Over the last 20 years, the role of unmanned aircraft systems in modern warfare has grown at an unprecedented rate. No longer simply used for intelligence, data collection or reconnaissance, drones are routinely used for target acquisition and to strike enemy targets with missiles and bombs. Organized by nationality, Military Drones offers a compact guide to the main unmanned aerial vehicles being flown in combat zones today. These include classics, such as the MQ-1 Predator, primarily used for intelligence gathering; the Black Hornet Nano, a micro UAV that is so small it can fit in the palm of your hand and is used by ground troops for local situational awareness; the Chinese tri-copter Scorpion, which is ideal for the stationary observation and strike role in a built-up area; and the French EADS Talarion, a twinjet long-endurance UAV designed for high-altitude surveillance. Illustrated with more than 100 photographs and artworks, Military Drones provides a detailed insight into the specialist military unmanned aerial vehicles that play a key role in the modern battle space.

Over the last 30 years, Special Forces have become a key component of the world's armed forces, often employing unconventional tactics as part of airborne operations, counterinsurgency, counterterrorism, hostage rescue, covert ops and intelligence gathering. To carry out their role effectively, specific vehicles have been developed for these elite units. Organized by type, the book explores a wide range of vehicles, from the light utility vehicles through mine-resistant protected vehicles (MRAP) to mini bikes and quad bikes. Discover the Pinzgauer High-Mobility All-Terrain Vehicle, a high clearance, all-wheel drive transporter used by Delta Force and the New Zealand SAS; the fast, light Arquus Scarab, a protected vehicle that can turn both the front and rear wheels simultaneously, allowing it to move sideways like a crab; the MRZR, used by the U.S. Marines for fast forward deployment and off-road reconnaissance; the Toyota Hilux pick-up, which due to its simplicity and rugged durability, has proved its worth in conflicts from South America to Central Asia; and the Christini AWD motorcycle, used by U.S. Navy SEALs in Afghanistan. Illustrated with more than 100 photographs and artworks, Special Forces Land Vehicles provides a detailed guide to the specialist vehicles used by elite soldiers in the modern era.

Since the earliest recorded military history, scouting and reconnaissance have been key tools employed by military commanders to obtain a picture of the tactical situation and make informed decisions. Scouts known as sciritae were deployed by the Spartans and had a privileged position in their order of battle. The Spartans were so aware of the advantage their scouting operations gave them that they went to great lengths to keep them secret. As military tactics, weapons and equipment developed over the centuries, methods of scouting and reconnaissance evolved and adapted but always remained true to the spirit of the scout - light on their feet, taking only what they need and returning with the information that could turn potential defeat into victory. Military Reconnaissance provides a concise but revealing picture of the art of military scouting and reconnaissance from the highly toned Spartan warriors, the scouts employed by Julius Caesar, through the middle ages to the Napoleonic Wars to the role of the scout in modern warfare.

How were agents recruited for secret operations in World War II? How did they fare once dropped behind enemy lines? How effective were resistance movements? And how brutal were the reprisals? Ranging from the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) and the German Abwehr to resistance movements across Europe, Secret Operations of World War II is a fascinating account of the major special ops organisations and underground cells in the conflict. Examining recruitment, training, equipment and deployment of operatives, the book not only reveals the ingenious steps taken to select suitable agents, disguise weapons and gather intelligence, but also follows the fortunes of particular agents after their operations were launched. From such well known cases as the SOE and Norwegian agents sabotaging Norwegian hydroelectric plants to the less explored territory of Soviet partisans, from the Abwehr's rescue of Mussolini to the French Maquis, from the Polish Home Army to OSS operations in the Pacific, the book explores a wide range of secret organisations and their intelligence gathering, sabotage and reconnaissance missions. Illustrated with 120 black-&-white and colour photographs, artworks and maps, Secret Operations of World War II is an authoritative and novel perspective on some of the most outlandish episodes of the conflict.

In 1991, the United States and coalition forces liberated Kuwait after its brief occupation by Saddam Hussein s Iraqi army. One of the abiding memories of that conflict was the activities of the coalition s special forces soldiers deep in Iraq, hunting down SCUD missile launchers before Israel could be attacked. Since then, elite military units have played an increasingly important role in the world s armed forces. "Special Forces Today" recounts their operations over the last fifteen years. From the Gulf War to the 2003 invasion of Iraq via the war in Afghanistan, the search for war criminals in the Balkans, the hunt for drug barons in South America, hostage rescues in Africa, and the counterterrorism initiatives since 9/11 the book discloses in detail the often clandestine activities of the world s elite soldiers.Illustrated with action photographs, "Special Forces Today" shows how these forces have become a vital part of any government s military machine and the roles they have played in recent world events. With an authoritative text and rare black-and-white and color photographs, the book is a highly illustrated guide to the recent operations of these most secretive and successful soldiers.

SAS & Elite Forces Guide to Using Ropes and Knots draws on the skills of the world'sbest soldiers to teach you how to use these essential tools in the wilderness. Tried andtested techniques used by the world's special forces give you field-tested advice onissues such as: how to take care of ropes, the most useful knots to use in a survivalsituation, how to make your own ropes out of animal tendons or plants, how to useyour rope effectively when climbing, how to lash together a log raft. A simple rope can be a lifesaver in a survival situation. Knowing how to use a ropeand make effective knots will help you in an amazing variety of ways - fromconstructing shelters and creating weapons, to fishing and hunting. Most important,ropes and knots act as literal lifelines in dangerous environments, such as whencrossing a fast-flowing river or scaling a mountainside.

Review of the author's "Encyclopedia of Survival Techniques" (2000): "This could prove to be a mighty handy volume. Recommended." --Library Journal

Written by a former member of the British Territorial Army, Special Forces Survival Guide arms readers with the survival techniques used by special forces units around the world. Trained to take on the toughest missions in the most challenging environments, these warriors must be able to master any situation, including escaping danger, evading capture and surviving with little or no gear.

Stilwell's detailed instructions and the photos of Special Forces soldiers applying survival skills in a variety of situations guide readers to building shelters, finding water and surviving in disaster scenarios, making arrows, encountering dangerous animals and navigating by the stars. Using these tips, tricks and skills, readers develop the confidence to venture farther on outdoor adventures and trek into unknown terrain.

The book is divided into chapters according to environment -- desert, arctic, mountain, jungle, urban -- with each providing guidance tailored to their inherent challenges. Some examples:

Arctic Survival How to dry boots (take hot stones from the fire and put them inside the boot) Building an arctic fishing net under the ice, using a pole, net and three ice holes Determining when to travel (watch seabird flight, study clouds to see when they are over water)

Mountain Survival How to brake when falling Building a stone shelter How to survive an avalanche

Jungle Survival Insects you can eat and how to avoid poisonous insects How to extract water from vines, roots, palm trees and banana trees Navigating in the jungle without a compass and map

Urban Survival How to detect you are being followed and how to evade Using urban transport safely in a hostile environment How to defend yourself from attack in an urban area.

Authoritative, easy-to-use and fully illustrated, this is an essential up-to-date how-to guide for anyone entering a hazardous environment or with an interest in survival tactics.