Customer Reviews

Spec Ops: Case Studies in Special Operations Warfare: Theory and Practice

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In "Spec Ops" William H. McRaven has written a comprehensive, thoughtful, theory of special operations. In so doing, he has taken a field of arms that is shrouded and myth and bravado, and applied rigorous logic to it; the end result of which is both a useful tool for the analysis of past operations, and a guidebook for future ones.

The key to this work's success is that it cuts through the mayhem, and "seat-of-their-pants" view that most people have of special operations, and breaks them down using simple, constant analysis. First McRaven considers the overall mission: Was it worth the risk? Was it executed according to plan, and if not why? What could have been done better? He then goes on to identify six key components of any special operation: Simplicity, Security, Repetition, Surprise, Speed and Purpose. He correctly points out that weakness in any one of these areas can be compensated for, to a degree, by strength in the others, but they all must be present to some degree.

Finally he considers the most critical aspect of any special operation; Did/can the attacking force achieve and maintain relative superiority over the enemy? I say critical because by definition the special forces will never have absolute superiority, it is only in their ability to temporarily achieve superiority that they can have any hope of success. McRaven, observes that failure to achieve relative superiority must inevitably result in a failure to achieve objectives at the minimum, and disaster at the worst.

By analyzing eight classic special operations, McRaven proves the merits of his theory time and again. Over the course of fifty years and a host of political environments, he illustrates the overarching validity of his arguments. In so doing he has provided both the special warrior, and the military historian alike with a powerful, valuable tool.

This book is one of the most useful books on special operations I've ever encountered. McRaven is uniquely qualified to write this book, being both a practitioner and a student of the art. He succinctly and clearly outlines six underlying principles and how they interact with one another, as well as how they support special operations. The clear descriptions and graphs on the "area of vulnerablity" are especially insightful and allow the novice to understand when and why special operations succeed or fail. He then critques eight famous operations such as the Israeli hostage rescue at Entebbe and the U.S. raid on the Son Tay POW camp, using them to explain and illustrate how the six principles presented themselves. All in all, the BEST book on special operations I've ever read and would strongly recommend it to anyone who is a serious student of this particular type of operation, including domestic law enforcement tactical teams.

William McRaven's book "Spec Ops" stands alone in the realm of military books as the only basic textbook for Special Forces operations. The book is a collection of Case Studies of special operations conducted by various internation militaries from The German Attack on Ebem Emael in 1940 to the Israeli Raid on Entebbe in 1976. While these case studies seem ancient with respect to the advances in Special Forces theory and practice and recent years their analysis is good as is as applicable today as ever. McRaven's thesis is that the success of a special operation depends on attaining superiority by surprise and intensity. This allows a small special forces contingent to defeat a much larger force. In fact McRaven actually graphs the operations and shows why each worked so well or so poorly. The analysis is so complete and clear that it seems obvious and simple. This book does for modern special forces doctrine what Rommel's Infantry Tactics did for warfare in the first half of the century. From the introduction to the conclusions the research and insight in this book are amazing. McRaven's credentials as a US Navy SEAL team commander are also impressive and lend authority to his ideas. This book should be required reading for all individuals involved in the conduct of modern warfare.

I found it really useful in understanding the matters combined in Special operations. The theory which is also described in the doctrine of Spec. Ops. is here illustrated and explained in a less complicated way by using case studies. These case studies are randomly but carefully chosen by size, force, time, space, backgrounds of the participants, field of expertise and the end results. This way McRaven was able to prove his 6 basic principles of Special Operations, Speed, Security, Repetion, Surprise, Speed and Purpose. Succesfull execution of a special operation does not depend on ones field of expertise. It is more dependent on preparation, plannning, physical/ mental/ strategic training and capabilities of the executing group of determand people as discribed in the 6 basics by McRaven. Therefore I recommend this book to everyone who wants to understand these principles which are practised not only by Special Forces but also by Regular Armed Forces.

