McNab, Chris/Shumate, Johnny (Illustr.)/Gilliland, Alan (Illustr.) Weapons of the Us Special Operations Command

Since 1987 the US Special Operations Command has used a wide array of sophisticated weapons in action around the world. Fully illustrated with specially commissioned artwork, this absorbing study explores the origins, development, and combat record of the distinctive weaponry carried by these elite forces, from pistols to assault rifles. Assessing the technology and capabilities of these combat weapons, as well as how they have been used in modern combat, this fully illustrated study lifts the veil on some of the most distinctive hand-held weapon systems of US special operations forces since 1987. The units and formations of the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) have privileged access to the finest weaponry in the world's arsenal. Whether Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines, the SOCOM troops select weapons that match their mission requirements, but which also sit at the cutting edge of combat technology. This means that, while SOCOM troops frequently use standard-issue weaponry, they also adopt many specialist pieces of kit that are not so accessible to the broader armed services, including sniper rifles, battle rifles, and machine guns, as well as high-tech tactical accessories used to transform standard weaponry into something exceptional.

This fully illustrated study evaluates the technology and capabilities of these military handguns and their operational use in modern combat, lifting the veil of secrecy surrounding some of the most distinctive handgun systems fielded by U.S. Special Operations Forces since 1987. U.S. SOCOM units and formations have privileged access to the best weapons in the world. Whether Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines, SOCOM troops select weapons that meet their mission requirements but are also at the cutting edge of weapons technology. This means that while SOCOM troops often use standard weapons, they also use a lot of specialised equipment that is not accessible to the "normal" armed forces, including certain sniper, combat and machine guns that are turned into something extraordinary with the help of high-tech equipment parts.