Product Description
What are the independent variables that determine success in war? Drawing on forty years of studying and teaching war, political scientist Christian P. Potholm presents a 'template of Mars,' seven variables that have served as predictors of military success over time and across cultures. In Winning at War, Potholm explains these variables--technology, sustained ruthlessness, discipline, receptivity to innovation, protection of military capital from civilians and rulers, will, and the belief that there will always be another war--and provides case studies of their implementation, from ancient battles to today. ... Read more

Product Description
Compiled from official source documents this book covers the entire period of the USAAF, pre-war and post-war, and throughout World War II, up to the fomation of the independent U.S. Air Force in 1947. Described are many hitherto unknown facts about the U ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good ink color chips
I can't comment on the quality of the markings text, but the color chips in the appendix are very accurate, which surprises me.If you don't want to buy this book because it has only ink & not proper paint color chips, I urge you to reconsider.The production team actually did well using the less expensive ink format to accurately portray the historic colors.The 3-1 colors match very well to the real McCoy which I have seen, & this most likely means that the others were done correctly too.

great info on african theater and sea search color schemes
A great reference for the historical modeler or any fan of WWII air power.I especially enjoyed the detail and new information (to me)on the development of sea search camouflage schemes and the camouflage andmarkings developed for the north african campaign.These areas have beenminimally covered previously, and it was always confusing to try anddetermine what was accurate.It is a valuable reference for me inreproducing some of these more obscure or specialized color schemes inmodels, and in identifying the theater and period of aircraft in photos.

Is it worth $ 85.00
For a aviation historian to spend 85.00 for a book there is the expectation that the book would provide a new prespective on a subject.This book falls short on this area.This book uses the same tired aviation pictures that have been published for the past 50 years.The only thing different it the picture are now muddy and in some cases out of focus.This author also has no understanding of the aircraft involved with his professed expertise (ie camouflage).In one istance of this books failing this author has mislabled all the B-24 liberators photos in this bookThe book might be good on the subject matter (camouflage) but weak on the aviation history side.Only recommend for experience aviation historians and not for the beginner. ... Read more

Product Description
This three-volume study examines the questions raised by the performance of the military institutions of France, Germany, Russia, the United States, Great Britain, Japan, and Italy in the period from 1914 to 1945. Leading military historians deal with the different national approaches to war and military power at the tactical, operational, strategic, and political levels. They form the basis for a fundamental reexamination of how military organizations have performed in the first half of the twentieth century. Volume 3 covers World War II. The other two volumes address World War I and the interwar period, respectively.Now in a new edition, with a new introduction by the editors, these classic volumes will remain invaluable for military historians and social scientists in their examination of national security and military issues. They will also be essential reading for future military leaders at Staff and War Colleges. ... Read more

Product Description
29 illustrations7 charts and maps6 x 9* The alternative D-Day campaign
* A gripping and shocking narrative of what might have been
* With maps and authentic illustrations

It is June 1944. The Allied armies are poised for the full-scale invasion of Fortress Europe. Across the Channel, the vaunted Wehrmacht lies waiting for the first signs of the invasion, ready for the final battle.

What happens next is well known to any student of modern history but the outcome could have been very different, as Peter Tsouras shows in this devastating account of a D-Day in which plans, missions and landings go horribly wrong. In Tsouras' account, the effects of minor adjustments at the opening of the campaign gather momentum and impact upon all subsequent events. Without deviating from the genuine possibilities of the situation, he presents a scenario that keeps the reader guessing and changes the course of history.Peter G. Tsouras is a senior analyst at the U.S. Army National Ground Intelligence Center. His other books include Gettysburg: An Alternate History (1-85367-265-3) and The Great Patriotic War. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

more for a war historian
much to much detail for anyone less than a war historian or someone with a specific interest in military planning and execution.

Brilliant Alternate/Counter-factual Historical Fiction!
I like reading, although I don't have as many opportunities for leisure to do so as I once did.Although I still occasionally enjoy a well-written book of almost any genre, my preferences are for horror, techno-thrillers, military, and history books.But by far, my very favorite topic is alternate/counterfactual history (which my book buying patterns will confirm).

Our reality, by its nature and definition, is the result of a sequence of events brought about by actions which are often more interrelated than we realize or can foresee.Sometimes, a slight change in a pattern of activity - even a seemingly insignificant incident - can affect a change in a series of subsequent actions that alter the entire course of events, making the difference between what is and what might have been the present and future.Many large and conspicuous actions will often bring about an intended - and sometimes rather UNintended - outcomes.But occasionally, even relatively minor and seemingly obscure actions or incidents which might initially be considered as insignificant can have a cascading effect on a chain of events - not merely the absence or addition of one element, but a "domino effect" of causalities & outcomes.Another apt metaphor is the rippling pond effect - i.e. a drop or pebble impacts the surface of a pond, and the subsequent ripples continue to extend outwards indefinitely in all directions.

Nowhere is this better evident than in the course of human civilization, where significant moments in history have been affected by not only great and conspicuous actions, but also what might have even seemed like more relatively innocuous events at the time.Among the factors that have most affected the course of human history, few (if any) can dispute that wars have had considerable and significant influence.And when it comes to the defining battles that had the most influential effect in shaping history, it is exceedingly difficult and possibly even futile to try to unanimously select the single most important battle in history.However, it is difficult to imagine an argument that could refute the fact that World War 2 has had an immense effect on shaping the modern world.Of the numerous historically significant battles of this massive (history's largest) conflict, it would be generally - if not universally - accepted that the D-Day Invasion (Operation Overlord) would have to be listed among the most important.The success of this crucial operation - the largest planned military invasion in all of history - was a critical first step for the Allies in their goal of retaking the continent of (western) Europe and ushering the necessary series of campaign actions leading to the eventual defeat of the Third Reich.

But what if this grand strategy and bold gamble had not succeeded as hoped - either as only a partial success (and therefore a costly and inconclusive venture) - or if it had even resulted in a decisive failure and defeat for the Allies?Though the Allied forces had the advantage in strength of numbers and equipment and logistics, this was far from a guarantee of victory or success.

The Germans had the (limited) benefit of an inherent advantage generally conferred to forces defending a fortified position.
The calculus of tactical combat typically states that an attacking force must achieve a numerical ratio of several times that of the defending force - and this is barring additional factors (such as weather, artillery support, air support, supplies & logistics, etc.).What weighed even more in the German's favor was the strength and magnitude of their heavily and expertly fortified coastal defenses, as well as the leadership of arguably their most famous military commander: Field Marshall Irwin Rommel.

