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(More customer reviews)The first surprise when I opened this book is that it is about the British Forces, not the US. It does not give a clue about this on the cover; but in many ways for those of us interested in reading about military operations this book is of interest and a revelation.
I have had a huge respect for the British Forces ever since I was stationed with them in England. Their skill, camaraderie and even their understated humor can match any of our soldiers. Their methods of quick attack and their sometimes even more maverick methods are illustrated in this story of the Apache air and ground crews of the 663 Squadron Army Air Corps and their insertion for a 100 day mission in Afghanistan in 2007.
Their story starts with their training on the Salisbury Plain of England where the local village's newsletter warns of a new training schedule of parachuting, aircraft trials, jet activity, live firing, helicopter night flights, but otherwise there should be little disturbance.
If you do not already know the amazing coordination needed to fly any helicopter where one foot and hand have opposite tasks to do, then you will really be astounded by these pilots who have one eye on a firing monocle and another doing the `seeing`, much less controlling over 200 buttons with 4 functions each. You will certainly have a new respect for the fighting men of all forces who fly these deadly instruments of war.
In the first 15 pages the descriptions of soldiers strapping themselves to the outside of the Apache with their heads in front of the screaming engines in order to rescue a wounded Royal Marine you will know that you are in for a book that can leave you filled with awe for what the military can ask and accomplish with their men.
The rules of engagement are covered and can be a surprise to those who do not know or respect how the allied forces attempt to avoid civilian casualties. Also covered are some of the differences in American methods of Apache flying, mainly at close to ground level and the British preferred higher aerial. Both have their advantages, but of course this is written from a British Forces viewpoint and that belief is the preferred method in this book; as is the more democratic coordination between the front and rear pilots.
The writing style is a more subdued, less emotional reporting of the missions and the men's thoughts; but the operations are well covered. Hopefully the British vocabulary does not leave too many in the dark with council houses, kilometers, liters and gob smacking; but that should not deter you from an interesting read. There is a glossary of military terms at the end.
Those of you that think the marching guards in front of Buckingham Palace are show forces, realize that these men might have just come from the battle zone or might shortly be deployed. There is much to be learned and respected here about modern warfare, and our fighting men and allies and especially such a fearsome weapon as the Apache is.
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