Shadow Warriors: A History of the US Army Rangers

As a Former Old Scroll 2nd Batt Ranger I found the book to be well written and I also happen to agree with the authors political slant. I actually read this several years ago and decided to pick it up again to see if my opinion changed. It has not...Rangers like any other specialized unit have allot of sacred cows and taboos. It was refreshing to see the author try to approach current Ranger Deployments and Combat Operations Honestly without the usual RA RA Ranger stuff. I also find it very interesting that Donald's Rumsfeld's DOD reviewed and approved the final draft of the book before it was published! I wonder if some of the other reviewers here took that into account....

Reading the book several years after its publication the author is correct in holding Bush and Rumsfeld accountable for the mishandling of the current wars. Many generals and admirals have expressed the very same ideas put forth in this book and the author even quotes Marine General Riper who was one of the most vocal military officers at odds with Rumsfeld. No matter what political affiliation, the stories about the rangers are excellent and well worth the read.

Mir Bahmanyar's Shadow Warriors: A History Of The US Army Rangers (184176860X, $29.95) provides a vivid and in-depth history of the US Army Rangers, a colorful military unit which has served as a key part of American warfare for over 300 years. This history of the Rangers begins during the French and Indian War of the 18th century and continues to modern times, describing their experiences and history, actions, and operations both past and in the present war on terrorism. Add black and white and color photos and illustrations throughout and you have a hard-hitting history which is a 'must' for any serious military bookshelf.

This book goes beyond the usual history books or poorly written "to be a Ranger" type efforts. Lots of first-hand accounts of Rangers in action, lots of truth too. Issues such as the changing of the beret, morale and problems with the chain of command are all discussed honestly. This is an account of the modern Ranger, post Vietnam, Mosby and Rogers are briskly covered as are the World War II Rangers. The main detail is saved for more modern times. Mr. Bahmanyar obviously knows his subject and has been blessed with the cooperation of the 75th Ranger Regiment, making the information that little more accurate and useful. Overall a great book, if you only read one book on the Rangers then this should be it.