Sullivan George. Elite Warriors: The Special Forces of the United States and Its Allies

Facts on File, 1995. — 152 p.Fascinating information about the special military units of the U.S. and its allies. Our elite forces number over 50,000 members including the Army's Green Berets, Delta Force, and Rangers; the Navy SEALs; and the Air Force Special Forces. The intense, selective training and highly organized aspect of these units have contributed to their importance during the Vietnam War, the invasion of Granada, Desert Storm, and in antiterrorist activities worldwide. The readable text traces their origins to the period after World War II and shows how they were patterned after the oldest and toughest elite force, Great Britain's Special Air Service. Well-trained, selective military units in Canada, Germany, and other NATO countries, and antiterrorist forces in the Middle East are also highlighted. This an up-to-date look at the important role of these highly trained units, although membership of women and minorities is not addressed. The positive role of the military is emphasized, but the author does go into detail about the mistakes made during the ill-fated Iranian hostage rescue in 1980. Special forces abbreviations and acronyms, timely bibliographical references, and an extensive index are appended. Excellent for reports and a much needed addition on military science.