Battling for Bombers: The U.S. Air Force Fights for its Modern Strategic Aircraft Programs (Contributions in Military Studies)

Book Description

Although the United States Air Force was founded upon strategic bombardment theory and advocacy, the service has traditionally had tremendous difficulty in obtaining the adequate funding for bombers that it requires to fulfill its mandate. For more than 45 years, senior Air Force leaders, both military and civilian, have struggled to convince decision-makers in the White House and in Congress that modern manned bomber forces were needed, acceptable, and affordable. In this study, Donnini produces one of the most exhaustive analyses ever undertaken of Congressional subcommittee decision-making in the funding of defense procurement initiatives. He concludes that no program achieved measurable success of deployment with the original force structure requested; and only two, the B-1B and B-2A, received approval to acquire lesser numbers of aircraft for operational use. Donnini found that an important part of each new bomber program appeared to be funding support through federal appropriations. If the right amounts were appropriated, the programs survived; if lesser amounts were given, chances for program failure were good; however, was funding support the deciding factor? This book used multiple case studies and the unorthodox methodology of applied content analysis of Congressional budget hearings to examine Air Force efforts to fund the most recent main bombers it sought (the B-70, B-1A, B-1B, and B-2A) and to determine measurements of success. The author's findings have implications concerning the way the United States handles procurement initiatives for major new weapon systems considered fundamental necessities for national defense.

Tiger Patterns: A Guide to the Vietnam War's Tigerstripe Combat Fatigue Patterns and Uniforms (Schiffer Military/Aviation History)

Average customer rating:

Perfect Guide Book!
So many details
Excellent book on tiger strips with some glaring oversights
EXCELLENT

Tiger Patterns: A Guide to the Vietnam War's Tigerstripe Combat Fatigue Patterns and Uniforms (Schiffer Military/Aviation History)
Richard Denis Johnson
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Uniforms | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Military Science | History | Subjects | Books

Military | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Uniforms and Equipment of U.S. Army Infantry, Lrrps and Rangers in Vietnam 1965-1971 (Schiffer Military History)

ASIN: 0764307568

Book Description

To collectors of modern military uniforms, Vietnam era tigerstripe combat fatigues have always been a much sought after commodity. The pattern itself, in all of its classic forms, is both exotic and unique and carries with it an immediate, esthetic sense of the full drama of that not to distant Southeast Asian conflict. There exists however, surrounding this one camouflage pattern numerous misconceptions. Tiger Patterns analyzes to the most minute degree, the finite variances which defined the many original, Vietnam era tigerstripe patterns and uniform cuts and establishes dependable identification techniques and practices, whether your particular interests area as a historian, veteran, modeler, or collector and enthusiast., over 280 color and b/w photographs, line drawings, 8 1/2" x 11"

Customer Reviews:

Perfect Guide Book!.......2007-01-22

Tiger stripe Fan's Collectible Books.
Very interesting book.
Thank you.

So many details.......2005-09-10

When I purchased this book, I didn't expect to see all the diagrams and charts that it included. The author not only has photos and descriptions of the numerous tiger patterns, but he studied the different buttons and zippers as well! He has hand drawn pictures of patterns and cuts, and there are even a few personal photos of his family wearing tigers from his personal collection.

I highly recommend this book for collectors and people who want to know more about Vietnam tigerstripes.

Excellent book on tiger strips with some glaring oversights.......2002-06-12

Sgt Johnson's book on the tiger stripe camouflague pattern and its variants is an excellent book. Indeed, it is the authoritative reference on the subject for some time. The authour's methodical sysmatization and meticulious research have certainly provided militaria collectors with highly rigourous technical standards.

Although this book is primarly for collectors, modelers and reenactors will find this book equally helpful in their research.