The author, a Navy SEAL officer, provides a theory of special operations to explain how small, elite units consistently defeat larger forces. "The theory states that special operations forces are able to achieve relative superiority over the enemy if they prepare a simple plan, which is carefully concealed, repeatedly and realistically rehearsed, and executed with surprise, speed, and purpose." He tests his theory against eight historical examples of special operations. These show how special operations units are able to reduce their area of vulnerability (a function of mission-completion over time) and reduce what Clausewitz termed the friction of war (the will of the enemy, chance, and uncertainty) through the moral factors of courage, boldness, intellect, and perseverance. The author identifies certain principles that must be adhered to for success by special operations forces. These are simplicity, security, repetition, surprise, speed, and purpose. The historical examples clearly illustrate these principles and show the pitfalls of ignoring them. It is noteworthy that the author provides a definition of special operations which differs from official U.S. doctrine: "Operations conducted by forces specially trained, equipped, and supported for a specific target whose destruction elimination, or rescue (in the case of hostages) is a political or military imperative." The book is an excellent primer for special operations soldiers and a wake-up call for conventional force leaders.

McRaven is the first author that I have read that has develop theoretical models that explain the "how" and "why" of special operations. He is the first "operator" that has moved beyond the operational world into doctrinal theory. All other authors have made their attempt in the fictional world - McRaven does it in the "real" world. His detailed examination of selected SPEC OPS missions since 1940 is particularly effective. Having read many first person accounts of the historical missions that appeared in his book I could find minor fault with only one of his observations. With over 18 years of hands on experience in SPEC OPS almost everything he talks about tracks very closely with my personal experience. "SPEC OPS" should be required reading of all senior enlisted personnel and officers serving in USSOCOM and its subordinated commands.

McRaven's breakdown of special operations theory (or "direct action theory," for those applying these principles for light infantry purposes) is succinct, honest, and practical. Whereas others in the craft often feel the need to mythologize spec ops practices, Mcraven's account is completely candid and methodical. Drawing on case studies from WW2 onward, he makes a good, round examination of how and why spec ops missions succeed or fail.

Simplicity in planning, security in preparing, repetition in training, and surprise, speed, and purpose in execution make for relative superiority: the strength in small numbers. The author's rational formula for examining these factors is crucial, making a science of what many would have you believe is simply "shooting from the hip."

Given the challenges facing the average infantryman in Iraq and Afghanistan, often forced to enter citadels of rubble in small units, this book could be equally well-applied to light infantry action. If you're an NCO on your way to Tikrit, you may want to grab yourself a copy for the plane ride over. (Couple it with a copy of Poole's "The Tiger's Way" while you're at it.)

I was pointed to this book via the bibliographies and footnotes of other books which I enjoyed reading. This book did not let down. VADM McRaven interviewed the people involved in the operations and he did his homework. Beyond all the compelling theory and analysis, which by themselves are fantastic, VADM McRaven went the extra mile to tell the stories of the operations and people involved. VADM McRaven did what other academics and authors so often fail to do; he teaches us, the readers, great lessons while at the same time keeps us interested by telling great stories. If you found "On Killing" a readable book, then you'll love this one. I add my five stars to this five star pile.

Admiral McRaven USN enjoys the credibility not shared by many to comment on the secretive world of special operations (SPCOPS).

SPEC OPS illustrates with well-researched and analyzed case scenarios the incredible dedication of various commando operations. It is immediately obvious that the author has "been there and done that." Additionally, and possibly more importantly, he achieves a synergistic effect by combining the traditionally polar disciplines of academics and practical applications into a total work that is truly greater than the sum of its individual parts.

This is a book that I've read more than once and learn something new each time.

For those involved in or studying military affairs read it ...pay attention.

This book does for special operations warfare what B. H. Liddell-Hart did for conventional warfare. It is a complete theory on the way in which modern special operations should be conducted. The six examples of successful operations outlined in the book demonstrate the theories he presents, and he evaluates the success (and occasional failure) of the operations in a clear and understandable manner. As a textbook, it is a comprehensive, scientific guide for all special forces trainees, personnel, and commanders. As a general interst book, it is easily understood by those who have some familiarity with military terms and procedures. The book would be of little interest to the casual reader who is only mildly interested in the military; it is a book of theory and application written for those who are in or are familiar with the miltary. However, few other books are as clear a guide to the conduct of warfare as this book is. It is designed to be, and is, a comprehensive textbook on special operations. It should be, in my opinion, required reading for anyone making policy for armed forces, and for anyone in or associated with special forces.