There exists among the world's armies a proliferation of special forces groups. Today's smaller armies, especially those of developing nations, demand maximum efficiency in force structure and employment. Mountain, jungle, arctic and desert areas require special purpose units trained, conditioned, and equipped to master these environments. This volume by ex-weapons specialist in the US 7th Special Forces Group, Gordon L. Rottman, details the insignia of a myriad of special forces groups from all parts of the globe, from Portugal's Commando Regiment to the North Yemen 'Al Mithalaat' Brigade, with a wealth of illustrations and photographs, including 12 full page colour plates by Simon McCouaig.

Author Biography

Gordon L Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, volunteered for Special Forces and completed training as a weapons specialist. He was assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group until reassigned to the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam in 1969-70. He entered the Texas Army National Guard in 1974 and was the full-time Operations Sergeant of 2nd Bn., 143rd Inf., 36th Airborne Brigade until 1980, when he assumed a similar position with Co. G (Ranger), 143rd Inf. Reverting to part-time status in 1986, he is now the Opposing Forces Group Operations Sergeant in the Army Reserve's 75th Manoeuvre Area Command in Houston. He is a civilian contract Special Operations Forces Intelligence Specialist at the Army's Joint Readiness Centre, Ft Polk.