Customer Reviews

Falcon Brigade: Combat and Command in Somalia and Haiti

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Finally! A great book written about 2 events of military history that I was a part of. Col. Casper tells my tale from a commanders perspective in a straight, to the point fashion. This book is 100% proof of the great care that the military commanders have for their soldiers. There wasn't a decision made that didn't involve or address the issues of soldier safety. Although, I never understood the military decision making process then (I was a buck private), I certainly have to give my respects to people such as Col. Casper, who always thought of the troops. The book is well written, at a nice pace(It doesn't stagnate or wander off), and is a MUST read for any and all people who lead soldiers in the military. From the young NCO to the brass, this book is an invaluable training tool.

I have six years experience in the U.S. Army, in light infantry, special forces and as a linguist (translating Haitian Creole, amongst other languages). I have worked with and flown in most of the helicopters mentioned in Falcon Brigade. Col. (ret) Casper did an excellent job discussing attack helicopter fire support to MOUT and staff operations for a joint/multinational task force. I especially liked his discussion of using hand-drawn sketches of the cityscape for controlling close air support and the use of snipers in helicopters for counter battery fire against mortars and his account of flag- and cabinet-level politics.

However, although quite a bit could have changed between 1992, when the events in Falcon Brigade occurred, and 1995, when I joined, it seemed obvious that Col. Casper was "not read in" (one of Col. Casper's favorite turns of phrase in this book) to special operations: his familiarity extended only as far as necessary for him to provide helicopter support. For example, his few references to SOF in Haiti usually evolve around his use of his helicopters for their re-supply. The further you get from the helicopter, the more sketchy his knowledge becomes: on pg 35 he claims soldiers are "attached" to the rope when fast roping. As someone who has fast roped, I can tell you that there was nothing attaching me to the rope except my steely grip. (although fast roping is done from a helicopter, these were SOAR helicopters and not under Col. Casper's control)

I enjoyed Col. Casper's discussion of clan geopolitics in Somalia. On the U.S. side, he does show insight (but does not elaborate) into U.S. foreign policy as far as it relates to the role of the U.S. military at the flag officer and cabinet level. The description of garrison life was also interesting. It seemed that Col. Casper had a few axes to grind with some of the generals who (mis)managed the campaign in Somalia. Unlike SOF and ground combat, Col. Casper seemed well acquainted with problems at the flag level. I just wish that he hadn't pulled his punches the way I have a feeling that he did.

I was put off, though, by Col. Casper's annoying use of the word 'crony.' According to Col. Casper, the "Crony" clan must be the largest and most prestigious clan in Somalia: every important Somali in the book is surrounded by Cronies. Why is it that Americans have assistants, aides, XO's, etc., but Somalis only have cronies? And, why is it wrong for Somalis to get through battle chewing khat, but not wrong for Rangers to get through battle chewing Skoal? Why the double standard?

Unfortunately, Col. Casper's description of Haiti and the Haitian people was rather ignorant. The Crony clan seems to be equally widespread and well placed in Haiti: every Haitian leader has the perequisite entourage of cronies. I'd really like to get 'read in' to this Crony clan! Then, on pg 201 he claims Port-au-Prince is a city of 1 million, but on pg 208 the population suddenly grows to 2 million. Either Port-au-Prince experienced some pretty intense activity nine months previously, or there is a mistake here.

His description of Voodoo on page 209 shows the typical American condescension for this religion. Why is Catholicism capitalized but "voodoo" is in lower case? Why is Catholicism acknowledged as a religion but Voodoo is just "magic"? Why do Catholics pray and Voodoo adherents 'cast spells'? Contrary to his claim that Voodoo lacks theology or clergy, Voodoo has a very well developed pantheon (the Loas) and clergy (the Hougans). Then, on page 221, Col. Casper claims that clairin, an alcoholic beverage, is the national drink and the 'sole pleasure' of the Haitian peasant's life. This is a rather skewed and unwarranted representation of the Haitian peasant. Why the double standard? I believe American per capita consumption of beer is far greated that Haitian per capita consumption of clairin, but I would certainly object to America being characterized as a nation of beer-swillers. If we are to believe Col. Casper, then it may have been a hiccup in the clairin supply that led to the sudden increase in population noted above.

On a more serious note, I believe that, regardless of military might, any U.S. peace keeping operation is doomed to failure unless Americans acquire a knowledge of the local people beyond the bare minimum necessary for combat operations. If we knew the people better we probably wouldn't have to fight them. As Col. Casper noted, U.A.E. had good rapport with locals and were able to accomplish the same tasks that severely tasked American military ability peacefully. Col. Casper's stereotypes of Somalis and Haitians as of khat-chewing, clairin-drinking, spell-casting, cronies will not help to establish that rapport.

Seeing as this book is entitled 'Falcon Brigade: Combat and Command in Somalia and Haiti,' I expected a balanced account of the U.S. involvement in Haiti (and Somalia) tempered by Col. Casper's personal experiences. Unfortunately, the account was largely about helicopters and I didn't find a lot of detail on Somalia or Haiti beyond what was visible from the door of Col. Casper's hooch or through NVGs from Col. Casper's cockpit at night. If you can't get enough 'Black Hawk Down' and are already 'read in' to the special forces portion, this may be the book for you. Stylistically, this is an enjoyable page turner with little complexity to slow you down. However, if you want true grit on the situation in Haiti or Somalia, this book may be somewhat of a pricey disappointment.