For the Allies to prevail in this operation, they would need more than just impeccable planning and training.They would need more than the utmost skill and bravery of their soldiers.They would need more than the brilliant and bold leadership of their commanders.They would need more than just a massive - even superior - array of forces. They would also need all the luck they could get.In an endeavor so inherently chaotic as war, ultimately nobody - even the most disciplined and determined combatants - is beyond the realm and influence of fortunes good or ill.Particularly with regards to the D-Day landings - if the weather had not been favorable on the invasion date, if the Germans had correctly guessed the actual invasion landing sites and not been fooled by the brilliant and elaborate Allied ruse of convincing them that the invasion would be at Pais-De-Calais, if Hitler had ordered his large reserve of Panzer divisions to counterattack the landing forces, or if any number of incidental mishaps or shortfalls of luck had occurred - history and our present world as we know it would probably have a dramatically different make-up.

In the exceptional book DISASTER AT D-DAY, Peter Tsouras examines in remarkable and impressive detail the hypothetical (and thankfully fictitious) alternate reality of what could have happened if a few crucial factors had turned out differently, and if the outcome had hinged on them.A brilliant historian and gifted writer, Tsouras combines these skills to create a thoroughly engaging book which is impressive both in the excellent quality of its realistic fiction but also in its remarkably and vividly detailed historical context.Unlike many novels of alternate history, Tsouras does not yield to excess literary gimmick devices nor try to use the historical event merely as a backdrop for what is in essence just a fictional novel.Instead, he prefers to use the fictional aspects as integral and effective elements to solidly support the hypothetical premise, which serves as the core of the story.

Whether you are a history buff, an aficionado of military novels, or an enthusiast of alternate/counterfactual history, this is a rather well-written and engaging book that you will most likely find worth your time.

Marvin
This is not a book for someone who has a casual or marginal knowledge of military history. I'm retired military myself and i had to go back and research the history of the Normandy invasion to grasp and appreciate what the author is trying to get across.In my opinion the author seems to assume the reader has just a good of a knowledge of the Normandy invasion as he has; which he apparently has an in-depth knowledge of. The story would be much more appealing if the author had spent a chapter or two at the front informing us of what happened; then telling us what could have happened.

Bring a map!
Despite knowing the outcome, I could not put this book down!It offered a compelling, addictive narrative of the Allied invasion and attempted breakout.From the airborne landings through to the end, the stories of individual units and how they fought were gripping.Even the names of the some of the Allied units were fascinating.The "South Wales Borderers" of the 56th Brigade, the Winnipeg Rifles, the 1st Hussars were just a few that stood out.The reader goes from Army Group HQ to individual platoon and company combat among the hedgegroves.Tactical and strategic views are mixed throughout the book.Just when I grew battle weary of the endless ambushes and tank battles at the company level, the next chapter seemed to whisk me away to another beach, a division or Army Group HQ to discuss a strategic plan.

What was truly fascinating is how the invasion turned on just a few key decisions and events.Peter Tsouras does a wonderful job of documenting how those decisions changed the course of the invasion.

The only drawback to this book is the lack of maps.There are a few but the book could use a lot more.As I got into the individual unit stories and battles, I found myself trying to visualize exactly where the unit was on the battlefield.At one point, I was to resort to an internet-based map just to keep up.

Still, this is alternative-history book is in a league of its own.If you have any interest in D-Day, WWII, or just want to read a fascinating narrative of how D-Day might have been, get this book.

Just not that good.
I found this to be a very clinical examination of a failed D-Day landing with very little plot and very little to excite or interest me. The book was donated to my local library after I read it and, obviously, does not warrant a permanent place on my bookshelf. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

Thought provoking
I'll begin by saying that this is an excellent book and highly recommended to anyone interested in the field. Well written and great to read even for a non-military reader.
Unfortunately, the case studies and battles are not really described, and if you were not already familiar with the battles before (as I was not in 2 of 3), the analyses will not help to gain any real understanding.
Second, the model presented is an excellent tool for "post mortem" analyses. However, since according to the model, the major factor that will decide the outcome of the battle is force emplacement, and since it cannot be known in advance what will the force emplacement be (neither for friendly nor for enemy forces), the model cannot really be used to predict outcomes of future battles. I see this as a major problem with the model.

Provocative, Brillant and Controversial
Prof Terry Tucker, Senior Doctrine Developer, Saudi Arabian NG Modernization Program;
The author presents a balanced, provocative and well presented case for how victory or defeat occurs in battle. This book is designed for both the tecnical numbers kind of person and also the less technical. The chapters can be read as a stand alone or you can also go through the entire book. Either way it has immense value.
The thesis of this book is that force employment, or the doctrine and tactics by which forces are used in combat is centrally important. This book is great reading, is controversial in its presentation but clearly provides both empirical and quantitative analysis to support his position.THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ.

Brilliant study of modern warfare

Stephen Biddle, a Professor at the US Army War College, has produced an important book on modern warfare. He shows how material forces, numbers and technology, only count if used in the modern system. Force deployment shapes the role of material forces. He analyses full data-sets of modern battles, proving that bigger is not always better.

The increasing lethality of firepower means that since 1914 exposed mass movement is suicidal. Only the modern system of using combined arms, cover and concealment enables the attackers' forces to survive the defence's response.

Biddle looks at three significant battles, firstly, the successful German attack of March 1918. For preponderance theorists, the Allies should have stopped this attack dead. The German/British force-to-force ratio was 1.5/1, among the least favourable of any major attack of the war. The British had a few more tanks, but the main weapons were still the infantry and guns of 1915-18, a defence-dominant technology. The British official history blamed the fog, as if there had been no fog until then.

The Germans won an unprecedented breakthrough, advancing 40 miles across a 50-mile front. The Germans implemented the modern system tactically and to some extent operationally; the British didn't. This broke the great stalemate, not new technology, US intervention or exhaustion.

Biddle's second example, Operation Goodwood in July 1944, was the failed Allied effort to break out of the Normandy beachhead. The British had more troops and weapons: 1,277 tanks, 4,500 aircraft and 118,000 troops against 319 tanks, several hundred aircraft and 29,000 troops. If preponderance theorists were right, the British would have won, but they tried an exposed mass tank charge, unsupported by infantry or suppressive artillery.

Biddle's third example is Operation Desert Storm of 1991, which US forces won with an unprecedentedly low loss rate. US forces used the modern system, the Iraqis did not. The superior US air technology did not eliminate the Iraqi resistance: 2,000 tanks still fought back after the air assault. US troops with or without advanced ground technology, and those fighting local engagements at better or worse odds, won equally convincingly.

