
Danger Close: Tactical Air Controllers in Afghanistan and Iraq
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
3 months free
Buy for $24.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Claton Butcher
-
By:
-
Steve Call
"America had a secret weapon," writes Steve Call of the period immediately following September 11, 2001, as planners contemplated the invasion of Afghanistan. This weapon consisted of small teams of Special Forces operatives trained in close air support (CAS) who, in cooperation with the loose federation of Afghan rebels opposed to the Taliban regime, soon began achieving impressive - and unexpected - military victories over Taliban forces and the al-Qaeda terrorists they had sponsored. The astounding success of CAS tactics coupled with ground operations in Afghanistan soon drew the attention of military decision makers and would eventually factor into the planning for another campaign: Operation Iraqi Freedom.
But who, exactly, are these air-power experts and what is the function of the TACPs (Tactical Air Control Parties) in which they operate? Danger Close provides a fascinating look at a dedicated, courageous, innovative, and often misunderstood and misused group of military professionals.
Drawing on the gripping first-hand accounts of their battlefield experiences, Steve Call allows the TACPes to speak for themselves. He accompanies their narratives with informed analysis of the development of CAS strategy, including potentially controversial aspects of the interservice rivalries between the Air Force and the Army, which have at times complicated and even obstructed the optimal employment of TACP assets. Danger Close makes clear, however, that the systematic coordination of air power and ground forces played an invaluable supporting role in the initial military victories in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
This first-ever examination of the intense, life-and-death world of the close air support specialist will introduce listeners to a crucial but little-known aspect of contemporary warfare and add a needed chapter in American military history studies.
This book is published by Texas A&M University Press. It is part of the Williams-Ford Texas A&M University Military History Series.
©2007 Steve Call (P)2012 Redwood AudiobooksListeners also enjoyed...




















Critic reviews
People who viewed this also viewed...

Great narrator
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Steve did a tremendous job of explaining the role of the TACPes and using the 1st hand experiences to bring to life the responsibility and the ability they had and how they made a difference in the battles. I came away with a new appreciation for what our men in uniforms do in the battlefields and the real danger that they face in those battles. I also came to understand this un-known team of men that make a major impact on the success of the United States in these wars.
Claton did a great job of narrating the book. He was able to read it with enough emotion to keep it alive, but was able to let me get my emotions tied up in the story. His voice is alive and really read well with the book.
I noticed that there was a one star rating. I don't how anyone who reads or listens to this book can come away without being in awe of what these men do to fulfill their duty and protect freedom around the world. I would recommend that if you haven't listened to this book that you do so and you to will be amazed at the wonderful work this special team of men do to make a real difference in the wars that are fought. Danger Close was written well by Steve Call and read well by Claton Butcher.
Riveting, Enlightening, and Sobering
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
good book
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
The actually audio presentation has a couple of repeated sections and several blank sections. If these were redacted sections, there should be a beep or something to let the user know that it’s not simply poor production quality.
The speaker lacked any sort of enthusiasm. Reminds me of the teacher in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
Given all of this, it’s still worth getting and listening to as the subject matter Carrie’s the book.
Great Story; Clinical Presentation
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Old & Outdated
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Like listening to a child trying to read Dr. Seuss
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
What would have made Danger Close: Tactical Air Controllers in Afghanistan and Iraq better?
A narrator with some feeling in his voice. Less political history and more stories of the actual air controller battle history. The narration was deadpan!How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?
More battlefield action or technical explanation as to what it takes to bring various air assets on targets.What didn’t you like about Claton Butcher’s performance?
Deadpan and monotonousYou didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?
I found some of the stories to be excellent. I just wish someone else would have told them.Need a new Narrator
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
No story or characters.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.