Many books have been written about military parachuting, in particular about famous parachute operations like Crete and Arnhem in the Second World War and notable parachute units like the British Parachute Regiment and the US 101st Airborne Division, but no previous book has covered the entire history of the use of the parachute in warfare. That is why Nikolaos Theotokis’s study is so valuable. He traces in vivid detail the development of parachuting over the last hundred years and describes how it became a standard tactic in twentieth-century conflicts. As well as depicting a series of historic parachute operations all over the world, he recognizes the role of airmen in the story, for they were the first to use the parachute in warfare when they jumped from crippled aeroplanes in combat conditions Adapting the parachute for military purposes occurred with extraordinary speed during the First World War and, by the time of the Second World War, it had become an established technique for special operations and offensive actions on a large scale. The range of parachute drops and parachute-led attacks was remarkable, and all the most dramatic examples from the world wars and lesser conflicts are recounted in this graphic and detailed study. The role played by parachute troops as elite infantry is also a vital part of the narrative, as is the way in which techniques of air assault have evolved since the 1970s.

The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Gold Book March 2021 is a reference publication that reflects the current doctrine, organization, and capabilities of the 101st Airborne Division. It incorporates the latest tactics, techniques, procedures, and lessons learned during the last 19 years of combat operations while maintaining focus to defeat the threats of tomorrow. Significant changes in this edition include an updated doctrinal hierarchy, the clarification of AASLT planning events and requirements, refined roles and responsibilities, a streamlined air assault planning process, Gold Book nesting with emerging and current aviation doctrine, refined Cherry and Ice definitions. and updated Appendices conforming to current doctrine and identified best practices. This manual serves as the guiding document for the 101" Airborne Division to conduct platoon to brigade sized air assaults. deep into enemy territory, within 96 hours of issuing an operations order, in order to achieve objectives in support of the Joint force. The intent is that this manual exists as a living document and benefits not only the 101". but also every other division and organization in the Army and across the Joint Force.

Operation Mercury, the German airborne assault on the island of Crete in May 1941, was the first strategic use of airborne forces in history. The assault began on 20 May, with landings near the island's key airports, and reinforcements the next day allowed the German forces to capture one end of the runway at Maleme. By 24 May, the Germans were being reinforced by air on a huge scale and on 1 June Crete surrendered. This book describes how desperately close the battle had been and explains how German losses so shocked the Führer that he never again authorised a major airborne operation.

"A trio of breathtaking tales highlights daring paras and glider-borne assault troops, dedicated men trained to defeat the Nazis, no matter what the personal cost. Read about their mission to blow up a giant oil refinery on an enemy-occupied Dutch island, their bid to destroy a rocket base producing atomic warheads for Nazi Germany, and their glider raids against German troops in France and Italy"--Publisher.

The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Gold Book describes the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used to execute air assault operations in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). It is intended to be a how to guide for those serving in our division and those modular units who will be employed with the Division in training and combat operations. This current version of the Gold Book reflects changes in doctrine, organization, training, and lessons learned from recent combat operations.

101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Gold Book - February 2019 Air Assault Handbook. The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) has a long and rich heritage. As the world's only functional Air Assault Division, the 101st Airborne has pioneered the development of Air Assault tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs). These tactics were quantifiably demonstrated in 1991 during Operation Desert Storm and most recently during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. We are currently at war with dangerous and adaptive terrorist forces in complex environments. Simultaneously, the Division must remain poised to confront peer threats on a conventional battlefield. In response, the Division continually refines its TTPs, exploiting our unique capabilities to defeat our nation's enemies. References such as FM 3-99 Airborne and Air Assault Operations capture basic Air Assault Doctrine. These manuals' currency fluctuates in the changing environment and do not often capture the required level of detail. Therefore, the Gold Book serves to describe those TTPs unique to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). It is intended to be a "how-to" guide for those serving in the Division and those modular units who will be employed with the Division in training and combat operations. The Gold Book retains a focus on brigade and battalion air assault task forces. To address the demands of current operations, information on smaller scale air assaults and supporting operations is included. Regardless of echelon, the fundamentals of air assault planning and execution remain the same and are based on air assault doctrine. FM 3-99 Airborne and Air Assault Operations and the baseline skills taught in The Sabalauski Air Assault School. The Gold Book also addresses the role of aviation brigades and their supporting relationship to the Air Assault Task Force Commander (AATFC).Within the Screaming Eagles, familiarity and proficiency with the Gold Book standards are critical for this Division to perform air assault operations routinely both in training and combat. Regular reviews of the Gold Book ensure incorporation of wartime lessons learned and changes in Doctrine, Organization, Training, Material, Leadership & Education, Personnel, and Facilities (DOTMLPF) related to air assault operations. The Gold Book is a key tool by which the Division prepares for its next "Rendezvous with Destiny." Air Assault!

Airborne warfare reached its peak during World War II - the only war in which the potential gains of using airborne tactics ever justified the great costs, both material and human. The revolutionary developments in tactics and equipment meant that whole divisions could now be inserted behind enemy lines to initiate surprise attacks. However, the risks taken by these brave soldiers, both Allied and Axis, cannot be overstated, with horrific losses suffered by both sides. This book gives an overview of airborne warfare during World War II, looking not at the German, American and British paratroopers involved in the war, covering their recruitment, training, tactics and battle conduct, and the battles they fought. Covering Operation Mercury - the German assault on the island of Crete in 1941 and the first strategic use of airborne forces in history - the tragic British attack on Arnhem in 1944 and the American airborne assault near Utah Beach on D-Day, this book traces the evolution of airborne warfare throughout the war and gives an insight into the experiences of the brave men who dropped into battle.