The Science of Military Outcomes
This is an exceptional work of real empirical science.Steve Biddle has a hypothesis that "force employment" is a more important determinant of military success than either technology or preponderance of military forces.He subjects this hypothesis to a wide range of analytical and empirical tests, and the evidence in support of his argument is compelling. And the author has the foresight to raise many of the issues that occur to a skeptical reader, and to treat them with reasoned analysis and data.His prose is clear, and this is compelling reading even to one who is not an expert in this field.

An interesting thesis
According to Stephen Biddle force employment or the use of combined arms is the secret to military success not superior technology or overwhelming numbers. The first example that Biddle uses is the opening German offensive in 1918 against the British in which they succeded intially against the English army due to effective coordination of artillery and infantry. The second case that Biddle brings up is the British operation Goodwood against the Germans in 1944. The British failed, according to Biddle, due to the lack of cooperation between infantry and armor.Also Biddle dispels the myth that technology alone won Desert Storm because the Marines,equipped with only sixties era tanks, were able to defeat the Iraqis with superior tactics. The only weakness of Biddle's book is that he leaves out the two cases in which opponents with superior nummers defeated a force with effective force employment methods which is the defeat of the Germans to the Russians in the summer of 1944, and the rout of the Americans from North Korea by the Chinese in the winter of 1950. Otherwise, Biddle writes an effective case that force employment and not technology is the most important factor in military victory. ... Read more

Product Description
Zyra Zanr is the most feared bounty hunter in the galaxy. Criminals everywhere cower at her name. During the attempt to capture a notorious fugitive, she stumbles onto a conspiracy to murder the senators of the InterGalactic Alliance. Behind this plot is a clandestine force seeking to destroy not only the InterGalactic Alliance, but mankind as well.

War looms on the horizon as Zyra collides with this deadly force threatening to rock the very foundations of time and space. Zyra’s quest to uncover the mastermind behind this plot will pit her against an evil menace beyond her wildest imagination. Only Zyra can save humanity from an impending holocaust. Victory will mean the salvation of the human race. Failure will mean the end of all that Zyra holds dear. The battle for the future has begun!