Nevertheless, there are a number of glaring oversights that detract from the book's overall value.
First, there's no index. Given the book's meticulous details and bewildering variety of tiger strip patterns, an index isn't merely useful; it's absolutely essential.
Second, there's no bibliography. Its absence is inexplicable; how is the collector, modeler, historian or reenactor supposed to learn more about this pattern and become more discerning without the primary and secondary sources? Especially since the book is primarily for them.
Third, I found the historical background of the tigerstrips rather too perfunctory.I would've appreciated to know how the French Indochinese lézard pattern evolved into the tiger strips
Fourth, spelling mistakes mar this book and it's unjustifiable considering that the book is sold by a professional publisher and its price tag
Finally, the authour makes cryptic referencs to the 1990 edition of the book. Yet when I looked at the inside page for the publication data, the book was published in 1999.
Despite these glaring oversights, which can be corrected in a subsequent reprint, this book is highly recommended

EXCELLENT.......1999-06-19

This is an EXCELLENT book about Vietnam War Tiger dtripe uniforms. THis is a book for experts or for whom wants to be the Tigerstripe uniform expert. If you like to study Vietnam War stuffs. THe last thing you want to miss is this book.

The American Arsenal: The World War II Official Standard Ordnance Catalog of Artillery, Small Arms, Tanks, Armored Cars, Antiaircraft Guns, Ammunition, Grenades, Mines (Greenhill Military Paperbacks)

Average customer rating:

CONCISE CATALOG OF OFFICIAL STD. WORLD WAR 2 ORDANCE
How can you go wrong with Ian Hogg?
very comprehensive!

The American Arsenal: The World War II Official Standard Ordnance Catalog of Artillery, Small Arms, Tanks, Armored Cars, Antiaircraft Guns, Ammunition, Grenades, Mines (Greenhill Military Paperbacks)
Ian V Hogg
Manufacturer: Greenhill Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Military Science | History | Subjects | Books

Firearms & Weapons | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1853674702

Book Description

This superb large-format reference book is the ultimate illustrated guide to the equipment used by the U.S. Army during World War II. No other single source provides so much accurate and authentic detail on weapons, vehicles, ammunition and other combat equipment, together with an authoritative explanation of the development and introduction processes. The facts and figures are profusely illustrated with over 700 photographs and drawings, and set in context in the Introduction by military equipment expert Ian V. Hogg. During World War II, various military agencies produced catalogues to fill in the gaps left by the official U.S. War Department manuals. This led to inconsistent technical data appearing in different sources. In order to standardise the information and properly catalogue all the equipment, the U.S. Ordnance Department began putting together the master guide now published as The American Arsenal, covering every piece of equipment in use and being produced. Every figure, date, specification and description was authenticated by reference to Ordnance Committee Minutes and similar authorities. The vast amount of technical information included makes this an invaluable reference work.

Customer Reviews:

CONCISE CATALOG OF OFFICIAL STD. WORLD WAR 2 ORDANCE.......2006-05-10

THIS IS A CATALOG OF STANDARD ORDNANCE FROM THE OFFICIAL U.S. WORLD WAR 2 ARSENAL

IN A NUTSHELL: IT DOESN'T GET AN CLEARER OR SIMPLER THAN THIS & FULLY ILLUSTRATED TOO!

If one is at all interested in military hardware, especially from an historical standpoint, this book will be impossible to put down. Basically, most everything, from fuses, to artillery shells and pieces to mines, mortars and grenades are included. Enough useful info is included for each individual ordnance for one to realize how these weapons might best have been used and to what effect. In some cases, the penetrating power of projectiles is also included, and this is especially important with tanks, which of course were also included, complete with detailed diagrams and specs.

BOTTOM LINE: EXACTLY WHAT IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE

How can you go wrong with Ian Hogg?.......2002-08-19

This is a wonderful overview of American technology "on the ground" in WWII. One thing that I felt that Mr. Hogg might have added is some consideration of production numbers and dates as an appendix.

very comprehensive!.......2001-08-02

This catelog is very comprehensive in terms of the number of weapons used by the US in WW2. Basically it is composed of copies of the original documents. Some weapons are missing, the Colt 1911 & tommy gun, but info on them is easy to find elsewhere. Excellent diagrams of ammo & mines. I would like a little more info on some of the more obscure arms, but taken as a whole this title is an excellent reference. I would like to see more titles, as comprehensive as this, concerning the other participants of ww2.

