Product Description
The forces of annihilation

Throughout the galaxy, the near-invincible armies of the alien Remor have set their sights on one goal: the complete extermination of the human race. Outnumbered and outgunned, The Interstellar Defense League cannot afford to discard any asset -- so a disgraced Sector Commander is being given a chance to redeem himself ... by sacrificing his life.

The fate of Christoph Stone -- and, perhaps, the destiny of all humankind -- is to be decided on a distant frontier planet nestled deep in enemy-controlled space. Saddled with shockingly green troops, a captain with a checkered past, and a trouble-making civilian expeditionary force, Stone's mission is clear and clearly suicidal. Because even his superiors are unaware of the weapon the Remor have waiting for the human invaders as they attempt to retake a captive world: an instrument of destruction that is demonic, unstoppable ... and obscenely human. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Great book!
really, really enjoyed this book!

If you read the first book, you are going to love this one, its better, more action and more fun...

a great read!

A decent read...
While it may be necessary to go back and read previous chapters due to the sheer complexity of the story, all told it's a good book. I'd read it again & I'm just starting the sequel.

cool genre fiction
Day after tomorrow stuff - lots of suspense without alot of gore.Good for adults and young adults. Good price.

This is not a horror story
This is not a horror story but the villains are as horrible set of monsters as you can find or imagine.
The hero's sort of are a militant alliance of many human star systems are are just as onery and hard to get along with as any other competeing sets of Politicians.The story is about a group of professional soldiers fighting with inadequate everything and how they win against the odds by thinking, planning, training and then standing fast against serious danger.
a great read spent all night.
I have read 2 books in this series and I recommend both.
I am waiting for a third.
I am waiting for anything by this author

Action filled by author Clayton L. McNally To The Stars, Galactic Star Force series
The remor are mankinds worst fears realized. Humanity must rely on an officer thought inferior in abilities or honor, but he delivers results. Moved to the far fringes of humanity, he faces a struggle that his mixed fleet of almost advesarial h=umans, results happen and humanity may not perish. The book keeps you on the edge and the ending is not what I expected, but it was well done. ... Read more

Product Description
Explosive and provocative battles fought across the boundaries of time and space--and on the frontiers of the human mind.

Science fiction's finest have yielded this definitive collection featuring stories of warfare, victory, conquest, heroism, and overwhelming odds. These are scenarios few have ever dared to contemplate, and they include:

 ¸  "Superiority": Arthur C. Clarke presents an intergalactic war in which one side's own advanced weaponry may actually lead to its ultimate defeat.
 ¸  "Dragonrider": A tale of Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern, in which magic tips the scales of survival.
 ¸  "Second Variety": Philip K. Dick, author of the short story that became the movie Blade Runner, reaches new heights of terror with his post apocalyptic vision of the future.
 ¸  "The Night of the Vampyres": A chilling ultimatum of atomic proportions begins a countdown to disaster in George R. R. Martin's gripping drama.
 ¸  "Hero": Joe Haldeman's short story that led to his classic of interstellar combat, The Forever War.
 ¸  "Ender's Game": The short story that gave birth to Orson Scott Card's masterpiece of military science fiction.
. . . as well as stories from Poul Anderson o Gregory Benford o C. J. Cherryh o David Drake o Cordwainer Smith o Harry Turtledove o and Walter John Williams

Guaranteed to spark the imagination and thrill the soul, these thirteen science fiction gems cast a stark light on our dreams and our darkest fears--truly among the finest tales of the 20th century.
Amazon.com Review
It's not merely a task that's thankless--it's impossible. How can you hope to pick out the best of anything, let alone from such a contentiouscategory as SF (and military SF, at that)? But this 13-story collection really does pull together at least some of the best short stories penned for the genre in the last century. Thanks to editors Harry Turtledove and Martin H. Greenberg, you'll find some of science fiction's biggest names--and most influential shorts--in this expertly chosen anthology.

Chronologically, the entries range from '50s pieces like Philip K. Dick's"Second Variety" and Arthur C. Clarke's "Superiority" to more modernruminations on war like "The Scapegoat" by C.J. Cherryh and "To theStorming Gulf" by Gregory Benford. But rather than quality (all thesestories are of inarguable pedigree) or even breadth, what might recommendthese most to readers new to them are the ideas and other works they laterinspired: Anne McCaffrey's "Dragonrider" and Orson Scott Card's "Ender'sGame" both gave rise to phenomenally successful series, Joe W. Haldeman's"Hero" preceded The ForeverWar, and Philip K. Dick's "Second Variety" became the SF thriller Screamers. The collection also gives you a glimpse of what dark thoughts were rattling around the heads of prolific writers like David Drake and George R.R. Martin in the '70s. --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

the beginning of a lifetime love...
I'll always have a special place in my heart for this book. This was the book that got me hooked on a subject that I'd previously despised. I'd hated Science Fiction until I got bored and read Joe Haldeman and OS Card's short fiction presented in this compilation.Now I am hooked.The rest of the stories are enjoyable also, just nowhere near the two mentioned.If your a newbie this is the place to start, if your a veteran SF reader you might pick up a new author you didn't know anything about, and if your a full fledged SF geek this might not be for you.

Not military, sometimes not even scifi.
Don't judge a book by it's cover is an aphorism that cuts both ways. I was fooled by the graphics on this one, but I hope you won't be. The book is edited and introduced by Harry Turtledove, an excellent author is his own field. Unfortunately, that field has more to do with alternate history and far less to do with military combat: gripping or otherwise.

The introduction itself is an excellent survey of the genre: highlighting the notable contributions to this corpus by such authors as Heinlen, Pournelle, Drake, Card and Webber. I have the feeling, however, that to make the list you largely had to have several credits to your name. One hit wonders such as John Steakley's "Armor" don't make the cut, although neither is David Feintuch's "Seafort Saga" to be found.

The stories themselves are varied, but rely mostly upon a military backdrop for a more pedestrian space-opera tale. There are a few exceptions. David Drakes's "Hangman" is a treatment of tank combat and "Ender's Game" presents Card's classic story in its short form. Halderman's "Hero" is also presented as the short-story that gave birth to "The Forever War." However, if you buy this book you've probably read "The Forever War," in which case you've wasted some cash as "Hero" is merely the opening chapters of the larger tome.

Turtledove's own contribution,"The Last Article" is an excellent example of the nature of this anthology. It is an alternate history story wherein the Germans are winning World War II. Somehow we must assume that this makes the story "scifi." The only combat that occurs is between German soldiers and unarmed civilians engaged in passive resistance. But, since there are guns involved, I must suppose that this is why it is considered "military."

The strangest inclusion is actually the one given the most space: a hundred+ page novella by Anne McCaffrey set in her Pern universe. Although the story is about dragon riders who write in ink on hide dried hide skins and who never engage in a single military act, this has been included apparently because a long, long time ago these people were 'space colonists' and because the story's 'bad-guy' is a meteor shower. Perhaps an excellent addition to her canon, but here it seems to have little purpose but to sell copies with a powerful name.

