Military Books

I found this to be an excellent novel and having served aboard the USS Haverfied during this same time period I found it to be a personal time machine for myself. Well done Rick!!

My first thought was there are too many books dredging up the past. President Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Bobbie, Vietnam. I had promised myself no more dredging and frying my brain. Then I ASSUMED this must be a light read and started reading and, OH SHIT! I can't read much at a sitting as it is ripping my heart out.

Gary

I served in four Coast Guard ships, three destroyer sized and one smaller. From 1966 to 1968 one of my ships was home ported in Guam and sailed the same waters and performed very similar duties to those of the USS Haverfield. Rick's story telling is outstanding and his very accurate discriptions of life on a U.S. Naval vessel in the sixties kindled a lot of fond memories for me. I'm currently about half way through his new novel "Murder on Pratus Reef" and it is proving to be just as outstanding as "The Haverfield Incident". If you like historical naval fiction you have to read these books. In my opinion Mr.Ainsworth is destined to be one of our preeminent writers in this genere.

"You were didn't mow the lawn today!"

"I know dear, it's ...

"You didn't trim the hedges!"

"I know dear, it's...

"You didn't wash the car!"

"I know dear, it's...

"It's what?"

"It's Rick Ainsworth's fault."

Who's Rick Ainsworth and why is your not doing anything his fault?"

"That's simple dear. He's the author of THE HAVERFIELD INCIDENT. I picked up this book last night and I can't put it down. This is a real pager turner. He has me back in the early 1960's reliving the history of my youth while his characters are on an old US Navy Destroyer in the Pacific, living through the changing times of civil rights, political assassinations, the beginning of the war in Viet Nam and some of the greatest rock and roll ever written and sung. If that's not enough, there is also some drinking and carousing with women, like sailors are rumored to do."

"When do you think all this work around the house might get done?"

"Probably next week, unless Rick Ainsworth has his second novel out by then.

Hard to believe this is a first time novel by Mr. Rick Ainsworth. Fastidiously detailed, historically accurate, fast paced & compelling story; makes one wonder if this is not truly a recollective documentational rendering. Regardless, this is a must read, impossible to put down, and leaves one hungering for more. If this is an example of RA's storytelling abilities, I for one am hooked, and anxiously await his next effort.

David Oliver
Los Angeles, CA.

Very exciting to see the new paperbook edition of this superbly researched and compassionately written military history profile of General Creighton Abrams, for whom the Abrams tank is named. A real soldier's soldier, Sorley captures the essence of Abrams' outstanding leadership, and celebrates his unswerving commitment to his troops, particularly in the face of increasingly difficult circumstances in the Viet Nam war. Abrams' role in the conflict is explored further in Sorley's Pulitzer Prize nominated book 'A BETTER WAR'. A Better War: The Unexamined Victories and Final Tragedy of America's Last Years in Vietnam To glean an insight into one of the early influences on Abrams' leadership style, and the shaping of the ethics of command, see Sorley's latest title 'HONOR BRIGHT', a history of the West Point Honor Code. Admittedly biased, I am eagerly awaiting my copy! Honor Bright: History and Origins of the West Point Honor Code and System (CPS2 - USMA)

GEN Abrams was responsible for the quality of the Army today and since he was the Chief of Staff. His wisdom and insight into soldiering, leadership, and combat ability is what won the Gulf War. Dr. Sorley is right on the money. It is obvious that Dr. Sorley really admires GEN Abrams and he has done his homework. It's a shame that GEN Abrams died so early, he tranformed the United States Army into the force it is today, or was at the time of the Gulf War.
...

Sir Robert Thompson, a British counter-intelligence expert, called Abrams "the best U.S. General since Grant." Reading Sorley's terrific account of Abram's life, it's hard to argue the point.

Abrams was an armored warfare genius. His gruff, no-nonsense exterior masked a big heart and an abiding, deeply rooted love for his men and his country. His selfless devotion to duty is a model for us all.

For a more in-depth analysis of Abrams'considerable (though largely overlooked) post-Tet, post-Westmoreland successes in Vietnam, read Sorely's "A Better War."

GEN Abrams was responsible for the quality of the Army today and since he was the Chief of Staff. His wisdom and insight into soldiering, leadership, and combat ability is what won the Gulf War. Dr. Sorley is right on the money. It is obvious that Dr. Sorley really admires GEN Abrams and he has done his homework. It's a shame that GEN Abrams died so early, he tranformed the United States Army into the force it is today, or was at the time of the Gulf War.
I met GEN Abrams in 1973 in Germany as a young Corporal and he spoke with me for a few minutes, but he struck me as unpretentious and humorous. I met Captains and Majors who had a bigger ego that him.

Creighton Abrams may have been the greatest American soldier of the second half of the 20th century. He served as a tank commander under General George Patton at the Battle of the Bulge, in occupied Germany and wartime Korea, as commander of United States military forces in Vietnam, and as Army Chief of Staff. It was a remarkable career! Lewis Sorley's admiring biography of General Abrams narrates the principal events in appropriate detail. In the prologue, Sorley asserts that Abrams was "the quintessential soldier," explaining that Abrams "demonstrated strategic and tactical skill and audacity," extraordinary physical bravery and intellectual courage, the capacity to lead and inspire men, [and] talent in dealing with complex and ambiguous managerial challenges." The measure of the value of this book lies in whether Sorley effectively makes that case. I believe that he largely does, as the result of which this is a very good, if not great, professional biography.

Although Sorley's approach to biography is conventional, he demonstrates on several occasions that Abrams's views could be very unconventional. Early in his chapter about West Point in the mid-1930s, for instance. Sorley asserts: "From the beginning Abrams was alienated by some aspects of the cadet experience." According to Sorley, Abrams was highly self-motivated and self-disciplined, and he resisted the petty tyranny of cadet life. After Abrams graduated and was commissioned, Sorley writes that he "was tolerant of his soldiers' having fun." (Sorley quotes one Abrams subordinate that the general, if Abrams had a weakness, "he sometimes was too easy on some people.") After World War II, while Abrams was serving in the Plans Section for Army Ground Forces in Washington, D.C., he was assigned to prepare a study on the future of the horse cavalry and quickly concluded that there was none. In 1965, shortly after President Johnson ordered American forces in Vietnam out of their advisory role and into combat, Abrams was briefing a civilian official about the sociological impact of the draft and stated that "the only Americans who have the honor to die for their country in Vietnam are the dumb, the poor, and the black." According to Sorley, "[o]ut in the field Abrams disliked briefings, especially of the canned and rehearsed variety," and "[o]ne of [Abrams's] favorite ways [to find out for himself the truth of what was going on] was through small groups of young officers he would have in for dinner." And when Abrams left Vietnam, Sorley writes that "he went as he had come - no bands, no ceremonies, no flags, no fuss." Similarly, when he arrived back in Washington, according to Sorley, he got rid of the Chief of Staff's ""big black Cadillac limousine...using instead a small Chevelle from Pentagon motor pool that was painted robin's egg blue. No amenities, not even a star plate."

Sorley occasionally offers significant insight. For instance, Sorley writes that Johnson's decision not to call up the reserves at the beginning of the expansion of the war in Vietnam was "perhaps the most fateful decision of the entire conflict." (Abrams explained the impact of this decision: "We decide[d] to use the Army in Vietnam, minus the National Guard and the Army Reserve.") In addition, according to Sorley: "A pervasive atmosphere of mistrust and antagonism characterized civil-military relationships in the Pentagon of the 1960s." Sorley describes the battle of Tet in 1968 as a "true watershed," which is not penetrating analysis, but he proceeds to explain: "Before Tet, America was seeking a military victory in Vietnam, but after it she was seeking to get out." About Abrams's appointment to the position of Army Chief of Staff, Sorley writes: "Creighton Abrams returned from Vietnam to head an Army that was widely viewed, both by the nation and from within its own ranks, as dispirited and desperately in need of reform. His appointment was the first step in getting on with the job of rebuilding."

In other places, Sorley's approach to his subject approaches hagiography. For instance, although Abrams' performance during the relief of Bastogne was heroic, Sorley's assertion that this made Abrams "the most famous small unit leader of the war" is debatable. And Sorley's assertion that "Abrams command in Vietnam was...arguably the most difficult any top American soldier in the field has ever had to face" seems extreme. But Sorley may well be correct in writing: "In terms of prior experience Abrams was probably the best-qualified man ever to assume the duties of Army Chief of Staff."

This biography concludes with Abrams's death. I would have much preferred for Sorley to devote a few pages to placing Abrams's accomplishments in the context of American military history from World War II through the middle of the Cold War. But Abrams had an extraordinary career, and this is a very good narrative of it.

