What's your take on the accuracy in detail of WEB Griffin? Bonus points for those who link to a source.

2015-02-28T14:43:08-05:00

I was digging through my goodreads bookshelves and decided to write a review of one of the books that I've read many times. I suspect that they are highly accurate down to most of the details, but have yet to really dig into any good non-fiction from that era. I would love to hear from those who have read more and /or were there. Here's a copy / paste from my goodreads post for those who are interested:

I love this series, and often wonder about the big historical points, like the development of army aviation as a radical new idea against the will of the establishment. Is that how it really happened?

And the units that were called "Green Beret's" in the 60's who were called "Special Forces" when I was in, were they really treated like unwanted bastard stepchildren before they became the Army's pride and joy? I believe it was what they achieved with the Montaignards in Vietnam that brought them into the sunlight of general approval, but it's another detail I hope to know more about some day.

Would love to hear from any others out there on the interwebs with some knowledge of this era and links to sources.

It's very hard to imagine how the Vietnam war might have been different without Air Cav, which is now considered a type of Airborne Infantry.

Also, the differences between infantry and cavalry culture, I would love to get a cavalryman's take on this. I come from the Infantry where Griffin's mockery of the Airborne concept is unheard of, except for all of these books being in the clothing sale store next to Hal Moore, George Patton et. al

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 28 at 2015 2:56 PM

2015-02-28T14:56:03-05:00

I agree with MAJ Carl Ballinger there is some very good historical tie-ins and like most authors probably took some literary liberties. W.E.B. Griffin is one of my favorite authors along with Tom Clancy and Vince Flynn.

Response by Cpl Mark McMiller made Feb 28 at 2015 11:27 PM

2015-02-28T23:27:42-05:00

Yea, he pretty much follows history.

However, in one of his books --can't remember the name, but it's about the ex Delta Operator who now works directly for POTUS -- he has a young Marine corporal telling the Delta guys that the Marine Corps doesn't have snipers. I sent him a email correcting him and he was nice enough to respond back in an email. apologizing and explaining that he knew that but he needed the corporal to say that for the sake of the story.

I think one thing he does very well is describe the chickenshit that goes on in the military on a routine basis; at least it did when I was in.

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made Feb 28 at 2015 11:30 PM

2015-02-28T23:30:43-05:00

Griffin is one of my favorite authors. I read The Corps series, brotherhood and the new series he got bout the CIA FBI...... Love his books

Response by LT Bob Brewer made Jan 23 at 2017 4:09 PM

2017-01-23T16:09:24-05:00

I enjoy most of his books except for two things...he is often completely wrong on matters pertaining to aviation...and, while it makes a cute story, his main worker type characters are always very rich and on a first name basis with the president, four star generals, police commissioners and other high ranking folks..a bit to much fantasy