Berliner Zinnfiguren/Books & Media/Books/Modern Armies/America products

The Huey in Vietnam 69,95 €

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:10:09 +0200

The UH-1 helicopter was originally developed in the 1950s as a medical evacuation aircraft. Turbine-powered, it became an enduring symbol of the Vietnam War, where the Bell UH-1 Huey helicopter played a vital role in U.S. Army warfare doctrine from 1962 until the American withdrawal in 1973. The Huey was also used as a troop transport, gunship, and command center in two elite airmobile divisions. In the medical evacuation role, the Huey exceeded all expectations and quickly surpassed earlier piston-powered helicopters in the troop transport role, while also proving effective as a gunship. The UH-1 proved to be so versatile that the U.S. Marine Corps, the USAF, and the USN also employed the Huey in various roles in Vietnam alongside the U.S. Army. The Bell Model 204 and Model 205, short- and long-fuselage UH-1 versions, evolved through several variants, each introducing more powerful engines.
For both fans of this helicopter and military history enthusiasts, this book offers an extraordinary collection of historical photographs, color profiles of the units deployed in Vietnam, and extensive documentation covering its development, operations, and legacy.

Nightingale, Keith M.: Echoes of the Rain 39,95 €

Thu, 21 May 2026 07:05:06 +0200

Accompany a U.S. infantry officer on his 365-day tour of duty in Vietnamfrom his arrival in the country to his long-awaited flight home. Through the experiences of a young lieutenant, this book traces the rhythms that defined the Vietnam War for thousands of American soldiers: jungle patrols, long periods of waiting punctuated by sudden bursts of violence, and the constant pressure of heat, exhaustion, and uncertainty. In the jungle, rank was of secondary importance; what mattered most was that the unit survivedfighting its way together through boredom, pain, and occasional, terrifying combat. Both officers and enlisted men learned quickly: authority counted for little without the trust of the unit. The men were compelled to subordinate themselves to the immediate organizational imperatives and to work together within the unit to ensure the survival of all. This shared experience forged a new familya family born of the bonds of a single tour and cemented within them; a family that would transcend all other ties for the rest of their lives. By tracing the day-to-day course of an entire tour, this memoir offers a view from the soldier's immediate perspective on how young Americans adapted to war. It captures the bonds forged under extreme pressure, the adaptations required to function in a combat zone, and the lasting impact of a year in the jungle. Through the account of a single officer, readers gain insight into the shared patterns that shaped the experiences of the many who served in Vietnam.

Toner, Chris: 485 Days of Combat 46,95 €

Thu, 14 May 2026 07:00:09 +0200

A report on Task Force Catamountthe U.S. Army unit that completed the longest combat deployment of the war in Afghanistan. The task force endured 485 days of uninterrupted combat and engaged in 565 clashes with the enemyamidst some of the most inhospitable terrain on Earth. Task Force Catamount emerged from a unique U.S. Army initiative that kept soldiers together as a cohesive unit from basic training through to their overseas deploymenta structure that fostered extraordinary cohesion on the battlefield but left many of the soldiers deeply vulnerable upon their return home. Since their return, more soldiers from the Catamount unit have taken their own lives than were killed in combat. This book is far more than a mere study of tactics and military operations; it examines precisely how the very bonds that made the unit so effective in war may also have intensified the emotional and psychological burdens the soldiers carried back into their civilian lives. Furthermore, the work sheds light on strategic consequences that have received scant attention in public discourse until now. It documents the largest Taliban invasion of the entire waran attack supported by elements of the Pakistani military, which Task Force Catamount repelled in January 2007. The immediate aftermath of this event led to a direct confrontation between U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and Pakistani President Pervez Musharrafan episode long overshadowed by the media's focus on Iraq, but one that now reveals the complex web of alliances that defined the conflict in Afghanistan. Narrated by the units commander, Colonel Chris Toner (Ret.), this book offers a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the reality of modern warfaredrawn from his personal diaries, interviews with soldiers, classified briefings, operational logs, and thousands of pages of official records. As the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan continues to face critical scrutiny, this account serves equally as a tribute to the American soldiers on the front lines and as a critical examination of the human cost of political failure and strategic miscalculation. It is the first comprehensive account of the deployment of a single task force at the height of the Talibans resurgencea narrative that blends reports from the immediate combat zone with strategic insights and profound emotional weight.

