Fighting Elites: A History of U.S. Special Forces - Hardcover

"Fighting Elites closely examines the rich and varied history of the U.S. Special Forces in a very readable fashion; it's unusual that I sit and read what is essentially a reference work in one sitting, but Fredriksen's easy style draws you in and makes you want to read further. This book is a must for any military enthusiast or historian, and will give an insight to any serviceman or woman who wants to truly understand who U.S. Special Forces are, and where they have come from." - Raider Magazine "With clear, pertinent, and up-to-date information (including the killing of Osama Bin Laden), Fredriksen's Fighting Elites is a valuable asset for larger collections and media centers supporting a military/terrorism curriculum." - Booklist "Fighting Elites accomplishes its goal of being a 'one-stop reference guide . . . that affords extensive historical and bibliographic coverage yet is easy for lay readers to access.' Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through researchers/faculty; general readers.' " - Choice "This is a unique guide that will be useful in all sizes of academic and public libraries." - ARBA

From Army Rangers to Green Berets to the U.S. Navy SEAL team that killed Osama bin Laden, this book explains what makes Special Forces "special," covering the rich and varied history of elite formations in American military history and describing their recruitment, intense training, and equipment in depth. * Initial chapters provide an overview of all American special purpose units * A bibliography points to additional reading and sources of information * 50 illustrations of famous leaders, uniforms, and troops in the field * A highly detailed chronology of all known special forces activities