Overview

"This book will serve as a tactical ""bible"" tailored to the military Special Operations, intelligence and paramilitary/law-enforcement communities and other interested parties - - with the intention of breaking the invent-and-forget/reinventing-the-wheel cycle with an aim to (1) increase the effectiveness and lethality of SpecOps personnel and units, while (2) saving the lives of SpecOps personnel engaged in high-risk operations. Wolcoff describes numerous historical examples of special reconnaissance (SR) operations, with some emphasis on lessons-learned/Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures gained from the legendary Military Assistance Command Vietnam - Special Operations Group (MACV-SOG) SR operations conducted during the Vietnam-era, including operational accounts and analyses of specific missions. Few of these TTPs and lessons-learned have been archived or collated into a usable form for SpecOps personnel or units; this book is intended to preserve and embed this valuable and volatile compilation of tradecraft, that has been obtained at such cost in lives. Wolcoff covers the gamut of specialised SR topics ranging from operational planning and preparation, through execution, logistics and command and control - - all in substantial trade-craft detail. 100 colour and b//w illustrations and diagrams"

Full Product Details

9781526779090

Table of Contents

Reviews

Wolcoff provides an invaluable look at what it means to have to fight and survive in some of the most lethal circumstances imaginable - something anyone with even a passing interest in these matters should understand. -- Globe at War A decorated veteran with years of experience as a team leader in aggressive, cross-border operations, Wolcoff is uniquely qualified to present this invaluable document for Special Operations personnel. His use of primary and contemporary sources is well-footnoted for further reference, and his list of reconnaissance topics is exhaustive. Beyond explaining basic terminology and tactics, Wolcoff delves into the finest of detail, from terrain and wildlife indicators to the numerous psychological requirements needed to be an effective team leader (i.e., be decisive, but leave your ego behind). Wolcoff's book, by his account, serves to save lives of SF personnel and enhance the prospects of Special Ops mission success. Any author researching a future Special Forces manuscript in the future would be remiss to not source this crucial book for operational tactics knowledge. --Stephen L. Moore, author of 'Uncommon Valor: The Recon Company That Earned Five Medals of Honor and Included America's Most Decorated Green Beret' Combining his vast combat experience with detailed, original research, Lt. Col. Wolcoff has written the most advanced book ever published on small unit and special operations intelligence gathering. This book cites numerous real-world engagements, analyzes them, and systematically presents conclusions in a useful, instructional format. Having served multiple tours as a MACV-SOG reconnaissance team leader - running reconnaissance and direct action missions deep behind enemy lines in Laos and Cambodia -- he knows mightily of what he writes. I personally served alongside then-Staff Sergeant Wolcoff in SOG, and highly recommend his excellent book. --John L. Plaster, Major (Ret), U.S. Army Special Forces The book can be used as a reference book, even a tutorial, for SpecOps personnel. Therefore, it is generally written in a terse/blunt military writing style resembling what one might find in a Field Manual. For the convenience/and familiarity of the Field Soldier, it is generally structured like an Operational Plan (OPLAN). In summary, this book is a valuable addition to our Special Forces teams and personnel and I highly recommend it not only to them, but to all military personnel and historians, alike. --Major General (Ret.) Kenneth R. Bowra, U. S. Army Special Forces The Special Operations Community is fortunate that LTC (Ret.) Ed Wolcoff has taken the time to capture for posterity and planning for future operations the incredibly detailed and painstaking planning considerations taken into account by small unit leaders in MACVSOG's ground reconnaissance forces. --Lieutenant General William P. Tangney, U.S. Army (Ret) This book is required reading for leaders of Special Operations units, from the command and decision-making level through the small unit leader. The understanding and application of the tactics, techniques and procedures revealed by Mr. Wolcoff will contribute to mission success and to bringing the team home. --Major John E. Padgett, US Special Forces (Ret)

