In this book review, Nick Bosio reflects on the importance of military history to any professional effort to master operational and strategic art. While focussed on US military engineering, Bosio observes that 'Clearing the Way: US Army Engineers in World War II' touches on three factors that any military professional needs to understand: the heritage of war-fighting skills and techniques; how different parts of the profession integrate to support the force as a whole; and what lessons can be learned from history to inform the resolution of contemporary military issues.
Darian Macey
6mo
If you're looking to understand littoral operations, play Medal of Honor: Pacific Assault, from Electronic Arts (EA). I came across it after working on Guadalcanal in the Solomons and it helped me appreciate what had taken place there in WWII. Historically accurate and no holds barred, it demonstrates the unique vulnerability of the individual soldier in this environment. With Army's current pivot to littoral manoeuvre, the lessons from the past need to be the start point.
John Phelan
6mo
I love sharing my passion for military history on our Western Front battlefield tours. We typically look at the significant Australian and New Zealand battles. I get a great sense of 'mission accomplished' when people say to me, "I didn't know that I was so interested in military history until this week:)
Strategy | Transformation | Delivery
6moOne of the best Tactical Exercises Without Troops I ever participated in was based in Pacific Island that had been occupied in WW2. At the end of the TEWT, the Brigade Commander recounted the historical campaign and compared and contrasted our planning and wargaming assessments to the historical record. An excellent device to build an appreciation of the past and develop our planning capability.