In conclusion, none of these stories were bad. In fact, they were all quite good judged in their own right. But judged by the standard of military science fiction they almost universally fall short of the mark. This is a dud that appeals to you with powerful industry names and a nice cover. Don't be fooled.

Those looking for superior offerings would be wise to cull the science fiction works from the Marine Corps (or Navy) recommended reading lists.

Fair Collection of Early Military SciFi Short Stories
BEST MILITARY SCIENCE FICTION OF THE 20TH CENTURY (2001), contains 13 short stories, mainly of a military SciFi theme, and mainly written in the 50's, 70's, and 80's.

HERO (1972, Joe W. Haldeman), ENDER'S GAME (1977, Orson Scott Card), and HANGMAN (1979, David Drake) are all excellent examples of the ground-breaking work done by these leading authors in the Military SciFi field.HERO and ENDER'S GAME were eventually expanded to full-length novels by their authors.

In SECOND VARIETY (1953, Philip K. D.), the Robot Warrior technology was way ahead of its time (too far ahead in the context of the story, however), but the spaceship technology was anachronistic.SUPERIORITY (1951, Arthur C. Clarke) is a very short story that presents an interesting example of a culture trying to press new leading edge military technology into service too fast.In NIGHT OF THE VAMPYRES (1975, George R. R. Martin), the American political environment that is described in this story is really quite fascinating, although the technology is anachronistic, given the story's target year of 1987.

The rest of the stories are either out-of-date, not specifically Military SciFi, or are simply mediocre; and are not worth mentioning in this review... and bring the overall quality of the book down to average.

Some great stories, but not really military
This was my first jump into Science Fiction in about 10 years and I was hoping to get a taste of a genre I havn't really explored before.While many of the stories were great, to say this is a collection of pure military stories is a stretch.

"Hero", a story of a unit preparing for absolute zero battle, was an interesting story that left me wanting more, and it's ending left if wide open.

"Ender's Game" ends up being a something of a philisophical excercise in responsibility in wartime.

One has to question why "The Last Article" and "Dragonrider" where in the book.They were good stories but TLA belongs to alternate history and Dragons fighting Threads, while a good story, it isn't what you would expect from a collection of stories about the military.

Ultimately, many of the stories fall short because they seemed like they belonged in a SF magazine and I would almost suggest searching out the full length versions these stories if they exist because I left feeling a bit unfulfilled.

More of an Intro than a "Best of"
While the thirteen stories in this volume are, for the most part, well done, a couple aren't really military SF at all and others are glimpses into still better works by the same authors. A couple aren't even strong enough to be considered in a "best of" collection.

There are some gems here. Orson Scott Card's classic "Ender's Game" definitely deserves to be a volume with this title. I highly recommend the novel-length expansion of the story and it's sequels (most notably the companion novel, "Ender's Shadow" and "Shadow of the Hegemon"). David Drake's "Hangman" is an excellent introduction to his Hammer's Slammers series which also requires inclusion in a volume such as this. Walter Jon Williams's "Wolf Time" is one of the best stories in the volume, taking place in the same universe as "Voice of the Whirlwind". And Joe Haldeman expanded "Hero" to become "Forever War" (and its sequels).

Anne McCaffrey's "Dragonrider" was, likewise, the beginning of a large franchise, but it's inclusion as an example of military SF is quite a stretch. Similarly, Harry Turtledove's "The Last Article" is an excellent story, but it would have fit much better in his "best alternate history" collection than in this volume.

Other classics include Poul Anderson's "Among Thieves" (an intro to his Polesotechnic League universe), Philip K. Dick's "Second Variety" (recently made, like so many of his stories, into a movie), and C. J. Cherryh's "The Scapegoat". I also enjoyed George R. R. Martin's "Night of the Vampyres".

Gregory Benford's "To the Storming Gulf" is not military at all; it would, instead, fit quite nicely in a collection of post-apocalyptic fiction.

While touted by some as a classic, I have never been impressed with Cordwainer Smith's "The Game of Rat and Dragon". And Arthur C. Clarke's "Superiority" is merely clever. Any number of other stories could have replaced either of these tales in a "best of" volume. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

Defense analysis insight at its best
Planning for and waging war are intricate and uncertain processes. The decision-making involved must be thorough and well executed as well as based on past experiences, current capabilities and known metrics for determining success.

Dr. O'Hanlon, with his decades of experience as both a teacher and leading voice in U.S. foreign policy, succinctly examines various aspects of defense analysis in The Science of War.Topics covered range from budgeting and force readiness to assessing counterinsurgency missions and the continued impact of technology on the military.

As a textbook, The Science of War should be required reading for students (like myself) of the field, but it is also highly accessible to anyone who seeks more knowledge about the methods of defense analysis.In his usual style, O'Hanlon presents ideas in a clear manner while sharing insight through real-world examples that are easy to understand.

Excellent Primer
In a field of national security literature, which currently focuses on the operational experiences of our forces on the ground (and very much rightly so), O'Hanlon's work stands out as one which provides a strategic overview of the process by which those forces (and their missions) are shaped, and the modern institutional parameters within which the services operate.I would highly recommend The Science of War to anyone who wishes to have a comprehensive understanding of the complex process of organizing, manning, fielding, and paying for our nation's military.Especially relevant to students and practitioners of national security, in the current/future climate of shrinking budgets and greater legislative activism.

A solid textbook
This book is not an easy read, it is more of a textbook, but for that purpose it is solid.

Ignores the most important question
This book ignores the most important question - why should the US have a large military, and why should it be intervening in other countries' affairs? Why is it that the US has such a large and complex military apparatus and why are we using it so much?

During the Vietnam War, the mainstream media (contrary to illusions) had a criticism of the war, that it wasn't being fought hard enough, and that we were losing. The important issue should have been whether we had any right to be in Vietnam and whether we should be winning it at all. This book assumes that it is right for us to be intervening in other countries' affairs, that it's right for us to have a large military.

It ignores the larger question of whether it's right for us to be in Iraq and Afghanistan, whether it's right that we have nearly a thousand military bases in dozens of countries, and that we are the only country in the world with aircraft carrier fleets which roam the earth "protecting our interests" and intimidating foes.

This book is part of a long line of hawkish, pro-war thought from the neocon tradition which got us into the messes in Afghanistan and Iraq and if we continue to let the debate over foreign policy to be set by idiots like O'Hanlon, who only care about whether our military is "working well" and not whether our actions are moral, then we'll continue to invade other countries and foster hatred towards us from others.

