Technology, Concepts, and Tactics and the Islamic Way of War
Abstract
The main reason for the fall of the last Islamic empire was the failure of their army to adapt to modern technology, concepts, and tactics. The challenges of Islamic armies of the past are now the challenges of any modern Islamic nation attempting to modernize its army. A distinct "Islamic Way of War" exists throughout the history of Islam. One component of this way of war is how Islamic armies adapt to material and conceptual change. Islamic armies possess an ability to assimilate technology, concepts, and tactics from external sources, but refuse to assimilate the culture associated with that technology. Instead, they choose to use foreign ideas and technology in a distinctly Islamic manner. This thesis investigates the use of technology, concepts, and tactics from the pre-Mohammed Persians, through the rise of Mohammed and the Arabs into the "Golden Age of Islam," the Seljuk Turks, the Mamluks, and the Ottomans. The research includes any material invention, idea, or tactical/operational solution that the Islamic armies took from another nation and inculcated into their fighting method. Examples are spears, bows, armor, saddles, stirrups, siege methods and equipment, firearms, naval technology, and the rise of the professional soldier and army. The thesis does not continue into the modern Islamic army period and therefore weapons of World War I and later are not included. For modern Islamic nations to bring their armies out of the Ottoman era, they must professionalize. Well-educated, well-trained, professional armies are superior to larger but less well-trained and educated armies. Understanding the complexities of developing a well-educated, well-trained Islamic army is essential if U.S. military personnel plan to help Islamic armies modernize in the future. The importance of this thesis can be seen in current efforts to modernize the Iraqi and Afghan Army and Police, and in the ongoing reform of the Egyptian, Jordanian, Lebanese, and Saudi militaries.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 12, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA502112
Entities
People
- Scott A. Shaw
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College