The Close-Combat Files of Colonel Rex Applegate

[Paladin]

The Close-Combat Files of Colonel Rex Applegate The Close-Combat Files of Colonel Rex Applegate

Classic book on how the OSS trained for Close-Combat in WW2. The history explained in this book was once classified and is fascinating. Most importantly these techniques can be learned quickly.

From what Eric Haney indicated in his book Inside Delta Force, Delta Force used these same shooting techniques in the 1970s and 80s.

[LDB415]

Yikes. Hafta hope to run across a copy at a yard sale in the all books 50c box.

[Allons]

Yikes. Hafta hope to run across a copy at a yard sale in the all books 50c box.

Same thing I was thinking.

[Paladin]

Wow! Price has gone up a lot!

At the OSS, Applegate trained with Fairbairn and Sykes and refined their methods via WW2 combat experience.

"Wild Bill" Donovan had Applegate train 10,000 men of all backgrounds at the US Army Military Intelligence Training Center at Camp Ritchie Maryland.

At times Applegate only had a few hours to train intelligence agents who would deploy behind enemy lines how to fight with and without firearms. Because these activities were classified they were not widely known, but their methods were found to be successful.

While "Kill or Get Killed" doesn't cover the history, a lot of info is covered in the field manual Kill or Get Killed

[Paladin]

Fairbairn and Sykes documented their methods in Shooting to Live

It's worth noting the history behind the British adopting Fairbairn and Sykes's methods. What Fairbairn and Sykes developed in Shanghai was generally rejected in England. Their method's weren't politically correct in an emasculated country like England. But after Dunkirk (June 1940), what was left of the British army was unarmed. British civilians were also generally unarmed and un-prepared... while the German army got ready for an invasion of Great Britain in July 1940 (Operation Sea Lion):

As England, in spite of her hopeless military situation, still shows no signs of willingness to come to terms, I have decided to prepare, and if necessary to carry out, a landing operation against her. The aim of this operation is to eliminate the English Motherland as a base from which the war against Germany can be continued, and, if necessary, to occupy the country completely.

- Adolf Hitler

While Fairbairn and Sykes method's weren't politically correct in the UK, the British desperately needed them to prepare home guards for local defense and stay-behind parties for intelligence and sabotage. Fairbairn and Sykes were recalled to England to train instructors, police, civil defense, and home guards. They later shared their knowledge with US personnel.

[howdy]

I would say it is a very pricey book:

[Paladin]

I would say it is a very pricey book:

My copy was $25. With Paladin Press ceasing operations, its hard to say when reprints will be available.