Throughout history there has always been a need, in military forces, for special units. In the past, these units have usually been ad hoc formations that were disbanded after their mission was complete. It has only been since the early 1950s that such units have remained active, but even in recent times special purpose, special mission units have been organised and used for a period of time or for a specific mission and then either deactivated or replaced by other units. This unique approach to the history of American special forces examines their development through a number of operations, ranging from the French and Indian War in the 18th century through to the Vietnam War. From the Son Tay raid to the Force at la Difensa and Rogers’ Rangers, the operations are diverse in both organisation and purpose, but all contributed to the overall mission of their theater or larger organisation, thus proving the continuing need for special units throughout history and even today.

Merriam Press Military Monograph 220. Seventh Edition (March 2012). The story of Merrill's Marauders in the CBI is the latest work by a dedicated, well-known special forces historian. From formation and training to first combat and final action at Myitkyina, this is their story. Includes details and photos of insignia. Contents: * Introduction by Gary A. Linderer, Executive Editor, Behind the Lines * The Entering Wedge * Roadblock at Walawbum * Under Siege * Myitkyina, MARS and Beyond * Afterword * Bibliography * 35 photos * 8 maps * 2 illustrations * 2 organization charts The Author: Michael Frederic Dilley is a former paratrooper, serving in XVIII Airborne Corps and the 82nd Airborne Division. He served in Vietnam for two years. He retired from the U.S. Army in 1984 after duty as a counterintelligence agent, intelligence analyst, case officer, and interrogator. During his last eighteen months in the 82nd Airborne, he helped to develop SERE training for high risk personnel. He has a B.A. in History from Columbia College in Missouri. Michael is a staff writer for Behind the Lines magazine, specializing in military history articles about World War II special operations. He also reviews books with special operations themes for Infantry and Behind the Lines. His second book, co-written with Lance Q. Zedric, Elite Warriors: 300 Years of America's Best Troops, was published in 1996 by Pathfinder Publications.