Luttrell is both the author and protagonist of Lone Survivor. A decorated Navy SEAL, he was the sole survivor of Operation Redwing, a mission in Afghanistan that went catastrophically wrong. Luttrell discusses his training and ethos as a SEAL, offering firsthand insight into the often inscrutable world of elite military operations. He provides an examination of the physical and emotional costs of war. His book explores modern warfare, duty, and sacrifice.

In addition to narrating events, Luttrell provides an understanding of the military’s rules of engagement, the ethical dilemmas soldiers face, and the broader policy implications of military action. He challenges the reader to consider the complexities that the average soldier has to navigate in the field. His narrative is in conversation with ongoing debates about the War on Terror, the role of American military might in global conflicts, and the often blurry line between heroism and tragedy in war.

As an organization, the Navy SEALs, and specifically SEAL Team 10, play a pivotal role in the book. Luttrell discusses their rigorous training, resilience, and skill in executing the most dangerous and critical missions.