Military history Essay

You array professionals moldiness know something al sanitary-nigh strategy and tactics and logistics, but too economics and politics and diplomacy and annals. You essential know e actuallything you can know about legions power, and you must also realize the limits of war machine power. You must understand that few of the important problems of our time have in the final analysis, been work by armament power alone ass F. Kennedy (Quoted from Winning the public certification the Requirement for Full-spectrum Operations by Chiargonlli and Michaelis (2005). Military business relationship-just a identical any other form of story- can make or break you depending on how you subprogram it.In US, for example, phalanx battles and wars can be traced back to the 1700s when America was in the verge of attaining independence. From then onwards, t here(predicate) have been a series of wars-mainly in their conquest and colonization efforts. In other parts of the cosmea, army tarradiddle also faced variable evolutions that led to the utilization of different forms and strategies. alto energiseher these wars can however be collectively summarized with the first and second world wars which saw direct or indirect participation of almost any countries from all over the world (Gabel, 1985, p. 1-85).It is from subjecting such rich memoir that present-day(prenominal) host professionals are able to have a relatively easy time when going about their vital schedules. These lessons can be in form of making improvements on already displayed total concepts or alternatively, gibeing from ultimo mistakes by avoiding them. Failure to positively learn comes with a bag-full of consequences more aptly put in the rowing of John Santayana Those who do non know storey are doomed to buy up it. In giving his contribution to this vastly debated subject, RAF (2010, p. 152) rhetorically asks that If the study of annals is so fraught with problems, and either so ea sy to get falsely or difficult to get right, depending on ones dupe of the contents of the glass, why bother at all? Well, so legion(predicate) answers-backed with evidences-have been advanced to support both ends of the debate. However, the focus of this paper is going to be on circumspectly utmostlighting the immensity of studying military floor-which most researchers amass as being vital- plot of land partly highlighting its demerits.Before delving orphic into why we should or should non study military register, it is inherent that we beat by mentioning the importance of history as an entity in itself. It is from getting this primer knowledge that we will be able to ardently address the break of military history. Most scholars tend to heavily draw their knowledge from historical data so they strongly commend the study of history in general. Others, on the other hand, either oppose it or support parsimoniousness white plague of historical sources.To the latter, his tory-more so the written type-is subject to hatfuls interpretations, understandings and opinions and then whitethorn be misleading in studies since it is not very accurate or reliable (RAF, 2010, p. 153). For example, Presher (1901) describes his views on Americas maltreatment of non competitivenessants in a Filipino village. To some historians, the abuse described here was not really abuse but just an exercise of power. two views susceptibility therefore be very confusing to volume attempt to get the real picture of what happened during that time. According to RAF (2010, p. 153), the literature studied in history Is inevitably extensive and, almost equally inevitably, overmuch of it is weighed down on first inspection. This whitethorn also deviate from what is really meant. RAF goes frontward and advises that if we are to get the most accurate and precise representation of what happened, we fill to study In breadth, depth and arguably most importantly in a proper contex t. We should also ensure that we focus on many sources from authoritative individuals so as to get facts rather than myths or fables which might be misleading (p.152-156). For instance, The long shadow of forgetful rock is a personal memoir of Daisy Bates which makes the writing authentic and credible as inappropriate to other military history records which are narrated from the perspective of hear understands. Just like any major area of human concern, the study of military history has its predefined language and concepts. Consequently, when studying military history, it is inherent that you familiarize yourself with jargons employ here.For example, words like Strategic, operational, Tactical and Individual are used in military history to represent the realms of traditional history (Kagan (2006). It is also important to descent that the studies should be conducted in an order. Haphazard studies tend to confuse rather than carry finished the fundamental functions of studying military history. Having said that, what really are the advantages of studying military history? Elementarily, RAF (2010, p. 157) documents that military history studies by military professionals offers entertainment, inspiration, reading and pride to its