Task & Purpose
In Defense of Liddell Hart’s ‘Strategy’
B.H. Liddell Hart is considered by some to be the Clausewitz of the 20th century, and his most important book, Strategy: The Indirect Approach, is recognized as a seminal work of military history and theory. It is widely studied in elite military institutions the world over for an understanding of the higher direction of war. … Read More
Even The Romans Were Better At Doing Counterinsurgency Than We Are
Editor’s note: This is the depressing conclusion of a chapter on the Romans from a new book, The Many Faces of War. What is the relevance of the Imperial Roman Way of War and Counterinsurgency for America today? Despite possessing an army noted for its skill in decisive battles, the Romans faced some 120 instances … Read More
How To Find Meaning After The Military: Find A Place To Excel Where You Can Help Others
This is the 11th entry in our contest about finding meaningful endeavors after leaving the military. Colin Blair writes: “My transition from the military was simply disastrous: a technical disqualification from my hometown’s police department coincided with a failed marriage and a profound sense of uncertainty as to who I was and how I could … Read More
5 New Military History Books Worth Reading
Yesterday the New York Times Book Review ran my new survey of books about military history. Here are some highlights: Nathaniel Philbrick argues in The Hurricane’s Eye that by 1781, the Americans had lost the War for Independence and that we were bailed out by French guns, funds, ships and troops. In Learning War, Trent … Read More
The Navy’s Admiral-To-Ship Ratio, Then And Now
It has been said before, but as the song says, it bears repeating: “In 1944 there were 256 flags for 6,084 ships; today there are 359 flag officers for 280 ships.”
How I Found My Tribe After Leaving The Military
Here’s the 10th entry in our contest about finding meaningful employment after leaving the military. Brady Treanor writes: “We won no great peace, for our world or for ourselves. We had nothing but each other. To strip us of that can strip us of purpose, as it does to so many. At my first internship … Read More
‘You Know The Sacrifice Now’: 2 Post-9/11 Medal Of Honor Recipients On The Importance Of War Stories
At a remote outpost in Afghanistan on Oct. 3, 2009, a handful of American soldiers held back an assault by as many as 300 Taliban fighters during the Battle of Kamdesh. Though the attack was repelled, and as many as 150 Taliban fighters were killed, it came at a terrible cost: Eight Americans died, and … Read More
This Army Vet Died Of An Overdose In His Jail Cell. He Deserved Better Than Laughter
“I understand how difficult the transition can be, but we are still responsible for our own choices regardless of anything we may have witnessed or done overseas. He chose to put that poison in his body. He is responsible for his own death. “He absolutely deserved to die over his drug problem, because that is … Read More