"""Wolcoff's - knowledge in unconventional warfare is without peer and a great resource for special operations forces warriors who espouse a burning desire to become even more efficient and lethal in the application of their craft...This comprehensive how-to manual covers a broad spectrum of techniques, tactics, and procedures (TTPs) that a modern special operations warrior must know and practice to thrive in an unconventional/irregular warfare environment.""--Benjamin B. Wilson, Command Historian, Marine Forces Special Operations Command ""Wolcoff makes it very clear that failure is as big a teacher (if not more) as success. Survivorship bias can skew things massively, so it's important to look at what didn't work as well as what did. This is a great resource for well, anyone, and well worth a purchase.""-- ""Fuldapocalypse Fiction"" ""This book is meant to be nothing less than THE go-to reference for actual special operators in the military, intelligence and paramilitary/law-enforcement communities - dramatically increasing the efficacy and survivability of SpecOps personnel in combat.""-- ""Globe at War"" ""A decorated veteran with years of experience as a team leader in aggressive, cross-border operations, Wolcoff is uniquely qualified to present this invaluable document for Special Operations personnel. His use of primary and contemporary sources is well-footnoted for further reference, and his list of reconnaissance topics is exhaustive. Beyond explaining basic terminology and tactics, Wolcoff delves into the finest of detail, from terrain and wildlife indicators to the numerous psychological requirements needed to be an effective team leader (i.e., be decisive, but leave your ego behind). Wolcoff's book, by his account, serves to save lives of SF personnel and enhance the prospects of Special Ops mission success. Any author researching a future Special Forces manuscript in the future would be remiss to not source this crucial book for operational tactics knowledge.""--Stephen L. Moore, author of 'Uncommon Valor: The Recon Company That Earned Five Medals of Honor and Included America's Most Decorated Green Beret' ""Combining his vast combat experience with detailed, original research, Lt. Col. Wolcoff has written the most advanced book ever published on small unit and special operations intelligence gathering. This book cites numerous real-world engagements, analyzes them, and systematically presents conclusions in a useful, instructional format. Having served multiple tours as a MACV-SOG reconnaissance team leader - running reconnaissance and direct action missions deep behind enemy lines in Laos and Cambodia -- he knows mightily of what he writes. I personally served alongside then-Staff Sergeant Wolcoff in SOG, and highly recommend his excellent book.""--John L. Plaster, Major (Ret), U.S. Army Special Forces ""The book can be used as a reference book, even a tutorial, for SpecOps personnel. Therefore, it is generally written in a terse/blunt military writing style resembling what one might find in a Field Manual. For the convenience/and familiarity of the Field Soldier, it is generally structured like an Operational Plan (OPLAN). In summary, this book is a valuable addition to our Special Forces teams and personnel and I highly recommend it not only to them, but to all military personnel and historians, alike.""--Major General (Ret.) Kenneth R. Bowra, U. S. Army Special Forces ""The Special Operations Community is fortunate that LTC (Ret.) Ed Wolcoff has taken the time to capture for posterity and planning for future operations the incredibly detailed and painstaking planning considerations taken into account by small unit leaders in MACVSOG's ground reconnaissance forces.""--Lieutenant General William P. Tangney, U.S. Army (Ret) ""This book is required reading for leaders of Special Operations units, from the command and decision-making level through the small unit leader. The understanding and application of the tactics, techniques and procedures revealed by Mr. Wolcoff will contribute to mission success and to bringing the team home.""--Major John E. Padgett, US Special Forces (Ret)"

