Reviews

Conversion of the cavalry arm of the Army from horses to vehicles removed much of that service's reconnaissance role; switching to helicopters returned it. This copiously illustrated volume documents the use of Vietnam as the proving ground for this new weapon. Johnson concentrates on the military organization of the Air Cavalry troop and the changes combat required. He outlines tactics and the various helicopters and their typical weapons and performance. Johnson also includes sections on all the Air Cavalry units, their insignia and uniforms, with appropriate illustrations, and presents a typical unit commander's diary as vivid illustration of what command of an understaffed unit in a busy area in 1969 was like. Libraries with an emphasis on this subject must have this; moderate recommendation to others.-- Mel D. Lane, Sacramento, Cal.