Spec Ops: Case Studies in Special Operations Warfare: Theory and Practice

William H. McRaven

Feb 2009 · Sold by Presidio Press

About this ebook

Vice Adm. William H. McRaven helped to devise the strategy for how to bring down Osama bin Laden, and commanded the courageous U.S. military unit that carried it out on May 1, 2011, ending one of the greatest manhunts in history. In Spec Ops, a well-organized and deeply researched study, McRaven analyzes eight classic special operations. Six are from WWII: the German commando raid on the Belgian fort Eben Emael (1940); the Italian torpedo attack on the Alexandria harbor (1941); the British commando raid on Nazaire, France (1942); the German glider rescue of Benito Mussolini (1943); the British midget-submarine attack on the Tirpitz (1943); and the U.S. Ranger rescue mission at the Cabanatuan POW camp in the Philippines (1945). The two post-WWII examples are the U.S. Army raid on the Son Tay POW camp in North Vietnam (1970) and the Israeli rescue of the skyjacked hostages in Entebbe, Uganda (1976). McRaven—who commands a U.S. Navy SEAL team—pinpoints six essential principles of “spec ops” success: simplicity, security, repetition, surprise, speed and purpose. For each of the case studies, he provides political and military context, a meticulous reconstruction of the mission itself and an analysis of the operation in relation to his six principles. McRaven deems the Son Tay raid “the best modern example of a successful spec op [which] should be considered textbook material for future missions.” His own book is an instructive textbook that will be closely studied by students of the military arts. Maps, photos.

Ratings and reviews

I came across this author and book while reading an article about the elusive Mcraven in the DMN; who had just been named Texan of the Year. I thought the subject matter would prove interesting - what an understatement! His objective and analytical presentation of the missions and attention to detail is, to me, reminiscent of Folletts On Wings of Eagles and the Perret Eisenhower biography. He manages to maintain my attention, prove his argument and entertain me simultaneously.

It helps that the author was himself a general in charge of US special forces. The text was exciting to read and the analyses at the end of each study gave good insights to the theories of success espoused by the author. Although I'm a military jet pilot, I truly enjoyed and learned more about the operational arts from reading this book. I will definitely recommend it to my friends and fellow servicemen.

Academic while also fascinating, McRaven uses history to illustrate why some plans and concepts in operations work and why. Great perspective on obscure history episodes. useful for military and business planners to build on- establish early advantages and recognize turning points before they prevent success.

About the author

Admiral William H. McRaven (U.S. Navy Retired) served with great distinction in the Navy. In his thirty-seven years as a Navy SEAL, he commanded at every level. As a Four-Star Admiral, his final assignment was as Commander of all U.S. Special Operations Forces. He is now Chancellor of the University of Texas System.