WAR ON THE ROCKS SELECTED BOOK: GREY WARS (YALE UNIVERSITY PRESS, 2021 and 2024)
A comprehensive, authoritative exploration of U.S. Special Operations andthe forcesat the center of America's 21st-century wars
"Groundbreaking insights into consequential special operations in U.S. history from a renowned scholar and expert practitioner. Highly recommend."
-Gina Bennett, senior analyst (ret.), Central Intelligence Agency
"Collins is a brilliant scholar and savvy practitioner. I recommend Grey Wars to all who care about American leadership."
-William H. Draper III, former trustee, Yale University
"Fascinating and deeply researched, covering the defining moments in modern special operations; Grey Wars is a must-read for anyone interested in the post 9/11 world."
-Admiral (ret.) William H. McRaven, 9th Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command and former chancellor of the University of Texas
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"An extraordinary look into the forces who carried one of the heaviest loads in our post 9-11 conflicts. N. W. Collins not only highly captures their past contributions but helps us understand why the culture and skills they possess will be essential going forward. Great reading for everyone who strives to understand unconventional security challenges."
-General (ret.) Joseph L. Votel, 13th Commander of U.S. Central Command and senior fellow of Harvard University and West Point
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Author's Note from Grey Wars
A lot is missing from this book-deliberately.
This is not the place to find out who first shot bin Laden or how that night ended in the Benghazi annex. This narrative does not peel apart the stories of American Sniper or Lone Survivor. It is neither an airbrush nor a whitewash. This book is not an exposé.
Instead, this book is intended for readers who seek a deeper understanding of U.S. Special Operations and the forces at the center of America's 21st-century wars. Violence on behalf of the nation by sacred trust, sums up one military leader. Rings of sorrow, paraphrases another. While fighting matters evoke raw sentiment-and rightly so-the focus here is on the everyday reality of national security, not the extremes.
I set out-and received authorization-to conduct this research across the interagency. Throughout, I adhere strictly to the classifications of national security and to the core values of academia to respect confidential sources and sensitive information. Upon completion, this book was reviewed in its entirety by the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Prepublication and Security Review, and other governmental agencies.
I wish to express gratitude to Yale University and Columbia University for a deep culture of interdisciplinary scholarship, and to Annapolis and West Point for a strong community of leaders. I am deeply appreciative of the University of Chicago, Columbia University, Harvard University, and Yale University for funding this work. I offer many thanks to Yale University Press for being a rigorous and exceptional publisher at every stage of this project.
