Economy of Force

by Phil Ward

Leros has been a catastrophe. The Germans invaded, overran and captured the island leaving Castelrozzo (ABC) as the last one still in Allied hands. The Luftwaffe now has air superiority over the entire Aegean Theatre of Operations. Neither the U.S. nor Royal Navy will risk capital ships in the AO due to the threat posed by enemy air. The Long Range Desert Group has been reduced to approximately fifty patrolmen. The fabled reconnaissance unit is now attached to Raiding Forces as is the Small Boat Service which also suffered heavy causalities. Middle East Headquarters is paralyzed by the extent of the debacle caused by their bad command decisions which resulted in a total defeat of British Forces in the theatre. On ABC, Col. John Randal sees opportunity. Raiding Forces goes over to the attack.

375 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2023

About the author

Phil Ward is a decorated combat veteran commissioned at age nineteen. A former instructor at the Army Ranger School, he has had a lifelong interest in small unit tactics and special operations. He lives in Texas on a mountain overlooking Lake Austin.

Reviews

[Gary Pickersgill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing.

I think Phil Ward is having probs keeping up his writing tempo. Too much training information and thoughts on young inexperienced sildiers line of thinking. But..... Once again I have to ask. When's the next one coming out Phil??😁

[Peter Hendrycks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book highlights an important point in the war, that all commanders had to deal with. Integrating replacements into their units to offset those KIA. In Randals case, he is having to re train them so they are able to perform up to unit standards, and minimize the risk of them being killed. Raiding Forces also is having to change tactics, adjusting to the different scopes and locations of where they are needed. This cannot be easy! It is fun to read about how Randal copes. Mr Ward continues to do an excellent job describing the scenes, weapons, and tactics, however he relies heavily on the use of military acronyms. The glossary at the end makes understanding these easier. The war is ratcheting up. Looking forward to the next book!

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, at last another book!

I enjoy reading this series of books except for one thing. It was explained in the first of the story the reason for listing the rank, full name and nickname of each character as a sign of respect. To me sometimes it slows down the action of the scene. Also if respect is to be shown then how do the girls get away with calling Colonel Randall by his first name John or even Johnny?

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Referring this series

Working in in the health care field brings me in contact with at least a dozen people per day. Getting into light conversation helps people relax. If I find out that a playing is a reader and enjoys his tidal fiction I always refer them to this series. I like the characters and enjoy their adventures around the world. Thank you Mr Ward for a great series.

[Andrew Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raiding Forces is back.

Very glad to see the next RF book. The unique and often eccentric true to life period characters are individuals with human quirks and failings who step up and get the job done. Quality writing with thorough technical details provides a solid background to good storytelling. Can't wait for the next book.

[CATHY BARBER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three shots

Another hit from Phil Ward. Great characters, excitement,intriguing, fast paced. This is another chapter of World War Two raids against the German islands. Looking forward to the next installment. Great and fun reads.

[Ed Obarowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Raiding Forces novel by Phil Ward. I thoroughly enjoyed this outing and had to pace myself so as not to read it all in 2 days. I am already anticipating the next book, as I just cannot get enough of the action and camaraderie I love in these books.

[Michael W. Gray Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

slow at first

It started slow bc the story needed to be refreshed bc it’s been awhile once caught up it was another well done book didn’t disappoint.

[Paul R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!

Another great one!!! A+s+ + + a+ AAAA. +++++ a a a a A Z A A A A A

[Tom Brophy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real must read

As always Phil ward has delivered. Is one of the best series I've ever read.
Great action drama and humor

[Scott Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a good read.

Thoroughly enjoy all of the Raiding Forces books. I would love to see a Television series like Reacher or Bosch. Nice work Phil.

[James E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

Another exciting story -- probably the best exemplar of a wonderfully evolving style -- seems effortless, but we know it's not.

[John Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still enjoy the story lines, but his writing style is a little repetitive.

[Chris Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read!

Phil Ward has done it again! Another fast paced, Raiding Forces adventure. Can't wait for the next one.

Well done!

[Robert W Waterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Novel was better than I expected. Would love to read more by this author. Very entertaining.
Please send more aling.

[Pamela Bartlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of lessons learned....

I never served. But reading these books, it becomes obvious way before you read the "About the Author" notes that he has.

Oddly enough, even without combat experience, one can learn a great deal about leadership, pre-planning, operation execution etc which is important for EVERY TEAM.

I have enjoyed this series and look forward to future "editions."