US Army Special Forces 1952-84 (Elite) [Paperback]

Gordon Rottman (Author), Ronald Volstad (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Elite | Publication Date: May 23, 1985

From its very inception the United States Army Special Forces has been enmeshed in controversy, its mission misunderstood to varying degrees, and its very existence opposed by some of the Army hierarchy. Nevertheless it continues to serve in a highly specialised role in all manner of differing conditions. There can be few better qualified to chronicle the history of this unique organisation than former Special Forces Group weapons specialist Gordon Rottman, whose expert knowledge is clearly evident in this authoritative text. This volume also contains 12 full page colour plates by one of the world's most respected military artists, Ron Volstad.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

An unrivalled illustrated reference source on fighting men and commanders, past and present. Each volume is packed with full colour artwork, making military history uniquely accessible to enthusiasts of all ages.

About the Author

Gordon L Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, volunteered for Special Forces and completed training as a weapons specialist. He was assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group until reassigned to the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam in 1969-70. He entered the Texas Army National Guard in 1974 and was the full-time Operations Sergeant of 2nd Bn., 143rd Inf., 36th Airborne Brigade until 1980, when he assumed a similar position with Co. G (Ranger), 143rd Inf. Reverting to part-time status in 1986, he is now the Opposing Forces Group Operations Sergeant in the Army Reserve's 75th Manoeuvre Area Command in Houston. He is a civilian contract Special Operations Forces Intelligence Specialist at the Army's Joint Readiness Centre, Ft Polk.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (May 23, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 085045610X
• ISBN-13: 978-0850456103
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.2 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,015,834 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough, Meticulous and fascinating!, May 13, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Conroe, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: US Army Special Forces 1952-84 (Elite) (Paperback)

The author - a former Special Forces Soldier and combat veteran himself has done a fine job in presenting the Special Forces of the world in an interest and informative manner. A must read for anyone researching the Special Forces of the world - their missions and capabilities.

The book is written with an understanding that comes from being an insider to the SF community as well as a long time soldier. It is not only a fascinating read - it is also a valuable research tool. Highly recommended!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reading on early Special Forces history, December 5, 2003

By 

Martin J. Macary "Read everything and anything." (Wolcott, CT United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: US Army Special Forces 1952-84 (Elite) (Paperback)

Gordon Rottman is retired Special Forces and does a thorough job of covering early Special Forces history back to the days of the OSS and the WWII Ranger Battilions. He shows the different paths of development that have evolved into todays Green Berets and Ranger Battalions. There is good coverage given to the uniforms, various unit flashes and insignia on the color plates.
A worthwhile read for anyone interested in Special Forces history.