In 1976 Maj. James Capers Jr. welcomed new men and their families into a force reconnaissance company. 'Only the most capable Marines are selected for this duty due to rigid mental and physical demands. A very thorough screening of each applicant is conducted ... to test alertness and endurance. The result is a small elite unit with highly qualified Marines who are considered the best in the world'. Ex-Marine Charles D Melson examines the history, equipment and insignia of the Marine's amphibious and ground long-range patrol reconnaissance specialists in this volume which contains a wealth of photographs and 12 full page colour plates by Paul Hannon.

Charles Melson joined the Marines in 1967. Among other conflicts, his service included the war in Vietnam. From 1986, he was a writer with the Marine Corps Historical Centre and a working member of the Marine Corps Uniform Board. His work for Osprey includes Elite 43: Vietnam Marines 1865-73 and Warroir 23: US Marine in Vietnam 1965-73. Paul Hannon is based in London and is a highly experienced military artist who has produced artwork for several Osprey volumes, including Men-at-Arms 169: Resistance Warfare 1940-45 and Elite 57: The Royal Marines 1939-93.