Mullins, Christopher E.: Father of the Green Berets 32,95 €

Wed, 13 May 2026 14:32:29 +0200

Lieutenant General William Pelham Yarborough is regarded as a titan of U.S. military innovation in the 20th century. His name is inextricably linked to the development of American airborne and special forces. Yet, despite his monumental influenceforged over a career spanning four decades and shaped by pivotal global conflicts and the strategic maneuvers of the Cold WarYarborough remains an enigmatic historical figure to many: a man whose name adorns institutions, yet whose full and multifaceted story is shrouded in a fascinating blend of mystery, myth, and speculation. Yarborough pioneered the shaping of the modern American paratrooper; he was instrumental in designing the U.S. Armys iconic parachutist badge, the distinctive jump boots, and specialized airborne equipment (for which he held patents), thereby permanently defining the visual identity of the American airborne soldier during World War II. He commanded the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion during pivotal operationsfrom North Africa (Operation Torch: Americas first combat deployment of paratroopers) to Italy (Anzio) and on to Southern France (Operation Dragoon). Later, Yarborough led the 473rd Infantry Regiment during the final, victorious offensives in Italy. As Commander of the Special Warfare Center between 1961 and 1965, Yarborough tirelessly advanced the foundational operational doctrines of the special forces, established rigorous and innovative training programs (including the indispensable language school), and significantly drove the personnel and structural expansion of this branch of service. In this context, Yarborough played a pivotal role in securing President John F. Kennedys official authorization for the "Green Beret" as the distinctive headgear of the Special Forces, thereby solidifying their unique identity. Furthermore, he held other critical senior positions, including serving as a representative to the UN Armistice Commission in Korea, as Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence (G-2) during a turbulent era, as Commander of I Corps in Korea, and as Deputy Commander-in-Chief and Chief of Staff of US Army Pacific. Moreover, William Yarborough was an influential military writer who, throughout his active service and retirement, authored numerous books and articles on subjects such as unconventional warfare, airborne operations, and military history. Drawing upon a comprehensive analysis of Lieutenant General Yarboroughs personal and official records, Christopher Mullins has producedin this meticulously researched accountthe first biography of an extraordinary man: a man whose complete and multifaceted story had, until now, remained largely untold.

Gibbs, Calvin R.: Kill Team 35,95 €

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:05:10 +0200

In court, in the media, and in Hollywood films, Calvin Gibbs was portrayed as the murdererindeed, even as the psychopathbehind the "Kill Team" killings. In this book, he now presents his version of events to the public for the very first time. The present manuscript was originally written by hand, using only pen and paper, during his solitary confinement at the United States Disciplinary Barracks (USDB) in Fort Leavenworth. The USDB serves as the U.S. military's maximum-security prison. The author, Calvin Gibbs, is currently serving a life sentence for three counts of premeditated murder. Gibbs was accused ofand subsequently convicted forinstigating a series of murders involving three individuals in the Maywand District of Afghanistan; all of these acts took place in 2010. The killings were carried out by a platoon of soldiers belonging to the U.S. Army's 2nd Infantry Division. The platoon stands accused of fabricating the Rules of Engagement and staging the murders of three unarmed Afghan civilians to appear as legitimate combat actions. This case made global headlines when the U.S. Army launched its investigation into the killings. Twelve soldiers were charged, and eleven of them were convicted by courts-martial. This group of soldiers became known in the media and in pop culture as the "Kill Team." During the course of the legal proceedings, a then-26-year-old non-commissioned officer from Montana named Calvin Gibbs was identified by several of his co-defendantsas well as by their defense attorneysas the ringleader of the "Kill Team." Gibbs, who pleaded not guilty, received by far the harshest sentence: life imprisonment at Leavenworth. Some of the convicted soldiers granted the media access to their storiesincluding several who were interviewed extensively for the 2013 documentary film *The Kill Team*. Apart from his statements in court, Calvin Gibbs hasto this daynever publicly commented on the murders.

