Editorial Reviews. Review. " Well-researched, well-written history It is highly recommended for military professionals and enthusiasts, as well as anyone.
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- Black Ops Vietnam: The Operational History of MACVSOG
- Black Ops Vietnam: The Operational History of MACVSOG by Robert M. Gillespie
Due to the very nature of this approach, the book does not provide the definitive word on all aspects of the organization, activities, or events in Vietnam, but the author has done an admirable job of balancing quality and significance of content with quantity. Although topic areas are handled in a relatively succinct manner, he has expertly filtered the data, and he provides an incredibly complete and concise summary for each of the years covered, and their respective content.
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He has, in essence, created a marvelous source book. What is impressive, aside from the tight narrative, is the fact that the book balances its succinct fact-based approach, rich with detailed statistics and data, with dramatic and exciting vignettes that capture the courage, drama, and heroism of the MACVSOG operators themselves. Specifically, he provides vignettes of winners of the US Congressional Medal of Honor, and also vignettes applicable to some specific operations.
This adds a degree of action to an otherwise-historical summary.
Black Ops Vietnam: The Operational History of MACVSOG
It also adds context to the operations, and their degree of difficulty in the context of the greater conflict and the geographical location. The book is also filled with wonderful little-known facts. The book covers the introduction of computers needed to sift through data; the problems associated with coalition operations, specifically, working with and trusting allies; the importance of air assets and communications; and the difficulty of fighting a limited war under considerable military and political constraints.
- Reviewed by Bernd Horn;
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Victor rated it really liked it Mar 21, Matt rated it really liked it Aug 13, Dale Dahlke rated it really liked it Jul 05, Michael Musshorn rated it really liked it Jan 23, Steve Evangelist rated it it was amazing Oct 13, Benjamin Thompson rated it liked it Jul 20, Liam marked it as to-read Aug 09, Mike marked it as to-read Sep 01, Ken added it Sep 15, Clain Jaques marked it as to-read Feb 16, Jerome marked it as to-read Jul 29, Pierre Aston marked it as to-read Oct 06, Sarah Haskin marked it as to-read Nov 19, Boramey marked it as to-read Nov 19, Mike marked it as to-read Dec 16, Evan Howlett marked it as to-read Dec 31, Andy Roshangar marked it as to-read Dec 31, Robert marked it as to-read Jan 01, Lisa marked it as to-read Jan 27, James marked it as to-read Feb 04, Mike marked it as to-read Feb 11, Rodney Patterson marked it as to-read Apr 04, That single piece of information had been a secret since Army personnel, mostly Special Forces and various other government agency 's, but no Marine Corps units were ever mentioned.
I found out that one of our General's had passed away in December of last year so I imagine that was the reason our unit was included publicly in this book. We had been informed our presence was classified and would remain so. I was stunned to see our name listed as being involved with the Studies and Observation Group after all these years of anonymity.
I have been reading this book slowly and making my own notes, so I have not as yet finished the book. For those that served time in Viet Nam, they may find this book interesting SOG was a highly compartmentalized organization, with need-to-know a watchword. So even though I participated in some of the events author Gillespie recounts I was not aware of the wide range of activities going on simultaneously, and knew very little of the history.
I found that the actions of which I am personally aware - for example Navy LT Tom Norris' brave mission - are accurately portrayed.
Although some reviewers have grumbled about logistics, administration, chain of command and other facets of the book, it is important to recognize that even though some SOG activities were harrowing and dangerous, that above all it was a military institution and had to plow through the necessary baggage that all such organizations do. For solid, comprehensive reading and to provide readers the background essential to understand fully some of the more mission-focused works on SOG, Black Ops is required reading.
And should in yours, also. This book starts at the beginning and goes through the whole war. I am not sure where the author got all his information but I found it very interesting. Excellent background and detail on the development of strategy used in Viet Nam that, at the time, was not available to the public.
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Only demerit is that the author leaves some dates confusing by not including the year but but that is not a big distraction. Very good read - especially when over laid upon history unfolding today in Afghanistan - makes you wonder why we forget so much each time around! Laos was a lousy place to play landlocked wars always are and always will be but our guys of today in Afghanistan and I am focusing on SOF only here obviously got the goods to really take the game to the bad guys this time around.
We were many times surprised to find out where were when dropped off over the fence. Today teh intell and tech support affords them the best in intell and ability to really plan before climbing aboard for a hunt and peek!! Kindle Edition Verified Purchase. This book is a comprehensive account of the Vietnam war "over the fence" activities together with the difficulties created by political interference.
Black Ops Vietnam: The Operational History of MACVSOG by Robert M. Gillespie
One person found this helpful 2 people found this helpful. See all 26 reviews. Most recent customer reviews. Published on April 30, Published on March 7, Published on December 1, Published on October 7, Published on September 20, Published on January 13, Published on December 31,