Flawed Basics of Analysis
O'Hanlon is a recognized expert onNational Security Issues, who in thisbook provides a moderately goodtutorial on what he calls "defense analysis"as practiced by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).He is especially good at explaining such arcane issues as the mechanics of DOD budget development, methods of combat modeling and force sizing, and factors affecting logistics and basing.Yet as O'Hanlon himself noted mechanics and methodology are not isolated analytic techniques, but other factors also influence the analytic process.So it can be asked what about the roles of threat analysis and risk mitigation in defense analysis?These are important considerations when budgeting for defense and planning force structures, but there is no mention of them in this book.
The weakest chapter in the book is titled,"Technical Issues in Defense Analysis" that is an exposition on the role of technology and innovation in defense analysis. Now O'Hanlon does provide reasonably good discussions of missile defense issues (a current hot button) and nuclear weapons in this chapter. But he also demonstrates a particularly poor understandingof the what he dismissively refers to as "nifty new gadgetry" andthe so-called Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA).In point of fact, the concept of information driven command and control systems (command, control, computer, communication, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (C4ISR)) are integral to successful counter-insurgency operations and to waging asymmetrical war in general (includingcounter-terrorism).C4ISR systems represent an evolutionary not revolutionary development yet the RMA was the catalyst in their implementation.Network Centric Warfare(NCW) is not as O'Hanlon would have it, a phrase describing " a variant of RMA theory", but is a deployed system representing the latest evolution of the Combat Information Center (CIC) and represents the latest effort by the U.S. Navy to manage a geometrically increasing amount of relevant information. O'Hanlon also appears to be behind the power curve on Information Operations (IO) which he refers to as "effect based operations" and like NCW seems to think it represents theory not practice.This is nonsense and suggests O'Hanlon might want to review the current literature on both subjects.Overall a useful book, but one that would have been better had O'Hanlon made more of an effort to explain how the Information Revolution and its attendant "nifty gadgetry"has impacted on defense analysis in the 21st Century.
... Read more

Product Description
This title features writings of Sun Tzu, Vegetius, Marshal Maurice de Saxe, Frederick the Great, and Napoleon. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great overview.
Used this for part of my son's homeschool curriculum. Very well done and interesting. He was 15 and couldn't put it down.

Aspiring leaders of all professions should read this; strategic leaders MUST read it
Absolutely delightful!One of the greatest joys is inclusion of "Reveries" by Marshall Maurice de Saxe with his comments on commissariat, clothing, training, and organization of armies - for his period revolutionary, and, as principles, relevant even today.Vegetius will be, for many, a discovery, and the Instruction for His Generals by Frederick the Great will also be a novelty for many American readers.

One of the tragic misconceptions of military strategy classics is the fact that they are viewed as nothing but military classics.At the same time, there are thousands of banal, if not entirely worthless texts on leadership in business, politics, education, and almost everything else.One feels as if readers of the latter class of books lacked sufficient intelligence to substitute word "military" for "business" (or whatever else their leadership is about), make a few intellectual adjustments, and get not only a very good view of what leadership is about, but get it directly from some of the best practitioners of the art, who wield their pens with mastery of language that too often is lacking among the present authors. Hence, if nothing else, reading the works included in Gen. Phillips' collection is also a school how to write simply on a complex subject - something our university students and junior academics could learn to emulate.

Good collection
A very helpful collection of military philosophies.Sun Tzu, Vegetius, De Saxe, Frederick, and Napolean. A brief biography of each author is also provided with some background on their works.A must have for the military thinker.The translations of De Saxe and Sun Tzu alone are worth the price.

Interesting Book for Strategists and Moms - a review of "Roots of Strategy"
I am quite enjoying this book and thought I'd give a little bit more information on it so that you can decide whether to fork over your hard earned cash.This book is part of a series and Volume One contains treatises by the following authors:

Sun Tzu
Vegetius
De Saxe
Frederick
Napoleon

Besides the treatises themselves there is an "Editors Foreword" which gives a brief two-page history of how these works fit historically into the literature of warfare.

There is also a synopsis of the contents which lists each work individually.Additional information is provided here as well.For example the synopsis for the "Art of War" states, amongst other things, that it was written about 500 B.C. And that it is still held in reverence today (as of 1940 A.D.) in China and Japan.

But what is really useful and wonderful are the thoughtful introductions to each work.For instance, we are told in theintroduction of "De Re Militari" that even as late as the 15th Century that there were as many as 150 extant manuscripts.(A huge number in historical terms.)He goes on to say something about Vegetius, Emperor Valentianian (to whom the book was dedicated), and the Roman Empire.

In addition -- and this is the part I found well worthwhile -- the editor explains how the popularity and usefulness of the strategy went in and out of favor as technology changed.He writes:

"It is a paradox the De Re Militari, which was to become a military bible for innumerable generations of European soldiers, was little used by the Romans for whom it was written."

Also,

"Cavalry had adopted the armor of the foot soldier and was just commencing to become the principal arm of the military forces. The heavy armed foot-soldier, formerly the backbone of the legion, was falling a victim of his own weight and immobility, and the light-armed infantry, unable to resist the shock of cavalry, was turning more and more to missile weapons.By one of the strange mutations of history, when later the cross-bow and gun-powder deprived cavalry of its shock-power, the tactics of Vegetius again became ideal for armies....

For someone like me who is not a military expert, this sort of information allows me to understand how the advice was used by others in later centuries.

Four Stars. [B+]. Interesting material with valuable editorial commentary.Minus points for the fact that some material from the originals has been omitted.The editor notes that it was of little interest, but I'd rather make that decision myself.

The clearest translation of Sun Tzu's The Art of War.
Firstly, I've read many versions of The Art of War by Sun Tzu and they all seemed to be translated by someone with Chinese as their native language, rather than English.This translation is as clear as they get. Napoleon'smaxims are short and sweet. The other works contained herein are also easyto read and are packed with simple, eternal principles of warfare. ... Read more

Product Description
Attention! Learn more about your military now!

Does a corporal have to salute a lieutenant or is it the other way around? What are forward-deployed units? Is an "armored cow" a type of tank or something soldiers eat? Are Polaris missiles dropped from the air or launched from a submarine? If someone calls you a "Cat 4" should you be honored or offended?

Do you feel lost when it comes to all things military? Sure, you hear things on the news and maybe you know someone who is in the military, but you probably have a hard time fully grasping the acronyms, equipment, and protocol they discuss. That's where A Civilian's Guide to the U.S. Military can help. Author Barbara Schading decodes all things military for you. She discusses each branch--Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and the Coast Guard--in simple terms you can understand. You'll get the background information, an easy-to-read chart showing rank and insignia, and an explanation of the organization of each branch.

