Military Model Scene

Title: El Salvador Vol 1
Author: David Francois
Publisher: Helion & Co
ISBN: 978-1-804510-30-8

Crisis, Coup and Uprising, 1970-1983, is number 32 in the Latin America @ War series from Helion & Co. An 80-page soft-cover book, complete with the usual section of colour artwork, illustrating maps, uniforms, aircraft, helicopters and military vehicles.
This is another book about a Central American country and its' history which I knew very little about coming into it. This tells us how El Salvador was ruled by the military and the wealthy land and business owners. We learn how in different regions of the country there was growth in the number of rebel groups who wanted to change things. With a military and various internal security forces plus 'death squads' it made for some very sad reading I felt. Getting the various rebel groups to co-operate was a challenge as each had their own leadership and objectives. We learn how they funded weapons and where they got them from. Kidnapping, bank robbery and attacks on lone sentries to take their guns are all involved. It was also interesting to see how many other countries got involved to help them with supplies and with training. For the government side, the change in US president, from Carter to Reagan also made a difference. As time moved on, the rebels managed to carry on, trying their hands to other means, such as sabotage of key resources, such as electricity supplies, but often beaten back by government units being supported by helicopters and ground-attack aircraft.
An interesting read, with the successes and failures of both sides described, and differences between the different departments of the country. One thing that is a little awkward is the use of the acronyms for various groups as there are a lot of them. Detailed text plus the archive images, maps and artwork doing a good job if supporting the narrative. Just how many foreign countries wanted to get involved may surprise some I think, but the complexities of the events in El Salvador during this period are well explained, so make it understandable for the reader.
Thanks to Helion & Co for the review copy.

Robin