American Sniper

1. Cowboy Roots: A Foundation of Faith, Family, and Firearms

I was raised with, and still believe in, the Christian faith. If I had to order my priorities, they would be God, Country, Family.

Texas upbringing. Chris Kyle's early life in rural Texas instilled in him a deep-seated love for family, country, and the Christian faith. This foundation shaped his values, emphasizing self-reliance, hard work, and a strong sense of justice. He grew up hunting, riding horses, and working on a ranch, developing a cowboy ethos that would later influence his military career.

Traditional values. His upbringing emphasized traditional values, including patriotism, self-reliance, and protecting family and neighbors. These values were not just abstract concepts but were actively lived out in his daily life, influencing his decisions and actions. He was taught to do what you want in life, and that it's not worth it if you're not happy.

Early exposure to firearms. From a young age, Kyle was comfortable with guns and hunting, skills that would later prove invaluable in his military service. This early exposure instilled in him a respect for firearms and a passion for marksmanship, setting the stage for his future as a sniper.

2. The Crucible of BUD/S: Forging Mental Toughness

Getting through BUD/S and being a SEAL is more about mental toughness than anything else. Being stubborn and refusing to give in is the key to success.

Brutal physical and mental tests. Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training is designed to push candidates to their absolute limits, both physically and mentally. The program is notorious for its high attrition rate, with only a small percentage of candidates making it through. It's designed to break you down, then beat you down some more.

Emphasis on mental fortitude. BUD/S is not just about physical strength; it's about mental toughness, resilience, and the ability to persevere under extreme pressure. The instructors aim to weed out those who lack the mental fortitude to continue on with a mission even when exhausted. Hell Week, a 132-hour test of endurance, is a prime example of this.

"Do whatever it takes" mentality. The key to success in BUD/S is a stubborn refusal to quit, a "do whatever it takes" mentality that becomes ingrained in every SEAL. This mindset is crucial for surviving the rigors of training and the challenges of combat. It's about being stubborn and refusing to give in.

3. From Takedowns to Tragedy: The Brutal Reality of War

It was my duty to shoot, and I don’t regret it. The woman was already dead. I was just making sure she didn’t take any Marines with her.

Early combat experiences. Kyle's first deployment involved boarding and searching ships in the Persian Gulf, a routine task that quickly became a dangerous reality. He also participated in the capture of a North Korean freighter carrying Scud missiles, showcasing the diverse missions SEALs undertake.

The face of evil. The war in Iraq exposed Kyle to the brutal reality of combat, including the savagery of the enemy and the constant threat of death. He witnessed firsthand the lengths to which insurgents would go to harm Americans, including using women and children as weapons. He hated the evil he encountered.

The psychological toll. The constant exposure to violence and death took a toll on Kyle, as it does on all warriors. He struggled with the emotional and psychological impact of his experiences, highlighting the human cost of war. He was haunted by the enemy's successes.

4. The Sniper's Mindset: Precision, Patience, and Purpose

I’ve always said that I wasn’t the best shot or even the best sniper ever. I’m not denigrating my skills. I certainly worked hard to hone them.

Beyond marksmanship. Sniper training is not just about shooting; it's about observation, stalking, and mental discipline. SEAL snipers are trained to observe, plan, and execute missions with precision and patience. It's about being stubborn and refusing to give in.

The art of stalking. Stalking, the process of sneaking into a position undetected, is a crucial skill for snipers. It requires patience, attention to detail, and the ability to blend into the environment. It's about moving slowly and carefully to the exact right spot for the mission.

The sniper's role. Snipers are not just shooters; they are also observers, intelligence gatherers, and protectors. They provide overwatch for their teammates, eliminate high-value targets, and gather critical information about the enemy. They are silent warriors.

5. Love and Loss: The Personal Cost of Duty

In the end, my story, in Iraq and afterward, is about more than just killing people or even fighting for my country. It’s about being a man. And it’s about love as well as hate.

Love at first sight. Kyle's relationship with his wife, Taya, began with a chance encounter in a bar. Their love story is a testament to the power of connection and the importance of family in the face of war. He knew from the start that this was someone he wanted to spend a lot of time with.

The strain of war. The demands of military service put a tremendous strain on Kyle's marriage. The constant deployments, the emotional toll of combat, and the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life created friction and tension. He was always very aware of her feelings.