In addition, the book has extensive glossaries that cover terms, acronyms, slang, and equipment. You'll find an entire chapter that covers special operations forces like the Green Berets, Force Recons, Army Rangers, and more. You'll learn about their specific training, missions, and history. The book also covers other important aspects of the military like:

· flag and saluting etiquette
· military funerals
· the Tombs of the Unknown
· the American Legion, USO, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and other groups
· military law
· military academies
· medals and decorations
· official military music
· an explanation of the Geneva Convention
· and a list of resources to help you find more information

So the next time you read the paper or talk with a new recruit, you don't have to feel lost. Become a knowledgeable civilian with the help of A Civilian's Guide to the U.S. Military. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A must-have for writing military novels
Just as the author said in the beginning of the book, this Guide saves you a huge amount of effort trying to find the exact information you want on Internet or in libraries. If you are writing novels involving military issues, you will find your stories more credible after confirming with the book.

Excellent
Written in a direct and unambiguous style, this book is like an academic primer to the military.It is a bit dry, but it is a complicated subject.The author gives a deep sense of the world in which our military people live--it is filled with fascinating vocabulary, traditions, etiquette, customs, and mores that cannot fail to increase the reader's respect and admiration for those people who choose to serve us in this capacity.

I would have liked to see some more visualizations like graphs or charts to help to cluster departments, ranks, and distinctions of various kinds.I also think that illustrations of the badges, chevrons, and uniforms would be great, but I also understand that this would increase the cost of producing the book.

If you want to understand the world of the military, this is a great introduction.

Excellent resource
This book is an excellent resource for folks who want to learn more about the military and its history, culture, customs, and norms.I work with the military and still learned a great deal from this book.

Needs an editor
There are a lot of typographical and factual errors in this book which are distracting. The author also strayed into the subjective at times. There was no mention of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" which I thought was odd.I thought the book did a good job of explaining rank and breaking down the pecking order of each branch.It has a good glossary of terms; however, the author included several slang terms that some readers may find offensive. Overall if you don't know anything about the military and would like to become familiar with the basics, you can probably overlook the shortcomings and get some useful information out of it.

Could have been more in depth
This book was bitter sweet.Some sections were great, while others verged on the pointless.Seems that great detail was given in certain areas (which is good); however, seems to just skim over some important sections. Also, in some cases, the author was just simply wrong in some facts.

Bottom line: an OK book for $10.00.If you know nothing of the military, this may be of some help.If you are already familiar, then don't bother. ... Read more

Product Description
Nano Wars is a techno-thriller of a world unknowingly gripped in conflict by the emergence of dark uses of nano technology and the amazing nano based devices and weaponry it brought with it, a new era of hybrid soldiers and warfare. Any force armed with this technology is invisible to their enemy, able to kill hundreds, thousands, in seconds and can penetrate any facility at will. The problem, this technology was introduced by the wrong side and it is DATIS's job to recreate itself, fast. DATIS is scrambling to meet this challenge by creating a new hybrid army molded out of new soldier classifications and weapons, but time is short and the world is hanging in the balance. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Nano Wars
Nano Wars is an interesting story about the potential military applications of nano technology.Within the framework of a very plausible and thrilling plot, the author introduces the reader to the almost unlimited power of nano technology and outlines the steps necessary for military implementation.Although it reads like a good science fiction story, it also gives the sense of finding an actual top secret government document, and trying to finish it before being arrested.If the author continues this story as a series, it will be interesting to discover if doomsday implications will be explored.

Nano Wars Delivers!!
There's everything to like in this book.While I'm not an avid reader, I found myself not putting this book down.From beginning to end, this book held my attention and I found myself turning page after page until I finished reading the book from cover to cover!

As a software designer, I found this book appealing to all my senses without being overdone on any level.The imaginative and well thought-out story line was fantastic!From mystery & intrigue, to action, romance & suspense, (and everything in-between) Nano Wars delivers on all levels.I have not had so much fun with reading a book and in all honesty, it felt like I was watching a movie as I was reading the book.I was able to visualize everything and that is very important for me when I choose to read a book.

The author has done a wonderful job of building the base level of information regarding nano-technology and it's uses (both good and evil).His imaginative and descriptive nature has made this book a pure joy for all readers and allows one's own imagination to feel alive once again.

I personally liked how the characters came to life in the novel, and how well everything tied together.The story leaves the door open for additional books, so hopefully this will be a series, of which, I will be purchasing each and every one.I can't wait to see more from this author!!Simply Fantastic!

Nano Wars
Nano Wars by Don Keeler is a very interesting story of Nano technology. This is a suspenseful novel about what can happen when this type of technology ends up in the wrong hands. I enjoyed reading this book, many unsuspected twists and turns that will leave you wanting more. Nano Wars

FANTASTIC
I loved this book!!! Nano Wars is a page turner. The author has taken technology to new limits in this book. He shows us what can happen if advanced technology gets into the wrongs hands. My favorite character in this book is the General. He is a fiesty cut to the chase guy that knows how to get the job done. The author put a lot of time and effort into this book. It is the most creative science fiction book I have ever read. What would happen if technology advanced that they could take a person's life right in front of you and you wouldn't even know it happened? The President could drop dead in front of you and not even the Secret service would be able to save them. In this book that is how advanced technology has become. It is up to this General to think of a way to overcome this advanced Nano technology. The author does a fantastic job explaining Nano technology and the critical thinking that has to go into saving the world. The book was left open for a second Nano Wars, and I cannot wait to read the Nano Wars II. I would definately buy this book. You will not be disappointed.

Cool Idea!
A friend of mine bought this book and recommended I read it, so I did and I loved it.I liked how they took technology that's being developd currently and how it could be twisted into something completely different.This is a great book for those who like techno thrillers since it really plays on the "what if" premise of the future uses of technology.I hope this turns into a series. ... Read more

Product Description
Five hundred years from now, humankind has found a link to a remarkably Earth-like planet and settled there, dividing –as humans will -- into dozens of nation-states.  The Federated States of Columbia has consolidated power and risen against the oppression of Earth's corrupt Caliphate. But when Salafi madmen bent on a new jihad kill FSC Captain Patrick Hennessey's family in a cowardly attack, they create an enemy that will show even less mercy than they do.

            A legendary warrior is born:  Carrera, the scourge of Salafism. He will forge an army from the decrepit remains of a military in a failing state.  He will find those who killed his family. He will destroy them utterly. And he will try like hell to not become exactly like the enemy he is fighting.  

            Only when he is finished will there be peace: the peace of an empty wind as it blows across a desert strewn with the bones of Carrera's enemies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (47)

It's not "Republican" talking points, idiots.
If one actually reads the book and has an understanding of the history of Operation Desert Storm and Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, Republican presidential administrations are not that much more competent at the use of military power than the better Democratic administrations. FDR, for all his domestic totalitarianism, was a fine wartime President. He at least insisted upon competence in his Secretary of War. If only Bush 43 had done the same from Donald Rumsfeld. American political-military bureaucracy tends to run in the same flawed paths regardless of who happens to be in charge. I learned that lesson personally on three continents in twelve or so years under three administrations.

