Throughout the history of mankind, animals have taken part in combat, espionage and have functioned in other ways to fight the wars of the humans. A variety of animals, from insects and bacteria used in biological warfare to better known horses have been used in human warfare since ancient times. Since then, camels, carrier pigeons, elephants, mules, donkeys, bats, and bees have all seen combat in some form.

Animals in Combat explores a brief history of military animals throughout the ages, their different roles within this period, what animal warriors are used for today and what future animals have in modern warfare. The respective service each animals provides in times of war is beautifully covered by author Nigel Allsopp.