Customer Reviews

Last Hundred Yards: The NCO's Contribution to Warfare

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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I happened on this book in the PX at FT Benning in 1998 and was absolutley amazed at the quality and content. Poole's book is a rarity - a USEFUL manual on small unit tactics at the squad and fire team level. Although a little dated in some places - he seems unaware of the existence of MILES or similar training devices - his advice is still hard to beat. Some of the topics include : squad ambushes; counter-ambush drills; training for point men (find THAT anywhere else); infiltration tactics; sapper-style raids; suport by fire; tactical movement formations and danger areas.

Every technique is combat-tested and you will NOT find them in any US Army or USMC FM. They're not wacko or off-the-wall stuff either. What he's really done is translate the generic tactical principles found in military manuals and translated them into action at the smallest level. It's like a football team playbook for an infantry squad leader.

This is not for the casual reader.

I saw this books at a local book store and started to thumb through it. I was amazaed how quickly I was transformed from my current life to 15 years ago when I was in the 82nd Airborne Division attending the Jungle Operations Training Center in Ft. Sherman Panama. Much of the training was absolutely different than that of Ft. Benning infantry school or anything at ft. Bragg outside of the 18th Airborne Corps RECONDO school. This book deals with small until tactics, movement to contact, actions at the objective that no other book has. A really good read as well.....

Although this book runs a gamut of topics - the object of this book is to detail small unit tactics across a variety of terrains - but the book attempts to draw upon the lessons learned and unlearned from the Vietnam era which, if I understand correctly, was the last large scale conflict based primarily between 'small unit' tactics without an over emphasis on computer 'Buck Rogers' type equipment. While some Gulf War lessons are discussed and implemented - this is a book for infantrymen who may, or may not have air/artillary support.

This book is very clearly written - makes extensive use of and explains terrain maps, the placement of bunkers, how you can expect to be attacked based upon certain terrain considerations, infiltration by enemy units, barbed wire, attacking built up areas, defending built up areas, radio coordination, attacking at night, ambushes, extensive material on the use of grenades, etc. - This book has two columns of text on its 370 pages and quotes not only from American and German generals - but also Vietnamese and Communist Chinese commanders. The material on urban battle is worth the price of the book alone.

Weather you are military or if you enjoy training for fun with a 'squad' this book is the best overall book on the subject. If you want to understand what attacking an urban area, as we are doing overseas now, really entails - get this book. If you want to know what our fathers and grandfathers really went through on the road to Berlin - this book of for you. This is not some 'omega-man' book and you will need more than a 3rd grade education to read it. This is also not a book about how military equipment works, how it could be 'jury rigged,' modified, or a survival manual detailing how you should build a security shed, or how to survive in the jungle with a swiss army knife and canteen -

If you like 'Real' books - you will like this one.

I just received this book as a gift via a seller linked to Amazon. My wife had to buy it used, as that is the only way it is listed. After checking the publisher's website, I now know why. This book is RESTRICTED to buyers with Military Identification only! (Had my wife known this we could have saved half the cost as I have Military I.D.) Not disgruntled, just didn't know.

Thus, all "used" copies are being sold to the 'public' against the publisher and authors wishes! This is NOT illegal, only slightly immoral (in my opinion).

Relax, there is nothing earth shattering here, and the 'enemy' will learn nothing they do not already know.

Amazon should find a way to sell "The Last Hundred Yards" new after verifying I.D. but this is likely too difficult for them to do. If you order it from the publisher, be sure and tell them you heard about it at Amazon-dot-com!

This is an excellent larger format soft cover book full of details of use to N.C.O.s (the 'backbone' of any Military) and Commissioned Officers alike. It should be adapted into a Manual and made available to all persons expected to lead our troops into combat. The only thing that could be better is the illustrations, but they serve their purpose.

I am pleased to see that Mr. Poole is offering training to U.S. Military units through his company, Posterity Enterprises, though I have yet to find out any details.

If you (or someone you care about) might lead troops in combat, GET THIS BOOK FIRST! You should also consider other books by H. John Poole, I have and use several.

Major B. F. Kennedy, BN S-3/Training Officer (former Military, now State Guard).

God bless our troops!

This book shows how to take fewer casualties in war. It has been restricted to active-duty, reserve, and ROTC members of the U.S. Military and can only be legally obtained through its publisher (posteritypress.org). That's also the least expensive way.

The Last Hundred Yards, isbn 0963869523, shows how to add a little surprise to standard U.S. tactics. It is most cheaply acquired through its publisher, posteritypress.org.

This is the best small unit tactics 'how to' manual I have read over the past 30 years. The U.S. needs more highly trained Light Infantrymen that possess the skill sets identified in H.J. Poole's books. We need to do all we can to help our Armed Forces personnel who are our 'boots on the ground' Warriors. These service members and NCO's need to have better 'individual, buddy team, fire team and squad tactics and skills' as outlined in Mr. Poole's books. This expertice will give them the ability to do their jobs more effectively and improve their survivability. By encouraging their initiative, allowing more independant action, providing better and more advanced tactical training, more support with 'time sensitive' intelligence and less bureaucratic micromanaging we will reduce casaulties (friendly forces and civilians), win more 'hearts and minds' and defeat our foes.

Mr. Poole provides training guidance and many practical recommendations to 'make it happen'.

This is a 'must read' book for all of our Combat Arms Servicemembers and armed private contractors who are/will be working in war zones and 'hot spots' around the world, as well as 'our backyard'.