We Were Invincible – Testimony of an Ex-Commando: A Gripping Glimpse into Canada’s Elite Special Forces
Nous étions invincibles: Témoignage d’un ex-commando (We Were Invincible: Testimony of an Ex-Commando) by Denis Morisset and Claude Coulombe is a powerful and eye-opening memoir that takes readers deep inside the world of Canada’s elite military unit—the Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2). First published in 2008, this compelling book shares the untold stories of covert operations, personal sacrifices, and the hidden cost of life in the shadows.
Denis Morisset was one of the original sixteen members of JTF2 when it was formed in 1993. From that year until 2001, he served as part of the spearhead team responsible for high-risk missions around the world—missions often too sensitive or politically explosive to be acknowledged publicly. In this memoir, Morisset sheds light on real operations that span continents and crises: from tracking down a war criminal in Croatia, to providing protection for a Canadian general in Rwanda, to hostage rescues in Peru, and gathering proof of Serbian disarmament violations in defiance of President Milosevic’s claims.
The book goes beyond recounting tactical maneuvers—it delves into the psychological and emotional reality of being a special operations soldier. With clarity and raw honesty, Morisset discusses the unrelenting stress, the adrenaline, the split-second decisions, and the mental toll that such a lifestyle demands. It’s not just about combat and victory—it’s about survival, both in the field and afterward, when reintegration into civilian life becomes its own battle.
What sets We Were Invincible apart from other military memoirs is its unfiltered look at the often-overlooked human side of elite warfare. Morisset doesn’t glorify war—he exposes its contradictions, the brotherhood it builds, and the scars it leaves behind. His partnership with Claude Coulombe ensures the narrative remains clear, structured, and deeply resonant, even for readers unfamiliar with military jargon or Canadian defense history.
The title, We Were Invincible, reflects not only the physical strength and elite training of these operatives, but also the illusion of invulnerability many soldiers develop to cope with danger and trauma. It’s a statement about the mental armor built by warriors who must face death without hesitation—until that armor eventually cracks under the weight of reality.
Critically acclaimed, the book holds an Amazon rating of 4.4 stars and a 4.5 rating on Goodreads, with readers praising its depth, honesty, and gripping narrative. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in military history, geopolitics, or personal stories of resilience and sacrifice.