Looking at my previous reviews will show I am pretty much an unabashed Tom Kratman partisan. I cannot pretend to be impartial where LTC Kratman's work is concerned because I am precisely the sort of disillusioned professional military historian and travelling killer type who would sign up for such a venture as the Legio del Cid. Military history proves the virtue of overwhelming ruthless force in winning wars quickly, ironically with fewer casualties. As one example, I would look at Ulysses S. Grant's merciless breaking of Lee's Army of Northern Virginia between the fall of 1864 and the spring of 1865. He accomplished with total effort in one year what a series of timid half-measures over three years could not.

So if you've ever wanted to see an army where everyone lives by Otto Skorzeny's advice to "always go for the head", and revenge is delivered in a manner so terrible as to make the lesson stick, read this book.

If you dare.

900 pages of drivel
I'm at about page 475 and it's time to stop reading.I've plodded through some literary deserts before but this one sets a new benchmark.I'm a fan of military science fiction but I really don't need 400 pages of setup related to establishing a brigade in a thinly disguised version or Earth where, oh wait I'll need to break in with a little oral sex interlude before continuing, some Spanish speaking country is going to launch a privately financed discounted military adventure chasing after towel heads.

Get the picture?

'Cynic: Someone who sees things as they are, not how they're supposed to be.'
Tom Kratman spent much of his adult life in the U.S. Army, and came to conclusions about the world that many people won't like.In fact, if an illustration was needed for 'REALLY not politically correct', Lt. Col. Kratman (Ret.) would be my first choice.

This novel is the first in a series that is quite frankly based on the world today.The Earth discovers, quite accidentally, a 'rift' in space that leads to a planet somewhere very far away, a world remarkably like our own.Aliens dubbed the 'Noahs' deliberately seeded this 'new Earth' with terrestrial organisms millions of years ago, and as well as plants whose fruit is deadly to life forms with more than a certain level of intelligence.Colonization quickly begins, and the governments of the world use the opportunity to dump of dissidents on this new planet with little in the way of technology.

Five hundred years later, Terra Nova has climbed back to early 21st Century technology levels, and created societies that are much like the ones they left behind on Earth.The mother world, in turn, has slipped into a technological downward spiral and a social catastrophe under the rule of the UN.

And then a terrorist attack ends up killing the family of Patrick Henessey, a retired military man living in 'Balboa' who swears vengence on those who killed his wife and children.Ruthless, intelligent and independently wealthy (wealth inherited, ironically, as a result of that same terrorist attack), Hennessey adopts his wife's family's last name, Carrera, and sets about building a mercenary army that will enable him to go after the Islamic fundamentalists who slaughtered his family, while it simultaneously conceals his far more serious ambitions.

I won't say more about the plot, but I will say it is a brilliant allegory on the world of today and the challenges to Western Civilization.It's full of details about the raising, training, and equiping of armies, about why men fight and what makes them effective, and why the political ideals of the contemporary 'Left' are destructive of humanity.It's packed with violence, sex, humor, politics, philosophy and more violence, and is almost certain to outrage you at some point.

I loved it, I loved the next two volumes in the series (Carnifex and The Lotus Eaters ), and I expect I'll love the seven or so that are to come.

If you're a liberal with high blood pressure, stay away from this book.It could kill you.If not, I recommend it.

'A Desert Called Peace"
Excellent book. The kind of SF escapism that will draw all of us that are too hide bound and restricted in our lives and lets us dream of doing that we are unable too pursue ourselves. A great read for our times.

A soldiers answer to 9-11
This book is a soldiers answer to 9-11, in other words, Kratman tells us what he would have done if placed in Patrick Hennessey's position.While technically a military sci-fi novel, the military technology is more along our current level making it military fiction with a strong political message.Colin Powell explained that we could not win the war in Iraq because the American people do not have the stomach for what it would take to win.Kratman illustrates this by showing us what it would take to fight such a war.

While I agree that Kratman is no heir to Heinlein, I enjoyed this book as much as I have Heinlein's and look forward to reading more. ... Read more

Product Description
The questions What mind-set is at the heart of the television series Stargate? and What really goes into the creation of each episode? are examined in this anthology. Featuring essays from such noted contributors as archaeologist Sue Linder-Linsley, astronomer Sten Odenwald, parasitologist Francine M. Terry, philosopher Daniel Dennett, and science fiction author Melanie A. Fletcher, this collection delves into every aspect of the series with the same humor and intellectual curiosity of the show itself. Commentary from the show's special effects head, James Tichenor, and actor Tom McBeath is also featured. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A Fact and Fun filled look at SG-1
This book continues the trend of having authors/teachers/and others writing essays about TV popular culture.This book seemed to have a wider range, from physists, USAF Colonels, and popular writers, for the authors.Most of the essays were humorous and examined a wide range of topics.Even the more serious essays, that actually attempted to teach you the physics of the Stargate, did so with a little humor and a reasonable voice, not to dumbed down but not expecting you to know anything that the ususal E=mc2 information.

If you like these type of books and like SG-1, you'll enjoy this.If you never read a book of essays on popular TV, try this one out.It's a nice friendly introduction to the genre.

22 Essays covering a variety of topics
This book is a fun collection of musings/essays about various topics related to Stargate SG-1.Though written by authors who do indeed go on about how much the love the show, most of the essays also pick the show apart to demonstrate that it isnt based on reality and that it contains many things that will Never be true in reality.I was kinda hoping for something that gave me little hopeful bubble dreams that someday, somewhere, the stargate could actually work.Oh well, back to Earth.

It starts with a faux research report that dissects the Jaffa Staff Weapon for analysis as a practical military weapon.Kinda cute.

Next is a compare/contrast essay between Star Trek and Stargate SG-1; the main conclusion is that Star Trek is in love with itself while Stargate tries hard to escape the formulaic trap of standard sci-fi.

The next essay explains the physics that are involved in the theories of wormholes and ends with "physics, as we currently know it, greatly limits the possibilities of wormhole travel."

The next essay analyses the dialogue of SG-1 (technobabble, humor, and character development) and includes a bit of gossip that "a number of Jack's comebacks can also be attributed to the fact that Richard Dean Anderson can't remember his lines and has to ad-lib half of the time."

Next is a detailed nit-pick about Dr. Daniel Jackson as the ultimate omniscient linguist, anthropologist, and archaeologist.

Following this is an essay that characterizes the SG-1 team members based on thier portrayal of different types of intelligence.There's the "Egghead" Samantha Carter (reason, logic, book knowledge), the "Empath" Daniel Jackson (intuition, understanding the thoughts/emotions/motivations of others),the "Practical Philosopher" Teal'c (practical problem solving), and the "Knight" Jack O'Neill (determining /why/ a goal should be accomplished).

Next is a medical doctor who tries to puzzle out the realities of how any intelligent species could invade a human and actually take control of the human's mind and body.In my opinion this was one of the more dull essays and one of the most damaging to those of us who LIKE to suspend our disbelief in order to enjoy a show.

