The Evolution of Special Forces in Counter-Terrorism: The British and American Experiences

(Hardback)

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The threat of terrorism knows no boundaries, and, given the complexities of today's global system, no nation can afford to stand alone. This study considers the role that international cooperation plays in assisting elite military forces engaged in low-intensity and counter-terrorist operations, particularly hostage rescue efforts. Using historical examples from the experiences of Great Britain and the United States, the author concludes that cooperation (ranging from shared intelligence, to forward base access, to the provision of observers) can provide significant advantages in dealing with low-intensity operations. However, the most fruitful joint efforts involve shared activities by countries that possess a similar threat perception, usually in part a result of a common "sociology" in their view of historical developments. Before turning to modern counter-terrorism, Taillon addresses the respective military experiences of Britain and America within the wider realm of conventional and low-intensity operations. The main Anglo-American focus of the book gives primary importance to the developments and doctrine for the employment of special forces, as well as an analysis of more recent low-intensity and counter-terrorism operations, such as the 1980 Iranian Embassy Siege in London and the failure, that same year, of the American hostage rescue attempt in Teheran. Taillon hopes to identify and highlight those key aspects of cooperation at an international level which have, at least in part, been absolutely essential to successful counter-terrorist operations in the past and which seem destined to remain so in the future.

Reviews

[a]n outstanding book that belongs on all senior leaders' reading lists and should be used as a teaching tool throughout the Services.-Marine Corps Gazette
Along with the history of the respective Special Forces establishments, Taillon identifies principals of unconventional warfare, which will be useful to scholars in the field.-Military review
Paul Taillon's book is an excellent primer for those seeking to penetrate the mystique and secrecy surrounding Special Forces. It provides a better understanding of the facts behind how they evolved into their counter-terrorist roles. It highlights the challenges they continue to face in remaining an effective option for government to call upon to resolve terrorist incidents. It is a timely read, given that the Special Forces are now more than ever facing renewed challenges in the developing global war against terrorism.-Canadian Military Journal
This work is a treasure for the student of counter-terrorism and a valuable resource for the specialist.-The Journal of Military History
"an outstanding book that belongs on all senior leaders' reading lists and should be used as a teaching tool throughout the Services."-Marine Corps Gazette
"[a]n outstanding book that belongs on all senior leaders' reading lists and should be used as a teaching tool throughout the Services."-Marine Corps Gazette
"Along with the history of the respective Special Forces establishments, Taillon identifies principals of unconventional warfare, which will be useful to scholars in the field."-Military review
"This work is a treasure for the student of counter-terrorism and a valuable resource for the specialist."-The Journal of Military History
"Paul Taillon's book is an excellent primer for those seeking to penetrate the mystique and secrecy surrounding Special Forces. It provides a better understanding of the facts behind how they evolved into their counter-terrorist roles. It highlights the challenges they continue to face in remaining an effective option for government to call upon to resolve terrorist incidents. It is a timely read, given that the Special Forces are now more than ever facing renewed challenges in the developing global war against terrorism."-Canadian Military Journal

Author Bio

J. PAUL DE B. TAILLON is an Adjunct Professor for War Studies at the Royal Military College (RMC), Kingston Ontario./e He has lectured on security and intelligence issues at the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College, the Advanced Military Studies Course (AMSC), and the National Security Studies Course (NSSC) in Toronto. He works as an analyst in the national security and intelligence field.