Collins John M. Special Operations Forces: ats assessment. 1986-1993

Washington: National Defense University Press, 1994. — 189 p.In this volume, John Collins speaks with the authority of one who was literally present at the birth of the "low intensity conflict. His long-term. intimate, and direct contact with the esoteric world of special operations has fcw parallels, Their roots go back in time and history considerably farther, but todaky's Special Operations Forces are largely products of the past thirce decades. Their development has been in response to the pressures of world-wide situations perceived to bear uponl or which actually do affect Americani strategic interests. The use of raw military power may not provide solutions to the complex problemns involved and may even be counter-productive. Special Operations Forces, uniquely suited to ill the quasi-military gap, require the highest degree of professional competence in the application of the classical principles of war. This is a big order, It is difficult in a lew words to pay John Collins thc trihute lie deservcs for continuing effos to educate hoth the Conigress and the UJ.S. Armned Forces conceriiing tlie capabilities and limitations of special operations and the forces they involve. This latest addition to his carefully researched studies combines history. philosophy, factual data, and reference materials in a single document that should be onl the desks of civilian mid military leaders whose responsibilities relate in any way to special operations.