Join Zyra Zanr in her 115,000 word (327 page) sci-fi epic and enter the world of the Rogue Hunter!

~~~

Author's Note:
Feedback is welcome. I encourage readers to post a review. Looking forward to reading your comments.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Kickass space chick
I have to say before I begin I am a big fan of all things sci-fi.One of the best shows that unfortunately was cancelled before it had a shot to play out was Firefly.Rogue Hunter: Quest of the Hunter, plays out much like Firefly, but carries its own weight.The story engages the reader in a story of what happens to the human race.A future look into where we go as a race always changes based on the writer. But Hendrickson's tale of humanity's future travels takes a different direction than Star Wars or Star Trek.When you read a space tale you want something original and unique to take your mind away and into space hopping around the galaxy.


Now the real story is about the "Rogue Hunter".A hero in any story has their own reasons for fighting for those that can't fight back.Zyra Zanr journey is no different.Hendrickson creates a hero that wears so many hats that it would weigh anyone down.Zyra Zanr is a woman, a bounty hunter, a warrior, and yes, a hero.Hendrickson seems to effortless move about each part of this woman's life.You will enjoy reading how this girl kicks ass while feeling for her as the man she loves is killed.


Zyra's quest to unravel the mystery surrounding the death of her father results in an epic showdown with the forces of Zaragos, where Zyra shows the strength of will to bring those responsible to justice.In the end she takes up the fight to protect humans, shedding her rogue exterior to embrace her destiny.


I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to everyone.I look forward to the sequel.

My review of Rogue Hunter, Quest for the Hunter, by Kevis Hendrickson
The year is 4800 A.D. Humanity has moved to the stars, a new age has begun. After years of conflict with the alien races of the Draedea Galaxy, the Human Confederation of Worlds has aligned itself with the Space Union to form a new government called the InterGalactic Alliance. Peace brings prosperity to humanity. Anxious to take their place as premier members of the Alliance, humans are poised to become the strongest race in the galaxy, but the threat of war looms on the horizon. A clandestine force operating behind the guise of a powerful criminal organization conspires to destroy the InterGalactic Alliance. Unbeknownst to her, all that stands between this sinister plot for humanity's destruction is a young bounty hunter named Zyra Zanr. And so it begins...

This novel by Kevis Hendrickson is wonderfully set in a science fiction world, but in my opinion is really an action-adventure novel in disguise. Trade the future for the old west, it's an old fashioned shoot'em up. That's not at all a bad thing, I prefer action and adventure to heavyweight science fiction. All the sci fi elements are there, but they're just an interesting backdrop to the well written action, romance, and adventure. Yes, you read that right, this book as all the elements of all four genres. If you like sci fi, there's plenty of that. If you want romance, there's a great romance in this story, all wrapped up in lots of action and adventure. I had to put this book aside at times, but didn't want to. It's a very pleasurable read, not very difficult to understand, and keeps you turning pages, or in this case scrolling down, I read an early edition in electronic format. Speaking to that, I read the early edition, at that time it was a very pleasant read, but there were some minor repairs needed. If those repairs are made when Mr. Hendrickson is in top form, this book may become a true masterpiece of the genre, whichever genre that might be. It's close to that magical level already, it wouldn't surprise me if this book makes the jump to world class, spiraling to the heights of Doug Adams, or maybe even as well known and respected as Rodenberry. Mr. Hendrickson is already a magnificent writer, at the rate he keeps improving, it shouldn't be very long until he soars with the greats of our age, perhaps he can even surpass them, that my friends, only time will tell.

Enjoyed a lot
Rogue Hunter is placed in the future, about a woman named Zyra Zanr and her fight to avenge her father's death. After her father's death, she becomes a bounty hunter tracking down criminals.Hoping to get information about the one who killed her father she travels through space searching.

She knows that one named Zaragos is to blame for her father's death.She is not sure who this Zaragos is and searches to find it.She tracks down agents of Zaragos and boards their ship hoping to find Zaragos.While on board, she discovers a plot far deeper than she or the rest of humanity knew.

Being discover on board she blows a hatch and is sucked into space to avoid certain death.With just her encounter suit to protect her, she uses the last of the suits power to go into cryo sleep.When she is awaken, she discovers she is in a whole new place with even bigger issues to over come.

I really enjoyed this book and waiting for the sequel.If you enjoy a good sci-fi read, get this one.I recommend it.

Mix Azimov and Crichton and you get Kevis Hendrickson
Sci-Fi is not my first choice of genre, as I've previously read quite a few authors from Crichton, whom I found long-winded in places, to Azimov. I found him a bit too far fetched. Both excellent writers nonetheless. If only there was an author that slotted right in the middle. Thankfully, I found that missing piece of work in the form of Rogue Hunter. Mr Hendrickson should be very proud of this book.

OK, so what does a non Sci-Fi buff make of it? The beauty is that, if you enjoy stories that are packed full of action, adventure, emotion, suspense, fun, laser fire, explosions and the imagery of shooting across the stars in a broken down ship called Helship-II, with an attitude to match it's owner, the battle-scared babe, Zyra.

Mr Hendrickson has created a myriad of multi-layered characters, each feeding off another and bringing to the fore those all-important reasons why we hate or love a character. The actors attitudes tend to reflect the complexity of the universe and different time zones in which they reside.

The first few chapters are used to grab you by both arms, the middle shakes you `till your teeth chatter with the fast pace, then the thrill at the last part of the book hits you with 1000 volt shocks until the last page. It's a shame there was a last page, I love roller coaster rides. I may emerge myself again in this book to escape reality in future.

Author's Book Video for Rogue Hunter: Quest of the Hunter
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2OVAKH7EBZM49 This is the book video for Rogue Hunter: Quest of the Hunter. ... Read more

Product Description

American Civil-Military Relations offers the first comprehensive assessment of the subject since the publication of Samuel P. Huntington's field-defining book, The Soldier and the State. Using this seminal work as a point of departure, experts in the fields of political science, history, and sociology ask what has been learned and what more needs to be investigated in the relationship between civilian and military sectors in the 21st century.

Leading scholars -- such as Richard Betts, Risa Brooks, James Burk, Michael Desch, Peter Feaver, Richard Kohn, Williamson Murray, and David Segal -- discuss key issues, including:• changes in officer education since the end of the Cold War;• shifting conceptions of military expertise in response to evolving operational and strategic requirements;• increased military involvement in high-level politics; and• the domestic and international contexts of U.S. civil-military relations.

The first section of the book provides contrasting perspectives of American civil-military relations within the last five decades. The next section addresses Huntington's conception of societal and functional imperatives and their influence on the civil-military relationship. Following sections examine relationships between military and civilian leaders and describe the norms and practices that should guide those interactions. The editors frame these original essays with introductory and concluding chapters that synthesize the key arguments of the book.

What is clear from the essays in this volume is that the line between civil and military expertise and responsibility is not that sharply drawn, and perhaps given the increasing complexity of international security issues, it should not be. When forming national security policy, the editors conclude, civilian and military leaders need to maintain a respectful and engaged dialogue.

American Civil-Military Relations is essential reading for students and scholars interested in civil-military relations, U.S. politics, and national security policy.

Customer Reviews (1)

Fifty Years of Civil-Military Relations
Edited volumes are often uneven and not worth the price of admission.The best of them, however, are worth their weight in gold.To get to this stage, the book has to be organized along a clear theme; it has to be original work; it has to be well designed; and it has to be tightly edited.

Suzanne Nielsen and Don Snider's volume, American Civil-Military Relations:The Soldier and the State in a New Era is one such work and a valuable addition to the literature on civil-military relations, a vitally important issue for both scholars and practitioners.Getting the balance right between civilian authority and military competence is vital to the republic in war and peace.

