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 Bruce F. Meyers

Naval Institute Press
Annapolis Maryland

170 Pages plus photographs
2000

List $32.95

Amazon.com $23.06
WMSA gets a cut when you buy it from Amazon

Book review
 by Kevin. L. Jamison, Esq.

          The title is reputed to be the last words of Pliny the Elder, just before a rescue mission when a neighborhood volcano buried Pompeii.  The work does not recount Marine Force Recon ever challenging a volcano, but one gathers that it is just a matter of developing the right equipment.

          Written by the founder of Force Recon, the book is more a history of the equipment used than a history of the unit.  The author deliberately eschews a military history or development of tactics.  The result is an account of the development, evaluation, and adoption of, often obsolete, equipment.  The development of scout swimmer, scuba, submarine, and airborne infiltration is interesting, an account of the equipment used is a dry subject.   That the author brings the subject alive is tribute to his work.

          An excellent historical reference, the work may also serve as inspiration to individuals responsible for developing equipment.  It is unfortunate that the author gives only fleeting attention to the organization and command of a legendary unit.

 br-fortune_brave.htm 08/28/2001