Ever wanted to become a US Army Ranger?
Well, this book will tell you what to expect if you join the ranks of recruits who hold the hope of becoming a Ranger.

This pictorial book will start where the first change occur when we sign up for duty in the armed forces; the haircut! From there it take the reader through the process of training a raw recruit from a civilian life to the life of - not only a soldier - but a US Army Ranger!

We will follow recrutis through the Ranger training, on the firing range, parachute training, patrolling at night, and not to mention the demanding physical opstacles that has to dealt with, if you want to make the pass as a US Army Ranger. The pictures take the reader close enough on the recruits so when you finish the book you can almost say: been there, done that...well almost!

The reader will get a good knowledge about how the life of a Ranger recruit is.

Read it before you sing up, if you do not want to be taken by surprise!

The picture quality in this book is excellent. The book also does an excellent job of keeping the pictures and information relevant and in good chronological order. Having gone through Basic and Airborne School down in Fort Benning it was great to look back and recognize so much of what was being covered. So you can be assured that these are pics of the actual places being talked about and not just replicas or places with a likeness. The book does not go into great depth on any single topic but does a great job of giving a brief synopsis of a vast majority of the events. I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in reliving some experiences or in learning what can be expected from a trip to Fort Benning.

My son,who is now in Ranger training,says this book has been extremely helpful to him.Not only does it inform him of what the next course will detail but keeps him abreast of what is to follow that. Required reading for any future hopeful Rangers.

I thought this book was amazing, lots of pictures, and lots of information. Although there are downsides to the book. They only talked about being a ranger from an enlisted point of view and not of an officer, and there were some other things that i wanted to learn more about but couldn't because they didn't go into complete detail, however i understand, and still recommend this book to anyone interested in the military, and most definitely recommend it to those who want to become a ranger.

My sons will enter separate universities this Autumn. Each will enter as an Army ROTC cadet and--by plan at least--emerge four years later as a college graduate and a commissioned officer in the United States Army.

I don't fully understand what makes these strong-sensitive lads of mine yearn to enter the ranks of Americ'a warriors, particularly since their growing-up years were spent almost exclusively in Costa Rica and England. Yet knowing these two strapping third-culture kids the way I do, one or both is likely to end up in Ranger School.

I thought I'd better study up.

And what a way to begin my education! Russ Bryant's TO BE A US ARMY RANGER is not full of the agonized ethical self-doubts suffered by many of my peers. It takes the mission for granted and tells the story of how the Army's version of special operations trains an excellent soldier to be a Ranger.

Clearly, they know how to create an elite force with the highest level of skill and a devout adherence to the Ranger Creed (yes, it's called that).

I believe many families of Ranger candidates will find this book very useful in bridging the gap between what their sons experience as they earn the Ranger tab and what those of us on the outside can only begin to imagine.

I'm already proud of my two sons, who have overcome adversity, seized opportunity, and kept themselves in the game through twenty and eighteen years of life, respectively. Respect is not on the table. But when I see them in uniform for the first time, the heart will swell. And, if ever, I have a son who is a US Army Ranger, I'll remember this book and the first glimpse I had of a corps of warriors that--out there somewhere and in the mix of an ethically confused world, does unwanted tasks that by and large serve the cause of justice--keeps the Creed.

The portrayal of our defense industry in this story is unfortunately accurate. We have placed so much emphasis on "smart weapons", that we have forgotten the real effectiveness of our military. The action and pace of this book will keep the reader enthralled and they will not want to put it down.

In an author's afterword, Peters decribes this book as his homage to Chandler, Hammett and Cain, which it most certainly is. But there's no overt emulation of the style of any of those authors; what one does experience is the exhilarating momentum of plot, vivid characterization, and the acerbic wit that those authors brought to bear in their work. Peters' protagonist is an honorable man making his way through a chaotic present, similar to Philip Marlowe in Chandler's novels, with a comparable eye and ear for the "luminous detail." And the first-person perspective makes for some great interior monologue throughout the book. Readers who are dismayed by the lack of moral center in the books of such authors as James Ellroy might find Peters' writing a worthy alternative.

