A more compact, its is 64 pages, well written and illustrated book on the Ranger and Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) units of the period will be hard to find. According to the author information, Gordon Rottman was a Special Forces weapons specialist in the 5th SF Group in Vietnam in 1969-1970. At the time of publication in 1987, he was a civilian contract Special Operations Intelligence Specialist at the Army Joint Readiness Center, Fort Chaffee, AK and, as a Reserve MSG, the Operations Sergeant of the Opposing Forces Group of the 75th Maneuver Area Command. Ron Volstad did the illustrations and, not to take anything away from the text, the illustrations alone are worth the price of the book.
The book contains 10 pages of full color plates with 55 artist renderings depicting uniforms and equipment of Ranger and LRRP units of all eras from 1942 to 1987. The artist is very faithful in his capturing of the uniforms worn, including insignia, and the equipment carried by particular individuals. The artists illustrations are described in the last section of the book. Each picture has the specific items of clothing and equipment identified including the year of introduction of the item and its supply system designation (e.g. "M1 rifle with M7A1 grenade launcher and M15 grenade sight"). In addition to the artist pictures, the book includes numerous photographs of the Ranger and LRRP units and individuals from the years covered.
The section on the Korean War period is not as complete as it could be. However, the author did not have Bob Black's book "Rangers in Korea" (published in 1989) for reference. As it is, the book covers the Korean War period in about four pages and is a good summary.
The author begins by relating the problems of Ranger organizations in all the eras covered in the book. "Their missions and capabilities have often been misunderstood, and their personnel misused. Ranger organization and missions have changed with each war, which has led to an additional problem - lack of continuity between the wars." The author also illuminates the difference between Ranger-type organizations and LRRP units. Ranger-type units are intended for direct action missions against the enemy such as raids and ambushes. LRRP is used as a generic term to describe units tasked with passive deep penetration reconnaissance and surveillance missions.
I am very impressed by the book and recommend it to anyone that wishes to get a concise look at Ranger and LRRP units and a brief summary of their history from 1942 to 1987.
Ranger Walt Eckhardt, President, Ranger Infantry Companies (Airborne) of the Korean War (RICA)
Having served with Sergeant Major Rottman (aka 'Gordo'), I can say that he is nothing if not thorough. His no-nonsense approach to all details is in keeping with the highest traditions of Army Special Operations.
SSG Al Lorentz