Spec Ops : Case Studies in Special Operations Warfare: Theory and Practice

Rating:
Summary: A Textbook for Special Forces Operations
Review: William McRaven's book "Spec Ops" stands alone in the realm of military books as the only basic textbook for Special Forces operations. The book is a collection of Case Studies of special operations conducted by various internation militaries from The German Attack on Ebem Emael in 1940 to the Israeli Raid on Entebbe in 1976. While these case studies seem ancient with respect to the advances in Special Forces theory and practice and recent years their analysis is good as is as applicable today as ever. McRaven's thesis is that the success of a special operation depends on attaining superiority by surprise and intensity. This allows a small special forces contingent to defeat a much larger force. In fact McRaven actually graphs the operations and shows why each worked so well or so poorly. The analysis is so complete and clear that it seems obvious and simple. This book does for modern special forces doctrine what Rommel's Infantry Tactics did for warfare in the first half of the century. From the introduction to the conclusions the research and insight in this book are amazing. McRaven's credentials as a US Navy SEAL team commander are also impressive and lend authority to his ideas. This book should be required reading for all individuals involved in the conduct of modern warfare.

Rating:
Summary: Theory and Practice in Special Operations
Review: William McRaven's book is a text that could be considered "a general and special theory" of special operations. The author defines special operations, then outlines key criteria to consider in planning and execution. Then, he tests the criteria against eight case studies to determine to determine why, and to what degree, each op succeeded or failed. Not content with secondary sources, Captain McRaven personally interviewed surviving particpants, and did "terrain walks" at several battlefield locations. His combination of historical research and special operations theory is a work that is superb military theory as well as concise history of special operations. The book is clearly aimed at SOF personnel, and those who work with them. However, anyone with an interest in special operations should read this book. For myself, I found it to be excellent background material for my work with special operations forces.