John S. McCain IV

A book by John McCain IV (the Senator's son, if you need to track that sort of thing) discussing the Angolan Civil War, and specifically how the South African efforts in the war reflected a much better understanding of the limits and possibilities of low-intensity conflict than current US efforts, and how the US can learn from it. It's a decent and quick read, if a bit dry and academic (I strongly suspect it was his NPS thesis, somewhat modified for publication). I think it would make a fantastic book if it were expanded into a full-length book, and maybe one day he'll get around to doing that. If you're a professional or deeply-interested amateur, you will probably find this rewarding. But it's not for casuals and if you don't already know a lot about the Angolan Civil War, I can't imagine it will help much.… (mehr)

This is a very quick read, and one that hopefully finds a wider audience among those professionals who are searching for insights applicable to current military conflicts in several areas of the world. Indeed, the United States is currently engaged in at least two (and perhaps more than four) instances where there are multiple levels of actors of varying strength and legitimacy in open warfare, in which our military and diplomatic goals are often in competition, and where our full capabilities are under significant political and legal constraints. In advocating for serious study of the South African Border War for insights and lessons to be learned, Lieutenant McCain succeeds wildly.

The book provides a brief introduction to the groups involved and the history, then covers three distinct aspects of the conflict that presage 21st century warfare: Police Operations that, shaped by the human and logistical geography, border on the paramilitary; Variance in military vehicle strength and tactical adaptation in an environment extreme by any definition; and lastly, the 32 Battalion, a quasi-covert force conducting a range of operations my limited knowledge would best describe as analogous to a wild card up one’s sleeve (and indeed disbanded afterwards as too impolitic to retain). The author concludes by fairly presenting the limitations of parties involved in the decision-making process.

I enjoyed reading this, and have only two complaints. The first is based on my own limited knowledge as a civilian, but to tailor the book to my ignorance would detract from its focus. The second is equally selfish, as while there isn’t anything missing in the author’s argument, at each stage I found myself fascinated by the topic and eager for more. Indeed, this is entirely the author’s fault, as he has an eye for tantalizing points along the spectrum of politics and warfare that many are blind to (even when he is applying theory). Recommended.… (mehr)