Next is a history of time travel in science fiction along with the physics of wormholes and time travel... have to admit that this one was so dense that I skimmed most of it.

The next essay is almost snarky as it explains the science fiction tendency to declare one character as absolutely essential to the solution of ...that no one else in the entire galaxy could possibly be useful.The comparison is applied both to Daniel and to Jack.

Next is a humorous analysis of the dating potential of various Stargate characters because "everyone knows that Stargate is all about sex."

Then there's a chapter that is a bizarre philisophical mind experiment like those I remember from Philosophy 101 in college.The author spends 15 pages showing us how to work out where the "Self" of a person resides...is it in the physical brain or in the soul (and where does the soul reside exactly)?Not really sure how this relates to Stargate at all... it is forced into the book by plopping a quote at the front of the chapter which is from the episode where Sg-1 has been cloned into robot bodies.

Moving on, next we get an analysis of the pop culture references sprinkled throughout the episodes, then an in-depth look at the astronomy and astrophysics of various plot devices (black holes, blowing up suns, solar flares, and alternate universes).Next is a silly little commentary on the costume fashions of the various planets, alien races, and even civilian clothing that we've seen on SG-1 characters.

The next essay analysis the SG-1 team to place them in Jungian myth archetyepes: Teal'c is the "Warrior" archetype, Samantha is the "Scientist", Daniel is the "Hero", and Jack is the "Pragmatist".

Next is a detailed nit-pick of the planet Cimmeria (where Thor's Hammer was found); then a few diary entries from James Tichenor (visual effects director) mostly saying how incredibly busy they are year-round.Then there's an analysis fo the villains in Stargate: the Jaffa, the Goa'uld, the Replicators, the Aschen, the Re'tu, the Tok'Ra, the NID, etc.Then a rather boring essay about how continuity of storyline is important when creating licensed comic books based on the Sg-1 world.Next is a nit-pick analysis of how strange it is that humans could become "the fifth race", and why would we even want to (considering that the Nox and the Asgaard have so many quirks).Then there's a neat little history of women in the Air Force (especially the duty stations near Cheyenne Mountain) and then a "letter" from the actor who plays Col. Harry Maybourne.Basically, this letter says the actor feels that fan clubs are kinda crazy and that Stargate is not the center of his universe. You actually learn a lot more about two anonymous gals who interviewed him than you do about him and his experiences on Stargate... it left me with the feeling that he really didnt have anything good to say so he said nothing!

Calling All Corners
I ordered this book because I was looking to get a bit more information on Stargate: SG-1 when becoming more active in the fandom.I was pleasantly surprised to find a compendium that included information by a variety of contributors in all of the fields I had questions about.It's got a chapter that might as well be titled "The physics of Stargate", it's got a critical appraisal of everything from the costumes to the plot themes and use of popular culture, it has a chapter on the medical feasibility of the Goa'uld parasites, and it has a few more light-hearted offerings as well.

I seriously recommend this for anyone from the casual SG-1 fan to the die-hard SG-1/SGA afficianado.

A not-too-serious book on Stargate.
Made by science writers and experts of science this book is a must for any Stargate fan.There are two essays which focus on wormholes, one essay debates fashion, one essay even gets into parasites and much more.Not a lot on the military but with such authors as Bill Fawcett, Susan Sizemore and P.N. Elrod I could not help but buy this book.Full of humor and a love for the Stargate.And everybody talks like Jack!Ya think?

For the Stargate aficionado
Are you one of those people who love picking holes in plot lines? Someone who goes, say.. "That couldn't really happen... a lightening bolt doesn't contain enough power to activate the stargate" while blindly ignoring the fact that a stargate doesn't exist in the first place... if so, this is the book for you.

Basically the book does its best to pin real science to the fiction/fantasy stuff from the show:
* what sort of technologies would be needed to really create a wormhole.
* how could a goa'uld navigate a human's neck (without doing serious damage) to get to the spin column and brain and take overall control
and stuff like that.

It's amusing to read these scientists try their best to come up with imaginative scientific theories that could underpin the show's plot devices.

On the down-side, it is a collection of essays from different authors and there is often an overlap in what they say. (There aren't that many theories around that could viably allow wormhole creation, so they get liberally mentioned!). I got a strong sense of deja-vu after a while. I also got a little feeling that the authors were almost competing on who was the most avid Stargate fan, never missing an opportunity to supply a quote from the show or mention a fact. I guess it does get you to reminisce and I found myself going "Oh yes, I remember that episode" but it was a little tiring after a while.

All in all, it is a nice piece of light reading. It's cheap and cheerful and it lets you joyful linger in the suspension of disbelief that it all could ... just ... really ... happen, before returning to the real world and laugh it off with a "whatever!". ... Read more

Product Description
Focusing on MIT and Stanford, Leslie offers a critical look at American science in the making. He reveals a regrettable series of misplaced priorities and missed opportunities that have characterized the recent history of science and technology in this country. ... Read more

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Elements of Military Art and Science - Or, Course Of Instruction In Strategy, Fortification, Tactics Of Battles, &C.; Embracing The Duties Of Staff, Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery, And Engineers; Adapted To The Use Of Volunteers And Militia; Third Edition; With Critical Notes On The Mexican And Crimean Wars. is presented here in a high quality paperback edition. This popular classic work by Henry Wager Halleck is in the English language. If you enjoy the works of Henry Wager Halleck then we highly recommend this publication for your book collection. ... Read more

Product Description
Two strong women fought the enemy in a long, brutal and seemingly hopeless ground war for years, until the Chinese finally blinked and went back home. Now these two realize that they must fight an even more cynical and devious enemy in order to bring America back from thirty years of chaos. But this new enemy is their own government, and its omnipotent media syncopate, the Network. Puss and Boots are legends in the Army for their kill-skills and when they finally accept their new mission, they get help from their old comrades-in-arms, as well as a few new and different friends. The White House and the Network elite are not pleased with Puss & Boots' decision and disruptive actions, therefore they begin to take counter-measures... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Yikes...someone get this guy an editor, STAT
The dialogue is absolutely terrible -- not only is most of it hard to follow because of how much the author "accents" it, it's stilted and trite once you do figure out what's being said. The story, such as it is, is presented with about as much style as it takes to dump a bag of scrabble tiles on a table. Sadly, I could see this being a reasonably interesting concept if it were structured and paced better, and if the dialogue wasn't so ridiculous every time any character opened their mouth.

Might be worth getting this for free, but there's no reason to pay money for something this bad.

To bring sanity back to a chaotic nation
Two strong women, both war veterans, return home to find that matters are even worse off the battlefield. "Puss & Boots in the 23rd Century" is an exciting science fiction thriller following accomplished soldiers Puss and Boots as they stand against a corrupt government and an all controlling media to bring sanity back to a chaotic nation, with the help of only a few individuals willing to stand beside them. Highly recommended for community library science fiction collections.

