This marks the literary debut of Manteuffel, a former Army officer, and is the first book in a planned series that examines the profound struggles and changes faced by the military during the late 1970s and 1980s. Drawing on personal experience, Manteuffel offers a rare inside look at an era defined by plummeting morale, widespread misconduct, and compromised operational readiness.
A graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, Manteuffel was commissioned in 1977 and assigned to a tank battalion in U.S. Army Europe during one of its troubled periods. The unit faced internal issues ranging from substance abuse to criminal activity, operating in a chaotic environment where soldiers sometimes engaged in violent and unlawful conduct.
Through steadfast leadership and a commitment to discipline, Manteuffel—working closely with his platoon sergeant—turned around the troubled unit. Their efforts earned recognition as the best tank platoon in U.S. Army Europe. He later served as an executive officer and led a company that was named the most improved in the region.
During his military service, Manteuffel also helped test five of the first seven M-1 tanks developed for the Army while serving with the Third Armored Cavalry Regiment. His career spanned a critical moment in world affairs, including the fall of the Shah in Iran and heightened tensions along the Soviet-Afghan border, which led to his reassignment to USAREUR in 1979.
In addition to his military experience, Manteuffel pursued advanced academic training at the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology, where he earned a master’s degree in Operations Research, Strategic and Tactical Sciences. His studies equipped him for strategic simulation and analysis roles during the Cold War, offering him insight into Soviet military tactics and operations.
After completing his military service, Manteuffel attended Southern Methodist University as a Hatton W. Sumners Scholar and went on to build a successful legal career over the following three decades.
Beyond personal narrative, Pagan: The Cold Warrior’s Tale contributes valuable insight into what’s often described as the “hollow force” era—a period when the U.S. armed forces struggled with readiness, cohesion, and morale in the wake of Vietnam. It’s a timely reflection on leadership, resilience, and accountability during a formative moment in modern military history.
Manteuffel also comes from a family with a deep military heritage spanning more than seven centuries. His ancestors served in various European armed forces and received multiple honors, including prestigious battlefield commendations. This legacy informs his perspective on the meaning of duty and the weight of command.
The book will be available for purchase through https://tactical16.com, the official platform of Tactical 16 Publishing. The Colorado Springs–based publisher is known for its commitment to unfiltered, authentic storytelling from military, first responder, and public service communities.
Tactical 16 Publishing has earned a reputation for elevating voices often overlooked by mainstream publishers. Its mission centers on helping individuals share their experiences with raw honesty—preserving military history and honoring service in all its complexity.
Pagan: The Cold Warrior’s Tale is the latest addition to the Tactical 16 catalog, offering readers a rare and personal perspective on a pivotal, underrepresented era of American military life.
About Tactical 16 Publishing
Tactical 16 Publishing is a full-service, veteran-owned publishing company dedicated to helping veterans, first responders, and their families tell their stories with authenticity and power. Based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the company specializes in preserving the voices behind America’s longest war, the triumphs and tragedies of first responders, and experiences too powerful to be forgotten. With a mission to write with passion and be unapologetic, Tactical 16 provides comprehensive publishing services for all genres of books, including author-focused editing, custom book cover design, and tailored marketing support while maintaining the therapeutic value of storytelling throughout the process. The company serves as story protectors for the military, first responder, and military-affiliated author communities.
For more information about Tactical 16 Publishing and their complete catalog, visit https://tactical16.com/.
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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and educational purposes, highlighting a specific period in U.S. military history. Tactical 16 Publishing does not endorse or promote any political ideologies or affiliations through this publication. The content of the article is based solely on the author’s experiences and reflections, and any historical references are presented in that context.
