The Importance of the Study of Military History for the Modern Military Professional
Abstract
The study of military history is as old as the history of warfare itself. From the ancient battlefields, surviving commanders and troops alike carried the lessons learned through trial and error into subsequent battles hoping to better their next opponent by not repeating their past mistakes and improving their tactics and techniques. From the writings of the Greek historian Thucydides to the modern scholars of the United States Armys War College, an untold number of volumes of military history are available to todays military leaders. The study of military history by modern military professionals is critical to the development of skills directly applicable on the battlefields of today and the future. For todays military leaders, learning from past battles and campaigns remains as important as ever. It is rightly noted that the current generation of military leaders are faced [with] complex challenges to national security which makes the study of American military history of increasing interest and importance.1 The development of critical thinking and decision making skills under the duress of battle is essential to their ultimate ability to perform their leadership functions. The study of military history uniquely prepares these leaders for the proverbial next battle by drawing from a wealth of lessons learned in past conflicts. Many examples of the importance of the study and analysis of prior battles and campaigns exist within the context of American military history. As Professor Jay Luvaas describes it, military history is practicable if it yields lessons, especially exemplary lessons in tactics and strategy that can be directly applied to some current situation.2 These three specific illustrations gleaned from the H100 modules and associated references provide cases in point of how lessons observed in previous conflicts and battles did (or should have) influenced the decision making of leaders in later conflicts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 15, 2009
- Accession Number
- AD1111755
Entities
People
- Jennifer P Davis
Organizations
- United States Army Sergeants Major Academy