This is an outstanding book to have in one's library if you have an interest on American military involvements. COL Casper book is well written and you get to see the picture of what happened not only from a soldiers perspective but from a BRIGADE COMMANDERS view. A must for any soldier or military historian.

Finally! A great book written about 2 events of military history that I was a part of. Col. Casper tells my tale from a commanders perspective in a straight, to the point fashion. This book is 100% proof of the great care that the military commanders have for their soldiers. There wasn't a decision made that didn't involve or address the issues of soldier safety. Although, I never understood the military decision making process then (I was a buck private), I certainly have to give my respects to people such as Col. Casper, who always thought of the troops. The book is well written, at a nice pace(It doesn't stagnate or wander off), and is a MUST read for any and all people who lead soldiers in the military. From the young NCO to the brass, this book is an invaluable training tool.

Larry Casper's account of his time as the Falcon Brigade Commander during the brigade's deployments to Somalia and then to Haiti makes extremely intersting reading. As anyone who has read Black Hawk Down or other literature about the 3 Oct 1993 battle in Mogadishu knows, it was a horrific action which was saved from complete disaster only by the discipline, esprit, and training of those who fought. General Casper brings a unique perspective to that battle. As the QRF commander, he literally overflew the battle as it raged. He brings us access to the flag level view of the battle,and all of the grievous problems with the unity of command issue and the lack of coordination among the multi-national U.N. force. However, General Casper also was close enough to the troops to bring us the battle from the soldier's point of view. Casper's tour as the Falcon Brigade commander during these two deployments provides us with a unique comparison between the interventions in Somailia and in Haiti. He brings home to us the stark contrast between the misguided, under-armed and uncoordinated U.N. efforts in Somalia and the overwhelming (but measured and controlled) application of force used to quickly restore order (albeit only temporarily) in Haiti. Besides his account of those two actions, I was very interested by Casper's assessment of the capabilities of our rotary winged aircraft and the aviaiton units employing them. I was particularly fascinated with the account of the use of a naval aircraft carrier as a "MAAF" (Mobile Army Air Field) to deploy the Army aviation brigade in Haiti. Apparently this was the first such occurence since Operation Torch in 1942. I had the great fortune to serve with then Lt. Casper in the 25th Infantry Division in the early 70's. I respected his professionalism then, and was not surprised that he rose to general officer rank. He's always told a good story, and in this book he's hit the mark once again. Well done!

I have just finished reading, what for me, was the much anticipated book "Falcon Brigade." I served two tours in Somalia with the 10th Aviation Brigade as the NCOIC of the S2 (Intelligence Section)and deployed to Haiti on the U.S.S. Eisenhower. When I reported to my new assignment at the Pentagon, I was pleased to find out I worked in an office close to COL Casper's. I feel fortunate to have been invited to his award ceremony before his retirement. This book acts as an excellent historical record for the 10th Mountain Division, and specifically, the 10th Aviation Brigade. I highly recommend this book to anyone (but especially military leadership)interested in reading some "lessons learned" about our nation's recent commitments to Somalia and Haiti. Glad you finally got it published, COL(RET) Casper!!

Lawrence Casper was the commander of the Falcon Brigade and the United Nations Quick Reaction Force during Operation Continue Hope in Somalia. Falcon Brigade: Combat And Command In Somalia And Haiti is a candid and personal military story of aviators in the skies over Mogadishu, black by block ground combat to reach and rescue stranded troops, and the courage necessary for troop survival under beleaguered circumstances. Then just six months after their return from Somalia, Casper and the Falcon Brigade were aboard the USS Eisenhower, preparing to air-assault 10th Mountain Division troops onto the shores of Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy. Casper vividly recounts the frustrations and challenges of brigade solders working around the clock for thirty days. Falcon Brigade is very strongly recommended and informative reading for students of modern military operations as reflecting in two campaigns that affected both U.S. policy making and altered the basic nature of U.S. military involvement overseas.

Those of us who know Larry Casper have been eagerly awaiting this, his first literary work. Larry has experienced action in the "new" era of military commitments that involve "nation building" and intervention aimed at stabilizing regions rather than straight forward military ends. This work relates what it is like to be in command of a combat unit in this scenario.

Outstanding! Well written insights from the man who lived it. The leadership knowledge shared is valuable for military and civilian alike. Colonel Caspers military training was tested to the core as he takes command of the Falcon Brigade already deployed in Somalia. The Colonel and his soldiers quickly find themselves in the thick of it. He shares many leadership lessons learned over 25+ years of service and how he uses those lessons in critical situations. He shows us the good, the bad and the ugly without holding back. Personal stories and thoughts intwined with the facts make this a great read that accurately records historic events and grabs your attention. I couldn't wait to get to the next page. Well done!

When we were at Ft Ord with the 7th Infantry Division and
D Company, 7th Combat Aviation Battalion, from 1981 through 1984.

Colonel Casper was a consumate leader in all regards, and if I had a chance to serve with him again, I would not hesitate one moment.