An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir June 2017 www.dfmagazine.ie 16 | spec ops – Case studies in special operations Warfare theory & practice by William H. McRaven analyses eight special operations that span from World War Two to the 1970s. McRaven who commands a US Navy Seal Team lists the essential principles for successful Spec Ops missions. This work is considered an instructive textbook that is closely studied by students of military strategy and tactics. Presidio Press (June 1, 1996) - €12.00 - ISBN: 978-0891416005 the Mission, the Men, and Me writ- ten by Pete Blaber, a Delta Force Com- mander, is a work about the complexities of combat and leadership that can be applied to the difficulties of every- day business and our personal lives. Caliber, reprint edition (September 7, 2010) - €10.00 - ISBN: 978-0425236574 Major Russell Lewis's book, Company Commander, retells the story of his six-month deployment in Afghanistan in 2008 when he commanded 200 soldiers of the British Parachute Regi- ment. Under continuous fire, this book captures what its like to make decisions under pressure which may cost the lives of those under your command. Virgin Books (August 1, 2013) - €13.00 - ISBN: 978-0753540312 task force Black by Mark Urban is an explosive true story of the Special Forces secret war in Iraq. When no WMDs were discovered the war quickly spiralled and operatives were faced with an insur- gency that had to be confronted. St. Martin's Griffin, reprint edition (June 5, 2012) - €10.50 - ISBN: 978-1250006967 team of teams written by General Stanley McChrystal is a work that teaches that conventional warfare against groups such as Al Qaeda in Iraq no longer works and that small compact specialist units are more suited for dealing with this new type of warfare. Portfolio, 1st edition (May 12, 2015) - €18.00 - ISBN: 978-1591847489 operation Barras tells the story of the SAS and Para rescue mission in Sierra Leone of a group of British soldiers held hostage in 2000. Written by William Fowler the book also explains the com- plex political situation within the country at that time. Cassell, 2nd edition (April 1, 2007) - € - ISBN: 978-0304366996 inside delta force by Eric L. Haney brings the reader inside America's elite counterterrorist unit. With little or no information about this unit in the public domain, the author provides the reader with an exclusive behind-the-scenes account. Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers, revised edition (February 10, 2007) - €7.50 - ISBN: 978-0385732529 leaders eat last by Simon Sinek is a book on the importance of leadership and how to apply it successfully. Sinek illustrates his ideas with fascinating true stories, from the military to manu- facturing, from government to invest- ment banking. He shows that leaders who are willing to eat last are rewarded with deeply loyal colleagues who will stop at nothing to advance their vision. Portfolio Pen- guin (January 30, 2014) - €8.50 - ISBN: 978-0670923168 T he development and the broadening of the mind is a critical aspect of a warrior's prepara- tion for battle. As a potential candidate for the ARW selection course it is vital not only to prepare yourself physically but also mentally, and reading is a means for preparing for the future and for combat. Practical experience, realistic training and formal edu- cation are indispensable for the development of first class soldiers and military leaders, as too is independent study. Reading enables a soldier to develop their per- sonal and professional character. The recommended reading list for SOFQ Candidates consist of the following works, are all available through the Defence Forces Li- brary or your local library, bookshop or on the internet. Although it is not mandatory that candidates read all or any of the books listed, however the books have been selected to develop your military knowledge and assist your mental prepa- ration for the course. Commissioned officer candidates are rec- ommended to read as wide a selection as possible to adequately prepare for the SOFQ Officer Assessment Phase on Module One.

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