US Special Operations Forces in Action: The Challenge of Unconventional Warfare [Paperback]

Thomas K. Adams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 3, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0714643505 | ISBN-13: 978-0714643502

Armies in the 1990s are commonly involved in low-level, ill-defined, politically charged, messy situations known collectively as "unconventional warfare". Thomas Adams argues for a shift in expectations with a greater willingness to accept lengthy commitments and incremental progress.

Product Details

• Paperback: 392 pages
• Publisher: Routledge (June 3, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0714643505
• ISBN-13: 978-0714643502
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,226,967 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Adams' most recent experience has been in counterterrorism and targeting, specializing in terrorist training methods and sensitive site exploitation by US forces in SW Asia. He offers a unique and extensive background in asymmetric warfare and complex contingencies at strategic, operational and tactical levels from Africa and Asia to South America. Nearly thirty years of academic and practical experience makes him an authority in complex, undeveloped and poorly understood environments. Strong record in use of all-source intelligence to identify and satisfy intelligence gaps. This includes working with non-military agencies and organizations. Strong senior level briefing background with the proven ability to clearly articulate complex counterterrorism and national security policy issues at CINC and senior civilian levels. Principal author of the 2008 US Special Forces Advisor Guide, he is also author of two well-reviewed books and numerous articles on military issues.

PhD, Conflict Theory, Syracuse University, 1990
MA, International Relations, Syracuse University, 1987
MSSc, Social Psychology, University College, 1980
BS, Political Science, State Univerity of New York (Rochester), 1976

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A revealing, entertaining, hard-headed look at Special Ops, October 8, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: US Special Operations Forces in Action: The Challenge of Unconventional Warfare (Paperback)

The is probably the best book of its type available to the general public. It is based on a lifetime of association with the field and it has its quota of war stories, but most of it is a merciless look at the capabilities, merits and demerits of US elite forces. I am a retired special ops officer and, even if I don't agree with all the opinions expressed, the facts are straight. It contains the kind of material normally reserved for classified briefings. This book is unhestitatinly recommended for anyone with even a passing interest in the subject.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Understanding Special Operations, April 10, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: US Special Operations Forces in Action: The Challenge of Unconventional Warfare (Hardcover)

I really enjoyed this book since it is a real departure from the usual collection of "there I was, ankle deep in hot brass" stories that characterize writing on special operations. It has some of that, but in the main this is a thoughtful look at the evolving nature, purpose and application of America's "secret warriors." The author's real focus is the underlying philosophy of special operations and the way that they fit (or compete) with more conventional military methods. This is a unique book, recommended for anyone whose interest in the topic goes beyond the "gee-whiz" level.

1 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A bit too detailed of a summary..., June 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: US Special Operations Forces in Action: The Challenge of Unconventional Warfare (Paperback)

Although I think this is a good book, I thought the emphasis on logistical descriptions was too severe. I had to struggle through portions on unit descriptions that were a myriad acronyms and batallion numbers. The antecdotal descriptions of special forces events are far better served by topic specific novels. For example, "Black Hawk Down" by M. Bowden did a much better job of setting the ferocity and importance of the events in Somalia, as well as a better description of the special forces involved, even though that was secondary to the plot. I learned more about the SEALS from reading Marcinko's non-fiction Rogue Warrior novel than I felt I digested from this book. I also thought the author was too focused on Psychological Ops., whose role as a special force, is well, boring. In sum, although a sterling account on the descriptions of the special forces units and their specific goals, the lack of real-event development, such as Stephen Ambrose makes this a hard book to finish.