From 1966 to 1971 the First Australian Task Force was part of the counterinsurgency campaign in South Vietnam. Though considered a small component of the Free World effort in the war, these troops from Australia and New Zealand were in fact the best trained and prepared for counterinsurgency warfare. However, until now, their achievements have been largely overlooked by military historians.

Figures -- Maps -- Tables -- About the author -- Acknowledgements -- Author's note -- Abbreviations -- Introduction -- 1 Balance of capability -- 2 The landmark battles -- 3 The jungle patrol -- 4 Patrol contacts -- 5 The ambush battle -- 6 Bunker busting -- 7 security contacts -- 8 Mine warfare -- Comparisons: 1ATF infantry, SAS and other Free World forces -- The combat effectiveness of 1AFT-- Clearing the VC/PAVN from Phuoc Tuy -- Concusion.