How is the theory of military warfare developed?
Military theory is most commonly developed by directly experiencing war and recognizing strategies or methods for improving warfare. Yet, as academic military theorists know, insight can also be developed by simply witnessing war from afar.
How is insight developed as a military theorist?
Yet, as academic military theorists know, insight can also be developed by simply witnessing war from afar. Whether generated through observation or direct experience, both viewpoints can offer unique perspectives and theses on warfare that can assist in comprehending leading military strategies and philosophies.
Who was a major influence on military theory?
Written after being stunned by Napoleon’s dominance in Europe, On War is largely inspired by Clausewitz’s military experience and analysis of the new warfare of large scale Nation States.
Why do we need an Army War College?
When theory no longer seems to explain or fit the situation, new theory emerges to supplement or replace the old. Theory is essential to comprehension, and is the basis of the sound thinking that wins wars. In essence, this course prepares students to think critically about war strategy, and the uses of military force and forces.
Why are there conflicting results in military studies?
“With regard to the present, however, studies looking at the socioeconomic representativeness of the military have led to conflicting results, in part because of the imperfect nature of using geographic data to answer individual-level questions.”
Why did the US refuse to deliver a political objective in Korea?
Collins noted that just as in January 1951, the State Department refused to deliver a political objective in Korea “until military capabilities there were established,” while the Joint Chiefs wanted a political decision so they could determine the required military courses of action. Collins eloquently described the problem:
Why is it hard to define victory in a war?
If you can’t answer these questions, you cannot define victory in the war (not on the battlefield, a sometimes-overlooked distinction), which makes it a lot harder to win the war and end it. This failure of US political leaders to provide or explain the desired objectives is more prevalent historically than generally realized.
Is the US military broken or unready for combat?
Nevertheless, 15 years of war and five years of budget cuts and Washington dysfunction have taken their toll. The military is certainly neither broken nor unready for combat, but its size and resource levels are less than is advisable given the range of contemporary threats and the missions for which it has to prepare.