Hagstrom, Jacob: America's Favorite Warlord 32,95 €

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:05:10 +0200

This book portrays the U.S. war in Afghanistan from a new perspectivethat of a man who ranked among the most dynamic and formidable of Americas late-war allies. Critics excoriated him as just another one of those corrupt "strongmen" who have dominated Central Asia over the past four decades. Yet a closer look at Raziqs milieu allows Western readers to understand how military leaders gained influence over Afghan governance after 2001much in the same way Americans in the past, facing insecurity at home, turned to charismatic authoritarians to ensure justice. Why did foreigners continue to work with Raziq despite his dubious reputation? The short answer is: because he was militarily competent. However, conversations with General Raziqs former associates revealed that "competence" in the realm of counterinsurgency could take on many different facets. Over the course of his career, Raziq did not merely track down and kill Taliban fighters; he also provided intelligence, recruited and organized troops, galvanized flagging units, and facilitated outsiders' access to the complex tribal politics of Kandahar province. Above all, however, his charisma and drive inspired hopeboth among his military partners and across broad segments of the Kandahar population. Almost everyone who met Raziq remarked on the power of his personalityan aura that, in the final years of his life, attained near-cult status. Raziq rose to power as a "hybrid" figure, drawing his authority equally from his military capabilities and his standing within the tribal hierarchy. This hybridity explains why his leadership style was characterized by flexibility and inclusivity rather than authoritarianism. Although he began his career as a representative of a narrowly defined tribal militia, he ended it as a nationalist committed to building coalitions. In our contemporary eramarked by militarized borders, proxy wars, and insurgenciesRaziqs career as a regional "strongman" offers an illuminating case study of the enduring security dilemmas facing our world.

Wolcoff, Edward: Special Reconnaissance and Advanced Small Unit Patrolling 22,95 €

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:05:10 +0200

This book serves as a tactical "bible" specifically tailored to the domains of military special operations, intelligence agencies, paramilitary and police unitsas well as other interested parties. Its objective is to break the cycle of "inventing and forgetting"or the constant "reinvention of the wheel"in order to (1) enhance the effectiveness and operational potency of SpecOps personnel and units, while simultaneously (2) safeguarding the lives of special forces engaged in high-risk operations. Wolcoff recounts numerous historical examples of Special Reconnaissance (SR) operations, placing particular emphasis on the "lessons learned" and the Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) derived from the SR missions conducted by the legendary "Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Special Operations Group" (MACV-SOG) during the Vietnam War; this encompasses both operational firsthand accounts and analyses of specific missions. Few of these TTPs and insights have previously been archived or compiled in a format readily usable by SpecOps personnel and units. Consequently, the mission of this book is to preserve and permanently enshrine this invaluableyet inherently ephemeralbody of operational expertise, for which such a heavy toll in blood was paid. Wolcoff covers the entire spectrum of specialized SR topics: ranging from operational planning and preparation to execution and logistics, and extending to command and controlalways with a detailed focus on the specific operational craft involved.

Fisher, Dennis I.: Then all Hell Broke Loose 31,95 €

Fri, 29 May 2026 07:00:07 +0200

Die USNS Hugh J. Gaffey wurde am 27. Dezember 1966 um 14:30 Uhr unter einem bedeckten Himmel vor Da Nang, Vietnam, vor Anker geboren. An Deck stehend und seinen ersten Blick auf Vietnam werfend, stand Private First Class Dennis Irwin Fisher ein frisch ausgebildeter Infanterieschütze der Marines. Ein bürokratisches Missgeschick bei seinen Einsatzbefehlen führte dazu, dass er als ohne Zuweisung an das Personalbüro des Hauptquartiers der 1. Marine-Division geschickt wurde und von dort weiter zum Sicherungszug der Division. Wie das Schicksal es wollte, lagen die Unterkünfte des Sicherungszugs nur einen kurzen Fußweg vom Fotolabor der 1. Division entfernt. Nach sechs Monaten beharrlicher Bemühungen und nachdem er einer Verlängerung seiner Dienstzeit um weitere sechs Monate zugestimmt hatte wurde Lance Corporal Fisher zur Divisionsfotostelle versetzt und erhielt eine zusätzliche militärische Spezialisierung (MOS) als Combat Still Photographer (Kampffotograf) der Kennziffer 4631. Seine Ausbildung als Infanterist, seine Position als Kampffotograf sowie seine zivile Ausbildung als Fotojournalist verliehen ihm eine einzigartige Kombination von Fähigkeiten und eine besondere Perspektive, aus der heraus er die Einsätze der Marines während der schwersten Gefechte des Vietnamkriegs dokumentieren konnte.
Then All Hell Broke Loose begleitet den jungen Marine-Fotografen durch sieben großangelegte Operationen und zahlreiche kleinere Gefechte, durch seine Verwundung und einen zweimonatigen Krankenhausaufenthalt bis hin zu seiner Rückkehr nach Vietnam, genau in jenem Moment, als die Tet-Offensive losbrach. Fishers Fotografien zeigen die Strapazen und Entführungen des Kampfes sowie die Menschlichkeit jener Männer, die Tag für Tag im Einsatz waren. Einige dieser Bilder wurden bereits vom Nationalarchiv für ihre tiefgründige Darstellung des Vietnamkriegs gewürdigt; Der Großteil wird jedoch hier erstmals veröffentlicht und bietet einen einzigartigen, dramatischen Einblick in diesen generationsprägenden Konflikt.