Wolcoff's - knowledge in unconventional warfare is without peer and a great resource for special operations forces warriors who espouse a burning desire to become even more efficient and lethal in the application of their craft...This comprehensive how-to manual covers a broad spectrum of techniques, tactics, and procedures (TTPs) that a modern special operations warrior must know and practice to thrive in an unconventional/irregular warfare environment. --Benjamin B. Wilson, Command Historian, Marine Forces Special Operations Command Wolcoff makes it very clear that failure is as big a teacher (if not more) as success. Survivorship bias can skew things massively, so it's important to look at what didn't work as well as what did. This is a great resource for well, anyone, and well worth a purchase. -- Fuldapocalypse Fiction This book is meant to be nothing less than THE go-to reference for actual special operators in the military, intelligence and paramilitary/law-enforcement communities - dramatically increasing the efficacy and survivability of SpecOps personnel in combat. -- Globe at War A decorated veteran with years of experience as a team leader in aggressive, cross-border operations, Wolcoff is uniquely qualified to present this invaluable document for Special Operations personnel. His use of primary and contemporary sources is well-footnoted for further reference, and his list of reconnaissance topics is exhaustive. Beyond explaining basic terminology and tactics, Wolcoff delves into the finest of detail, from terrain and wildlife indicators to the numerous psychological requirements needed to be an effective team leader (i.e., be decisive, but leave your ego behind). Wolcoff's book, by his account, serves to save lives of SF personnel and enhance the prospects of Special Ops mission success. Any author researching a future Special Forces manuscript in the future would be remiss to not source this crucial book for operational tactics knowledge. --Stephen L. Moore, author of 'Uncommon Valor: The Recon Company That Earned Five Medals of Honor and Included America's Most Decorated Green Beret' Combining his vast combat experience with detailed, original research, Lt. Col. Wolcoff has written the most advanced book ever published on small unit and special operations intelligence gathering. This book cites numerous real-world engagements, analyzes them, and systematically presents conclusions in a useful, instructional format. Having served multiple tours as a MACV-SOG reconnaissance team leader - running reconnaissance and direct action missions deep behind enemy lines in Laos and Cambodia -- he knows mightily of what he writes. I personally served alongside then-Staff Sergeant Wolcoff in SOG, and highly recommend his excellent book. --John L. Plaster, Major (Ret), U.S. Army Special Forces The book can be used as a reference book, even a tutorial, for SpecOps personnel. Therefore, it is generally written in a terse/blunt military writing style resembling what one might find in a Field Manual. For the convenience/and familiarity of the Field Soldier, it is generally structured like an Operational Plan (OPLAN). In summary, this book is a valuable addition to our Special Forces teams and personnel and I highly recommend it not only to them, but to all military personnel and historians, alike. --Major General (Ret.) Kenneth R. Bowra, U. S. Army Special Forces The Special Operations Community is fortunate that LTC (Ret.) Ed Wolcoff has taken the time to capture for posterity and planning for future operations the incredibly detailed and painstaking planning considerations taken into account by small unit leaders in MACVSOG's ground reconnaissance forces. --Lieutenant General William P. Tangney, U.S. Army (Ret) This book is required reading for leaders of Special Operations units, from the command and decision-making level through the small unit leader. The understanding and application of the tactics, techniques and procedures revealed by Mr. Wolcoff will contribute to mission success and to bringing the team home. --Major John E. Padgett, US Special Forces (Ret)

A decorated veteran with years of experience as a team leader in aggressive, cross-border operations, Wolcoff is uniquely qualified to present this invaluable document for Special Operations personnel. His use of primary and contemporary sources is well-footnoted for further reference, and his list of reconnaissance topics is exhaustive. Beyond explaining basic terminology and tactics, Wolcoff delves into the finest of detail, from terrain and wildlife indicators to the numerous psychological requirements needed to be an effective team leader (i.e., be decisive, but leave your ego behind). Wolcoff's book, by his account, serves to save lives of SF personnel and enhance the prospects of Special Ops mission success. Any author researching a future Special Forces manuscript in the future would be remiss to not source this crucial book for operational tactics knowledge. --Stephen L. Moore, author of 'Uncommon Valor: The Recon Company That Earned Five Medals of Honor and Included America's Most Decorated Green Beret' Combining his vast combat experience with detailed, original research, Lt. Col. Wolcoff has written the most advanced book ever published on small unit and special operations intelligence gathering. This book cites numerous real-world engagements, analyzes them, and systematically presents conclusions in a useful, instructional format. Having served multiple tours as a MACV-SOG reconnaissance team leader - running reconnaissance and direct action missions deep behind enemy lines in Laos and Cambodia -- he knows mightily of what he writes. I personally served alongside then-Staff Sergeant Wolcoff in SOG, and highly recommend his excellent book. --John L. Plaster, Major (Ret), U.S. Army Special Forces The book can be used as a reference book, even a tutorial, for SpecOps personnel. Therefore, it is generally written in a terse/blunt military writing style resembling what one might find in a Field Manual. For the convenience/and familiarity of the Field Soldier, it is generally structured like an Operational Plan (OPLAN). In summary, this book is a valuable addition to our Special Forces teams and personnel and I highly recommend it not only to them, but to all military personnel and historians, alike. --Major General (Ret.) Kenneth R. Bowra, U. S. Army Special Forces The Special Operations Community is fortunate that LTC (Ret.) Ed Wolcoff has taken the time to capture for posterity and planning for future operations the incredibly detailed and painstaking planning considerations taken into account by small unit leaders in MACVSOG's ground reconnaissance forces. --Lieutenant General William P. Tangney, U.S. Army (Ret) This book is required reading for leaders of Special Operations units, from the command and decision-making level through the small unit leader. The understanding and application of the tactics, techniques and procedures revealed by Mr. Wolcoff will contribute to mission success and to bringing the team home. --Major John E. Padgett, US Special Forces (Ret)