Average customer rating:

The American Revolution - from the US point of view
A Great Read
I read fifty pages and already feel like a sucker
Clear For Action - Nelson's First in the Series is a Winner
Shiploads of authenticity

By Force of Arms (Revolution at Sea #1)
James L. Nelson
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Maddest Idea (Revolution at Sea #2)
The Continental Risque (Revolution at Sea Saga #3)
Lords of the Ocean (Revolution at Sea Trilogy #4)
All the Brave Fellows (Revolution at Sea Saga #5)
The Guardship (The Brethren of the Coast #1)

ASIN: 0671519247

Book Description

As the war for independence begins in earnest, seagoing American merchants prepare to strike the first blows. None struck more deftly than Isaac Biddlecomb, captain of the Judea, whose smuggling activities were making a mockery of His Majesty’s Royal Navy. Pursued by the HMS Rose, he sacrificed the ship he loved to the depths, together with the fortune he stood to gain, rather than surrender. He is reunited with Ezra Rumstick, a comrade and fierce rebel, as the revolution gathers momentum. On a brig bound for Jamaica, and now serving as a lowly mate, fate tests Isaac’s mettle as he is captured by the enemy and faces a life of servitude under the mad captain and sadistic crew of the H.M.S. Icarus.

Customer Reviews:

The American Revolution - from the US point of view.......2006-07-19

As an Englishwoman, naturally I have always looked at History from the UK point of view - I was fascinated by Mr Nelson's novel, it is full of adventure, - romance - sailing detail, fun ... and a refreshing insight to the opposite point of view.

I might be English but Huzzah for Isaac Biddlecomb!

And there are another four books to read in the series - double Huzzah!

A Great Read.......2005-06-23

Just discovered James L. Nelson's books, and boy am I glad I did. According to the bio in the book, Nelson is a former professional sailor, and it shows. He really knows how those ships worked! Sometimes the detail got a bit overwhelming, but the plot moved along so fast it was not a problem. The characters were very different from the dashing British naval officers we're used to, because they were not naval officers, but merchant sailors trying to figure the naval stuff out, just like it must have been.

If you like a book that is a great read, not one that will put you to sleep, I recommend James Nelson.

I read fifty pages and already feel like a sucker.......2005-01-02

"In the tradition of Patrick O'Brian" clearly means "books about guys who sail ships and shoot at each other" with no requirement whatsoever of, say, nuanced and developed characters. The inhabitants of this wretched work are so wooden and one-dimensional I had to throw the thing away lest it discourage me from ever reading a novel again.

Clear For Action - Nelson's First in the Series is a Winner.......2004-11-04

I seem to be on a James Nelson roll lately having recently read The Only Life That Mattered and the books of The Bretheren of the Coast trilogy. This is the first book in what was originally concieved as the Revolution At Sea trilogy, but has now been extended to at least five books and entitled a "Saga". Well, if the story found in the first book is representitive of what is to follow, a saga it surely will be.

Isaac Biddlecomb is the captain of the Judea as the story begins on New Year's Eve in 1775. Returning from a successful smuggling run to Barbados they are about to enter Bristol Harbor when they encounter the HMS Rose, a British Man of War sent by King George to enforce tariffs and suppress smugging. Badly damaged he decides to send his ship into the coastal rocks in order to escape and thereby sacrifices his ship and the fortune she was carring.

The Rose is commanded by Captain James Wallace who sets out to find and arrest Isaac in order to make an example of him. That action leads to a series of encounters and escapes by Biddlecomb that eventually finds him pressed into service on a British ship wheich turns out to be a true living hell until circumstances occur which place him in command of the British ship and bound for another encounter with Captain Wallace.