Peeters, Sander: The Whisky War. Volume 2: Defending the North American Arctic, 1945-1957 24,95 €

Sun, 24 May 2026 08:30:08 +0200

A volume in the "Europe @ War" series. Since his re-election in 2024, President Donald Trump has laid claim to the annexation of both Canada and Greenlanda move that has strained relations with the governments of Canada and Denmark. Until 2022, however, Denmark and Canada were themselves engaged in a dispute, which was resolved peacefully and amicablyan example of how mature and responsible governments ought to handle conflicts. This is the second volume in a series examining how Canada, Denmark, and the United States have cooperated on defense matters since the Second World War, and how this collaboration ensured the defense of North America throughout the Cold War. The Cold War, which followed the Second World War, rendered both Greenland and the Canadian Arctic indispensable to the protection of North America against potential Soviet air attacksspecifically through the installation of early-warning radar networks and the stationing of interceptor aircraft at forward bases. Concurrently, the USA established Thule Air Force Base in northern Greenland to support bomber and reconnaissance aircraft missions over the USSR.

Neven, Tom: The Most Successful Failure 44,95 €

Sat, 02 May 2026 07:40:06 +0200

On November 4, 1979, Iranian militants seized the U.S. embassy in Tehran and took all diplomatic staff hostage. The United States was completely taken by surprise by this act of terrorism, and although President Jimmy Carter initially sought a diplomatic solution to the crisis, he authorized the military to plan a rescue mission. They faced a daunting task: to move an assault force undetected thousands of miles into enemy territory, free the hostages, and secure their withdrawalall with limited equipment and intelligence. Just ten years earlier, the U.S. had conducted a special operation deep in the heart of North Vietnam to free American prisoners of war at the Son Tay camp, but that capability had been severely diminished in the intervening years and was virtually nonexistent. Nevertheless, planners gradually assembled a team and devised a plan to infiltrate an assault force directly into the U.S. embassy compound in Tehran and free the hostages. The plan, which pushed U.S. military capabilities to their limits, was so complex and fraught with potential pitfalls that many doubted its feasibility. Yet on April 24, 1980, the mission, codenamed "Eagle Claw," was launched. It ended in disaster when two aircraft collided in the darkness and confusion of a rushed retreat in the middle of the Iranian desert. Eight American soldiers died. It was a humiliating failure, but not a final defeat. The lessons learned from that desert debacle were used in less than 20 years to build an unprecedented special operations capability, culminating in a near-perfect operation in May 2011 that killed Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Years later, one participant in the "Eagle Claw" mission described that terrible day in April 1980 as "the most successful failure." Much has been written about this operation, but this new, comprehensive account draws on thousands of recently released documents, providing additional details and previously untold stories. The book also includes more than 35 personal interviews and accounts from mission participants, as well as archival material.

Yeske, William: Damn the Valley 29,95 €

Fri, 01 May 2026 07:45:09 +0200

Damned valley was a phrase regularly uttered by the men who spent time in the Arghandab River Valley during Operation 2 Fury in Afghanistan in 2009-2010. The valley has claimed many victims from the armies of Alexander the Great, the British Empire and, more recently, the Soviet Army. Operating in the valley was a completely new experience for the men, who called it the meat grinder. It was an operation that the media did not report on and the government does not acknowledge. Three soldiers from the company were killed, more than a dozen suffered life-changing injuries, and half the company received Purple Hearts not many modern deployments have a 52% casualty rate. At one point, the entire prosthetics ward at Walter Reed Hospital was filled with men who had patrolled that deadly part of the world. Since their return, many of the survivors have struggled to continue their lives, and the unit has been classified as exceptionally at risk by the Department of Veteran Affairs. No one who entered this region remained unscathed. This book conveys the perspective of the men who were on the ground during the 2010 combat period.

