The Unit - by Adam Gamal & Kelly Kennedy

About the Book

"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 a gripping firsthand account of our nation's most secretive military group. When Adam arrived in the United States at the age of nineteen, 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, of the incredible missions--but also of the growth he experienced as he learned to adhere to more moderate Islamic beliefs. Enthralling and eye-opening, The Unit is at once a gripping account of the fight against terror and an urgent examination of the need for diversity"

Book Synopsis

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 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.

This edition includes a 16 page color photo insert.

Review Quotes

"[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

About the Author

ADAM GAMAL is a pseudonym created to keep the author and his family safe from harm. Gamal served in the most elite units in the US Army, deployed more than a dozen times, and finally retired in 2016. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Legion of Merit. He is currently an international consultant for a security organization.

KELLY KENNEDY served as a soldier in Desert Storm and Mogadishu, Somalia. She is the author of They Fought for Each Other and the coauthor, with Kate Germano, of Fight Like a Girl. She lives in Virginia.