Elite Forces
The World's Most Skilled Fighting Units
Will be published approx. on 31. March 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-1-3988-5776-6 (ISBN)
Description
For fans of Ben Macintyre and Anthony Beaver comes a sweeping history of specialized military units and how they have shaped historic and modern warfare.
Across the globe, elite military units operate in the shadows, trained to execute missions that conventional forces cannot. From daring covert operations to navigating the most hostile terrain on Earth, these specialist teams are forged for the extraordinary.
In this gripping exploration, Dr Stephen Bull delves into the world of elite forces such as the UK's SAS, the US Navy SEALs, and Russia's Special Forces Group. He uncovers the intense selection and training regimes, the strategic thinking behind their creation, and the real-world impact of their operations in combat zones. With sharp analysis and vivid detail, Bull reveals how these units have shaped modern warfare and how they continue to redefine the limits of military capability.
Includes:
• British Elite Forces: The genesis of modern British special forces, from independent companies and "snowmen" to the establishment of the SAS and Royal Marine Commandos.
• US Elite Forces: The history of American elite units, including the Rangers, the First Special Service Force, Airborne Divisions, Delta Force, and the Navy SEALs
• Russian Elite and Special Forces: The evolution of Russian elite units, from the Streltsy and Imperial Guard to modern Spetsnaz formations, exploring their role in various conflicts including Afghanistan and Ukraine
Illustrated with black and white photographs throughout, this authoritative volume is a must-read for anyone interested in the enduring legacy of elite combat units.
Across the globe, elite military units operate in the shadows, trained to execute missions that conventional forces cannot. From daring covert operations to navigating the most hostile terrain on Earth, these specialist teams are forged for the extraordinary.
In this gripping exploration, Dr Stephen Bull delves into the world of elite forces such as the UK's SAS, the US Navy SEALs, and Russia's Special Forces Group. He uncovers the intense selection and training regimes, the strategic thinking behind their creation, and the real-world impact of their operations in combat zones. With sharp analysis and vivid detail, Bull reveals how these units have shaped modern warfare and how they continue to redefine the limits of military capability.
Includes:
• British Elite Forces: The genesis of modern British special forces, from independent companies and "snowmen" to the establishment of the SAS and Royal Marine Commandos.
• US Elite Forces: The history of American elite units, including the Rangers, the First Special Service Force, Airborne Divisions, Delta Force, and the Navy SEALs
• Russian Elite and Special Forces: The evolution of Russian elite units, from the Streltsy and Imperial Guard to modern Spetsnaz formations, exploring their role in various conflicts including Afghanistan and Ukraine
Illustrated with black and white photographs throughout, this authoritative volume is a must-read for anyone interested in the enduring legacy of elite combat units.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 230 mm
Width: 150 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
363 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-3988-5776-6 (9781398857766)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Dr Stephen Bull worked at the BBC and National Army Museum in London before moving to Lancashire Museums, where he was Curator of Military History and Archaeology. He has also worked for Oxford University on projects for Europeana, the EU funded digital library. He has also appeared in, or presented, television documentaries. The author of many military history titles Stephen is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Archaeologists, and holds an MBA.