I've read almost all of Ralph Peters' novels, and this is probably my favorite to date. I passed it over in hardcover--frankly it didn't sound very interesting. I couldn't have been more wrong: it's one of the best written, engrossing novels I've read in a long time. Peters is one of the few military thriller writers that can name drop Thomas Hardy novels and actually make us believe his characters read them. I know what a cliche this sounds, but I couldn' t put it down. Peters has within him his best novel yet--some day he'll write the Once An Eagle of his generation of officers.

I just finished another excellent novel by Ralph Peters --- Traitor (hard cover).

I placed it at the bottom of a stack of books I brought home from the library, two weeks ago. I generally put his books at the top of my reading list, but the cover art was so impressively unappealing and the title so blasé that I almost took it back to the library unread.

It seems to me that Mr. Peters has proven his ability to write exceptional, and well plotted, thrillers. Why would anyone stick such an uninspired cover on a truly extraordinary read?

If someone likes Clancy, Higgins, et. al. they should love Ralph Peters.

After 25 years in the defense industry, watching the Services buy big things they don't need while neglecting small things they do (like enough pay so the troops don't have to be on food stamps), it continues to disturb me that the American taxpayer continues to allow Congress to sell out to what Ike Eisenhower called the "military-industrial complex". TRAITOR could have been a documentary. This is a great novel, thrilling and unpredictable, but it is also based on the real world and all the more gripping because of this.

IN MANY OF THE STATEMENTS THAT I READ I SEEN THAT MANY SAID A LOT ABOUT THE WRITTER WELL WE ALL HAVE MANY OPINIONS I PERSONALLY HAVE MY OWN OPINION I THINK IS ONE MY GREAT BOOKS THAT I HAVE TO READ IN MY FREE TIME LIKE SCHOOL OR JUST ABOUT ANYWHERE BUT JUST WANTED TO ADD THAT I LOVE CHALINO AS THE PERSON HE WAS A WHILE BACK WITH HIS MUSIC I ADMIRE HIM AS A FATHER AND I AM IN LOVE WITH HIS SON 4-SHO!!!

Another reviewer pointed out that Quinones' accounts are "researched", and this is true; he's done what he needed to do to find his facts. But I would add that the overwhelming note, for me, is that the man has "been there". I heard about "True Tales" from a reviewer of Elijah Wald's "Narcocorrido", and would now agree with that reviewer that the Quinones piece on Chalino Sanchez tells us a lot more about his world than Wald's book, valuable but a bit touristy, a bit arch, and a bit academic. There is an immediacy in these chapters by Quinones, of grittiness, suffering, delusion, terror, helplessness, of all the qualities of the many Mexicans Quinones met and listened to. His description of the lynching is the most direct, realistic and frightening I've ever read; this can happen anywhere, anytime. These stories are unadorned realities of Mexico and the Border, and the entire world as well.
As Edward Abbey said, of the same country, "this is the real world, muchachos, and you are in it."

It is clear from the book there is more than one Mexico. It's not what you think. The border is a focus but hardly all. Gangs are a focus. The book raises a major question. Is Mexico changing and how?Quinones presents many portraits from gangbanger singer Chalino Sanchez to the dead women of Juarez. Each sketch adds a different and fascinating dimension to a complex perception of what Mexico is. No other book presents that plurality as well. The book is a page turner, a fast paced quick read. It is not, however, superficial but in-depth coverage. It is fascinating.

This book will blow your mind. Quinones is able to totally take you into worlds rarely heard about before. Who knew there was a thriving basketball hotbed in Oaxaca that has been transported to LA? The whole genre of narcocorridos (basically, traditional Mexican "country" [ranchero] music with a gangsta slant) started in LA, too.

The topics of lynchings in rural Mexico, the popularity of telenovelas at home and in Eastern Europe(?) and the religious cult at Neuva Jerusalen are all so fascinating and far beyond anything anyone has probably imagined Mexico to be.

He has an inate ability to dig up and find the most fascinating stories in the most out-of-the-way places yet also show how they often are a microcosmic reflection of how Mexican society operates in general.

The question is: When is Sam Quinones going to compile a Tales 2?

This book is fantastic. I don't often actually buy non-fiction because I usually don't plan to re-read it. This is a rare exception. Quinones is 1st & foremost a great storyteller. You'd hardly notice that it's all true if it weren't for the fact that these tales are simply too good to be fiction. Quinones has a knack for noticing the seemingly invisible. The best example being the tale of Chalino Sanchez (who graces the cover). How could someone who completely misses the U.S. radar of popular culture become a folk hero and single-handedly create a musical genre selling millions of copies of albums in the process & then having at least 1,500 songs written about him? Quinones manages to make it sound perfectly believable. If you're anything like me you'll be mesmerized by these essays.

