This book is very well written and beautifully constructed. There are excellent explanatory contributions from all branches of service within the book’s thirteen chapters. This book not only goes over recently past operations but the historical background from whence all special operations trace their lineage. Pre-Revolution, American Revolution, Frontier, Philippine Insurrections and the so-called Banana Republics weapons’ and tactics are summarized. The Civil War Balloon Corps used aerial intelligence, Apache Scouts helped track Chief Geronimo, the Confederates attempt to seize the USS Michigan and bombard US ports (after a drunken party with spiked champagne) are used as precursors to modern unconventional warfare. All of the then current commands are covered (i.e., minus Africa Command [activated 2008]). The authors emphasize the regionally oriented nature of these forces which rely on crisis avoidance and crisis management to resolve whatever national security issues or the security of our allies involves. The success stories of these forces are highlighted but so also is the need learn from the unpleasant historical experiences. The authors pride themselves on the fact that all the special operations forces must rely on high recruiting and reenlistment standards, avoiding bureaucratic enemies and that they and the traditional armed forces will always be complementary. Excellent photographs both in color and B&W. Charts, maps, graphs. ( )