The book came from original contributions from experts who attended the West Point Senior Conference in 2007, which was devoted to a festschrift on the 50th anniversary of the publication of Samuel Huntington's epic, The Soldier and the State.The book is best remembered for suggesting that the optimum division of labor is for civilians to make policy, but for the military to give advice, avoid politics, and be accorded professional space in the conduct of tactical and operational affairs.After a few days discussion and subsequent editing, the contributors to this volume --- including Columbia's Dick Betts, UNC's Dick Kohn, Duke's Peter Feaver --- had covered the waterfront, not only critiquing Huntington's basic theory but bringing the analysis forward 50 years to the present day.New material was presented by Colonel Matt Moten on the affair Shinseki, the famous case where a serving Chief of Staff of the Army was "dissed" by senior civilians for giving his honest opinion to Senate questioners. Nadia Schadlow and Colonel Rich Lacquement discussed how the profession of arms has to broaden its view and include stability operations skills in its concept of professional competence.Historian Williamson Murray made important recommendations for professional military education, and Dick Kohn suggested commonsense (but generally conservative) rules for active and retired officers to build trust with their civilian superiors and vice versa.

In the end, no plan survives contact with the enemy and no classic work from 1957 could endure for fifty years without serious corrections and amendments.In their excellent conclusion, Don Snider and LTC Suzanne Nielsen of West Point's Department of Social Sciences summarize nearly a dozen conclusions on the classic.In their words, "the most significant shortcoming of Huntington's construct was its failure to recognize that a separation between political and military affairs is not possible --- particularly at the highest levels of policymaking." And therein lies the rub, as well as the importance of this new book.It should be required reading for all war college students and all senior civilian officials of the Department of Defense should receive a copy of it on the day when they are nominated.

Joseph J. Collins teaches strategy at the National War College.He served for 28 years as an Army officer and later served as a civilian Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense. ... Read more

Product Description
From the American Revolution to World War Two, the history of the military combat marksman is one of indifference, unpreparedness and cost cutting. Despite the proven effectiveness of the rifleman in battle, the sniper in the 20th century has been regarded as little more than a paid assassin, whose life if captured was forfeit. However, since the Vietnam War the undeniably effective use of such men in combat means that the value of the sniper has gradually become more appreciated by the military, and their prominence on the modern battlefield has increased significantly. In the 21st century they are now regarded as one of the most vital battlefield specialists.

Illustrated throughout with colour and black and white photographs, this is a chronological study of snipers, detailing their evolution, training, weaponry and actions. There are also unique contributions from the men and women whose skill and extraordinary courage have made them the most greatly feared specialist in warfare.

From the Foreword by Harry Furness, decorated Sniper-Sergeant, British Army Wold War II
We will always need to deploy our new age warrior, that highly trained specialist, the military sniper....
Factual books on snipers are few and far between, so I find it refreshing and timely that this new book has been published which will provide the reader with the true facts about these unique soldiers; and readers of this excellent, deeply researched book will now be more knowledgeable about a rarely discussed subject. You have to dig deep to bypass the many half truths in order to reach any conclusion as to why manking continues to wage wars that kill off the cream of our young society, but it might be said that if it is the fate of a soldier to die in battle, then a sniper's swift killing bullet must be preferable to dying from devastating wounds.

Chapter Heads The sniper in perspective. The rifleman emerges 1500-1854. The American Civil War and European wars 1854-1914.The First World War, the watershed 1914-16. The First World War, the fight back 1916-18. Russian sniping 1936-45. The German sniper and the war with Russia 1941-45. The war against Japan 1941-45. The war in Western Europe 1940-45. Limited wars 1945-85. Vietnam, America's nemesis. Into the 21st century. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A well researched academic view of snipers
"Out of Nowhere - A History of the Military Sniper" by Martin Pegler, was a pleasure to read. With the feel of an academic work with sources and references cited, the book begins with the emergence of the rifleman as a longer range shooter then carries through to current times and the snipers at work in support of the was in the middle east.

The structure of the book is: chronological order, then arranged nation by nation, then sniper representation by each branch of service. Each group is defined by type of mission, type of training or lack of the same, definition and history of hardware and ammunition, all reinforced with historical documents of the time or interviews. The photography is period, black and white for the most part, and quite good in representation.

Scopes and night sights and selected ammunition are as well documented as much as the rifles themselves. Also covered are the side arms and field equipment carried by snipers. When I think of the extremes civilian rifleman have gone to assure accurate firearms and sub MOA firearm performance for paper punching competition, it is truly amazing how effective snipers have been at long distances with firearms of comparatively modest refinement.

Beyond weapons, there is the detailing of general strategies employed by all participants and how these strategies evolved rapidly with first battlefield experience. The language is concise and focused. There is little expressed in the context of politics or morality, as the book is about snipers and the associated settings and equipment, not about the justification of each nation's cause.

The treatment of the people who filled the role of sniper was a little antiseptic, although I really don't think I expected much different. For the most part, war is waged by young people and young people tend to be naive, even in an environment that might eventually lead to cynicism. Sniping is an assignment, and an assignment is a duty to carry out. My distinct impression, after reading this book, is that snipers are people who excel in marksmanship and probably have a very intuitive grasp of patters of human behavior. I doubt the author could have investigated the historical accomplishments of snipers over the years without coming away with a deep appreciation of the their contribution during times of war.

Out of Nowhere
Pegler also wrote Sniper: A History of the US Marksman, which I've reviewed. This book is similar in format and just as excellent. I recommend them both.

Very interesting book
I'm about 3/4 done reading this book and can recommend it to anyone interested in military history.It is not at all a "how to" book, but more a history of how snipers have been used in war since the development of the rifled barrel.

There is a ton of detail about the rifles used and the scopes that were mounted on them.In a few places it gets a little tedious, but the author has obviously done his homework.

Not an exciting book by any stretch, but you do feel like you've learned something at the end.

Knowing more about sniper
Being involved in shooting, I have always been fascinated by these persons we call Sniper.Out of Nowhere is a very large book, full of photos of famous and other not so famous snipers and their personal histories. This is a great book if you want to know all about Sniper and Riflemen history.

This is not a "how to", but a great book about what is Sniping and it evolution through time.

I strongly recommend it.

A "Must Have" Book!
This book is amazing!I have other books by Pegler and have never been disappointed by his product.The topic of Military Snipers is a touchy one that has been maligned in the mainstream press for many years.Even the term "Sniper" is thought of with negative thoughts be it terrorist or criminal.Pegler discusses this a bit along with a complete history of the Sniper, their craft, and equipment.It makes for extremely interesting reading.Many historical facts are brought to light by the author and after reading this book one can better understand the need for this dark warrior, even more so in the 21st century.
Han ... Read more

Product Description
