Gordon L Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, volunteered for Special Forces and completed training as a weapons specialist. He served in the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam in 1969-70 and subsequently in airborne infantry, long-range patrol and intelligence assignments until retiring after 26 years. He was a special operations forces scenario writer at the Joint Readiness Training Center for 12 years and is now a freelance writer, living in Texas.

Peter Dennis was born in 1950. Inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn he studied illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects. He is a keen wargamer and modelmaker. He is based in Nottinghamshire, UK

Just about every war movie - famously, Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers - includes dramatic scenes of soldiers trying to attack an enemy pillbox or trench. Gordon L Rottman (who became expert in these tactics whilst serving in the Vietnam War) explains and illustrates the kit and techniques used in assaulting fortifications. He covers the differences in British, American, German, Soviet and Japanese approaches and experiences, concentrating on small units of foot soldiers with hand-carried equipment. Their tactical deployment is analysed and explained in detail, with the support of colour artwork, maps, diagrams and photographs.