Hey, I just finished reading Delta Force by Col. Beckwith. Before DF I read Black Hawk Down. Before BHD I read about the Soviet-Afghan War.....I was wondering if there are any favorite modern war books that you guys have that might be interesting. Maybe another Spec Ops book, perhaps?
Nevermind, I checked out the books, dont really seem interesting. I want a book that depicts a firefight, like Black Hawk Down. Maybe Ill check out We Were Soldiers.....
I'm really enjoying Shadow Warriors by Tom Clancy which is a non-fiction book. I particularly liked the Panamanian invasion section because it goes into the most detail. It's probably not what you're looking for in a blow by blow type of story, but it's wonderful insight into some of what the special forces goes through to do their job.
Killing pabloby Mark Bowden the life - and killing - of drug lord Pablo Escobar.
The phantom majorby virginia Cowles The story of major David Stirling and the foundation of the SAS unit during WWII. Gives a lot of insight and explanation about the mind and ways of SF and its fonding fathers.
Inside Delta Force by Eric L. Haney (founding member)
Bravo Two Zero, Immediate Action by Andy McNab (pseudonym)
Mekong, Covert Actions by James C. Taylor (Vietnam era SEAL ops. Two of the best I've read on the subject. OUTSTANDING.)
One Perfect Op by Dennis Chalker (one of **** Marcinko's Red Cell originals now retired. Haven't finished it yet, but good so far)
Most of the books above are what I call " I was there and I'm a BaddASSS". They are generally good light reading I certainly read my share as a young soldier.
But to get a better sense of modern warfare I suggest the following:
Maneuver Warfare Handbook, William Lind
On Killing, Dave Grossman (A great book on the psychology of war and killing, by a former ranger Lt. Col turned USMA Instructor)
John Boyd: Architect of Modern Warfare by Robert Coram