Rangers were some of the most effective units used in Vietnam. The light infantry tactics of the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols were able to turn the tables on the Viet Cong, catching them in ambushes and accurately aimed artillery where large-scale sweeps and random harassment and interdiction fire failed. The core of this book are brief oral histories from each of the Ranger Companies, short tales of bravery, fear, and enemy action.

The problem is that this book doesn't put the Rangers into any kind of context in the Vietnam War, choosing instead to link them with Colonial and Revolutionary-era forces. This might be the mythos the Rangers draw upon, but their doctrine and tactics is far more modern; British Commandos and special operations in WW2. It's not quite clear where the Rangers fit between mainline units and the Special Forces, who are distinct. The equipment chapter is likewise lackluster, mostly full of rather quibbling details about uniforms (did you know Rangers had to steal, beg, and barter for camouflage uniforms in theater?). While the original pictures are great, the reconstructions are not. Could you guys at least find a skinny guy to model the web gear?

Ah, the risks of impulse buying at outdoor used book sales.