Sword Point

Acknowledgments

In putting this project together, I was assisted by a number of references and people. While it is not possible to name all the sources or people, I would like to acknowledge those books that were most useful and those people who were most helpful.

Those books that were invaluable, in order of priority, were:

Iran: A Country Study (DA PAM 550-68), fourth printing, edited by Richard F. Nyrop, published by the U.S. Government Printing Office.

U.S.-Soviet Military Balance, 1960–1980, by John M. Collins, published by McGraw-Hill Book Company.

Whirlwind, by James Clavell, published by William Morrow and Company, Inc.

Revolutionary Iran: Challenge and Response in the Middle East, by R. K. Ramazani, published by The John Hopkins University Press.

How to Make War, by James Dunnigan, published by William Morrow and Company, Inc.

The U.S. Rapid Deployment Forces, by David Eshel, published by Arco Publishing, Inc.

USAF.E.: A Primer of Modern Air Combat in Europe, by Michael Skinner, published by Presidio Press.

A number of people assisted in the effort by reading, editing and commenting on the rough drafts as well as providing technical assistance. I owe a great deal to them for their patience, their assistance and their willingness to give of their time. They include Tom Clancy, mentor; Jan Ciganick, good friend; William L. Nash, Lieutenant Colonel, Armor; David Hilliard, Major, Field Artillery; Mat Kriwanek, Major, Infantry; Don King, Major, Mississippi National Guard, Field Artillery; Kevin Grady, Major, U.S. Air Force; Joanne Moore, Major, U.S. Air Force; Mark Gumpf, Captain, Airborne Infantry.

Finally, I owe a great deal to my wife, Pat, for her encouragement and tolerance, and to my children for patience above and beyond the call of duty.

To all those who contributed and assisted in making this book a reality, thanks.