Review of The Red Line by Walt Gragg

The Red Line is a huge undertaking that asks what would happen if Russia decided to flex its military muscles in Europe and attacked Germany. To complicate the issue, it also takes into account the depleted military forces of the United States which has been depleted since the Cold War.

Right from the first page it is obvious that the author, Walt Gragg knows his way around both the Russian and the U.S. military. Weapons and strategy flow very confidently and there is no arguing the authenticity of the contents. As with any war story, the human element is the most important and there is fear, uncertainty, terror, and horror by the bucket load. The true horror which I found underscored in the story is the casual use of nuclear weapons by both sides. Although the battle plans may speak to their uses, I found that it was done without the gut wrenching pre and post decision or argument for their use. There would be nothing left of Germany or its people.

This story is huge and leaves the reader with a lot to contemplate during and after the last page is turned. It shows the horror of war and the final price that many soldiers make on behalf of their country. Regardless of the reasons for going to war, soldiers on both sides fight for the same reasons; their country and countrymen. This story is one hell of a ride.