This book is a "must read" for anyone interested in understanding life in a combat infantry battalion in Vietnam or understanding the tactical problems facing us today in fighting terrorism against the US. The author is one of the few men on the national scene who can write about these topics on a "been there, done that" basis.Most impressive to me was that the book is heavily laden with extensive quotes by members of the Hardcore Battalion rather than just the author's own recollections. It's graphic, thorough and credible. Additionally, the book's final chapter does an excellent job of relating the story of the Hardcore Battalion in 1969 Vietnam to the challenges now facing the US armed forces in carrying out the war against terrorism. Definately worth reading.