History of U.S. Special Operations Forces, The

The History of U.S. Special Operations Forces U.S. Special Operations Forces. Benjamin F. Schemmer, Editor in Chief. Col. John T. Carney Jr., USAF Ret., Managing Editor. Published by Hugh Lauter Levin Associates, Inc. Distributed by Publisher Group West (800-788-3123). 328 pages; photographs; maps; index; $75.

This large coffee-table book should be of special interest to all professional soldiers. Special Forces or Special Operations Forces have only come into their own over the past 20 years, but they have been around for centuries.

The very nature of their operations contributes to the secrecy that surrounds their activities. Their demonstrated skills and competence are envied by other servicemembers. This book demonstrates why there is a special aura about these men.

In a very moving introductory chapter by Gen. Peter Schoomaker, written while he was retired, and before he was recalled to his present position as Chief of Staff of the Army, he explains that this book was written and published to provide funds for the education of children whose fathers died in action or in training while with this force. (At the time of this writing, some 300 children have been assisted.)

Five chapters were written by Col. John F. Collins, historian, student and practitioner of special operations. He starts with King Philip's War in 1670, continues through the American Revolution, the Civil War, the frontier wars, the Philippine Insurrection and the Banana Republic affairs.

He covers all World War II special operations feats. he also covers the years from 1946 to 1972, including the wars in Southeast Asia. Col. Collins relates the activities of Special Forces leading up to the birth of U.S. Special Operations Command in 1986.

He describes Operations Earnest Will, just Cause, Desert Shield and Desert Storm-the first war with Iraq-and the aid to the Kurds following the attack on them by Saddam Hussein. This latter period of time saw the regeneration of Special Operations.

The next section of the book was written by Ben Schemmer before his death last summer. he described in detail the recent state of U.S. Special Operations. Col. Collins then provides an understanding of the present U.S. Army Special Operations Command today.

Included is a very interesting table on Army Special Operations Forces and where they are located. It also describes Special Operations in Somalia and Afghanistan.

Air Force Special Operations Command is described in the next section of the book, which was written by Col. John Garga. It covers the establishment of Air Force Special Operations Command in 1990, and recognizes the contribution and outstanding performance of Air Force officers and men over the past 40 years. This section provides a review of each of the Air Force aircraft in the Special Operation fleet and describes their capabilities.

Naval Special Warfare Command is covered in a chapter written by Rear Adm. George R. Worthington, U.S. Navy retired. The admiral presents a "structural snapshot" of the Naval Special Warfare Command. This is followed by a description of Naval Special Operations equipment, training and experiences.

Ben Schemmer provides a further chapter on the theater commands of Special Operations Command. This chapter provides a summary of activities of these commands, highlighting the past 15 to 20 years since the implementation of the Goldwater-Nichols Act and the Nunn-Cohen Amendments to the 1986 Defense Appropriation Act.

Col. Carney contributes a chapter on special weapons, tools and equipment for Special Operations. This section covers new hardware. There are two pages on Special Operations tactical equipment. Many vehicles are pictured and described. Weapons aficionados will find the weapons and vehicles shown in this section exciting.

A further section of this book was written by Roxanne Mount, who works at the Special Operations Center Museum at Fort Bragg, N.C. This section provides a pictorial review and a description of the various museums and memorials that honor the heroes of Special Operations. The memorials are beautifully portrayed.

Col. Carney closes the story describing Operation Iraqi Freedom. Special Operations Forces who are participating in the operation have every right to be proud of their contributions.

This book is a work of art and a living history and testament to a group of extraordinary individuals and organizations. Although their contributions have not always been known or appreciated in the past, this book provides them their recognition now. This book is highly recommended for both a casual read or for deep study.

By Lt. Gen. Richard G.Trefry U.S. Army retired

LT. GEN. RICHARD G. TREFRY, USA Ret., served as Army Inspector General from 1978 to 1983. he is a senior fellow of AUS A's Institute of Land Warfare.

Copyright Association of the United States Army May 2004
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