This is the story of the most successful pilot training jet ever produced: Northrop T-38 Talon. The history od the aircraft is broken down by the roles it has played in over thirty years of service including development and testing, pilot training, flight test support, NASA program support, air combat aggressor, aerial target, Thunderbird-USAF air demonstration team aircraft, companion trainer, and civilian test support. All units flying the T-38, their markings, and paint schemes are covered inover 300 color photographs-including a chart of colors used listing Federal Standard(RS) color numbers. Don Logan is also the author of Rockwell B-1B: SAC's Last Bomber, and The 388th Tactical Fighter Wing: At Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base 1972(both titles are available from Schiffer Publishing Ltd.) ... Read more

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In this concise and penetrating study, Roger Barnett illuminates the effect of operational, organizational, legal, and moral constraints on the ability of the United States to use military force. As the tragic events of September 11 demonstrated, potential adversaries can take advantage of these limitations, thus spawning "asymmetrical warfare." Barnett defines asymmetrical warfare as not simply a case of pitting one’s strength against another’s weakness but rather of taking the calculated risk to exploit an adversary’s inability or unwillingness to prevent, or defend against, certain actions. For instance, launching chemical, biological, or suicide attacks; taking indiscriminate actions against critical infrastructure; using hostages or human shields; deliberately destroying the environment; and targeting noncombatants all constitute possible asymmetrical warfare scenarios. Against these acts, the United States has not prepared any response in kind—indeed the United States either cannot or will not undertake such responses—thus making these attacks especially difficult to counter. This refusal to retaliate in "an eye for an eye" fashion complicates the dilemma of American policymakers who seek to wield power and influence on the world stage while simultaneously projecting a peaceful and benign image. Barnett concludes that the United States must create a formal system of selectively eliminating the constraints that dictate our response to certain situations or scenarios. Failure to make such changes will only increase paralysis and, when the use of force is required, contribute to the already heightened risks. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

For non-military audience
This book is geared towards audiences that have no knowledge whatsoever about asymmetrical warfare.The information I gathered from this book brings absolutely nothing to the fight, but brilliantly and clearly defines the scenario of today's operational environment.It does not possess any practical information on how to negotiate the challenges without completely neglecting current established treaties and policies.One of those "good to know" books.

response
The first reviewer despite his technical expertise may have missed the point, this is use of current skills and inventory against those who employ asymmetical warfare methods. It is a mindset for dealing with such tactics and utilization of our ready resources. I found it informative and useful and wish more policy makers would read it.

Re Unfettered Conventional Violence, NOT Asymmetric Warfare

There is nothing objectionable about this thoughtful and well-documented book except its title.It is simply not about "asymmetric warfare" as Ralph Peters, G.I. Wilson, Bill Lind or any of a dozen other authors including myself might speak.This book provides a reasoned and respectable argument against limiting in any way the degree to which strategic nuclear and conventional forces might be utilized.The author systematically discusses operational, legal, and moral constraints that, if permitted to stand, could in effect give a challenger relying on asymmetric means something of an advantage.

The book does not, however, consider for a moment that our existing heavy metal military is anything other than the ideal blunt instrument with which to wreak our will.It does not discuss asymmetric challenges as a range, it does not evaluate the effectiveness or ineffectiveness (whether operationally, or in terms of cost and sustainability) of varying alternatives for dealing with asymmetric challenges (e.g. soft power including covert action), and therefore the book should more aptly have been titled "The Curtis Lemay Handbook for Squishing Mosquitoes with Multiple Nuclear Bombs" or even better, "Don Rumsfeld's Press Briefing on Why B-2 Bombers Were Called in Against 18 Taliban Guerrillas in Afghanistan."

Asymmetric warfare, this is not... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Solid Information!
A very good book; I consult it periodically in my work, and it has been very useful.

Thorough Reference
Overall, the book is a great resource for many military quotations but I discovered after the fact that it is somewhat dated.There were several quotations I was expecting to see included in the text that were absent.I would still recommend it unless one is looking for recent material. ... Read more

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Jump-start your career and get the ASVAB scores you need with this comprehensive guidebook. Includes more practice tests than any other ASVAB resource, along with profiles of more than 125 military careers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Comprehensive
I used this book and the ASVAB for Dummies to help prepare me for the ASVAB. This study guide was more indepth then the other and was up to date on current tools, theories, and mathmatics. Overall I call this study tool comprehensive and dense. I used it mainly to review algebra and mathmatics, since that is the area I needed the most review. If I were to use the entire book I fear I would be completely bored of it half way through. With so many topics and subtests it is a great study tool, lots of practice tests, but very boring. I would recommend the ASVAB for Dummies since it makes boring subjects mildly entertaining. I received an 80 on the ASVAB and am very happy with my score!

a good source of knowledge
i haven't really used the book because i was busy for the past few weeks but i already started reading.. out of 100 i can say with the things that i learned from the book is like 40% i was just starting.. so i suggest this book to all aspiring Military as for anyone out there seeking some knowledge.. ... Read more

Product Description
This book describes how the growing awareness of the strategic importance of science in the 1930s caused the Allied and German leadership to build scientific information supply systems that survived into the postwar era. Using archival materials from five countries, Richards traces the successes and failures of these early scientific intelligence agencies. She focuses on the OSS unit supplying copy for the US government's wartime program to reprint current German scientific journals. She describes as well the methods used by the OSS to spirit individual journal issues from inside the Reich to microfilm squads on Germany's periphery, and gives special attention to the Allied quest for information about the mythical German atomic bomb. Richards also describes the supply system set up by the Nazi government, and how its increasing desperation for Allied scientific news led in the last year of the war to a submarine landing of Abwehr agents on the U.S. coast to microfilm periodicals at the New York Public Library. The final chapter of her book looks at how the wartime experience with scientific information influenced postwar patterns of scientific documentation and librarianship in each country. ... Read more

Product Description
TACTICAL SINGLE-CHANNEL RADIO COMMUNICATIONS TECHNIQUES, FM 24-18, 1987

This manual provides information and guidance to all personnel who are involved with and use singlechannel radio in tactical situations.

To ensure your understanding of all the material presented, this manual includes a brief discussion of radio fundamentals, antennas, and radio-wave propagation. It also covers procedures and techniques that
have been used effectively during tactical operations to include: site selection and reliability factors; operation in the several transmission modes and under unusual conditions; field expedients; electronic
warfare techniques and reporting; and other aspects of the practical applications of single-channel radio. There are other items pertinent to single-channel radio operations listed in the appendixes.

Mobility is one of the keys to success on the modern battlefield. All communications must be geared to support a combat force that must repeatedly move to survive and fight the enemy. The single-channel
radio is the primary means of communication for command, fire control, exchange of information, administration, and liaison between and within units. The versatility of radio communications makes it readily adaptable to rapidly changing tactical situations. Radio is essential for communications over large bodies of water, territory controlled by enemy forces, and terrain where the construction of wire lines is
impossible or impractical. It is also required for air assault operations. ... Read more

Product Description
The war in Iraq and the problematic military occupation of that country have called into question the adequacy of America's all-volunteer force. Politicians and others have expressed doubts about its equity and capability; some have called for the reinstatement of the draft. Yet over the past twenty years the all-volunteer military has become a technologically advanced force that has contributed to America's overall military advantage. This book analyzes current military pay and personnel policies and identifies changes needed to maintain and improve America's all-volunteer force.

