Grey Wars

“A cohesive and absorbing book. . . . Collins is refreshingly honest.”—Military Review

“A behind the scenes look at Special Operations Command. . . . For anyone wanting to understand how America has fought the ‘grey wars’ of the last 20 years, this book provides a unique introduction to how these units train, think, and fight.”—Jerry D. Lenaburg, New York Journal of Books

“Groundbreaking insights into consequential special operations in U.S. history from a renowned scholar and expert practitioner. Highly recommend.”—Gina Bennett, senior analyst (ret.), Central Intelligence Agency

“An extraordinary look into the forces who carried one of the heaviest loads in our post 9/11 conflicts. N. W. Collins not only highly captures their past contributions but helps us understand why the culture and skills they possess will be essential going forward. Great reading for everyone who strives to understand unconventional security challenges.”—Joseph L. Votel, 13th Commander of U.S. Central Command and senior fellow of Harvard University
 
“Fascinating and deeply researched, covering the defining moments in modern special operations; Grey Wars is a must-read for anyone interested in the post 9/11 world.”—William H. McRaven, 9th Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command and former chancellor of the University of Texas
 
“Grey Wars is for anyone who wants to understand today’s fights. Collins has done a great service by providing a well-sourced, clear, and insightful look into the missions and activities of U.S. special operators. Highly recommend.”—Mike Thornton, U.S. Navy SEAL (ret.) and recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor
 
“Special operations have dominated U.S. military action more than ever in history after 9/11 but remain vague and mysterious to most Americans. Grey Wars, a riveting book by Collins, based on research among the practitioners, unveils much about what they do in a remarkably readable way.”—Richard K. Betts, author of American Force and Enemies of Intelligence
 
“An honest, fascinating look at forces that are so often written about and portrayed in films—yet as just as often misunderstood. Nancy Collins brings into focus the professionals who are already shaping future battlefields upon which they may well be called to fight.”—Stanley McChrystal, U.S. Army (ret.), Tenth Commander of Joint Special Operations Command
 
“This highly readable book captures how special operations became a key element in American foreign policy and a force multiplier for American diplomacy. Collins demonstrates how the flexibility and creativity of our special operators have enabled them to combat the increasingly sophisticated grey area attacks of our adversaries.”—Anne W. Patterson, former U.S. ambassador to Colombia, Egypt, El Salvador, and Pakistan

“U.S. Special Operations Forces are often the subject of films, books, and articles. But they are seldom understood. N.W. Collins brings a deep understanding to her extensively researched history of the operators from the catastrophe of Desert One in 1980 to more successful recent operations against al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Her history is accurate, engaging—and indispensable.”—Max Boot, columnist of the Washington Post

“Grey Wars provides a gripping account of how U.S. Special Operations Forces carry out their tasks and deal with the daunting stresses and dangers. Collins combines important insights with vivid portrayals to yield what is not only a most informative history, but also a great read.”—Robert Jervis, author of American Foreign Policy in a New Era

“Somewhere between Lawrence of Arabia, Iran, and Somalia, the Bin Laden mission and ISIS, special operations exist. They are an important tool in America’s arsenal, defending, protecting, and keeping the peace. Thoughtful warriors who are expeditionary, unconventional, self-sufficient, mobile, flexible, and highly-trained. N. W. Collins does a wonderful job of telling the special operators’ story. A must read for any student of these forces.”—Letitia A. Long, Fifth Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency