The Past as Prologue The Importance of History to the Military Profession [Paperback]

This 2006 book explores the usefulness of the study of history for contemporary military strategists.The Past as Prologue explores the usefulness of the study of history for contemporary military strategists. Essays from authors of diverse backgrounds-British and American, Civilian and Military-come together to present an overwhelming argument for the necessity of the study of the past by the today's military leader's in spite of these challenges. The essays of Part I examine the relationship between history and the military profession. Those in Part II explore specific historical cases that show the repetitiveness of certain military problems.The Past as Prologue explores the usefulness of the study of history for contemporary military strategists. Essays from authors of diverse backgrounds-British and American, Civilian and Military-come together to present an overwhelming argument for the necessity of the study of the past by the today's military leader's in spite of these challenges. The essays of Part I examine the relationship between history and the military profession. Those in Part II explore specific historical cases that show the repetitiveness of certain military problems.Exploring the usefulness of the study of history for contemporary military strategists, this volume illustrates the great importance of military history while simultaneously revealing the challenges of applying the past to the present. Essays from authors of diverse backgrounds--British and American, Civilian and Military--present an overwhelming argument for the necessity of the study of the past by today's military leaders in spite of these challenges. Part I examines the relationship between history and the military profession. Part II explores specific historical cases that reveal the repetitiveness of certain military problems.1. Introduction Williamson Murray and Richard Hart Sinnreich; 2. Military history and the history of war Sir Michael Howard; Part I. History and the Militl“Y