| Contents |
Part I. Theories of War -- Busting the Icon: Restoring Balance to the Influence of Clausewitz -- Is War an Instrument of Policy? -- The Mutable Nature of War -- Starting with a Blank Sheet: Principles of War for a New Century -- Part II. War Through the Ages -- Second Fronts: Success, Failure, and Implications -- Decisive Victories and What They Mean -- Time in War -- Jointness and the Norwegian Campaign, 1940 -- Part III. American Military Experiences -- American Military Culture and Its Influence on Strategy -- Soldiers and Politics: Exposing a Myth -- Unity of Command in the Pacific during World War II -- Analysis, Intelligence, and Targeting in Strategic Air Operations -- Determining the Effects of the Allied Air Offensive -- Summation: The Emergence of a Paradigm. |
| Abstract |
"With well over 2,000 years of military history to draw from, it would seem that the current age of military power and strategy is the most advanced it has ever been. Yet, as with any field, confidence often leads to complacency. It is easy for any organization, including the military, to codify old principles, unquestioningly exalt respected heroes, and focus on the differences among military branches. Doing so, however, keeps them from reaching their full potential. Author Phillip S. Meilinger argues that this is exactly what has happened to the US military today, resulting in a distorted view of war. Thoughts on War is a collection of essays that seeks to address the issues Meilinger identifies in the current view of war and, more specifically, the state of the US military. Divided into three parts, each section of the manuscript examines the misguided "group think mentalities," misconceptions, and unsupported opinions on topics such as Carl von Clausewitz's theories, military operations, and the American military experience. In the last two chapters of the manuscript, Meilinger also applies many of his themes and conclusions to current airpower strategies. Thoughts on War questions the long-held traditions and heroes to encourage the US military to reexamine whether its current beliefs and practices are the best for its future. The result is often controversial, with many chapters offering unpopular suggestions to change time-honored principles."-- Provided by publisher. |
