The definitive illustrated history of American Special Forces, including their training, tactics, weapons and famous missions.

This book is a great overview of the men and women that make up the most elite warriors of our time. The operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Granada and Pakistan show how our nation depends on these people to be our first and most formidable line of human defense and offense in a dangerous world. Lastly the author tells of the raid on Bin Laden's hideout where SEAL Team 6 brings that terrorist to justice. "The San Francisco Book Review (July 22, 2013)" Here is a complete survey of how the US Army, Navy, and Air Force developed and used the concept of elite soldiers, considering key operations, training, and technology that separates them from regular soldiers. The combination of striking artworks and in-depth history makes this a 'must' for any military holding. "The Midwest Book Review (July 2013)""

Chris McNab is an author and editor. To date he has published over 25 books, including Twentieth Century Small Arms (2001), Gunfighters -The Outlaws and their weapons (2005, contributing editor), The Personal Security Handbook (2003), The Encyclopedia of Combat Techniques (2002) and The Illustrated History of the Vietnam War (2000). He is the co-author of Tools of Violence (2008) and has recently completed Hitler's Armies (2011), both for Osprey. Chris has also written extensively for major encyclopedia series, including African-American Biographies (2006), USA 1950s (2006) and Reformation, Exploration and Empire (2005), and has contributed to The Times on the war in Iraq.

Introduction /Chapter 1: Colonial and Civil War Warriors /Chapter 2: Elite Troops of World War II /Chapter 3: Vietnam and Cold War Special Forces / Chapter 4: The post-Vietnam Special Operations Forces 1975-2000 / Chapter 5: New Wars / Conclusion /Index