Special Forces Berlin

"... a story that had to be told, and who better to tell it than Chief Warrant Officer James Stejskal who has established his credentials as a historian and researcher in various articles as well as his seminal work on the Swakop River Campaign and World War I in South West Africa The Horns of the Beast. In addition, his service in the US Army Special Forces in Berlin during the 1970s and 80s gives him the insight to comment cogently on that portion of US Army Special Forces history that impacted on the doctrine of both urban unconventional warfare and counter terror operations. ... a historical record without which the story of United States Army Special Forces would not be complete. Congratulations to Chief Stejskal on an excellent work of military history." ~CSM Jeffrey Raker, US Army Special Forces (Retired), The Drop: The Journal of the Special Forces Association, Summer 2016

“...part of the book is straight out of a le Carré plot. The Cold War in Europe is an often overlooked part of American military history because it stayed cold. But as this book shows, for the men serving on the front lines next to the Iron Curtain, conflict was always a real possibility that could happen at any time. Their sacrifice and service helped ensure the eventual collapse of communism in Eastern Europe and the peaceful reunification of Germany.” ~New York Journal of Books

"James Stejskal has performed a great service to not only Special Forces but to the national security community by researching and writing this highly readable and anecdote filled history of one of the most unsung military organizations in the Cold War... this is one of the best examples of applied unconventional warfare in special operations history." ~Small Wars Journal

"Reads like a thriller for much of the time - a small, select force ready for action should the Soviets escalate their activities in Western Europe - nothing much has changed in the last sixty years or so!" ~Books Monthly

“More akin to a spy thriller...Truly a fascinating time, which this intriguing book examines from an entirely fresh perspective.” ~History of War

"Far too often, unit histories are a combination of tall tales, in-jokes, and details without any context. [Stejskal has] succeeded in placing a very small and unknown unit in the larger context of the Cold War in Europe, producing an account that is historically accurate and judicious and yet enjoyable to read. This study is rewarding for anyone interested in the Cold War, Special Forces, or Berlin. In fact, this is a considerable achievement, a contribution to history that gives the reader a micro-view of the realities of military life." ~Col. Jonathan House, American Military Historian and Author

“This in-depth history of a little-known military organization is written by one of its veterans. It details the myriad ways in which these soldiers planned, trained, and prepared to fight the next global conflagration in East Germany. They also carried out clandestine missions, and as their reputation grew they were even drawn into operation involving Iran during the hostage crisis of the late 1970s. All of this is laid out in the sort of stark detail only a true participant can convey.” ~Military Heritage

“James Stejskal tells an important story… This book is excellent and it is well written.” ~International Journal of Intelligence and Counterintelligence, Vol. 31, Issue 1

“A fascinating look inside special ops in the Cold War period.” ~The Armourer

“This book is excellent and it is well written. One characteristic the Directorate of Operations and the Directorate of Intelligence at CIA had in common: understandable diction. Every sentence and every word is understandable.” ~International Journal of Intelligence and Counterintelligence

“…an invaluable resource to historians and policymakers on the history of a unique special operations force… James Stejskal has done a huge service to his Nation and the special operations community by diligently creating this work—it truly shows how special operations forces are strategic assets for the United States. More importantly, however, it is a huge testament to the professionalism of the soldiers who served in Berlin in Detachment A and Physical Security Support Element-Berlin B during the Cold War years of 1956–1990.” ~Col Thomas C. Greenwood, USMC (Ret), Marine Corps Gazette

"Special Forces Berlin is a must-read for military historians and should be mandatory reading for future generations of professional military leaders. In addition to adding to the body of knowledge of the Cold War years, the author—himself a former Green Beret—has lifted the veil of secrecy surrounding an elite Special Forces organization. The incredible story of these unsung heroes needed to be told. Stejskal has helped bring Special Forces Berlin in from the cold." ~Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmie W. Spencer, ARMY

"...impressively informative, expertly organized and presented, making it a unique and unreservedly recommended addition to community, college, and university library Cold War era Intelligence & Espionage History collections." ~Midwest Book Review

"[Stejskal's] intimate knowledge of special operations in Berlin, personal experiences, and passion shine through in his writing, resulting in an enjoyable and engaging book that places readers in the visual environment he creates." ~Parameters

"This is a book in which the author colorfully and engagingly describes many of the unit's activities with such detail and tension such that sections of this book are every bit as page-turning as a Robert Ludlum thriller." ~Globe at War

"...a decent and valuable study of a little-known topic whose significance is enhanced by the continuing challenges in the US-Russia strategic relationship in Europe and elsewhere." ~Studies in Intelligence

“With this excellent telling, James Stejskal has made an important contribution on several levels to our acknowledged history of US Army Special Forces and the development of today’s American special operations capability. The book recognizes a unit, the members of which were among the most impactful of giants on whose shoulders the current special operators stand, whether in the SF groups or in the most clandestine of our special operations ‘SMU’ outfits… Their exploits, known to few by design, but long rumored can now be shared with the public and SOF professionals. It is fitting too that the unit be recognized and her members honored before time finishes with these great men." ~LTG Charles T. Cleveland, US Army (Retired)

"…an important addition to the history of American guerrilla warfare..." ~Military Review

"...a dramatically gripping account..." ~Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International