Recondo: LRRPs in the 101st Airborne

Recondo: LRRPs in the 101st Airborne recounts author Larry Chambers' experiences as a Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol soldier in Vietnam during 1968-1969. Operating deep behind enemy lines, Chambers served with an elite unit tasked with gathering intelligence and conducting covert operations. The book details the intensive training at the Recondo School in Nha Trang, where soldiers learned advanced jungle warfare techniques and survival skills. Chambers describes the day-to-day reality of small-team missions, equipment preparation, and the constant tension of operating in hostile territory. The narrative covers several key operations and missions undertaken by Chambers' unit during their deployment with the 101st Airborne Division. Through firsthand accounts, the book documents the tactics, procedures, and challenges faced by LRRP teams in Vietnam. This memoir provides insight into one of the lesser-known aspects of the Vietnam War while exploring themes of brotherhood, survival, and the psychological impact of conducting high-risk reconnaissance missions.

Readers highlight this book's detailed firsthand account of LRRP operations and intense combat experiences. Vietnam veterans confirm the authenticity of the descriptions and tactics. Multiple reviews note the book provides insight into the psychological toll of combat. Liked: - Raw, unfiltered combat narratives - Clear explanations of LRRP procedures and operations - Personal stories of individual soldiers - Historical photos and maps Disliked: - Some found the writing style basic - A few readers wanted more context about the broader war - Limited coverage of post-war experiences Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (490 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (386 ratings) Notable reader comments: "Puts you right there in the jungle" - Amazon reviewer "One of the most honest accounts of Vietnam combat" - Goodreads reviewer "No politics or fluff, just the reality of what LRRPs faced" - Military History forum member

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Six Silent Men: 101st LRP/Rangers by Reynel Martinez Chronicles of Long Range Patrol missions in Vietnam, focusing on the same unit as Chambers but from different perspectives and time periods.

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Eyes Behind The Lines by Gary A. Linderer Memoir of a Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol team leader in Vietnam describing patrol operations and combat encounters while serving with the 101st Airborne Division.

Acceptable Loss by Kregg P. Jorgenson Account of an elite LRP/Ranger unit conducting covert missions in Vietnam's A Shau Valley and other contested areas.

🪖 Author Larry Chambers was one of the youngest NCOs in LRRP history, earning his sergeant stripes at just 19 years old. 🏆 The 101st Airborne's LRRP teams had one of the highest enemy contact rates of any unit in Vietnam, engaging the enemy on approximately 90% of their missions. 🎖️ "Recondo" training at the MACV Recondo School in Nha Trang had a 35% failure rate, making it one of the most challenging military schools during the Vietnam War. 🛥️ The book details how LRRP teams often operated deep in enemy territory for 5-6 days at a time, with teams of just 4-6 men gathering intelligence and conducting reconnaissance. 🪂 The term "Recondo" is a combination of Reconnaissance, Commando, and Doughboy - coined by Major Lewis Millet at the Ranger Department in Fort Benning, Georgia.