Great Read :-)
A Ripping yarn from Jack McClure! Science fiction in a military vein. A great page turner to keep you entertained by the fire , pool or hotel room. I enjoyed this book: it is an engrossing read. Lots of fascinating details about stuff you probably never thought about; like how to kill a giant Bear, quickly, with only a spear. Hunting, trapping, Killing and sex. This book has it all.

Four stars: Thomas Furgason lll M.D. Blue Grass Kentucky. 5/4/08

Next, please...:O
Puss & Boots in the 23rd Century, is the first of a series of post-apocoylptic, WWIII scenarios, and tells the story of two very _strong_ heroines and one _very _unlikely ally.

Boots, who is Bold, Big, and Brave, is an extremely competent warrior.Her strengths include the ability to see events strategically...though, never let it be said that her tactics lag behind.

Puss, (who is Boot's friend, compatriate, and lover), is equally important, both in her Amer-Indian trained ability to hunt, and in her ability to think tactically.

And, unexpectectedly, and perfectly, Bila, the hunk from the Cro-Magnum age, is both their equal, and in some cases, their mentor.

America has fallen under military rule.The NET rules the world, and placates the mindless.This trio, despite multi-millenia social logstones, manages to itinerate the defeat of Evil and the restoration of the Constitution. America, as originally conceptualized by their founders, founds a strong base of support within the story-line, and within its development.No longer can the "Net" obliviate the masses with increasingly pornographic andviolent presentations._Some_ people _think_.And as they think, they _see_.And with their sight, the restoration of the Constitution of the United States is required, no less demanded than the initiation of the Declaration of Indepencence.

Remember "Boots as Boss"and Puss as "Pussy Footing".The intitialchapters of this book require strict attention, as the author's viewpoint switches frequently from one character to another.As you advance in the story, however, both characters become unique, and special, and with the inclusion of a time-traveler, vastly more interesting.

(Confession)

I could not read Huck Finn by Mark Twain, because the dialect threw me off.In Puss and Boots, I had to perservere through the first two chapters, because the military lingo and the advance in time threw the dialect off enough that I had to slow down and think.

Let me tell you now.

This is a wonderful story.Once you get the hang of the dialect, it becomes one that you can't put down.I read Puss & Boots in the 23rd Century in one day.And I wanted the next snippets, immediately.

Enough, said.

Buy this book.

... Read more

Product Description
This comprehensively researched history of the development of military ­ministry within the Christian Science movement from 1917 through 2004 was ten years in the making.It records over eighty years of insight into the hearts and lives of individuals positioned to bring their understanding of the protecting power and love of God into military circumstances, with challenges of conflict, danger, prejudice and life-threatening situations, as well as joys of reformation, healing and interfaith fellowship.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

good historical review
in this one can skip around to see specific people or places or events or can read through. It does not tell it all, for some chaplains there are wonderful examples of good done on the job. For others it seemed just straight history or fact, no stories but basically a good documentary of as it was till 2004. ... Read more

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Product Description
Betrayed by their superiors and left for dead, the survivors of an elite commando team find themselves in Atlantis, a closed and highly advanced society. Will they fight alongside their hosts to stop the dark plans of an ancient Atlantean offshoot named Zentonia from triggering World War III, or could Atlantis' own Christian heritage, coupled with the threat the men see in its technology, divide them and even make them turn on each other? The first book of a gripping three-part tale! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Continuingthe C.S. Lewis Tradition
If you are a Star Wars fan or a fan of just good science fiction then Aaron Marshall's book is the book for you.I will not go into the plot line, the publisher has given a brief idea, as there are more important matters to discuss. Some may have a concern about the melding of science fiction with Christianity.However, at least two authors since the 1930s come to mind after a reading of this book.First there is C.S. Lewis whose space trilogy introduced me to Christianity as a school boy.Before long I was reading Lewis's deeper works on theology and in this genre' he was considered one of the most outstanding writers of the 20th Century.More recently we have Stephen Lawhead who has used science fiction, fantasy and legend to weave exciting tales with strong Christian overtones.Those aren't the only two and I name them as particular favorites of mine.I only leave out J. R. R. Tolkein as his specialty was fantasy, a specialty that C.S. Lewis also delved in with his Narnian series. You may ask "can't we just deliver a straight Christian message without using science fiction as a hook?"We can of course, but science fiction is fun for many of us and I know people who feel that just the reading of it opened their minds to deeper thoughts about Creation, Salvation and Heaven.That's why The Star Hunters is so much fun.It is a good old fashioned rip-roaring adventure, well crafted and one that the family can enjoy.We have two more in the series to look forward to and it is a series that demands a film or TV version to be produced. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Definitive Primary Source On the Conduct Of Roman Warfare
I read this book for a graduate course in Roman history.

It is important to understand that the army of the Republic was by no means a second rate militia force."Discipline and training were its hallmarks; the care with which the camp was laid out reveals no ordinary grouping of amateur warriors.The Romans adopted professional attitudes to warfare long before the army had professional institutions."The army's professionalism is proven by reading the one military training manual still extant, Vegetiu's fourth century CE Epitome of Military Science.Most experts agree that Vegetius' Epitome was certainly a compilation of earlier Roman military training and doctrine manuals that have not survived.This manual is replete with information for the commander on how to recruit, train, supply, billet, and employ his legion in combat.

Rome had an army from its earliest beginnings as a small city-state.There is little known of the structure of the military in early Roman history."At first, military service in the Roman Army entailed a man being away from his home...for a few weeks or months over the summer.The campaign season opened in March and closed in October, as official festivals in the Roman calendar make clear."Servius Tullius was the sixth king of Rome who reigned from about 580-530 BCE.Servius instituted many reforms in both the political and military structures of Rome which were codified in the Sevian Constitution.He conducted the first census of the citizenry and used this information to divide the population into classes based on wealth.The class structure was then used both politically for voting classification and militarily to determine in what portion of the legion a man would serve in to defend Rome.The men were organized into centuries (hundreds) within the class structure.Militarily, the class ranking was based on wealth, which determined where a man would serve in the legion based on his ability to provide his own weapons and equipment.The wealthiest class in Roman society served in the equites or the Roman cavalry, of which there were eighteen centuries.Obviously, these men had the financial ability to provide their own horses.The majority of the population was divided into five classes who served in the infantry.Men who had no property had no military obligation.The military tactics used were similar to the Greek hoplite formation.

"Members of the `first class' were to be armed with a bronze cuirass, spear, sword, shield and greaves to protect the legs; the `second class' with much the same panoply minus the cuirass; the `third', the
same but lacking the greaves; the `fourth; the shield and spear only, and the `fifth' was armed only with slings or stones.

