Veteran Authors You Should Know

Veterans have long contributed powerful voices to literature. From bestselling thrillers and award-winning novels to leadership books, memoirs, and science fiction, many service members have gone on to build successful careers as authors.

Their experiences in the military often shape their perspective, but their stories reach far beyond the battlefield. The authors below represent multiple branches of the U.S. military and write across a wide range of genres.

This list includes both well-established writers and newer voices worth discovering.

Many of the books listed below are also available as audiobooks.

Veterans and readers who prefer listening can often enjoy these titles through an Audible free trial, which allows new members to download an audiobook at no cost.

Established Veteran Authors

Jack Carr

Service: U.S. Navy SEAL

Jack Carr is one of the most commercially successful veteran authors writing today. His military thriller series featuring former Navy SEAL James Reece has become a major bestseller and was adapted into a television series. Carr’s novels draw heavily from his experience in special operations and modern geopolitics.

Notable Book:
👉 The Terminal List — View on Amazon

Jocko Willink

Service: U.S. Navy SEAL

Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL officer and leadership author known for his focus on discipline, accountability, and decisive leadership. Drawing on his experience commanding SEAL forces during the Iraq War, his writing shows how lessons from military leadership can be applied to business, teamwork, and everyday life.

Notable Book:
👉 Extreme Ownership — View on Amazon

William H. McRaven

Service: U.S. Navy Admiral / former Navy SEAL

Admiral William H. McRaven served more than three decades in the U.S. Navy and later became widely known for his leadership insights. His bestselling book grew out of a famous commencement speech encouraging readers to focus on discipline, resilience, and small daily habits that lead to success.

Notable Book:
👉 Make Your Bed — View on Amazon

Tim O’Brien

Service: U.S. Army – Vietnam War

Tim O’Brien is widely regarded as one of the most influential literary voices to emerge from the Vietnam War. His writing blends fiction and memoir to explore the emotional and psychological experiences of soldiers during and after combat.

Notable Book:
👉 The Things They Carried — View on Amazon

Karl Marlantes

Service: U.S. Marine Corps – Vietnam War

Karl Marlantes served as a Marine officer in Vietnam and later wrote one of the most respected novels about the conflict. His work explores leadership, the moral complexity of war, and the realities of combat.

Notable Book:
👉 Matterhorn — View on Amazon

Emerging Veteran Authors

Joel Gaines

Service: U.S. Army Veteran

Joel Gaines is an emerging author whose work explores science fiction and speculative storytelling. His writing combines adventure, exploration, and imaginative worlds beyond Earth.

Notable Book:
👉 Chaos Terrain — View on Amazon

Matt Gallagher

Service: U.S. Army – Iraq War

Matt Gallagher first gained recognition through writing during his deployment to Iraq and has since published both memoir and fiction. His work focuses on leadership, the human side of war, and the challenges veterans face after returning home.

Notable Book:
👉 Kaboom: Embracing the Suck in a Savage Little War — View on Amazon

Brian Van Reet

Service: U.S. Army – Iraq War

Brian Van Reet’s writing explores the psychological dimensions of modern warfare. His debut novel received critical praise for its complex portrayal of the Iraq War and the emotional realities of conflict.

Notable Book:
👉 Spoils — View on Amazon

Brian Castner

Service: U.S. Air Force – Explosive Ordnance Disposal

Brian Castner served as an explosive ordnance disposal officer in Iraq. His memoir examines the long-term effects of combat stress and the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life.

Notable Book:
👉 The Long Walk — View on Amazon

Jason Kasper

Service: U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Beret)

Jason Kasper writes modern espionage and military thrillers. His novels feature complex international plots involving intelligence operations and special forces missions.

Notable Book:
👉 The Enemies of My Country — View on Amazon

Supporting Veteran Authors

Veterans continue to make meaningful contributions to literature across many genres including fiction, history, memoir, leadership, science fiction, and adventure.

Supporting veteran authors helps amplify the stories and perspectives of those who have served.

If you know a veteran who has written a book, Veterans Intel Report welcomes recommendations for future features highlighting veteran creators and storytellers.

Veterans Intel Report may earn a small commission from affiliate links that help support the site.

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