Filling the Ranks argues that to attract qualified and motivated volunteers, the armed forces need to offer better tangible inducements—pay, benefits, and training—to accompany such intangible rewards as pride in serving one's country. Many of the policies related to tangible rewards were established shortly after World War II and are no longer effective. Filling the Ranks presents detailed assessments of US military pay and personnel policies in light of the strategic, demographic, economic, and labor realities of the future. It identifies specific problems that today's military career patterns, training, pay, and benefits pose for officers and enlisted men and women in both active duty and reserve forces, discussing such issues as competition with the private sector for talent, the need to restructure compensation, and provision of family support. It offers recommendations for more flexible, adaptive, and effective policies and a blueprint for achieving them. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Recruiting for Uncle Sam
This book should be read by everyone concerned about the massive US defense budget or interested in the future of the US military.As technology and tactics evolve, so must those who employ them. In these well-written essays, Cindy Williams and her colleagues lay out strategies for improving the personnel system in the military while saving taxpayer money. Although some might find personnel a dry topic, the stakes in play - billions of dollars and national security, are anything but. Highly recommended to policy-makers and those who aspire to that title. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume is produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's preservation reformatting program. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Textbook on War
This is Gen. H. W. Halleck's instructional textbook on the art and science of war -- used in military institutions in the Nineteenth Century including West Point. Don't be alarmed about the cover title -- the misspellings were due to a mis-scan of the title page. I've alerted the Univ. of Michigan to the problem.

Halleck (1815-1872) was a lawyer, publisher, businessman -- and soldier.He was sometimes called "Old Brains" for his scholarly pursuits.See the www.Wikipedia.org article to get more information on Halleck.

I was looking for a book that went beyond "maxims" and sayings of famous commanders -- and this was it. It thoroughly covers all the aspects of waging war in an introductory level.It covers the reasons for waging war, strategy (on a grand and operational level), tactics, logistics, fortifications, infantry, artillery, engineers. Everything is here for training would-be commanders of war.Again, it's the introductory course on war, so the author doesn't get into any detailed "prescriptive" analysis of any of these topics.Other courses would have taken the student into the detailed aspects of each trade.

Halleck doesn't hesitate to vent his spleen against a sluggish government that wouldn't fortify its coasts and keep a standing professional cadre on hand -- he goes to great length to describe what existed in his day and what ought to be done.The book is terribly dated for that reason; we don't rely on coastal fortifications any more. It may not be necessary for us to read whole chapters on the details of the problem in Halleck's day.But the idea is still sound: we don't need brick and mortar forts to protect us now (except in Arizona!), but we do need flying "super-fortresses" doing the same job against incoming invaders.That's an aspect of war that makes books like Halleck's old textbook so valuable -- there are ideas in the art and science of war that never change, though the technology will.

For this reason, Halleck's book would be a better read for the initiate than the current Army Field Manuals just to get an overall sense of the problem of war.Here you get it all in one volume in a conceptual framework; with modern works, you must use many volumes to get the same scope of the problem and must also delve deeply into the technical aspects.In fact, though de Jomini's book was also a standard work at West Point and justifiably more famous than Halleck's work, Halleck covers all the bases whereas de Jomini likes to hover around strategy and tactics.

Gen. U.S. Grant and Halleck didn't get along very well -- Halleck (rising to General-in-chief) was the old-school type, the "grand marshall" of the US Army and he knew it. (You can tell by his portrait on Wikipedia!)He expected others to know it too. He was thorough, by the book, and slow to move on the offense. Grant, however, was one of the newer generation - he didn't much care for doing things "by the book" (he threw away Hardee's "Tactics" when he saw it was just common-sense maneuvering).And when he saw an opportunity to grab the enemy he was gung-ho for jumping on it before it dissolved away. (His brilliant and certainly unconventional Vicksburg campaign was a case of "it's easier to say I'm sorry than to ask permission!") Hence Grant felt sure that Halleck let some opportunities to attack the Rebs slip away for no good reason, and he felt that these incidents needlessly extended the war (see Grant's Memoirs). I mention this only to show that even in his day, Halleck's textbook approach to war was not always appreciated by newer commanders who were more resilient to the changing face of war in modern culture.

But there are basic aspects of war that never change from age to age -- strategy, the commander's mind and character, the need for tactics, the work of engineers, the vital aspect of logistics.And to someone who hasn't had any more exposure to the ideas of war than movies and picture books, Halleck's textbook is a welcome relief for the rational mind.It takes most of the mystique out of the subject, reduces it to manageable scientific principles, and trains the mind for a workable approach to dealing with battlefield realities. But Halleck also points out, as he should, there will always be that last 5% about the art of war that will depend on the character and creativitiy of the commander, which no textbook can train for.Not even his. ... Read more

Product Description
This reference book provides an authoritative and well-illustrated 100-year overview of the fascinating history of the cargo/troop-carrying trucks, wreckers, tankers, ambulances, communications vehicles and other specialized types that provide technical support to the front-line troops. ... Read more

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Political scientist James H. Lebovic establishes that the size, strength, flexibility, and adaptability of the U.S. military cannot ensure victory in asymmetrical conflicts.

In The Limits of U.S. Military Capability, Lebovic shows how political and psychological factors trumped U.S. military superiority in Vietnam and Iraq, where inappropriate strategies, low stakes, and unrealistic goals mired the United States military in protracted, no-win conflicts.

Lebovic contends that the United States is at a particular disadvantage when fighting a counterinsurgency without the full support of the host government; when leveraging various third parties (the adversary's foreign allies, societal leaders, and indigenous populations); when attempting to build coalitions and nations while involved in combat; and when sustaining government and public support at home when costs rise and benefits decline.

Lebovic cautions against involving the U.S. military in operations without first considering U.S. stakes and suggests that the military take a less-is-more approach when choosing to employ force. Ambitious goals bring higher costs, unexpected results, diminished options, and a greater risk of failure.

Rejecting the heavy-handed approach that is typical of most comparisons between the Vietnam and Iraq wars, The Limits of U.S. Military Capability carefully assesses evidence to develop lessons applicable to other conflicts -- especially the ongoing war in Afghanistan.

Product Description
Was Hitler 'the greatest strategic genius of all time' as Nazi propaganda would have us believe, or a facile amateur in military affairs? Why was the startling success of his campaigns in Poland and France followed by the blundering mistakes in Russia, Tunis and Normandy? Might the German General Staff have won the war without Hitler's continual disastrous interference? John Strawson answers these and other questions by showing how Hitler's insatiable preoccupation with war and conquest was translated into reality. While the willpower behind the revitalized German army was Hitler's the author examines the Fuhrer's eccentric use of the most formidable war machine the world had ever seen. This lucid assessment is brought alive by the accounts of those who served Hitler both on his staff and as field commanders. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Hiltler as Military Commander
