Author(s): Leroy Thompson

Special Forces

Since 1945 nations have spent vasts amounts of money on sophisticated military hardware such as high-tech airplanes, missiles, tanks and ships. Yet it has been the guerrilla fighter who has presented the greatest threat to emerging states. In the 1940s, 50s and 60s the terms "guerrilla" and "communist" became almost synonymous. The West found itself fighting communist insurgencies in Asia, Africa, Latin America and even Europe itself. However, during the 70s and 80s a new trend has emerged. Guerrillas have been operating to overthrow communist governments in power in Nicaragua, Angola and Afghanistan. Guerrilla warfare still plays a significant part in world affairs. During the last decade the Soviet Spetsnaz, US Special Forces, Rhodesian Selous Scouts and British SAS have developed their own techniques to counter guerrilla forces. This book tells the story of guerrilla and counter-guerrilla operations throughout history - from Roman legions fighting Barbarian guerrillas to the modern SAS taking the war to the guerrillas. The book looks at the men, the tactics and the weapons of these guerrilla wars.