Wolcoff makes it very clear that failure is as big a teacher (if not more) as success. Survivorship bias can skew things massively, so it's important to look at what didn't work as well as what did. This is a great resource for well, anyone, and well worth a purchase. -- Fuldapocalypse Fiction This book is meant to be nothing less than THE go-to reference for actual special operators in the military, intelligence and paramilitary/law-enforcement communities - dramatically increasing the efficacy and survivability of SpecOps personnel in combat. -- Globe at War A decorated veteran with years of experience as a team leader in aggressive, cross-border operations, Wolcoff is uniquely qualified to present this invaluable document for Special Operations personnel. His use of primary and contemporary sources is well-footnoted for further reference, and his list of reconnaissance topics is exhaustive. Beyond explaining basic terminology and tactics, Wolcoff delves into the finest of detail, from terrain and wildlife indicators to the numerous psychological requirements needed to be an effective team leader (i.e., be decisive, but leave your ego behind). Wolcoff's book, by his account, serves to save lives of SF personnel and enhance the prospects of Special Ops mission success. Any author researching a future Special Forces manuscript in the future would be remiss to not source this crucial book for operational tactics knowledge. --Stephen L. Moore, author of 'Uncommon Valor: The Recon Company That Earned Five Medals of Honor and Included America's Most Decorated Green Beret' Combining his vast combat experience with detailed, original research, Lt. Col. Wolcoff has written the most advanced book ever published on small unit and special operations intelligence gathering. This book cites numerous real-world engagements, analyzes them, and systematically presents conclusions in a useful, instructional format. Having served multiple tours as a MACV-SOG reconnaissance team leader - running reconnaissance and direct action missions deep behind enemy lines in Laos and Cambodia -- he knows mightily of what he writes. I personally served alongside then-Staff Sergeant Wolcoff in SOG, and highly recommend his excellent book. --John L. Plaster, Major (Ret), U.S. Army Special Forces The book can be used as a reference book, even a tutorial, for SpecOps personnel. Therefore, it is generally written in a terse/blunt military writing style resembling what one might find in a Field Manual. For the convenience/and familiarity of the Field Soldier, it is generally structured like an Operational Plan (OPLAN). In summary, this book is a valuable addition to our Special Forces teams and personnel and I highly recommend it not only to them, but to all military personnel and historians, alike. --Major General (Ret.) Kenneth R. Bowra, U. S. Army Special Forces The Special Operations Community is fortunate that LTC (Ret.) Ed Wolcoff has taken the time to capture for posterity and planning for future operations the incredibly detailed and painstaking planning considerations taken into account by small unit leaders in MACVSOG's ground reconnaissance forces. --Lieutenant General William P. Tangney, U.S. Army (Ret) This book is required reading for leaders of Special Operations units, from the command and decision-making level through the small unit leader. The understanding and application of the tactics, techniques and procedures revealed by Mr. Wolcoff will contribute to mission success and to bringing the team home. --Major John E. Padgett, US Special Forces (Ret)

Author Information

Lt. Col. Wolcoff (ret.) served in Special Operations Group and went on highly classified Special Reconnaissance missions. He also spent over seven years in Explosive Ordnance Disposal. A decorated veteran with years of experience as a team leader in aggressive, cross-border operations, Wolcoff is uniquely qualified to present this invaluable document for Special Operations personnel. After the military, Wolcoff worked in support of the National Security interests of the United States.

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