• Topical guide to special forces operations • Written by a foremost authority on military and police techniques • Has direct relevance to the internal security of the UK and USA World-renowned expert in the fields of counter-terrorism, hostage rescue and VIP protection, Leroy Thompson has produced a comprehensive guide to counter-insurgency. His experience both in the field and in training showcase the latest methods and technologies available and this fully illustrated book reveals many of the secrets of his trade. Counter-insurgency is fast becoming one of the most important aspects of police and military work around the world, with forces often deployed at short notice to fight against an ill-defined enemy. With this in mind, Leroy Thompson describes the techniques best employed in a variety of situations, all illustrated with pictures and explained with examples of their use. He stresses that the primary concern in every situation ought to be a 'Hearts and Minds' style operation comprising an attempt to achieve objectives without the use of force - it is only after all such possibilities have failed that the use of force should be considered, and then only by highly trained special forces operatives. The very political nature of counter-insurgency operations means that operatives are often working under extremely tense and delicate circumstances. The operations are often extremely violent and short-lived, but Thompson emphasises that they must be part of a wider political, social or economic goal and solution for success to be achieved. This book has a wider significance for anyone with an interest in world security. Leroy Thompson has trained military and police hostage rescue and VIP protection teams around the world and has published a number of books and articles on the subject.