Rules of Engagement: A Novel

Brad Austin #1

by Joe Weber

From the New York Times Best-Selling Author of DEFCON One. "Exciting and controversial. A powerful novel of the rules of war-and a man who broke them."-W. E. B. Griffin Marine pilot Brad Austin and his carrier-based F-4 Phantom group fly into the heart of enemy territory daily without fear, but the rules of engagement hinder them nearly as much as the North Vietnamese. Restricted from attacking the enemy's MiG bases, Austin and the other American pilots are vulnerable to attack without the ability to retaliate, a weakness that tragically leads to the death of Austin's wingman. Consumed by the need to avenge his comrade, Austin goes one-on-one with the enemy in a battle that ultimately proves in war there can be no rules. In a fast-paced, thrilling look into the life of a Vietnam War fighter pilot, Joe Weber takes us high into the flack-filled skies above Hanoi and shows us the air war as only a veteran fighter pilot can. Joe Weber "does an admirable job of evoking in such readers a visceral understanding of the restrictions that precluded victory in Vietnam. In Rules of Engagement, Weber's political points will hit close to home, and they will strengthen the resolve of many, such as myself, who are determined never to allow the mistakes of Vietnam to be repeated."-Senator John McCain "Weber's writing has a great deal of panache. His knowledge of military hardware is impressive, and his edge-of-the-seat scenes are thrilling."- The Book Reader

Genres: Fiction, Military Fiction, War, Historical Fiction, Thriller, Military Thriller

448 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1991

About the author

Joe Weber is a former USMC carrier-qualified fighter pilot. His novels have appeared on the best-seller lists of the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, the Associated Press, and the Chicago Tribune.

Mr. Weber holds a Master of Science Degree in Aviation Management. He is an Airline Transport Rated pilot with over 10,500 hours of flight time in 43 different types of aircraft, ranging from aerobatic biplanes and high-performance military jets to four engine transports. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1970-1975. A carrier-qualified fighter/attack trained pilot, he graduated first in his class from advanced naval jet pilot training in Kingsville, Texas, in 1972. After his release from active duty, he flew commercially until 1989 when his first novel was published. Mr. Weber is a native of Enid, Oklahoma, and lives in Northwest Arkansas with his wife, Jeannie

Reviews

[Glen]

In the Vietnam War, a Marine pilot is finding out that red tape is hindering the war effort. (A condition that certainly hasn't improved) The only way to stop an enemy ace terrorizing the skies is to break the rules.

Very much of its time, during the afterglow of Desert Storm

[Chris Sutton]

Right up there with 'Flight of the Intruder', highlighting the futility of the Vietnam war and the poor/confused political execution of the campaign resulting in a death/injury toll far in excess of what it could have been. Well written, you are completely wrapped up in the drama of the combat encounters, operations from a carrier and the rough and tumble of squadron life at sea with the outrageous 'wind down' social events; you feel like you are there!

[Victor]

Joe Weber accurately describes intense naval aviation battles and immerses you in the environment and challenges the men faced. Could have tied up a couple loose ends and answered pressing questions.

[Jeff Z]

This was an interesting perspective into one aspect of the Vietnam War, delivered through a page turning fictional account of one carrier pilot and his squadron.

Not being a fan of traditional, nonfiction history books, and the Vietnam War occurring before my time, I found this to be an eye opening account of the clash between politics and military strategy that I wasn't aware of.

I'll definitely be reading more books set during the Vietnam War.

[Dave Hale]

Catching GR up to date from a great read from '92, with approximate dates.
I thoroughly enjoy Joe Weber stories! In this story, the protagonist is fed up with Government over-reach in executing military missions. Brad Austin is the kind of player you'd want on your team! Highly recommend this book!

[Mhorg]

A decently, well written, if not particularly believable book about naval air combat in Viet Nam. The main character, Brad Austin, gets out of just too many scrapes for this to be believable. It's obviously based on Flight of The Intruder (which is a better book). Worth reading.

[Joseph]

This is a great book about air combat in the Vietnam war. This book would make a great movie!

[Jackie Martello]

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. The female character is fairly annoying, but the combat and political intrigue are enough to make the book.

[Jeff Brateman]

This was a yawn of a book. The plot was elementary at best, and everyone was one dimensional. The appeal is to those with a tiny interest in history, and a big interest in macho action Top Gun scenes. There is absolutely no character development whatsoever. Everybody just reacts to everything, all the time. Why oh why am I even writing the review for this book? Mental note: stop reading books my dad gives me without wanting them back. Wait, I think I said the same thing a few years ago. Mental note: start remembering mental notes.

[Chuck]

Our hero is a Marine F-4 pilot on loan to the Navy flying from a carrier
during the Viet Nam conflict. Weber uses this character to voice his
criticism of the handling of the war during the Johnson/McNamara regime.
Their policy was to make certain targets off limits in an effort to lure the North Vietnamese to the conference table.

[James F.]

This was my second read of this techno-thriller. It brought to the forefront the emotions of time period in American history that were very unpleasant to live with at a time when our nation's people were sorely divided...the Vietnam era.

[Mark]

Typical Weber...Warriors hindered by politics from completing their missions in SE Asia...great action

[Shelley]

Serious war yarn about the political correctiveness of how to actually win a war you are fighting, instead of giving into the enemies desires.

[Jeym]

It was okay. That's really all I've got

[Kelli]

never finished it...