The importance of family. Despite the challenges, Kyle's love for his family remained a constant source of strength and motivation. He struggled with the conflict between his duty to his country and his desire to be a present father and husband. He came to believe that Family may, under some circumstances, outrank Country.

6. The Devil of Ramadi: A Legend Forged in Fire

I loved what I did. I still do. If circumstances were different—if my family didn’t need me—I’d be back in a heartbeat. I’m not lying or exaggerating to say it was fun. I had the time of my life being a SEAL.

The intensity of Ramadi. The battle for Ramadi was one of the fiercest of the Iraq War, and Kyle played a key role in the fighting. He became known as "the Devil of Ramadi" by the insurgents, a testament to his effectiveness as a sniper. He was in the shit a lot.

A relentless warrior. Kyle's time in Ramadi was marked by intense combat, constant danger, and a relentless pursuit of the enemy. He was driven by a desire to protect his fellow soldiers and a deep-seated hatred for the evil he encountered. He had a job to do as a SEAL.

The thrill of battle. Despite the horrors of war, Kyle admitted that he loved what he did. He found a sense of purpose and fulfillment in his role as a SEAL, and he was not afraid to admit that he had the time of his life. He loved the thrill of battle.

7. Beyond the Battlefield: A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice

I had a job to do as a SEAL. I killed the enemy—an enemy I saw day in and day out plotting to kill my fellow Americans.

The transition home. Returning home from war was a difficult adjustment for Kyle. He struggled with the transition to civilian life, the lack of purpose, and the feeling that he was no longer contributing to something meaningful. He was disgusted with everything.

A new mission. After leaving the Navy, Kyle found a new purpose in helping other veterans and law enforcement officers. He co-founded Craft International, a training company that provides specialized instruction in marksmanship and tactical skills. He wanted to defend his country, do his duty, and do his job.

Giving back. Kyle was committed to giving back to his community and helping others. He used his skills and experience to make a positive impact on the lives of those around him, both veterans and civilians. He put action to the quote, “It’s our duty to serve those who serve us.”

8. The Unbreakable Bond: Brotherhood in the Teams

My boys deserve to be praised more than I do.

The importance of camaraderie. The bond between SEALs is a powerful force, forged in the crucible of training and combat. These men rely on each other for survival, and they develop a deep sense of loyalty and brotherhood. They were all a critical part of his success.

Hazing and testing. New members of the Teams are subjected to a rigorous hazing process, designed to test their limits and ensure they are worthy of the brotherhood. This process, while often brutal, helps to build trust and camaraderie. They were always beat on.

The power of teamwork. SEALs operate as a team, relying on each other's strengths and covering each other's weaknesses. They are a tight-knit group, and they know they can always count on each other. They always knew they had each other’s back.

9. The Weight of War: Scars, Scars, and Scars

I’m haunted by the enemy’s successes. They were few, but even a single American life is one too many lost.

The psychological toll of combat. The constant exposure to violence and death left lasting scars on Kyle, both physical and emotional. He struggled with the loss of his friends, the guilt of surviving, and the psychological impact of his experiences. He was haunted by the enemy’s successes.

The struggle to reintegrate. Returning home from war was a difficult transition for Kyle. He struggled with the mundane aspects of civilian life, the lack of purpose, and the feeling that he was no longer contributing to something meaningful. He was still a bit uncomfortable with the idea of publishing his life story.

The need for support. Kyle's story highlights the importance of providing support and resources for veterans as they transition back to civilian life. He understood the need for community, purpose, and a sense of belonging. He was still a bit uncomfortable with the idea of publishing his life story.

10. A Life of Service: From Cowboy to Legend

People try to put me in a category as a bad-ass, a good ol’ boy, asshole, sniper, SEAL, and probably other categories not appropriate for print. All might be true on any given day.

A complex individual. Chris Kyle was a complex individual, a mix of cowboy, warrior, husband, father, and friend. He was a man of contradictions, capable of both great violence and great compassion. He was who he was.

A life of service. From his early days as a cowboy to his service as a SEAL, Kyle's life was defined by a commitment to service and a desire to protect others. He was a protector.

A lasting legacy. Kyle's story is a testament to the power of courage, resilience, and the importance of living a life of purpose. His legacy continues to inspire others to serve their country, their communities, and their families. He was a SEAL down to his soul.

Last updated: January 16, 2025