Customer Reviews

Fighting for Fallujah: A New Dawn for Iraq (Praeger Security International)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a solid read for those interested in the complexity of modern warfare. Ballard offers the reader a view of how an American force can address the tough issue of fighting in a built-up area. While he provides a superb recount of the timeless requirement of tenacious fighting by small groups of brave infantry and armor forces, he also describes the myriad of tasks that a modern commander must consider in such an endeavor-civil affairs, information operations, and the list goes on. A good read for professional warfighters and those interested in knowing the challenges that our men and women are facing in today's battlefield.

John Ballard has done a masterful job recounting one of the most important urban battles since Hue City in 1968. Rather than throwing together a made for TV "novel" with a few facts tossed in for good measure, Ballard has painstakingly documented all the moving parts in this complex operation called Al Fajr (New Dawn). He brings out the important role that the Iraqi Security Forces played which seemed to be missing from "mainstream" press accounts of the operation.

This is a must read for anyone who wants to know what really happened in Fallujah written by a Marine who was there and commanding the 4th Civil Affairs Group who was in the thick of it.

This is a good intro to the attack and taking of Fallujah in 2004. It is not a blow by blow, house to house battle read, but is a good way to introduce the operation. A wee bit sloppy with editing in some places, somewhat dry writing, a poor index and too many needless acronyms make this book 3 not 4 stars.