Importance of Recognizing History Lessons in Current Conflicts for the NCO
Abstract
Is it important for military professional Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) of the United States Army to take time out of the busy schedules to study military history. Looking back over history we can see trends that have occurred which an NCO who studied and or recognize historical battles and actions would recognize these trends and could adjust accordingly. A look at use of torture in the French-Algerian war of 1954-1962, we learned the use of that torture undermined the goal of the French, and empowered the insurgency. This is exactly what has occurred in current conflicts. A look at the three warring factions of the Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Croatian conflicts show us a similar trend with the three Muslim factions in Iraq during this current conflict. Looking back thru the history of the NCO, we recognize that the NCO is the implementer of all orders and tactics as given by the commander. The NCO is on the front line, and can more readily recognize certain trends occurring and has the ability to adapt and react, but only if the NCO has a working knowledge of military history. This paper will show those trends and the need for NCOs to study and be knowledgeable in military history to assist commanders with the appropriate action.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 15, 2009
- Accession Number
- AD1133306
Entities
People
- Andrew F. Underwood
Organizations
- United States Army Sergeants Major Academy