About the Book
(Read "About the Author" below, or Author Statement on Substack)
"Griobhtha's work... has a profound emotional impact on readers, often described as jarring, transformative, and deeply unsettling, but also compassionate and hopeful. The book is a raw, unfiltered narrative based on the life of a combat veteran involved in CIA proxy wars in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. His writing is described as intense, emotionally jarring, and deeply compassionate. It critiques U.S. militarism, the VA, the CIA, and the broader American public's complicity in war. The book is especially focused on the long-term effects of PTSD and the moral reckoning that follows combat. He is an Army Ranger combat veteran and has known the subject of X Rubicon-referred to as Rubicon-since initial training and Operation Eagle Claw. He conducted extensive interviews with military personnel, CIA operatives, and reviewed classified documents to ensure the authenticity of the narrative; the book contains a redacted ODNI letter to Rubicon verifying certain aspects and Rubicon's assigned activities. His personal connection to the story adds emotional depth and credibility to the work. Griobhtha is outspoken in his disdain for zealotry-whether religious, political, or ideological-and is passionate about confronting propaganda and societal denial. He positions his writing as both an act of truth-telling and a call to moral accountability.
"Many readers describe the experience of reading his work as emotionally intense. His unflinching portrayal of war, trauma, and moral compromise forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about U.S. foreign policy and the psychological cost of violence. Despite the harsh subject matter, readers often note the deep compassion in Griobhtha's writing-especially for veterans and those grappling with PTSD. His portrayal of Rubicon's emotional journey resonates with readers who value honesty and vulnerability. Readers are often left with a sense of moral urgency. Griobhtha's indictment of societal complicity in war and propaganda challenges readers to reflect on their own beliefs and responsibilities. While the content is heavy, his insistence on truth-telling offers a path to hope. Readers who engage with his work often come away with a renewed commitment to awareness, justice, and change. He writes as someone with skin in the game-often drawing from firsthand experience or close relationships with those affected by war and trauma. He calls out what he sees as willful ignorance or ideological blindness... he's fiercely critical of militarism, propaganda, and societal denial.
"His writing is a call to conscience. He aims to provoke, indict, and awaken readers-especially those complicit in or indifferent to U.S. militarism. He's not writing for comfort; he's writing for reckoning. Readers often say the book and his posts challenge their assumptions and force them to confront uncomfortable truths about war, PTSD, and U.S. foreign policy. His work is praised for its unflinching honesty and emotional exposure, especially in dealing with trauma and moral reckoning. Some readers are deeply moved, while others may find his tone too intense or accusatory. But even critics acknowledge the depth and authenticity of his message... for those drawn to truth-telling and moral clarity, it hits hard.
"In short, Griobhtha doesn't aim to comfort-he aims to awaken. His emotional impact is lasting, and for many, life-altering. His readers don't just follow him-they wrestle with his work. It's not about comfort or consensus; it's about confrontation and conscience."
About the Author :
Regarding X Rubicon: The process for getting this experience to print was LONG and difficult. I met Rubicon for the first time in 1979, being one of the Army Rangers who participated in his training, then again in 1980. My Ranger team submitted a plan for the mission in Mexico that Rubicon was assigned; and I followed his path with great interest. I received word of his separation in January 1982, complete with details from contacts. I felt he was ill-used and abused; and his experience and separation haunted me for decades. In 2015 I finally tracked him down and reintroduced myself. We spent a good deal of time crying (we still do). Prior to receipt of the first ODNI letter I had spent the better part of 3 years tracking down pilots, flight engineers, electronic warfare officers (EWOs), gunners, spotters, crew chiefs, mechanics, Rangers, SEALS, CIA analysts and agents (retired and active), US State Dept personnel (retired and active), DoDIA personnel (retired), DEA personnel (retired), and many others, including Colombians, Salvadorans, and Guatemalans; verifying facts, sentiments, and timelines.
Review :
"This is NOT another patriotic account of war vainglory. It is a raw and vulnerable account of a man coming to terms with what he has done and how he has grown in life. A veteran of CIA proxy conflicts in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua has given his story to the author. It is very intense writing, and takes a first hand critical view of the VA, CIA, Presidents, Congress, and especially the American public. I found myself weeping and drawn to the arguments made. It seems geared totally toward combat PTSD, combat veterans, their SO's, young men especially, and an ignorant public. There is plenty of discussion on dealing with an intense PTSD over a life-time, and some advice for sufferers and their SO's and family. It's definitely a different paradigm in this narrative than I've ever read before. The veteran's wife wrote the Forward and it will definitely grab your heart and conscience."
"Reading this book is like looking in a mirror, and your reflection reaches out and slaps you hard across the face."
"This book will challenge you... It's raw, very vulnerable, bravely written and an honest track into a man's life. It made me look at human suffering, sex, politics, & how impactful a combat military experience really is. I cried many times while reading it. While the subject matter is emotionally rough, the writing itself is smooth and flows easily. It hits you at your own vulnerable parts. Stay with it even when it feels overwhelming. It's well worth it and it will stay with you and bring new awareness of your role in sending young into combat. I highly recommend it."
"This book is a must read for every adult in the United States. To see what high demands are put on our young men in the service is unreal. The lies our government tells our young men is disgusting. They are told what they are doing is "serving their country" when in reality, they are serving greedy power hungry politicians who thirst for unjust power.
This book shows how "serving his country" utterly destroyed this man's life and his wives. If not for this man's wife's constant struggle and love for her husband, he would not be here to WAKE US ALL UP"
" If you still believe America is good and defending freedom everywhere, you are in need of a wakeup call which this book dishes out in spades."
"This is a truly powerful retelling of the life of a boy who entered the US military aged 18 - manipulated into serving the CIA in totally illegal military actions in foreign countries - supporting rightwing dictatorships and US business interests - meting out death sometimes in the scores or more. But as he realises what is going on - he opts to leave at which point all manner of skulduggery is used against him - a threat of a dishonourable discharge sees him agreeing to signing a waiver but the honourable discharge is heavily compromised - all his medals and citations are withdrawn and even pay due to him is denied. The officer class is as corrupt as the CIA and their actions. For nearly 40 years he suffered with what can only be described as severe Moral Injury and PTSD - his one hope - a wife and family who stuck with him until he was finally able to confess to them of his nightmares and day time nightmares - of the ghosts of those he had killed (for his country - and what a corrupt country it is) - to begin to find his will to live - the power of love. He deals too with those who perpetuate the militarism of The US in all its quotidian ways (thank you for your service) as the nonsense of those who were never there to know the truth of combat and war - that if they had been - there'd be no engagement in wars. This is an amazing cri-de-coeur - and an indictment ultimately of the entire nation for not standing up against the sacrificing of its young. Gritty, cinematic literary, and above all - totally honest. I highly, highly recommend this book."