Better diagrams with arrows pointing to features would be
most helpful. Photos with overlayed arrows would help too.
Author assumes reader has more knowledge than me. I'm just
a beginner and need more help in understanding the complex
nature of the ships.
The information in the book is all grade A material but just
a bit over my head the way it is presented.
If my interest persists I will someday give the book a higher
recommendation.

Fascinating book covering the compromises involved in design and fabrication of armored ships. Well written, logically organized. Minor coverage of machinery and armament; only how these topics relate to the overall handling of design tradeoffs.
I purchased the book to augment my marine technology library, and it fills that requirement well. I intend to purchase other books by the same author (Carrier, Cruiser design) also.

FIRST THOUGHTS: SIMILAR TO "BRITISH BATTLESHIPS OF WW2", by RAVEN & ROBERTS

Very similar in scope and organizational structure to Alan Raven's and John Robert's, "British Battleships of World War 2". Incidentally, Alan Raven is co-credited with supplying the 'ship plans' for this book. Naturally, this book covers an entirely different fleet, so the two volumes are ideal companions on my bookshelf.

IN A NUTSHELL: CONCISE + DETAILED + INTERESTING + ILLUSTRATED = HIGH UTILITY

This interesting design history includes 'all' U.S. Battleship designs [as well as proposed designs and proposed classes]. This history begins [actually begins on page 405 - appendix 1] with the civil war and post civil war monitors. From chapter 1, "THE PRE-DREADNOUGHTS", through chapter 15, "THE MONTANA CLASS", the book proceeds in linear fashion, with new chapter introducing and examing a new and improved [hopefully] class of Battleships.

NOT JUST THE FINISHED GOODS -

In each chapter's discussion, many alternative designs, as well as, the reasons for choicing one design over another is lucidly explored. Some people may feel this is extraneous, however, this excercise gives the reader a better grasp of what determines how well a Battleship will function according to both its anticipated roles, and reality. For instance, the requirement for air-defences was something that was indeed planned for on an ongoing and increasing basis since world war 1. However, until the second world war demonstrated the actual requirements, air-defense system designs were inadequate, having designs based on earlier assumptions that continuously underestimated the effectiveness of aircraft against heavy ships.

BOTTOM LINE: NORMAN FRIEDMAN & THE NAVAL INSTITUTE PRESS = CLASSIC MUST HAVE VOLUME

"U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History", by Norman Friedman skillfully and palatably provide the reader with the insight to grasp, 'WHAT THE BATTLESHIPS' PURPOSE IS', 'HOW BATTLESHIPS FUNCTION', and 'THE COMPONENTS THAT PRODUCE THAT FUNCTION'. In essence, after reading this book carefully, the reader armed with an enhanced grasp of the topics, may find an interest in designing ships and reading a lot more on the subject.





ALSO RECOMMENDED:

-* "BRITISH BATTLESHIPS OF WORLD WAR 2", by Alan Raven and John Roberts, 1976

-* "U.S. AIRCRAFT CARRIERS, AN ILLUSTRATED DESIGN HISTORY", NORMAN FRIEDMAN, 1983

This is a comprehensive, large volume, with extensive text, line drawings (by Alan Raven) and photos. The prospective purchaser should be aware that a generous portion of the book is given to detailing large numbers of alternative designs - if you are interested only in ships actually built then you might skip over these sections.

Friedman is a fine author, deeply studied in naval affairs and an entertaining read.

This is the most comprehensive volume on the history of the American Battleship I have ever read. The plates are very descriptive and informative and the subject matter is covered in depth with detail I had never read before.

I would say this is best volume on the subject.

Les Williamson

This book is a worthwhile investment not only of your money but also your time in reading it. This book isn't exactly for the novice reader of naval air material. It presupposes that you bring something to the table in terms of basic knowledge and perhaps some aerodynamics. But that shouldn't preclude an absolute beginner from picking up this book. Just looking at the photos (which are excellent) and reading the captions will provide a decent grounding in naval air for the period covered. If that novice should delve into the text, so much the better for there is a wealth of detail that true aeroaficionados will love. The only disappointing aspect of this book is its illustrations (not the photographs). The drawings of aircraft profiles are amateurist, misleading, and definitely not in keeping with the tenor of this book, which is high-class and informative. But that pales in comparison to what is otherwise available between the covers. You will enjoy this book.