During the period of the Republic, the structure of the army went through some changes after the enactment of the Servian Constitution.When a Roman citizen volunteered or was drafted, it was to fight in a specific campaign rather than for a specific length of time.Since Rome's empire was expanding in the second century BCE, it might not be uncommon for soldiers to serve in successive campaigns with a length of service reaching six years--the usual maximum length of service.In some very rare instances a soldier could volunteer to serve longer terms of service, mainly for the booty reward available to soldiers.Normally, a soldier would be maintained in a citizen reserve for sixteen years after his initial term of service.If a soldier was mobilized later, it was unlikely he would retain his former rank.This fact made it difficult for a man to make the army a lucrative profession in the Republic era.Even if a citizen showed exceptional aptitude and bravery in combat and rose to the rank of centurion, he would only have received double the pay of an ordinary soldier until Julius Caesar changed the pay and reward structure for his legions.

Recommended reading for those interested in Roman history, military history.

applicable today as well
It is a wonder to me that more people have not discovered translations such as this one, Vegetius's seminal work "Epitome of Military Science". Compare Vegetius to such works as the Sun Tzu's "Art ofWar", but put it in the perspective of Ancient Rome and you'll be spoton.

I liked this work because it gave an excellent insight into allaspects of managing military groups. It covered not only things such astroup placement and tactics, but also much baser aspects of military life,such as the logistics of training, what or how to feed large numbers oftroops, and how to deal with troop morale.

For the historian (and membersof re-enactment groups similar to the SCA) this is an excellent book forresearch if you're willing to ignore the fact that the text is only theEnglish translation and not a side-by-side comparison of the original andthe modern. ... Read more

Product Description
 Provides an overview of the principles, theories, policies, and other fundamentals of modern warfare and their applications in the twenty-first century

 Includes a glossary of military terms and key points that summarize the lessons of eachChapter

John M. Collins has distilled the wisdom of history's great military minds to tutor readers on the necessary intellectual skills to win not only battles but also wars. He illuminates practices that worked well or poorly in the past, together with reasons why. He discusses national security interests, strategic building blocks, military strategies across the conflict spectrum, methods for developing talent and strategic acumen, and recent case studies that put principles into practice. Collins never tells readers what to think, but in Military Strategy he provides them with the intellectual tools to think for themselves. Written in a clear, straightforward style, this book will appeal to officers, policy makers, students, and the public. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

What the... ?
I never received my book!It is nowhere to be found. :(
Not cool.

A Strategy Classic
John Collins has written a classic primer on military strategy whose relevance grows by the day.At a time in which the United States is confronted with multiple security challenges, the need for clear strategic thinking about objectives and how to attain them is apparent.The author is a well respected retired U.S. Army Colonel with experience as a strategist, author, and teacher with wide experience, including the National War College and the Congressional Research Service. This book is invaluable for anyone who wants to understand military strategy in all its complexity.

A comprehensive book on strategy
This is an excellent book, but needs to be updated.I think, the counter-insurgency portion needs to cite recent examples and lessons form Iraq and Afghanistan.This book and hopefully an updated version will be in my library for a long time to come.

Wonderfully insightful
Have read this cover to cover and now in the process of re-reading some specific portion.Have to say that it is well-researched and thorough.Help to re-confirm some of my own research in this same space. Steven Lim (RSTN) from Singapore. ... Read more

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Joystick Soldiers is the first anthology to examine the reciprocal relationship between militarism and video games. War has been an integral theme of the games industry since the invention of the first video game, Spacewar! in 1962.While war video games began as entertainment, military organizations soon saw their potential as combat simulation and recruitment tools. A profitable and popular relationship was established between the video game industry and the military, and continues today with video game franchises like America’s Army, which was developed by the U.S.Army as a public relations and recruitment tool.

This collection features all new essays that explore how modern warfare has been represented in and influenced by video games. The contributors explore the history and political economy of video games and the "military-entertainment complex;" present textual analyses of military-themed video games such as Metal Gear Solid; and offer reception studies of gamers, fandom, and political activism within online gaming.

Product Description
The exploration of the upper atmosphere was given a jump start in the United States by German V-2 rockets - Hitler's "vengeance weapon" - captured at the end of World War II. The science performed with these missiles was largely determined by the missile itself, such as learning more about the medium through which a ballistic missile travels. Groups rapidly formed within the military and military-funded university laboratories to build instruments to investigate the Earth's upper atmosphere and ionosphere, the nature of cosmic radiation, and the ultraviolet spectrum of the Sun. Few, if any, members of these research groups had prior experience or demonstrated interests in atmospheric, cosmic-ray, or solar physics. Although scientific agendas were at first centered on what could be done with missiles and how to make ballistic missile systems work, reports on techniques and results were widely publicized as the research groups and their patrons sought scientific legitimacy and learned how to make their science an integral part of the national security state. The process by which these groups gained scientific and institutional authority was far from straightforward and offers useful insight both for the historian and for the scientist concerned with how specialties born within the military services became part of post-war American science. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Sure to become a classic on early space exploration.
Having interviewed scores of American scientists, military personnel, and German rocket scientists who were brought to the United States after World War II, Dr. DeVorkin highlights the early rocket launches at White Sands Proving Grounds and provides us with a fascinating look at how American space research first reached beyond earth by riding piggyback aboard the captured V-2s. In this book you will meet the men and women who made some of the very first discoveries outside of our planet's atmosphere, the first to photograph the earth from space, the first to observe unknown energy levels beaming from the sun, the first to probe electronic mysteries and magnetic oddities at the edge of space. Rich in facts and footnotes, it's a must-read for any scholar of space exploration or serious model rocketeer, and yet DeVorkin's easy-going writing style allows everyone to relive the pulsing flames and thunder, the roaring heat that launched science to the stars...

How We Really Discovered Space
In this book you get a glimpse of the true beginnings of the US Space programs, beginnings overlooked in most official histories. Mr. Devorkin spend long hours interviewing the scientists involved. The book is heavyinto the science and leaves out some of the more personal stories but it iswell worth it. You will find names in here that are familar and many thatare not. Van Allen Belts, Cosmic Rays, and the beginings of satelliteweather services are here. So is the V2 that hit Juarez. It you really areinterested in what happened before Sputnik, read this book. ... Read more

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From twenty years' research and teaching of future officers, West Point's specialists share here--for enlisted men, officers, and those preparing for leader roles in all of the services--the unique problems, skills, and knowledge required in military leadership today. This blend of research from the behavioral sciences, managerial methods, and wisdom from practical experience stimulates understanding of the concepts, processes, and techniques involved in influencing and directing others within the special situation of the armed services. Insights, scientific data, and analyses of interpersonal relations from many disciplines are organized to describe an integrated concept of leadership--the qualities, styles, skills of the leader, including interpersonal communication, management functions, the planning process, organizing, coordinating, direction, and controlling. ... Read more