OUTPOST: A Viet Nam War Novel

by David L. Allin

Outposting was a common mission for the infantrymen of Triple Deuce; first they guarded the Army engineers who used their metal detectors to find land mines on the Main Supply Route, and then they set up outposts along the MSR to provide security for the supply convoys. The duty was usually safe and boring. Until it wasn’t. Sergeant Frank Harris, the new squad leader in Third Platoon, Charlie Company, was dealing with the usual problems of leadership, along with romantic problems on the home front, when the outposts started to become targets. While the Tet Offensive raged in the cities of South Viet Nam, Harris’s platoon was dealing with local Viet Cong guerillas who were disrupting the supply lines of the American soldiers in the outlying districts. When sudden changes in platoon leadership further complicated things, Harris had to rise to the occasion. The outposts were under attack, but who was the enemy? This fast-paced and explosive novel explores the daily dangers of mechanized infantry in Viet Nam and an elusive enemy who could be anybody.

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2025

Reviews

[Louis N. Webber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly good well written book. It portrays the growth of a young NCO and his understanding of his responsibilities to his men as well as his duty. As a retired Senior Noncommissioned Officer the leadership traits the Author shows in his main character leads me to wonder if he has had these experiences himself. The duties and responsibilities placed on the young men and women the armed forces weigh heavily. Especially in Combat. This Author portrays that well indeed. I recommend this book highly to anyone. The second book is as good as the first. I await the next volume and hope it will not be long coming.

[John Podlaski · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read every Vietnam War book by David Allin and looked forward to reading Outpost. I found it to be a slow read with much repetitiveness and didn't get going until the last 25% of the story. I was also disappointed with the number of typos throughout the book...looks like this one didn't see an editor. The storyline is promising and follows a newly minted E-5 squad leader who steps up during the final battle. In the absence of the lieutenant who went on R&R, a higher-ranked sergeant took over the platoon and wreaked havoc in the interim. I recommend his other books...this one, not so much.

[Kristie Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exhilarating and thoroughly captivating experience that keeps you fully engaged from start to fin

I was thoroughly captivated by this book, finding it both engaging and effortlessly digestible. The narrative flowed smoothly, holding my attention from start to finish. Despite a brief interruption involving Harris and what seemed to be a reference to a prom-related incident, the overall reading experience was highly satisfying and memorable.

[Derek smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a compelling read. As a Vietnam veteran (Australian) myself, I could understand the whole story. The author put me right there with the APC's. David Allin paints very vivid pictures of both day and night for the guys who were on that front line - The Outpost. Well constructed. A really good read.

[James K Kivell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whole series a should read

The main characters continue to grow, each book has a different focus, and contains things from some of the stories heard at the VFW and AL halls. I wasn't there as I joined in June of 75 and retired in 95. You should enjoy this book and series.

[Bill Elston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Story, getting a ferl for the personal side too.

While a fictional novel it was written well and seemed very accurate it it’s telling. Allin does a very good job as a the story feels real and moves along without any glitches. Well worth your time.

[Bobby · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great read

Being a Vietnam veteran with a mechanized unit in the central highlands I can identify with many of the stories shared in this novel. Keep em coming

[Gregory Close · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable characters

Wish it had a sequel good plot and thorough description. I was mech infantry and drove a 113 not in combat though