Marines on Top

Rating:
Summary: OOH-RAH
Review: A fun read, captures the present day individual Marines spirit of patriotism, adventure, and 9/11 payback. 'Marines on Top' is the fictional account of present day or near future Marines conducting small unit actions for the War on Terrorism. The book reads like a Tom Clancy hi-tech story told with a Web Griffin this is what it's like style but using present day realism. If your looking for a war is hell, the government lied to me, why am I here in this dangerous place kind of conspiracy story,,,,,, this ain't it'. If you want a tactically accurate sometimes humorous story about a group of adventurous, dedicated, young Marines doing the job they signed on for its not bad. Kinda ooh-rah in places the books story line is at times not too plausible, but; then again you could say the same for most Marines.
Marines on Top is not going to please the politically correct of the left or the right, but; I doubt if being politically correct has ever been in the author's vocabulary. At times irreverent but capturing the present day ethos of the USMC small unit leader seems to be the author's intent and he does it well. As a former Marine who spent some time with a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and (to my shame) systems acquisition, I can tell you his perspective of small unit tactics, MEU life at the pointy end of the spear, and systems procurement is dead on. His description of technology and squad use of select hi-tech toys implemented at the MEU level to increase combat effectiveness is for the most part interesting and accurate. The author definitely has insight into how the Department of Defense and the USMC work (sometimes not to efficiently) concerning real world operations and/or weapons procurement. Probably the author's most insightful area is his description of how some of this hi-tech wizardry could enhance things like information management and intelligence support to combat operations at the small unit level; in other words exactly the kind of technical advantage a small unit could use to find and disrupt terrorists operations.
Well written, somewhat plausible, technically and tactically relevant, 'Marines on Top' is what it is, a fun, realistic look at the 'characters' that make up a present day USMC rifle squad.

Rating:
Summary: An exciting blend of technology and Marine spirit
Review: AX Wykat in this novel introduces the reader to an exciting blend of technology and marine spirit, pitted against a global tapestry of disarray, terrorism, and tribalism. The novel weaves plausible plot lines with detailed descriptions of how technology and warriors come together on missions. The story lines clearly demonstrate the global nature of the current struggle. The best part is that the Author has left himself the ability to introduce future versions of this series, and clearly the series would translate neatly to a cinematographic treatment in a tv series or movie.

Rating:
Summary: Fact, Fiction, Fantasy and Firepower
Review: This book provides an interesting blend of fact, fiction, fantasy and firepower. Marines use their proven tactical skills, combined with the latest technical gadgetry to prevail against terrorists. While describing the exploits of Sergeant Hussar and his Marine rifle squad, the author provides detailed descriptions of special equipment currently employed at the squad level. Equipment that many of us first heard about from embedded reporters accompanying Marines in their historic thrust from Kuwait to Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sergeant Hussar's squad is Special Operations Capable (SOC) and specially equipped and trained to operate in the uncertain world of counter-terrorist operations.
This book is a good read for military buffs and for present and former Marines, especially young Marines. As the book progresses, some of Sgt Hussar's exploits become a bit sensational, but the the stories are entertaining and readers must remember... it is fiction.
The technical descriptions regarding computer networks and communications links may be a bit too technical for some readers, but will be interesting and informative to others.