The Operator Audiobook By Robert O'Neill cover art

The Operator

Firing the Shots That Killed Osama Bin Laden and My Years as a SEAL Team Warrior

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The Operator

By: Robert O'Neill
Narrated by: Robert O'Neill
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About this listen

Stirringly evocative, thought provoking, and often jaw dropping, The Operator ranges across SEAL Team Operator Robert O'Neill's awe-inspiring 400-mission career that included his involvement in attempts to rescue "Lone Survivor" Marcus Luttrell and abducted-by-Somali-pirates Captain Richard Phillips and culminated in those famous three shots that dispatched the world's most wanted terrorist, Osama bin Laden.

In this book O'Neill describes his idyllic childhood in Butte, Montana; his impulsive decision to join the SEALs; the arduous evaluation and training process; and the even tougher gauntlet he had to run to join the SEALs' most elite unit. After officially becoming a SEAL, O'Neill would spend more than a decade in the most intense counterterror effort in US history. For extended periods, not a night passed without him and his small team recording multiple enemy kills - and though he was lucky enough to survive, several of the SEALs he'd trained with and fought beside never made it home.

The Operator describes the nonstop action of O'Neill's deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, evokes the black humor of years-long combat, brings to vivid life the lethal efficiency of the military's Tier One units, and reveals firsthand details of the most celebrated terrorist takedown in history.

©2017 Robert O'Neill (P)2017 Simon & Schuster Audio
Afghan & Iraq Wars Afghan War Armed Forces Iraq War Military Military & War Politicians Politics & Activism Special & Elite Forces Wars & Conflicts Witty Inspiring Feel-Good
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Critic reviews

"Gripping...this story is impossible to put down.... What O'Neill has written is unique, surprising, a kind of counternarrative." (Doug Stanton, New York Times best-selling author of In Harm's Way and Horse Soldiers)
"O'Neill wrote himself into American history with the three shots he fired into Osama bin Laden...intensely moving and awe-inspiring." (Marcus Luttrell, New York Times best-selling coauthor of Lone Survivor and Service)

Featured Article: The 20 Best Military Audiobooks from History to Fiction and Beyond


The titles that fall under the designation of military audiobooks are more varied and diverse than you might think. From firsthand combat accounts to imaginative works of fiction, these listens cover a lot of ground on both domestic and international disputes, scientific and sociological analyses, male and female perspectives, lessons from victory and loss, and more. What they have in common, though, are themes of courage, loss, and determination.

Compelling Storytelling • Authentic Narrative • Humble Hero • Balanced Humor • Captivating Pacing • Emotional Depth
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Read by the author! Exquisite. Thank you for your service and your story. Couldn't have been better told than hearing the emotions in the voice of the man who lived this storied life.

Bravo Zulu

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While I have the utmost respect for the operator and the special forces, including the navy seals, I was very disappointed to listen to Robert O’Neil’s attitude towards those in support roles was disheartening and sickening. Support roles no matter whether finance, food, gym, contracting etc are critical to every service member and he could not do his job without them.

Disappointed in the operator attitude

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Where does The Operator rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was a book outside of my normal "read". It was recommended by a friend, so I decided to read it. I was definitely grateful for the suggestion.

What did you like best about this story?

This story provided great insight and a better understanding of what the truly dedicated Navy Seal Team members and their families sacrifice for our freedom and our country.

What about Robert O'Neill’s performance did you like?

Excellently narrated!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

WIshful thinking, but sure! I would love to do that with ALL of my audiobooks :>)

You won't be disappointed!

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I was getting on a bird to Afghanistan when Bin Laden was killed. I had the privilege of working with some SEALS overseas. Rob O'Neil's story is absolutely amazing, and what a humble guy. Hearing the stories put in book form was great. And the fact Rob himself did the narration is even better. If I could give this 10 stars I would. Rob, thanks for telling the stories, the honor given to your guys, the humbleness shown towards even typical grunts walking the mountains and not on a Tier 1 team, just a class act all around.

Amazing book

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I would like to thank the offer for his service and for sharing his story. We are lucky to have men and women like you to defend our country.

Excellent story.

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Written well and preformed great, was hoping for more inside details. Once I started,I didn't put it down

hoping for more detail

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Narrated by the Author, Rob Oneill, this book covers his life and the series of events leading up to the OBL Op. Story is entertaining, and well written. Rob narrates it as only he probably could. Good audiobook!

This is a good book

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Where does The Operator rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top 10%

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Operator?

No spoilers here

What about Robert O'Neill’s performance did you like?

Definitely, so much better than other SEAL readers

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. It's best to let it all soak in gradually

Any additional comments?

The title says it all

Professional, Humble, Hilarious, Inspirational

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Loved it. Could not stop listening. Definitely worth your time to sit down and listen to it.

Amazing read!

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thank you sir for your service and sharing things amazing journey in your life.

amazing story

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