Nelson writes strongly and convincingly of the times in colonial America and identifies the emerging desire for independence among its people as well as giving identity to those who would have kept us loyal to the king. This is a fast moving story, packed with adventure at sea, violence, intrigue and suspense. It is a very promising start for what looks to be a terrific series of reads.

Shiploads of authenticity.......2004-04-12

Even authenticity can be overdone, and those of us who don't know our backstay from our starboard leech may at times feel drowned by the ocean of detail Nelson incorporates into his story. There is however an excellent labeled diagram of a brig of war, to help the reader. The author's storytelling skills are first rate, his handling of dialogue less good. Other reviewers have drawn attention to the anachronous 'okay'. What jarred with me was the utterly unconvincing vernacular of the British seamen.

There is no great theme, message or purpose to the story. It is a straightforward, action-stuffed nautical adventure yarn. The action is excitingly and memorably handled. It is a limited theatre of action though, for there is not much to do except shipwreck, mutiny and collide with another vessel. If you a fan of the genre, your list is probably headed by Forester and O'Brian. What better name than 'Nelson' to add to that list?

US Infantry Equipments 1775-1910 (Men-at-Arms)
Average customer rating:
US Infantry Equipments 1775-1910 (Men-at-Arms)
Philip Katcher
Manufacturer: Osprey Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Weapons & Warfare | Military | History | Subjects | Books | Biological & Chemical | Control | Conventional | Nuclear
Military Science | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

U.S. Army Combat Equipments, 1910-1988 (Men-At-Arms Series, 205)

The United States Army 1783-1811 (Men-at-Arms)

ASIN: 0850459362
Release Date: 1989-11-23

Book Description

The development of US Army infantry equipment has been a story of trial and error, of adopting new designs to meet new problems. It was not until 1910 that a whole system of equipment, including everything from the waist belts to the canteens to the cartridge-carriers to the haversack, was officially adopted. Prior to that, each piece of equipment was designed to meet a specific need, without any consideration of anything else the soldier had to carry. Packed with photographs and illustrations, this book explores the history of US Infantry equipments from 1775 to 1910, covering everything from blankets to bayonets.

Iron Arm: The Mechanization of Mussolini's Army, 1920-1940 (Stackpole Military History)

Average customer rating:

Iron Arm: The Mechanization of Mussolini's Army, 1920-1940 (Stackpole Military History)
John Joseph Timothy Sweet
Manufacturer: Stackpole Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Strategy | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Military Science | History | Subjects | Books

Iron Hulls Iron Hearts: Mussolini's Elite Armoured Divisions in North Africa
Exit Rommel: The Tunisian Campaign, 1942-43 (Stackpole Military History)
Germany's Panzer Arm in World War II (Stackpole Military History)
The Panzer Legions: A Guide to the German Army Tank Divisions of World War II and Their Commanders (Stackpole Military History)
Red Storm over the Balkans: The Failed Soviet Invasion of Romania, Spring 1944 (Modern War Studies)

ASIN: 0811733513

Book Description

A detailed study of Italy's long-ignored tank force
Explores the intersection of technology, war, and society in Mussolini's Italy
Second only to Germany in number of tank divisions, first to create an armored corps

Though overshadowed by Germany's more famous Afrika Korps, Italian tanks formed a large part of the Axis armored force that the Allies confronted--and ultimately defeated--in North Africa in the early years of World War II. Those tanks were the product of two decades of debate and development as the Italian military struggled to produce a modern, mechanized army in the aftermath of World War I. For a time, Italy stood near the front of the world's tank forces--but once war came, Mussolini's iron arm failed as an effective military force. This is the story of its rise and fall.

