Customer Reviews

Counter-strike from the Sky: The Rhodesian All-Arms Fireforce in the War in the Bush, 1974-1980

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The book Counter-Strike from the Sky by J. R. T. Wood details the use of the Alouette III K-Car and the practices that lead to the counter-insurgency tactics that became Foxfire in Rhodesia. Counter-Strike from the Sky details the concepts of Fireforce and the dates that it was implemented, details the equipment used in the program, as well as the history before, during, and after it that brought it into existence. J. R. T. Wood has also included a DVD with the book that some will find an added benefit. Before starting this book it would be helpful to have some idea of what Fireforce is, but not a requirement. The beginning of the book provides the background needed and the ideas of the concept in the first few pages and chapters. The information and set up is comprehensive. In this book research into the details the years of Fireforce and the phases down to detailed numbers, "894 mines were detonated or recovered a the rate of 2.44 mines a day," and, "From 1972-1980 there were 2,504 detonations by vehicles of landmines ... killing 632 people and injuring 4,410." This shows me the amount of time and energy that has been put into getting both the facts and the story correct in this book. The glossary and prologue are important pieces of the book and are located at the beginning of the book and are very helpful to the reader. If a reader is looking for specific information there is and index that has been included as well. There are three rather large sections in the book, two of photos and one of maps and diagrams that give the reader a visual reference.

This is not a book I would recommend to just any reader of Rhodesian history. It is not a book that can be picked up as light nightly reading and it is certainly not a book that one would pick up thinking that they would escape back to another day and time. It is a book that I would recommend to any historian of this time period. J.R.T. Wood has done a wonderful job of organizing and presenting the data into a all-inclusive unit.

Some tactics prove so effective they are dissected to be better studied. "Counter-Strike From the Sky: The Rhodesian All-Arms Fireforce in the War in the Bush 1974-1980" tells of a phenomenal military unit. Their use of certain weapons is discussed, and many technical details are presented and elaborated upon. "Counter-Strike from the Sky" is enhanced with an accompanying DVD, and is quite the recommended addition to military studies collections.

This is without question the most thoroughly researched historical work available on "everything" related to Fire Force operations in the Rhodesian War. Although this is your typical 9 x 6 hardcover, it has a very Osprey "feel" to it. By that, I mean the author included several color plates and several sections of quality photos that make the book seem more like something Osprey would publish. That doesn't mean, however, that the written sections are given short shrift. On the contrary, so much detail is presented here that the casual reader may become bogged down. I don't want to give the impression that this is an encyclopedic reference, but I do wish to convey that it is wonderful in its detail of minutiae. Included here is a plethora of maps, b&w photos, colour photos, prints, graphs, a glossary, an index, and even an accompanying documentary DVD. It's likely that Fire Force operations comprised the majority of lethal contacts with terrorists operating in and around Rhodesia during the war. Wood's "Counterstrike" is easily one of the best historical sources available on the Rhodesian War. So if you're a serious student of this conflict, this is a "must read."

Fascinating book looks at the Fire Force concept used by the Rhodesians (and later the South Africans) to fight the Marxist insurgents attempting to take over Rhodesia. Reliant upon intelligence, close air support, ground elements and helicopters working in concert the Rhodesian forces were able to defeat a much larger enemy consistently until a political solution was imposed on the country. Fascinating and well-researched, the book is illustrated with photos, line drawings and other artwork as well as equipped with a DVD. Those researching counterinsurgency techniques would be glad to have this well-written book.

Counterstrike From The Sky is JRT Wood's attempt to put to paper a comprehensive look at the the Fireforce concept of total envelopment of a terrorist/insurgent force within the Rhodesian conflict. Particulars cover the evolution, equipment, and doctrine of a Fireforce, as well as an in-depth look at Operation Dingo - the strikes against the ZANLA camps at Chimoio and Tembue.

The book is, naturally, covers a very specific and narrow subject area and readers have to be interested in the subject to stick with this book. Furthermore, by virtue of their connection to the tactic, the Rhodesian Light Infantry receives a lot of coverage in the book at the expense of discussion of the RAR and RSAS who also used the tactic. That said - for those who are interested in it, this book makes good coverage of the topic, though for some it may not be in-depth enough in certain areas. The doctrine section (covered under the chapter on Fireforce commanders) is a very good read in particular. Those interested in learning the nitty-gritty of Operation Dingo will also find the second half of the book of particular interest.

On the other hand, some will find the book a bit dry to read as it is written primarily for an academic/military audience. The examination of Operation Dingo is particularly plodding, but extremely useful in that it covers the movements of nearly every unit involved in the operation. Most will find themselves constantly flipping back and forth between the map section and the text when reading this portion, though the pictures and maps are of good quality and highly useful as an supplement to the text. My only other qualm is that a theoretical exercise in if/how the concept could be used in a modern counter-insurgency effort would have been a nice addition.

If you are interested in the concept of Fireforce or Operation Dingo (though Dr. Wood has a separate book coming out on the operation later in 2011) this book will be an informative read so long as you have the patience and mindset to read an academically oriented book.

This detailed and authoritative review will have to be the leading account on Rhodesian Fireforce operations during the Bush War. J.R.T Wood's eye for detail and easy writing style makes for an enjoyable and insightful read. A definite must have for all historians and practitioners of modern air mobile warfare.

This book is excellent resource material for research papers and the like. The author is thorough and his insights provide a well rounded view into the Rhodesian conflict.

Excellent account of Fire force operations during the war with photos included that takes us back more than 30 years in time.