Roman Catholic, or Jew, or even Moslem (since some were Filipino) or Pagan. He mentioned that he thought some were atheist. But still they were forced to participate. Semper Fi transcends religion I'm sure.

But the Marines do the best job they can, mostly without complaint or bitterness. Campbell provides us with a multitude of leadership lessons. And in the end, we have another war memoir that illustrates the futility and wastefulness of attempting to impose our will on another culture... no matter how good our intentions. ( )

Donovan Campbell joined the Marines after 9/11. A recent Princeton grad and first in his class at the Marines’ Basic Officer Course, Campbell was made the Lieutenant of a forty-man infantry platoon called Joker One. Campbell led his platoon on a tour of duty in Ramadi, Iraq, where they patrolled for IEDs, battled insurgents, and tried to win over the locals – often in temperatures over 120 degrees, carrying 50 pounds of equipment.

Joker One: A Marine Platoon's Story of Courage, Leadership, and Brotherhood is Campbell’s account of his time in Ramadi. He describes what he and his men did and learned, but also shares his heartfelt insights into what made his team so great. It is a riveting story of courage and camaraderie that should make us appreciate the efforts and sacrifices of our military.

Also posted on Rose City Reader. ( )

An interesting account of a platoon of Marines who had little time to train before they were shipped out to Ramadi.

Donovan's memoir brings to light the day-to-day operations of a Marine platoon from how squads are formed to saving lives in hostile territory.

Following the platoon through their training, the intense tension that followed their mission in Iraq, the few glimpses of humor and relaxation and of course the horror and grief that followed deaths of some of the squad brought home the sacrifices these men make in serving their country. As you follow them along their journey, you live their fears, their stress, their anger, their courage, their grief, their thrills and the deep emotional bond that makes them an effective platoon.

The details can sometimes be a little overwhelming but they do give a different and I think stronger perspective of what the Marines had to go through compared to what's covered by the news stations. ( )