Title: Command
in War
Author: Martin van
Creveld
Publisher: Harvard
Pages: 336
Content: How is
command exercised and what is the nature of command? This is the central
premise of this seminal work by Creveld. By recounting the development of
command from a historical perspective spanning a period of two thousand years,
he is able to trace the inter-relationship between military strategy and the
variety of challenges associated with commanding armies from staff
organizations thru to logistics and technology. He suggests that despite the
changes that have occurred in military thinking and technology, the one
constant that remains is the commanders search for certainty (be it
environment, enemies intent or ones own forces’ activities). The advantages
that have come with the advance of technology have also brought with them
additional limitations. It is the commander’s ability to develop ways to
transcend these limitations that have resulted in progress in command. Through
case studies Creveld reviews the changing means of command and how they worked
in practice. An excellent book and fascinating read.
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