I'll begin by saying that the average civilian with no military background could learn a lot about the 82nd from this book. I do not, however, understand why a man would spend the time and energy writing a book and not get the facts straight. If there was something he wasn't sure on, he should have either left it out or asked the right people. If the PAO's restricted him, I understand. But I don't think that was the case. I was in B 2/504 PIR at the time this book was written and he could have stopped any grunt on the street and asked. For an example, I will use his errors in reporting on the weapons systems used in the infantry companies. Yes, the M240G and the MK19 are both used, however they certainly aren't found in the "heavy weapons platoon" of the rifle company. Anyone slightly familiar with the 82nd that the division doesn't have heavy weapon platoons in the rifle companies. Also the M224 mortar is supposedly used by the "heavy weapons squads" of the rifle platoon. Rifle paltoons do have weapons squads, but they do not contain mortars. The M224 is found in the headquarters platoon in the mortar section. Other errors such as these are numerous. In closing, I will say that if you enjoy military reading, go for it. But don't use Clancy's facts in a bar argument with a former airborne infantryman. Take what he says with a grain of salt.