Special Reconnaissance and Advanced Small Unit Patrolling: Tactics, Techniques and Procedures for Special Operations Forces

The content was originally intended as a study for use by the US Army Special Forces Command (US Army SOCOM); but the Army Special Warfare Center and School (SWCS) indicated no interest at the time. Some of my associates were concerned that the content discloses Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) of value to a prospective foe. As I was convinced that the material promised to save the lives of Special Operations personnel, while increasing the lethality and mission success of SpecOps Teams, I was presented with a dilemma; publish the study as a book or forfeit its value to SpecOps units and personnel. I decided to submit the book to the Pentagon for security review - - it was reviewed by Army SOCOM and subsequently cleared for publication. If our SpecOps units implement the TTPs and Lessons-Learned contained in this book, I will have realized my goals.

A true Magnum Opus: Certain to become a classic, this volume should be required reading for field men in training of any branch of service, or anyone who has an interest in being “skilled in the art”. The focus is on a comprehensive approach to patrolling and tactics, techniques and procedures (“TTP’s”) for effective employment when things matter most. Of great value are the many tips, tricks and pearls of wisdom, rich with detail and context that bring operational meaning and relevance to the procedures.It is difficult to imagine a more qualified author for such a work. A Green Beret known among peers for effective tactical innovation and personal bravery, Lt. Col. Wolcoff spent many years in Special Forces practicing the art, including over two years in MACV/SOG actively patrolling across the border in unimaginably hostile environments, honing his personal skill set in the field.If you are looking for a SOG memoir or blood dripping narrative war stories, you will be disappointed, although the text is richly embedded with illustrative “True Accounts” “Author’s Solutions” and other experience based observations from actual events. Information drips off the pages here. The scope of the work is well beyond the Southeast Asian theater of operations, with material from the SOE and OSS work in World War II, the SAS in the Malay emergency and many others.The book is arranged in the following manner:Overview: Provides general information and context for the uses of covert small unitsPre-mission: Special emphasis on leadership and training, planning and preparationEmployment/Execution: Operational Objectives, how to prevent “things going wrong” and what to do for recovery when they inevitably do go wrong (contains much detailed weapons/ordnance/device info)Sustainment: Remaining covertly in the field and alive for extended periodsCommand/Signal: Com’s TTP’s, equipment usage, field expedient measures, management of countermeasuresPost Mission activities: Maximizing information and experiences, Debriefing, updating TTP’s and implementation of “lessons learned”The information is extensive and dense, but the modular, thematic organization of the content makes it navigable and accessible. The author has worked to minimize use of dated or obscure terminology and acronyms so the reader does not spend inordinate time in the glossary.The publisher also has done its part, with true cloth binding and acid-free high quality paper, color photographs; this volume will make a proud addition to any library, and is built to last.There have been many books which have tried to capture combat experience and convey knowledge and skills, starting with the “Recondo” manual from 1970, to the recent “Advanced Patrolling” by Winston Clough and Son. While there is unavoidable overlap in these efforts (there is no one “complete collection” of tips and tricks), the volumes are complementary, rather than redundant. Heretofore the emphasis has been more on “how to”, rather than “what and when to”, which is a major body of this work. The comparative distinction for assessment is “manual” vs. “textbook”.This volume represents a lifetime of accumulated wisdom from research and life in the field. None other than Maj. John Plaster, SOG historian extraordinaire has stated that this volume is “…the most advanced book ever published on small unit and special operations intelligence gathering”. High praise from an unimpeachable source.

A great book dealing with the nuisances of Special/strategic Reconnaissance. Well put together with great vignettes both good and bad from the folks who lived at the peak of SR missions. Still applicable today. If you’re a professional soldier or armchair historian you will find the content useful and informative.

As a Marine I appreciate the Tactics, Technique, Conventions and Procedures outlined in this book that surely will save many lives in future combat. Lieutenant Colonel Ed Wolcoff (RET) has indeed written a "tactical bible" tailored to the Military Special Operations. The historical examples of lessons-learned is a must read for all active military personnel today. Ohrah!

Amazing book about SOG training although occasional refs. All terrain vehicles and desert’s and mountains alludes to more recent actions. The tactical weapon handling training is eye openning unlike any that I am aware of today.

Just spoke with Colonel Wolcoff and he is an outstanding and one of the most amazing recon men in the Vietnam War serving with MACVSOG. His book is the best written tactics techniques and procedures book ever written!! His vast knowledge on UW is unrivaled and a great resource! I recommend active duty leaders to buy this because it will be immense help in your leadership and tactic improvement! This is a must for any real deal SOG fand/historians! So grab this, you will not be disappointed at all

Recently told Ed that i should have been half the soldier he was, and now this book comes along; couldn't purchase fast enough. Lt. Col. (retired) Ed Wocoff knows first hand exactly what he shares in this book. His 'True Accounts,' some of which i recognized, had me on the edge of my seat. Well done, sir!

Great book and it’s very interesting to read TTP’s of SOG

Supposed to be like new...

Well laid out and lot of information!

Un livre unique, extrêmement bien construit, très complet, vivant. Un instrument de travail et d'enrichissement intellectuel indispensable.