Gerges, Mark T.: Bandit 44,95 €

Tue, 19 May 2026 07:00:08 +0200

The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990 was condemned by the United Nations and led to a military coalition of 35 countries led by the United States and Great Britain. Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 70th Armoured Regiment, 1st Armoured Division better known as Bandit was one of nearly 200 American armoured and infantry companies called into battle. 'Bandit. The Inside Story of an Abrams Tank Company during Desert Storm" tells the story of the sixty-three soldiers and officers of this Army unit. Bandit's commander and author Mark T. Gerges recounts the company's deployment in Germany during the final months of the Cold War before the Gulf War, the unit's unexpected deployment to Saudi Arabia, and the subsequent fighting in Iraq. Bandit contains a first-hand account of the Battle of Medina Ridge, the largest tank battle fought by the United States since World War II, and uses diaries, letters, and military orders to provide a complete picture of a unit during Operation Desert Storm. Through interviews with soldiers and spouses, Gerges provides a comprehensive overview of the operation, including the cost to those left behind. Bandit closely follows the experiences of those who served with Gerges and tells the human story of a tank company at the end of the Cold War.

Hardy, Jason M.: MAC V SOG. Team History of a clandestine Army. Volume 16 299,00 €

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:10:07 +0200

The book series chronologically describes the history of the reconnaissance teams assigned to the Military Assistance Command Vietnam, Studies and Observations Group (MAC V SOG), OPS-35 (ground reconnaissance), with pictures from their formation to their disbandment. The men who served in this unit contributed first-hand interviews, previously unpublished historical photos, and the history of the team: they report on who they served with, what reconnaissance missions were carried out, what tactics were used, and what the team's badge looked like. The book was supplemented with the help of team members and collectors who provided war artifacts worn or used by the veterans. Items that could previously only be read about have been professionally photographed and can now be seen in color. MAC V SOG. Team History of a Clandestine Army Volume 16 covers the history of the following reconnaissance teams: Bushmaster (CCN), Colorado (CCC), Mamba (CCN), Pennsylvania, and Storter.

Fracchia, Antinio Luis S.: Operation Just Cause 24,95 €

Tue, 12 May 2026 07:00:12 +0200

A volume in the series Latin America @ War. In 1989, the US military launched an invasion of Panama to overthrow former ally General Manuel Noriega. Although Noriega had once maintained close ties with US intelligence agencies, relations had deteriorated in the mid-1980s when Noriega deposed democratically elected President Nicolas Ardito Barletta and was indicted by the US for drug trafficking. Operation Just Cause examines Panama's general history and its complex relationship with the US leading up to the eve of the invasion, as well as the military regimes that ruled between 1968 and 1989, before delving into the Panama Defense Force and the overwhelming US military machine that was used against it. The invasion itself and its aftermath are described in detail.

Goodall, Jim: Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. The Illustrated History of America's Legendary Mach 3 Spy Plane 40,00 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:30:23 +0200

The legendary SR-71 Blackbird spy plane was and remains the only Mach 3 aircraft in the world and was developed, built and tested by Lockheed's famous Skunk Works. This book looks at all 50 Blackbird models that were built, from the first flight in 1962 to the last 37 years later. Intended as a replacement for the venerable U-2 spy plane, Lockheed took only 32 months from signing the contract to develop a successor to the U-2 to the maiden flight of the SR-71 prototype in 1962. From the revolutionary design of the SR-71 to the first radar cross-section models to the sophisticated systems and subsystems, this book describes and illustrates one of the most significant aircraft designs in aviation history, using many never-before-seen photos.

Smither, James R.: The End of the Rope 44,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:40:09 +0200

The Firebase Ripcord campaign in 1970 was the last major American offensive in the Vietnam War. It went badly and is hardly known today. Parts of the 101st Airborne Division attempted to return to the area where the battles for Hamburger Hill had taken place the previous year, but failed due to enemy resistance, a lack of resources due to troop reductions as part of Vietnamisation, and serious problems with command authority. The Ripcord base was intended to serve as a springboard for an advance into the A Shau Valley, an important North Vietnamese base and staging area in northern South Vietnam. Due to a combination of poor planning, bad weather and enemy resistance, three attempts were necessary to establish the base. Once the base was established, the North Vietnamese gradually built up their forces in the area, effectively attacking and eventually isolating the surrounding units and bases. Instead of simply disappearing as they had done in the past, they intensified their resistance, forcing the Americans to abandon the campaign. By 1970, the Americans were no longer able to conduct a campaign as they had before. Instead of overwhelming the enemy with superior force, they withdrew to avoid further losses in an unpopular war. As the Americans weakened, the North Vietnamese grew stronger and had learned a great deal about how to deal with American superiority in firepower and mobility. In addition, the American system of rotating officers in and out of command positions took place without regard to the situation on the ground, with key commanders changing in the middle of the campaign and new arrivals having to quickly familiarise themselves with the situation. At the higher command levels, there was also competition for command of combat units, as these were necessary for career officers to obtain their promotions. Several of the campaign's key leaders, notably Lieutenant Colonel Andre Lucas, commander of the battalion most heavily involved in the campaign, had little relevant experience, which proved costly for the men in the field and also for himself he died when his battalion abandoned the base. At the lower levels, most of the officers and soldiers in the campaign performed well, although they increasingly felt that they were risking their lives for no purpose.