This is a really good look at the evolution of the US NAVAL aviation in the jet age.

I enjoy the history of jet aviation,both the land and naval air powers of the United States and this book is a great read about the jets and ships that built up the post war power of the US NAVY.

One of the best books I have ever read about aircraft and their developments. It is a must for anyone in aviation or anyone interested in history. Well researched and the author gets the point across with out laboring on the subject. I wish he would write one on the attack jets of the era.

This book is an outstanding look at the most fertile period in aviation, the transition to jets, specifically the creation of high performance aircraft that could accomplish the most difficult feat in flying- carrier operations. Thomason reviews the misfires as well as the world-beaters, from the little-known Vought Pirate to the masterful McDonnell Phantom. Well written, concise and authoritative. Highly recommended!

When ground forces in Iraq run into trouble, they have on-call air support -- Navy F18s in orbit -- ready to come into action. Although these fighters are based on aircraft carriers far out to sea, they are able to remain on patrol in Iraq all day by repeatedly refueling from aerial tankers.

In his new book, Tommy H. Thomason skillfully describes a time when the Navy struggled to find ways to keep its fuel-hungry jets in the air for minutes -- not hours. In those days, an aircraft's endurance was key to naval air operations. Early carrier operations depended on carefully cycling thirsty aircraft on and off the ship.

"U.S. Naval Air Superiority: Development of Shipboard Jet Fighters 1943-1962" is a comprehensively researched volume is stuffed with engrossing photographs, first-rate 3D Drawings, and very helpful charts and tables.

The author has meticulously gathered information on Navy aircraft starting with the modest McDonnell FH Phantom I, through the all-world McDonnell F4U Phantom II.

I found Mr. Thomason's coverage of several lesser-known designs to be very interesting.

Very early in the Korean War, Grumman touted its bulbous Grumman XF10F Jaguar to be the Navy's first general purpose fighter. Based on a Nazi inspired variable sweep wing design, its poorly designed control system made it dangerously unpredictable in flight tests. After lengthly delays and substantial modifications, its overall performance was mixed -- the complicated Jaguar was just too heavy. Grumman's overambitious XF10F proved so troublesome only one test pilot ever agreed to fly it.

Consider the FJ-1 Fury, which was an updated version of the famous U.S. Air Force F-86 fighter that adapted surprisingly well to the aircraft carrier -- it was loved by its Marine pilots.

What Navy fighter had great success against the Migs in Korea? The harmless-looking 2-man F3D Skyknight night fighter bagged 7 Migs against only one loss.

His book comprises 15 chapters arranged in chronological order. The Navy jets have been marshaled into chapters chronicling first designs, second-generation jets, Korean War fighters, supersonic jets, and mach 2 fighters.

The author has dedicated a full chapter each to the innovative Vought F7U Cutlass -- the "Ensign Eliminator"; the well-mannered Douglas F4D Skyray -- a very fast climbing, radar equipped all-weather fighter; and the standard setting McDonnell F3H Demon -- the only all-weather, radar-missile-armed fighter in the fleet before the F4 Phantom II.

The Navy had three jets operational in the Korean War. The F2H-2 Banshee, F9F-2 Panther, and F3D-2 Skyknight. Most of the Navy missions were flak suppression and cutting communist supply lines. Air battles were rare because Migs did not often go into the areas of Navy jet operations.

Due to problems with Westinghouse jet engines the Navy could not deploy swept wing jet fighters that were more of a match for Mig-15s. The Korean War proved that refinements to Navy carriers were needed including better catapult systems, lighting, navigation and instrument approach aids for night and all-weather landing operations.

In analysis, Mr. Thomason reveals that carrier based aircraft by nature have more difficult design requirements than land based aircraft. He suggests that this contributed to lower speed and range performance in early Navy aircraft.

In retrospect, Mr. Thomason explains, "The Navy's approach to creating a world-class fighter was straightforward. It simply funded successive aircraft programs with five different manufacturers until experience and competition generated one." The Navy did not give up on its traditional suppliers even after successive failures.

In many cases, Navy fighters suffered most from inadequate power. Mr. Thomason argues, "As engine companies were challenged to produce more thrust with less fuel and at a lower weight, engine durability and reliability occasionally suffered."

