US Army Long-Range Patrol Scout in Vietnam 1965-71

(Paperback)

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Description

The Vietnamese knew the Long-Range Patrol Scouts as the men with green faces, a reference to the camouflage paint that they used. Operating in patrols of four to six men these men were like ghosts scouting far behind enemy lines. This book examines the Long-Range Patrol Scouts superior stealth movement techniques, camouflage and concealment, tracking, counter-tracking, observation, and other fieldcraft skills. It also examines the occasions they participated in small-scale direct actions including ambushes and raids. Written by a Special Forces Vietnam veteran, this book not only depicts the remarkable lives of these scouts when on campaign, but also details the training and conditioning that it took to become one of these shadow warriors.

Reviews

"US Army Long-Range Patrol Scout in Vietnam 1965-71 is a terrific resource for someone interested in the period who is seeking a quick overview and fact check with regard to training, use, uniform variation, equipment, and mission." --Mike Dorn, Wargamer (December 2008)

"This book is another example that shows how well-trained and able to fight our men were in the Vietnam War." --Jeff Grim, Collected Miscellany (January 2009)

"Like most Osprey titles, this one is succinct. Tipping the scale at 64 pages, it isn't long, but is packed with information. Written by a retired Special Forces serviceman who served on LRPs, it is written in a relaxed tone that one might hear when chatting with an uncle over a couple of drinks after a holiday meal. It has a matter of fact tone that's clear, to the point, yet relaxed. The descriptions have a been there feel to them without being tired or boastful. It's the kind of quiet professionalism one finds in heroes who know they've seen some tough spots but don't think of their deeds as 'heroic.'" --The Wargamer.com

"It is a book that should be on the shelf of any serious historian or those who have an interest in this era. One I enjoyed reading and can highly recommend to you." --Scott Van Aken, modelingmadness.com (November 2008)

Author Bio

Gordon L Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, volunteered for Special Forces and completed training as a weapons specialist. He served in the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam in 196970 and subsequently in airborne infantry, long-range patrol and intelligence assignments until retiring after 26 years. He was a Special Operations Forces scenario writer at the Joint Readiness Training Center for 12 years and is now a freelance writer, living in Texas.