Writing within the framework of an overview of WWII, the author describes the strengths and weaknesses of Hitler and how his decisions impacted the war. Mr Strawson, a veteran, begins his story with a deliberate telling of Hitler's rise to power and once that was achieved how he rebuilt the German Army into a powerhouse within a short period of time. The author also describes Hitler the politician as well as the man. The author sees Hitler as a genius some of the time and his own worst enemy the rest of the time. His distrust of authority, of the establishment as he was growing up exploded to new levels after WWI and when he became dictator. He was on a mission to eradicate the humiliation of the defeat of WWI and to bring Germany back as a world power with himself as dictator. He was the only one qualified to do this, he was beyond other politicians and especially the commanders when planning for war. He had no respect for anybody and when he could show them up as wrong or weak, it lifted his spirits to new heights. War was his ultimate "spirit lifter". When the war turned sour in 1943, this nihilistic attitude worsen.

Some of the key conditions that impact war that will be discussed by Mr Strawson are:
Maintain overwhelming force, don't divide your forces
Always hit your enemy as hard as you can
Singleness of aim, stay focus on your objectives
Choose your battles, know your enemy and the battlefield; don't guess
Try to encircle
Surprise your enemy
Don't underestimate your enemy
Know yourself, be realistic with your plans
Have a long term strategic plan

The author's overview would cover all fronts of the war with Germany: North Africa, the Med, Western Europe and the Eastern Front; he would choose the key battles to discuss Hitler's command abilities. Some of the key battles or situations are Dunkirk, the Kiev / Moscow controversy, the December counteroffensive, Stalingrad, Tunisia, Kursk, Normandy, Ardennes. In each of these battles and others, the author would discuss Hitler's decisions and orders that would impact the course of each battle, the results of the battle and how it would impact Hitler's future decisions. The author will show that Hitler would frequently ignore or abuse the above keys to a successful prosecution of war. The early series of victories in the "easy countries" plus his rise to power convinced Hitler of his invincibility as a leader as well as his Armed Forces. As long as you have a positive attitude and try as hard as you can, a person or an army can overcome any handicap, was his driving life force.
Besides having an unrealistic concept of attitude over matter, Hitler broke many of the rules of victory. When by breaking those rules, it lead his army to victory it just fortified his pysche that he was right and everybody else was wrong. A perfect example of breaking a rule occurred in the winter of 1941-42 in front of Moscow when Zhukov counter-attacked. The Russians were driving the Germans back when Hitler demanded that his army stand and fight, regardless of the poor defensive positions. At the time of the order, the Russians had fought themselves out, low on supplies and were in no condition to continue the offensive. When the stop and fight order appeared to work, Hitler became convinced that he could make no mistakes. For the rest of the war his attitude would always be stand and fight and many times that decision would be wrong and thousands of Germans would die for it. Stalingrad would be his ultimate mistake but not controlling the Med in 1941, Tunisia in May 1943, the delay at Kursk, the fortress mentality along the Vitebsk-Bobruisk line in June 1944, the refusal to reduce the beachhead at Dunkirk and many other examples would prove him wrong. Hitler could never see himself wrong; he would blame the loss on his incompetent commanders.
Other important rules broken frequently by Hitler concerns maintaining overwelming force and underestimating your enemy. The author presents in a straight forward, logical manner examples of all the rules broken and the impact it had on Hitler and the impact it would have on his Army to prosecute the war in the future.
I've just scratched the surface of this book; there is so much more to it. The author presents a Bibliography if further reading is desired. There are a few maps and photos.Anybody who is interested in command ability, strategy and the impact that poor or unrealistic leadership can have on an army, should consider reading this book.

Good BOOK
I found this book to be a great book in explaining the details of Hitler's military tactics of WW2. This book explains how Hitler first came into WW1 and was devistated by deafeat, which later leads to is his ideas to military expansion on all fronts.
I personally thought this was a good idea to explain his WW1 experiences before you went into him gaining military power and beginning WW2.
Its a good book for people who want to get an in depth look at Hitler's triumphs and his faults as a military commander. Faults that ultimately did him in. The book covers many campiagns from all fronts and even some naval battles. Most importantly this book explains Hitlers motivations as to why he built such a massive German War Machine and created such great military propaganda.
I think this book is a must read short book for people interested in WW2. It goes over all of the War's European campiagns and tells the Allied and Axis outlook of each campiagn. The readers before me stated that Strawson thought you knew too much information already and it made it hard to clearly understand problems. Thisindeed confused me at times but i caught on quickly to what Strawson was trying to explain, so I overlooked this issue. All in all I would rate this book to be a five, for its descriptive pieces and narratives explaining Hitler's reflections on campiagns. This book covers all of the fronts of the war in Europe, all the way from the Blitzkrieg offensive on the west , down to the later years when Germany haddeffensive positions from the east, where Russians poured into Berlin.

A GREAT BOOK
Well, my personal thoughts on this book were positive. This book shows how Hitler evolved into the man he later came to be due to his World War 1 experiences and how he effectively shaped the German military into a massive war machine from his ideas.
I know a whole lot about World War 2 and the German War Machine, but Strawson's book gave me a more in depth look on how Hitler came to be, and had his faults that ultimately did him in. I enjoyed reading this book, but at times I found it confusing because of my lack of knowledge in certain areas that I feel the writer expected me to already know.This was my only main prblem with this book.
This book is a very interesting book because not only does it explain how Hitler seemed to have managed a war from all fronts, but it also gives you a look at the Allied view in certain campaigns as well.The book also explains Hitler's methods of propaganda and his ideas on how to reconstruct a German Army from the ashes that the World War 1 treaties left it in. It's very descriptive on certain tactics like the Blitzkrieg offensive on the Western Front, and how later in the war Berlin fell to the Russians, and Germany was in a very defensive position.
All in all, I must say that this book was a great book on the way that it gave such descriptive pieces on the tactics of the German Army. This book is a good short book for projects and such. I gave this book five stars, I felt that I could overlook the fact that John Strawson wrote as if I knew almost everything because it was easy to catch on to what he meant in his writing anyways.

Great Stuff....
This is a great book for "amateur historians" who want to deepen their understanding of WWII, Hitler, and the German War Machine.

This review of Hitler's management of German battle campaigns during WWII isvery interesting. The overriding aim of this work is to present andevaluate Hitler's prowess as a military leader.

I especially enjoyed thefrequent references to the thoughts, criticisms,and concerns of theGenerals who worked alongside the Fuhrer. Also found the presentation ofHitler's War Directives to be enlightening, as well as relevant to thediscussion at hand.

This shorter book is a must read for anyone who hasan interest in the "nuts and bolts" of WWII.

As an aside, Iagree with the other reviewer who stated that the author seems to assumethat the reader has a deep knowledge of the Campaigns. Yetthis limitationdoesn't prevent the reader from extracting a great deal of knowledge onHitler's strengths and weaknesseses as a War Leader.

Readers areencouraged to check out the Time-Life(thin) books series on the ThirdReich in WWII. Lots of great narrative and pictures onweapons,ships/Uboats,campaigns,politics,propaganda,etc. (I have noconnection whatsover to that outfit....)

An excellent analysis.
This book is among the best of the WWII books I have read, and I have read quite a few.As an amatuer WWII historian (hey, I'm 19, but I've done a lot of reading), I had my own thoughts about Hitler as a militarycommander.I saw this book on sale and bought it without hesitation and Ithink it is one of the best buys I have made.Strawson makes acomplete analysis of every front of the European theater.He analyzes thestrategy of not only Hitler, but also those of the French, British,Russian, and American army commanders.Why the strategies succeeded, andwhy they failed.He quotes and comments on Hitler's War Directives.Allin all, a very good argument is made, and I agree with most of it. Strawson also gave me some new ideas and thoughts.My only complaint(and the only reason it got 4 stars instead of 5) is that Srawson assumes acertain level of intimacy with the historical data surrounding the War.Iwas familiar with most of it, but I needed some refreshment with the namesand places of the less famous battles(the Balkan campaign comes to mind). But, despite this, Strawson has a very good work here, and it is a shameit is out of print. ... Read more