Behind the Lines: The Evolution of United States Air Force Special Operations traces the development of one of the most specialized and demanding missions in American airpower.
From the earliest unconventional air operations and World War II Air Commandos through the Cold War, Vietnam, the post-9/11 era, and the modern Air Force Special Operations Command, David Burnell examines the people, aircraft, doctrine, missions, and strategic changes that shaped Air Force special operations.
The book explores how specialized airmen and units adapted to missions that often required operating far from conventional support, integrating with joint and special operations forces, and solving problems that did not fit neatly within traditional military structures. It follows the evolution of specialized aircraft, rescue and infiltration missions, unconventional warfare support, mobility, precision operations, and the changing demands placed on Air Force special operations across different eras.
Rather than focusing on a single conflict or unit, Behind the Lines presents a broader historical view of how Air Force special operations developed, adapted, and became an essential part of modern American military capability.
Written for military-history readers, veterans, aviation enthusiasts, researchers, and anyone interested in the evolution of special operations, this book provides an accessible look at the history behind the missions conducted beyond the conventional front lines.
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