students.Just by studying about the escapades of our historical heroes and villains in their military obligations, we are able to get entertainment since most of the stories are appalling. On top of that, we get informed from the in-depth descriptions of the war times. In With the previous(a) store, Sledge (2001) grippingly describes the horrendous experiences at Peleliu and Okinawa while informing the readers of how difficult it was to exit during that time. In effect, someone studying the story gets informed and entertained at the same time. Murray & Sinnreich (2006, p. 32) assert that Military history helps provide the theoretical bag for the science of war, and continues to do so even in an era of grand technological and social change. Gabel (1985, p. 3) exemplifies this by talking of clumsy, unreliable, difficult to operate push armored combat vehicles that provided a basis for the formation of better tanks to be used in other wars. In another example to show how one put together of history laid theoretical foundation for another, Lupfer (1981, p. 8) says that The Germans did not win the jump orbit War and their strategic conduct of the war was often flawed.Yet, much value can be derived from their development of tactical doctrine, for the Germans developed and employ new tactical doctrine impressively in 1917 and 1918. Their tactical changes were authoritative and thorough, for these changes in doctrine directly affected subsequent battlefield success. In addition, studying military history provides a platform for referencing by military professionals. Lupfer (1981, p. 8) articulates of changes made by the army of Germany courtesy of armys high commandOHL. First, a defensive doctrine is ado pted found on previous studies then later, an offensive strategy is adopted.In the long run, the German army succeeds in curbing their oppositions in the western fronts. According to Hanson (2007), military history also plays the irreplaceable role of reminding us happenings of the past and how the throng back then contributed to our current state. The numerous documentations of the battles in the 1700s helps us not totally to know the sacrifices endure for the achievement of independence but also reminds to be grateful and appreciative of all the villains who paved the way for the current freedoms in the U. S Moreover, military trainings only cover a downcast portion of the fundamental aspects involved in military fostering.Most scholars opinionate that military history helps in filling the knowledge void left by other forms of military education. Specifically, military history enhances practicability of military education which is crucial for the growth of military profession als. Hanson (2007) adds that Democratic citizenship requires knowledge of warand now, in the age of weapons of mass annihilation, more than ever. It is for this reason that institutions that focus on military history are slowly-but steadily- rising in many nations. This is also translucent with the various movies, shows and songs that currently tend to incorporate aspects of military history. Examples include award-wining movies like Troy and 300 among many others. In spite of being hugely debated by many researchers, Hanson-and a handful of other scholars-further opinionate that military history teaches us that war is not necessarily as bad as most people perceive it to be.So even though millions of people may get killed or innumerable properties may get destroyed, through war, we may get mollification, freedom or even progress economically which is positive. In other words, war involves doing something bad with the hope that something good may come out of it. This can be exempl ified with the outcomes of the vastly covered World wars (WWI and WWII) despite the numerous deaths and huge economic losses that resulted from them, the wars also pioneered communion which led to freedom and serenity amongst the involved states.On the flipside, the study of war does not necessarily equate to advantages. Chiarelli and Michaelis (2005) support this statement by tell that A gun on every street corner, although visually appealing, provides only a short-term solution and does not equate to long-term security grounded in a democratic process. So in spite of peace being the ultimate target for wars, many wars end up with worse rivalry thus worsening the already bad situation.In instances where peace or freedom was not realized from the war, students who study the war may end up sucking in bad influence and damaging lessons rather than the positive lessons that is targeted for them. It is also important to note that some people who study military history may get priv ate selective information on some confidential issues which may pose a flagellum to those living around them. An example is chemical combinations of making a go bad landing in the hands of a terrorist. This poses a danger not only to people living around the terrorist but also on the country as a whole.Yet still, the study of military history can prove quite costly and risky. So many people currently focus on technological advancements, discovery of new drugs to unclutter the current