"America had a secret weapon," writes Steve Call of the period
immediately following September 11, 2001, as planners contemplated
the invasion of Afghanistan. This weapon consisted of small teams
of Special Forces operatives trained in close air support (CAS)
who, in cooperation with the loose federation of Afghan rebels
opposed to the Taliban regime, soon began achieving impressive-and
unexpected-military victories over Taliban forces and the al-Qaeda
terrorists they had sponsored. The astounding success of CAS
tactics coupled with ground operations in Afghanistan soon drew the
attention of military decision makers and would eventually factor
into the planning for another campaign: Operation Iraqi Freedom.
But who, exactly, are these air power experts and what is the
function of the TACPs (Tactical Air Control Parties) in which they
operate? Danger Close provides a fascinating look at a dedicated,
courageous, innovative, and often misunderstood and misused group
of military professionals. Drawing on the gripping first-hand
accounts of their battlefield experiences, Steve Call allows the
TACPs to speak for themselves. He accompanies their narratives with
informed analysis of the development of CAS strategy, including
potentially controversial aspects of the interservice rivalries
between the air force and the army which have at times complicated
and even obstructed the optimal employment of TACP assets. Danger
Close makes clear, however, that the systematic coordination of air
power and ground forces played an invaluable supporting role in the
initial military victories in both Afghanistan and Iraq. This
first-ever examination of the intense, life-and-death world of the
close air support specialist will introduce readers to a crucial
but little-known aspect of contemporary warfare and add a needed
chapter in American military history studies. STEVE CALL is an
assistant professor at Broome Community College in Binghamton, New
York, teaching both American and military history. During his
twenty-year career in the air force, Call held many command and
staff positions, including liaison officer with the army, Pentagon
staff officer, and squadron commander. His PhD in military history
is from Ohio State University.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
