Sublime

For military leaders, reading and thinking about history is an integral part of our sacred duty to our nation and our fellow soldiers. Because the stakes in war involve life and death, combat leaders who choose to learn exclusively from personal experience are irresponsible.

Krueger outgeneraled Lear throughout both phases of the Louisiana maneuvers. His grasp of the strategic requirements, and the command and control he exercised over Third Army, were nearly flawless. The aggressive, offensive-style defense that he waged in phase one, and the use of his armor and mobile forces to flank Lear out of his position in phas

Lawrence not only helped lead the Arab Revolt but he also reflected on this group of irregular soldiers and their guerrilla campaign.166 Whereas other campaigns, such as those fought by the Irish or Boers, are remembered through a variety of memoirs, government reports, and histories both official and scholarly, Lawrence’s own writings were—and in

We learn from history that time does little to alter the psychology of dictatorship. The effect of power on the mind of the man who possesses it, especially when he has gained it by successful aggression, tends to be remarkably similar in every age and in every country.

By late February, Washington was persuaded that the contemplated operation would lure the British into an engagement on terms favorable to the Americans. One lesson he had learned from the French and Indian War was that fear was contagious in battle, especially among inexperienced troops. Without disclosing the exact nature of the impending operati

The legacy of this quintessential man-behind-the-scenes indeed endures. As Black Jack Pershing’s chief of operations and Dwight Eisenhower’s mentor, Fox Conner left an unmistakable imprint upon his nation’s military history. Were they alive today, Pershing and Eisenhower, as well as George Marshall and George Patton—all titans of 20th-century Ameri

Eisenhower, his AFHQ staff, and his commanders in chief overestimated the impact of Italy’s surrender, underestimated Kesselring’s ability to mount a spirited defense, and again failed to comprehend the topographic impediments that an army would encounter pressing north.

There is no panacea for peace that can be written out in a formula like a doctor's prescription. But one can set down a series of practical points—elementary principles drawn from the sum of human experience in all times. Study war and learn from its history. Keep strong, if possible. In any case, keep cool. Have unlimited patience. Never corner an