diseases, making work easier through software among other things. I effect, very little time and attention is given to studying of past histories. The fact that history cannot be changed yet we can determine what becomes of our prox makes even more people gutter the study of history while concentrating on current affairs as well as likely forecasts.As a result, those who concentrate on studying military history mostly have to personally dig into their pockets so as to the studies as opposed to the millions of dollars donated daily towards new researches. In addition, those who study military history have to sometimes come to terms with poor hospitality and detestation from their subjects. In Doughertys (2005, p. 1) interview of historian and free-lance writer Robert Kaplan on his military research book Imperial Grunts The American Military on the Ground, Kaplan reveals that he had to trail soldiers through inhospitable and volatile areas just to get an interview from them.In his studies, he visited Yemen, Iraq, Ethiopia and Philippines- who at the time of the interviews were quite unwelcoming thus making it difficult for him to get substantial information. Dougherty (2005, p. 1) further exemplifies these acrid conditions by saying that in order for Kaplan to get valuable information from the soldiers, He immerses himself in their world, spending weeks and months living with soldiers in their quarters, joining their missions, eating, drinking, sweating, freezing, and sometim es starving, side-by-side with them. Adding on to the demerits, Kagan (2006) says that the complex nature of military language which involves Unit sizes and nomenclature, acronyms and abbreviations, typologies of military natural action may sometimes prove too multifarious and confusing to ordinary students (those without professional military knowledge). Dougherty (2005, p. 3-6) gets Kaplan to talk about the complex language that existed in the midst of the military sergeants, generals and commanders in their communion. In some cases, it was even a must for the military officials to know and communicate in other foreign languages.At such points, some meanings maybe distorted to those recording as well as those studying the history based on the various communication syntaxes and rules that govern different regions. Lastly, the proliferation in ways of solving disputes has lessened the use of military personnel by most countries. As of today, most disputes are solved through dial ogues, courts and round-table negotiations by world superpowers. In effect, the study of military is only done by a few people who rarely dig deep into these annals of history.The many fundamental functions that military history provides are therefore slowly being corroded away by the ever increasing modern forms of conflict resolution. In conclusion, it is noteworthy to say that military history plays an important role in preparing soldiers for wars. It may not necessarily empower them but it offers them insights on how their opponents fight, their strengths, weaknesses, previously successful combat methods, what they should avoid among other vital details which are invaluable out front going to war.On the other hand, military history should be used sparingly so as to avoid complacency by soldiers based on overconfidence. Aptly put in the words of Henry Kissinger (1978) biography is not, of course, a cookbook offering pretested recipes. It teaches by analogy, not maxims. It can authorize the consequences of actions in comparable situations, yet each generation must discover for itself what situations are in fact comparable. References Bates, D. (1987). T The long shadow of little rock.Fayetteville. P. 1 5, 43 76, 82 106. 64 pages Chiarelli, P. W. , & Michaelis, P. R. (July-August, 2005). Winning the peace The requirement for full-spectrum operations. Military Review, p. 1 17. Dougherty, E. (2005). Warriors for Good Interview with Robert Kaplan. Atlantic Unbound. Gabel, C. R. (1985). Seek, strike, and destroy U. S. army tank destroyer doctrine in World War II. Hanson, V. D. (2007). why study war? CITY journal. Retrieved May 18, 2010, from http//www. city-journal.org/html/17_3_military_history. html Kagan, F. W. (2006).Why military history matters. AEI Online. Retrieved May 18, 2010, from http//www. aei. org/outlook/24600 Kaplan, R. (October, 2005). Imperial Grunts With the army special forces in the Philippines and Afghanistanlaboratories of counterin surgency. The Atlantic Monthly, p. 84 93. Lupfer, T. T. (1981). The dynamics of doctrine the change in German tactical doctrine during the First World War. Murray, W. , & Sinnreich R. H. (2006).The past as prologue the importance of history to the military profession. Google Books. p. 32. Presher, F. (1999). Private Frederick Presher describes the U. S. Armys abuse of noncombatants in a Filipino village, 1901. Major Problems in American Military History. p. 230 231. RAF, P. W. G. (2005). XII. Why Study Military History? Defence Studies, 5(1), p. 151-164. Retrieved May 18, 2010, from http//dx. doi. org/10. 1080/14702430500097408 Sledge, E. B. (1981) With the Old Breed At Peleliu and Okinawa. P. 55 10.