Looking back on this period, the author explains, "As it turned out, straight-wing jets were relatively easy to operate from aircraft carriers with minimal changes to the carrier itself. Swept wing aircraft took considerably longer to put into service, partly because the Navy was too ambitious with the mission requirements in the late 1940s and partly because Westinghouse could not repeat its early engine success."

Ironically, the Navy fighter's highest priority of defending the fleet from attacks by supersonic bombers was never put to the test.

I have had the opportunity to read several books on the topic of long-range riflery and tactical shooting, and "The Ultimate Sniper" is by a significant margin ahead of its competition. It is the highest achievement in sniper training manuals compiled by one of the most respected members of the craft. The depth of knowledge consolidated into the thick book is staggering. Every conceivable subject related to sniping is covered in detail and the author frequently provides combat or law-enforcement anecdotes or studies to support his suggestions. I realized at one point while reading "The Ultimate Sniper" that the various lessons found in other manuals were all incorporated into this one, only in greater detail and with the voice of a gritty professional. I was suspicious at first about paying so much for a book, but I received much more than I paid for. Bravo, Major Plaster.

Now you got to figure...Major Plaster, just how much did you forget i n the first book? Well, not much, not much at all. But there's a whole new batch of smarter, younger and hungrier kids out there who have developed all kinds of doo-dads and trinkets and found formulas for making things easier for even us old dogs!
Now no one is ever gonna wipe the sweat out of your eye or massage the cramp out of your hand before you make that final SQUEEZE! But thay can sure take a lot of bumps out of the trip getting there. For an Army feller, Ol' Plaster ain't no slouch. He did his home work on the first go round and paid attention to what's been going on since. Trouble is, I can't see trading in the old version for the new and improved one. Both are keepers.

Very informative book. Great to touch up on knowledge and skills for yourself. Also taught some of the techniques to the rifle team I was on.

This is the updated version of the Ultimate sniper ! Great reading and lots of good tips on the art of sniper craft. A lot of ammo and scope calibration data that is valuable.

interestting reading however felt the comments on the Eastern bloc weapon to be a bit bias!

DaveC

I bought the original version of this book at an Army PX in 1995. It was great then, the updated version is even better. When my original became so worn from use it was falling apart I ordered the new version from Maj. Plater's website. He even made it out to me and signed the front and back covers. Whether you are a police of military sniper or you just want to learn some techniques (or find out what gear you need) to improve your rifle shooting this is THE book. Unlike a lot of books written by guys who have been there and done that (Maj Plaster was a US Army Special Forces SOG recon Sgt for 3 yrs in Vietnam) there is no hint of arrogance or showmanship in this book.

Just a few days ago I watched German TV, ZDF, praising Joschka Fischer as the foreign minister who stood against Colin Powell and George W. Bush when it came to the Iraq invasion, but the reality is that around Christmas 2002 Mr Fischer suddenly had vowed to support the U.S. in their Iraq adventure. He seems to have strong transatlantic ties. Only Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder managed to hold him back (not because he was a pacifist but because it was not in the interest of German industries) otherwise Joschka Fischer would have thrown bombs again like he did in the Yugoslavian war. It is good that this book keeps record of his actions which should be investigated by the International War Crimes tribunal in The Hague.

Now, 7 years after German Chancellor Schröder and Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer launched the first German war of aggression after WWII we see what their policy was aimed at: to occupy Kosovo and let it become part of the EU. Ralph T. Niemeyer very openly addressed the interest of the German government and industries in occupying this part of Yugoslavia.

Although fiction should not be taken too serious this book has opened my eyes as it makes clear who had an interest in occupying Kosovo: The Germans for the third time in 100 years forcefully brought the 8th corridor under their control. In order to do so they had to invent a building of lies around President Milosevic and by this win public support for their brutal intervention. This book describes very vividly how the war against Yugoslavia was prepared from the Schröder - Fischer government. The facts presented (although the book is overall fictional) seem to be accurate as far as I could find out. Schröder and his gang, like in this book, would probably be found guilty especially since a war of aggression is not only by the German constitution but also the UN charta illegal and in the German criminal code bears lifelong imprisonment. One would think that this would deter men like Schröder and Fischer. That it diod not only shows that the international law is still too weak to go after the real war crime suspects. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in reading a detailed analysis without the boring style of a mere non-fictional book. The mix of fiction and facts is excellently carried out and it is always clear when facts are presented where these have been obtained from. I like the way, the references have been made. Read it and then think again whether Kosovo should be a member of the EU at the price of another war.