Cold War at 30,000 Feet: The Anglo-American Fight for Aviation Supremacy
Average customer rating:
Cold War at 30,000 Feet: The Anglo-American Fight for Aviation Supremacy
Jeffrey A. Engel
Manufacturer: Harvard University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | 20th Century | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
Aviation | Military | History | Subjects | Books
General | England | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
Arms Control | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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History of Technology | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books
All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Jet Race and the Second World War

Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA

Troublesome Young Men: The Rebels Who Brought Churchill to Power and Helped Save England

Red Moon Rising: Sputnik and the Hidden Rivalries that Ignited the Space Age

Lenin, Stalin, and Hitler: The Age of Social Catastrophe

ASIN: 0674024613

Book Description

Listen to a short interview with Jeffrey A. Engel
Host: Chris Gondek | Producer: Heron & Crane

In a gripping story of international power and deception, Jeffrey Engel reveals the "special relationship" between the United States and Great Britain in a new and far more competitive light. As allies, they fought communism. As rivals, they locked horns over which would lead the Cold War fight. In the quest for sovereignty and hegemony, one important key was airpower, which created jobs, forged ties with the developing world, and, perhaps most importantly in a nuclear world, ensured military superiority.

Only the United States and Britain were capable of supplying the post-war world's ravenous appetite for aircraft. The Americans hoped to use this dominance as a bludgeon not only against the Soviets and Chinese, but also against any ally that deviated from Washington's rigid brand of anticommunism. Eager to repair an economy shattered by war and never as committed to unflinching anticommunism as their American allies, the British hoped to sell planes even beyond the Iron Curtain, reaping profits, improving East-West relations, and garnering the strength to withstand American hegemony.

Engel traces the bitter fights between these intimate allies from Europe to Latin America to Asia as each sought control over the sale of aircraft and technology throughout the world. The Anglo-American competition for aviation supremacy affected the global balance of power and the fates of developing nations such as India, Pakistan, and China. But without aviation, Engel argues, Britain would never have had the strength to function as a brake upon American power, the way trusted allies should.

Frederick the Great's Army (3): Specialist Troops (Men-at-Arms)

Average customer rating:

Frederick the Great's Army (3): Specialist Troops (Men-at-Arms)
Philip Haythornthwaite
Manufacturer: Osprey Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Uniforms | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Military Science | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Austrian Army 1740-80 (2): Infantry (Men-at-Arms)
The Austrian Army 1740-80 (1): Cavalry (Men-at-Arms)
The Austrian Army (3) 1740-80 : Specialist Troops (Men-At-Arms Series, 280)

ASIN: 1855322250
Release Date: 1992-07-30

Book Description

Frederick the Great was not renowned as a great artillery enthusiast, however he did recognise the importance of artillery and greatly expanded the arm. Frederick was also aware of the value of strong fortifications as barriers against the manoeuvres of enemy armies, and as places of security for troops and magazines; some of these were of vital significance in the survival of Prussia during the Seven Years' War. This fascinating volume by Philip Haythornwaite examines the artillery, engineers and others specialist troops of Frederick the Great's army.

G.I. COLLECTORS GUIDE: Army Service Forces Catalog: US Army European Theater of Operations

Average customer rating:

A Living Historian's godsend
Collect your own US Army history!!!
Great reference book on WWII
Excellent reference
Very good exampels from WW11

G.I. COLLECTORS GUIDE: Army Service Forces Catalog: US Army European Theater of Operations
Henry Enjames
Manufacturer: Histoire and Collections
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Pictorials | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Uniforms | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Military | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The World War II GI: US Army Uniforms 1941-45 in Color Photographs
D-Day Paratroopers: The Americans
American Web Equipment: 1910-1967 (Europa Militaria)
U.S. Army Uniforms of World War II
German Soldiers of World War Two

ASIN: 2913903878

Book Description

This is spectacular new book from Europe's leading uniform and equipment publisher will follow in the footsteps as such classics from the past as From Doughboy to GI.

Histoire and Collections has earned a reputation for producing the finest, incredibly detailed and sumptuously illustrated books. Their technique reaches a new level with this latest book.

