Complete Encyclopedia Of Army Rifles, The: Comprehensive Guide

Description: This work takes the reader through the distinct stages of training and acceptance, including the Ranger Indoctrination Programme and Ranger Battalion training, and details the developments in Ranger weaponry, equipment and clothing since the early 1980s. Using first hand accounts, it shows what it was like to fight in Panama in 1989, and brings the unit up to date with the 3rd Battalion's deployment to Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom. It also covers the culture of the Rangers, from their special language and terminology, to the rites of passage that lie behind the formal training programme.


Contents: Introduction - Chronology - Volunteering - Basic and Airborne training - Ranger Indoctrination Program - Ranger Battalion training - Ranger School - Specialty Schools - Appearance and equipment - Experience of battle - Fighting in the jungle: Grenada and Panama - Fighting in the desert: Iraq - Fighting in built-up areas: Somalia - Mountain warfare: Afghanistan - Colour plate commentary - Museums - Collecting - Re-enactment - Glossary - Index


Author Biography: Mir Bahmanyar served in the US Army from 1986-89, and currently is an independent film producer and writer. Mir specializes in US Army Ranger history and along with fellow ex-servicemen has set up www.suasponte.com, a site dedicated to the history of the Rangers. Mir received his B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, in History. He lives in Los Angeles, California, with his Pitbull and Akita dogs. Michael Welply was born in London in 1948. His family moved to Winnipeg, Canada in 1950. Having studied art first in Winnipeg and then in Paris, Michael began his illustrating career in 1977. He moved to central France in 1981 with his family, where he still lives. Michael has worked for many publishers in Europe and the United States, and has illustrated over 50 books, ranging from historical work to fantasy and fairy tales.