Now, almost eight years after he and German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder ordered the first war of Germany after WWII against a sovereign country former Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer decries the war he had launched employing lies like "Auschwitz is happening again in Yugoslavia" as a mistake. In this book I found the hard facts which prove in a fictional trial based on real evidence how cynical Fischer and Schroeder were leading the unwilling German people into a war of aggression, fashionably marketing it as a war over "human rights". Also Adolf Hitler has always maintained that he had "freed" the people he tortured and had only shot back.

what can we "ordinary" citizens do about our leaders misleading us when it comes to a colonial - kind of expension? Not listen? Hardly, but we should question the news being presented to us. This is what this fictional account of the war crimes committed by our leaders in the NATO war against Yugoslavia teaches us. Haven't Schroeder, Blair, Fischer spoken all along about "Auschwitz" which they wanted to prevent from happening again and used it as a reason to justify the invasion and bombing campaign against Yugoslavia? In this book, although fictional, some hard facts are introduced which if we ever had the guts to ask our leaders about would have made it impossible for them to gain public support for the war against Serbia. We should ask questions now when it comes to another "humanitarian" war, let's say in Sudan....

It is a great story, told with a unpresedented pasion and feal of both the human mind and spirit as well as the extensive historical knowledge of facts and myths.
I just hope to see more titles from The author MR. STEVEN WILSON who is, in my opinion one of the best wrighters today.

I stumbled on Steven Wilson's work by fortunate accident and was very favorably impressed with this novel. "Voyage" was well-researched, well-written, and very entertaining. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in WWII history and submarining!

Mike Stanley
Boise,ID

As a fan of World War II historical fiction, I've read a lot of examples in this genre, and their quality ranges from excellent to dismal.
Shortly after beginning "Voyage of the Gray Wolves", I knew that I had found one of the best examples. Steven M. Wilson's craft allows the reader to share in the emotions of the characters and the dialogue, while still making the pulse race during tautly written battle scenes. The fine treatment of the main characters, both Allies and Axis shows that just in real life, war is rarely about absolute villains and heroes. Rather, Wilson will have you deeply engaged in the exciting victories and crushing defeats of the brave men on both sides of conflict.
"Voyage of the Gray Wolves" is a highly recommended read, and stands up well next to other excellent examples, such as "War of the Rats" by David L. Robbins, or "The Forgotten Soldier" by Guy Sajer. I look forward to Wilson's next foray in this genre...

VOYAGE OF THE GRAY WOLVES is a fast, exciting novel full of adventure and daring. Wilson does a magnificent job of basing his story around Guenter Kern, a German U-Boat captain who realizes that Germany is loosing the war quickly. His mission is a long-shot last hope to the ailing country. Kern faces difficult choices throughout the novel as he begins to clearly see how desperate Germany is. He also has to decide how far he is personally ready to go to remain loyal to his homeland despite his growing discouragement and sickness of a terrible war. Ultimately, Wilson does a great job at making the reader relate to and like Kern. Watching Kern as he is forced to make impossible choices will make the reader appreciate the often horrible intricacies that exist in war. This book will be especially enjoyable for those generally interested in the World War II era, but every reader will enjoy getting to know Guenter Kern.

Review:
Voyage of the Gray Wolves by Steven Wilson
Paperback 352 pages by Pinnacle Books

It is 1944 and the Battle of the North Atlantic is still as rampant as the winter swells. Hitler, Himmler, and others have a grand design that will, in their minds, create a turning point to the war. Their best remaining U-Boat Commander is chosen to lead a squadron of new Type XXI U-Boats against England.

The struggles of this makeshift squadron depleted by the ravages the allies are pouring on Germany make for a great read. They base is a perpetual cloud covered fiord in Norway which was an abandoned fishing village.

The training, problems with the untested boats, supplies, a decrepid tender, untrained crews, and the sudden arrival of
the SS add a great suspense to the book. Those events and the weapon that they are to use make up most of the very good read.

The story also has the approval of Michael DiMercurio and Joe Buff who are also premier submarine novelists.

The books is available at Amazon.com and other outlets. Get it, settle in and read a very good story.