All the uniforms, insignia, badges, weapons and equipment of the ETO are described in detail and depicted in both photographs and full color graphics.

This book is a must for any collector in the field.

Customer Reviews:

A Living Historian's godsend.......2007-05-25

As a World War II reenactor, there have been plenty of times when I've wanted to double check the information on a particular item. I'd seen this book for sale at a couple of shows, but shied away from the price. Finding it at Amazon for much less sealed the deal.

Want to ID a division patch? Need to know where the "U.S." pin belongs on the service coat? Found a old military wool overcoat in the closet and want to know more about it? These questions and much more can be answered with this fantastic book. It has helped me several times, both before and after a militaria purchase. Dress uniforms, cold weather gear, equipment, weapons... everything you'd expect and everything you wouldn't. Gear for chaplains, female personnel, signal corps, engineers. Want to know what a Medical Department food tray looked like? Snow shoes by the Mountain troops? How about a company field desk? Chemical Department gloves? Ever wonder about what kind of cigarettes were included with the rations? Wonder no more. Just about the only area the book doesn't cover is anything to do with the Army Air Forces, which is a pity.

If I had known about the treasure trove of information that this book held within it's pages, I'd have scooped it up years ago. I anticipate using it for research for years to come.

Collect your own US Army history!!!.......2007-05-24

This book was recommended to me by a fellow US Army collector / enthusiast. It gives superb descriptions of each item, as well as detailed pictures. Since purchasing this book, I have realised just how valuable some of my collection is - & have also discovered the history behind some items that I thought were not that important. A must for any US Army enthusiast.

Great reference book on WWII.......2007-05-14

This is the best reference book for collectors of WWII memorabilia and artifacts out there. Profusely illustrated and invaluable.

Excellent reference.......2007-05-12

This is the penultimate guide to ETO gear. As a ww2 reeneactor it is often hard to tell exactly what's what while sifting through piles of stuff at the local surplus place. this book is a great help. the only negative i have is that there are very few pictures of gear in situ, so that makes it hard to tell exactly how a piece was worn/used in the field.

Very good exampels from WW11.......2007-03-22

This is a very unique view of private European collections of militaria that you don't get to see state side. Alot of stuff was just left when we came home and some of the smart people over there started colections. Thanks to the author we get to share this treasure.

The Austrian Army 1740-80 (2): Infantry (Men-at-Arms)

Average customer rating:

Great for painting minatures

The Austrian Army 1740-80 (2): Infantry (Men-at-Arms)
Philip Haythornthwaite
Manufacturer: Osprey Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Austria | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

Hungary | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Military Science | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Austrian Army 1740-80 (1): Cavalry (Men-at-Arms)
The Austrian Army (3) 1740-80 : Specialist Troops (Men-At-Arms Series, 280)
Frederick the Great's Army (Men-at-Arms)
Zorndorf 1758: Frederick faces Holy Mother Russia (Campaign)
Peter the Great's Army (2) : Cavalry (Men-At-Arms, 264)

ASIN: 1855324180
Release Date: 1994-11-14

Book Description

At the accession of Maria Theresa in 1740, the Austro-Hungarian army included 52 infantry regiments, of which three were Hungarian, three Netherlandish and one Italian. The remainder drew their recruits not only from the Habsburg territories, including Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia (the last being lost to Prussia in 1742), but from the autonomous states of the Holy Roman Empire and beyond. The proportion of Hungarian raised regiments was set to rise in the coming years though - indeed 'foreign' personnel comprised an important part of the military etablishment. This title, the second in a sequence of three, details the organisation, uniform and equipment of the cosmopolitan Austrian Army from 1740-80, focusing on infantry troops.

Customer Reviews:

Great for painting minatures.......2000-05-19

In this book you will find many pictures of the infantry's uniforms. This helped me because I am in a Seven Years' War Minatures Club. If you need any book like this stay at this site and you will find many more books of interest on this subject.

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