Martinez, Reynel: A Hero Among Brave Men 31,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:35:16 +0200

This is the story of David Charles Mad Dog Dolby and a fierce firefight in Vietnam in 1966, for which he was awarded the Medal of Honour. Despite this extraordinary achievement, Dolby returned to Vietnam for four more tours of duty. In 1967, he was assigned to the 1st Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division, the famous Screaming Eagles. On his third tour of duty in 1969, he joined C Company (Rangers) of the 75th Infantry (Airborne) of the First Field Force Vietnam. During his last two tours of duty in 1970 and 1971, Dolby served as an advisor to the Vietnamese Rangers and eventually to the soldiers of the Royal Cambodian Army.

Raising the Bar 41,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:35:16 +0200

This is the story of the first ten years of SAMS and the remarkable reputation quickly earned by its graduates, who were trained in a pre-World War II horse stable at Fort Leavenworth. It is also the story of the doctrinal revolution in which SAMS played an important rolea doctrinal shift that revitalised the way the US Army thought about and conducted warfare. It can be argued that the combination of a new, offensively oriented doctrine and well-trained practitioners significantly improved the tactical and operational understanding of the US Army from 1983 to 1994. The book examines the interrelationships between the School of Advanced Military Studies, the introduction of the art of operations into US Army doctrine, and the ways in which the school's graduates sought to put training and doctrine into practice. It begins with the decisions that led to the establishment of SAMS and provides an overview of the conditions at the end of the Vietnam War and the challenges facing the Army at that time. It then examines the development of operational-level warfare as an essential bridge between tactical actions on the battlefield and strategic objectives derived from national security policy. The narrative continues with a close look at the school in the years leading up to Operations Just Cause and Desert Shield/Storm and how it evolved to meet new demands. It then analyses how SAMS graduates approached these early combat operations, using operational-level doctrine to shape and direct the conduct of warfare. The story also covers three key events from the turbulent period following Operation Desert Storm, when graduates applied doctrine in an era marked by the collapse of the Soviet Union and changing global realities. The book concludes with an examination of how the school has changed in response to internal dynamics and external pressures, particularly those arising from combat operations and missions outside of war. It contrasts the visions of the school's first and sixth directors to illustrate how SAMS adapted during its first decade. Central to the narrative is the argument that, despite these changes, the fundamental purpose of the school has remained unchanged and understanding this provides insights into how SAMS and its graduates have contributed to the development of the army in tactical and operational thinking.

Loubette, Fabrice/Antoine, Pierre-Alaine/Labrude, Pierre: Les Américains en France. La Communication Zone et l'OTAN 1950-1967. Volume 3 33,00 €

Wed, 27 May 2026 07:00:07 +0200

This third volume of Les Américains en France has the same aim as the two previous volumes: to highlight little-known aspects of this foreign military presence in France during the Cold War.

Antoine, Pierre-Alain/Labrude, Pierre/Loubette, Fabrice: Les Américains en France. La Communication Zone et l'OTAN 1950-1967. Volume 4 35,00 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:40:09 +0200

With this fourth and final volume on the American presence in France during the Cold War, it was time to address the subject of French civilian employees at American bases. They often had formative professional experiences, which they generally remember with great emotion and even genuine nostalgia. The authors then introduce the secondary air bases set up by NATO for fear of nuclear war. However, this concept did not last, especially in France, where even the main bases were underutilised. They then head south to discover the US Navy in Villefranche-sur-Mer, the home port of the flagship of the 6th Fleet. Finally, the withdrawal of the Americans was the logical final chapter. The authors have compared two very different withdrawals: the anticipated and prepared withdrawal of civilians who were members of military families and had to be evacuated in the event of conflict (NEO programme), and the forced and rather improvised FRELOC withdrawal, which was a consequence of President de Gaulle's ultimatum to vacate the Allied bases in France by 31 March 1967.