written by on 10/02/2010
I sincerely doubt the veracity of this book. It seems as though the author heard other soldiers' stories and assimilated himself into them as the protagonist.
The author seems to know very little about map reading, direction, navigation and most important of all: shooting and its many aspects. He speaks in such generalities that the impression is of a hobbyist shooter at very best - not someone whose life depended on the skills and tools for accuracy and effectiveness. The most important aspect of his day-to-day life as a Marine Sniper seemed to be the act of getting drunk.
The title hints at a real life look at being a sniper - think "One Shot One Kill" (about Carlos Hathcock) - from selection, to school to actually shooting in military situations. This guy says he basically just put his hand out, was given a Winchester Model 70 and was told to "shoot who you want." Does he really expect the reader to believe that the US Marine Corp operates this way?
I gave "Dead Center" one star, because anything less was not allowed. I can't begin to imagine Ed Kugler (or "The Kug" as he calls himself in the book) as a motivational, informational speaker.