Special Operations Forces in the Cold War 

 (GI: The Illustrated History of the American Soldier, His Uniform & His Equipment)    

 This valuable addition to the GI Series traces the evolution of Special Operations forces during the chilliest aspects of the Cold War, from Korea to the dissolution of the USSR. Leroy Thompson documents the various airborne, infantry, recon and amphibious sectors as they grow in response to conflicts in Vietnam, the Middle East, Latin America, and to the increasing threat of terrorism on the home front. More than 100 rare and unusual photographs cover the uniforms, equipment and insignia of formations such as Ranger battalions; LRRP units; Special Forces Groups (Airborne); USAF combat control teams; pararescuemen and PJs; Navy Seals; Marine Recons and Delta. Attention is also given to the lesser-known aspects of the special forces 'brief', such as their training of potential guerrillas within the Communist Bloc and rescue of POWs.