Combat police: U.S. Army military police in Vietnam [Paperback]

Rick Young (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1997

A systematic analysis of the organization and operations of the military police committed to combat in the Vietnam War. The book contains extensive Tables of Organization and Equipment, Orders of Battle, maps, and detailed tables of unit locations, strengths, and operational commitments. There are also a handful of personal accounts which provide an individual military policeman's "foxhole" perspective," as well as actual articles from the Round-Up, an official newspaper of the military police serving in Vietnam. These articles provide insight into how the military police viewed itself in its efforts towards winning the "war with no strategy."

Editorial Reviews

Review

COMBAT POLICE fills a gaping void (providing) the first look at an important part of the Vietnam War that has been all but ignored in literature. (Rick) Young, an MP in Vietnam in 1968-69, does a masterful job covering every aspect of the Army MPs during the war --Vietnam Veterans of America -- Book Review: October/November 1997

COMBAT POLICE, using historical and technical detail, composes a brand new picture of the painful and valorous contributions MPs made to a war in which they served in a remarkably different way. Filled with organizational charts and tables, (the book) is above all a persistent effort to fix and preserve historically what really happened to military police officers in (Vietnam) -- Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association -- Book Review: October 1997

We are delighted to add COMBAT POLICE to our collection of books. Your ten years of research and production of this book (which) analyze the operations of the U.S. Army military police during the (Vietnam) War will prove an asset to researchers -- Texas Tech University, Archives of the Vietnam Conflict -- Letter: June 1997

Without question, COMBAT POLICE is a welcome addition . . . and certainly will enhance the military history community, especially those interested in the service of the Military Police during the Vietnam conflict -- U.S. Army Military History Institute, Carlisle Barracks -- Letter: June 1997

From the Publisher

In the early 1970's, the U.S. Army published a set of monographs on the Vietnam War entitled "Vietnam Study Series." This series covered most of the major aspects of the conflict from airmobile operations to financial management, but did not include the activities of the military police. This book completes the series by presenting a systematic analysis of military police operations during the Vietnam War. Structured similarly to the Vietnam Study Series format, the book demonstrates how, in the guerrilla war with No Frontlines, military policemen were often thrust into situations where they had to be combat soldiers first and policemen second --- truly a combat police!

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Product Details

• Paperback: 259 pages
• Publisher: Sendraak's Writings (May 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965668401
• ISBN-13: 978-0965668408
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,230,876 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Damn Good Start to the Missing Info on MP's in Vietnam, October 4, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Seattle, Washington) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Combat police: U.S. Army military police in Vietnam (Paperback)

I was in Vietnam in 1968, 1969 and 1971 serving with the 194th MP Co, 557th MP Co and the 560th MP Co in such places as Bin Hoa, Pr'Line Mountain (Dalat), Phu Tai, An Khe and Pleiku. It is remarkable that the US Army overlooked the Military Police role in Vietnam or at best it was an after thought. Night after night, day after day, I saw my fellow soldiers conduct themselves with dignity, restraint, and sacrifice. Being an MP in Vietnam (were everyone had a gun and knife) required the best of police work and the most a soldier has to give. From delivery of babies along side the road, to law enforcement and breaking up infiltration of the enemy forces and ambushes of convoys, all of these men performed extraordinarily in a harsh and hostile environment that we call war. Recognition for a job well done is long overdue, Thanks, Rick for recording this piece of history.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Combat Police, May 26, 2000

By 

john (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Combat police: U.S. Army military police in Vietnam (Paperback)

I was a Military Policeman in Viet Nam. I enjoyed this book very much as it was factual and informative. It's about time the MP's got the recognition they deserve. How can I contact the author?

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful Memories, June 24, 1999

By 

Charles R. Smith (Kenosha, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Combat police: U.S. Army military police in Vietnam (Paperback)

I served with Company A of the 720th Military Police Battalion from December 3, 1969 to Nov. 11, 1970. Starting out as a machine gunner on a escort jeep and advancing to driver of a V100 ( named the Devils Disciple ) this was the first time I had ever read any full length description of my Battlion and Company. I was set back to read about the exact things I did especially what we called Operation Night Overtake but in Ricks book it was officially called Overtake Darkness. Realizing I had photographs of the very places Rick discussed..the Newport Bridge, the Phu Cong Bridge, Highway 1A and many of the places we escorted convoys was not only very exciting because it was up close and personal but brought back powerful memories of my tour. An outstanding book for all former Combat MP's who served in the Nam...I am very thankfull it has been written.