Product Description

Representing the very best from the US Army and Air Force, the Airborne Task Force is a formidable combination of manpower and firepower.With Clancy's hallmark pinpoint accuracy and style - more compelling than any fiction - here are the people, the technology and the mission in an ever-changing world of the Airborne juggernaut.Thrillingly, the book includes two Clancy mini-novels - real world scenarios involving the Airborne Task Force - as well as the details of its 21st century weapons (including the Javelin anti-tank missile, the hypersonic LOSAT fire support system and the Comanche Stealth Helicopter), a look at 18 weeks in the life of an Airborne Alert Brigade, and an in-depth interview with the new commander of the 18th Airborne Corps, General John M. Keane.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #758075 in Books
• Published on: 2001-05-25
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

About the Author
Tom Clancy is a household name. His ten novels, including Patriot Games, Hunt for Red October and Clear and Present Danger, have sold in their millions throughout the world, and been the basis of some of the biggest-name movies. The first four books in this Military Library series, Submarine, Armoured Warfare, Fighter Wing and Marine, were published by HarperCollins.

Customer Reviews

Can't Get the Facts Straight
I'll begin by saying that the average civilian with no military background could learn a lot about the 82nd from this book. I do not, however, understand why a man would spend the time and energy writing a book and not get the facts straight. If there was something he wasn't sure on, he should have either left it out or asked the right people. If the PAO's restricted him, I understand. But I don't think that was the case. I was in B 2/504 PIR at the time this book was written and he could have stopped any grunt on the street and asked. For an example, I will use his errors in reporting on the weapons systems used in the infantry companies. Yes, the M240G and the MK19 are both used, however they certainly aren't found in the "heavy weapons platoon" of the rifle company. Anyone slightly familiar with the 82nd that the division doesn't have heavy weapon platoons in the rifle companies. Also the M224 mortar is supposedly used by the "heavy weapons squads" of the rifle platoon. Rifle paltoons do have weapons squads, but they do not contain mortars. The M224 is found in the headquarters platoon in the mortar section. Other errors such as these are numerous. In closing, I will say that if you enjoy military reading, go for it. But don't use Clancy's facts in a bar argument with a former airborne infantryman. Take what he says with a grain of salt.

What's the matter with this guy?
First of all, the most distinguishing characteristic of all airborne troops is the Airborne "All the Way" attitude. Clancy devotes only one sentence to this unique airborne trait. Instead, he focuses on the equipment and toys instead of the men. Clancy has never been in the service--he would've known that hi-tech weaponry are just tools. The most dangerous weapon is the individual soldier with the desire to win. Someone tell this to Clancy. And what's with this endless comparison of the 82d to the USMC? The 82d will run circles around the Corps.

Great
If you like planes, and especially paratroopers, this is the book for you. It's great. The detail that this book goes into is amazing. I loved it.