State formation aims to achieve a legitimate monopoly on the use of violence and a legitimate government as perceived by its population. Governments have two principle mechanisms, force and consent, to create the conditions within which it can...
This is a "battle study" written purposely from the perspective of the Marines, soldiers, and sailors who fought at an-Najaf in August 2004. The narrative that follows documents the importance of the close relationship between political and...
The purpose of this monograph is to understand how China's culture affects the way it behaves internationally. By reviewing lessons from recent Chinese history and prevailing philosophies, we can see that China has succeeded in their goal of...
This study examines the proposition that military institutions in underdeveloped or developing countries offer significant advantages when they are given a role in national development. The investigation focuses mainly on the non-military and...
The individual soldier's physical and mental preparation for battle are arguably two of the most important factors considered when deciding whether a force is ready for commitment to combat. While many believe technological advances reduce the need...
Between April and August 1943, the U.S. Army’s II Corps saw two of its division commanders relieved of their commands. Each relief appeared tied to battlefield setbacks. MG Orlando Ward of the 1st Armored Division was relieved after his division...
The defense of Aachen and the Stolberg Corridor, the LXXXI Corps (situation in mid-September 1944), their counterattack and stalemate, and the defense of the Lammersdorf Corridor and the West Wall are detailed.
The end of World War I saw a great reduction in the Army's enlisted force. This period between the world wars is an interesting part o f NCO history. This is the time when the NCO corps kept our traditions alive even though there was not a support...
This study is a partial biography of Major General Ernest N. Harmon, focusing on his military career from his West Point graduation in 1917 to his assuming command of the 2nd Armored Division in1942. When Harmon attained division command in July...
This monograph investigates the historical use of cavalry in low intensity conflict (LIC). This investigation is to determine the possible strengths and weaknesses of our current light infantry division's reconnaissance squadron in terms of...
Today’s Army has gone through some incredible transformations since the end of the Cold War. Since then, the Army has struggled with Force XXI concepts, and more recently, the concept of the “Prototype Brigade.” This monograph examines other...
Medal is silver-rimmed, white enamel cross. Center medallion is brass and portrays profile of female head of liberty surrounded by a gold-rimmed green enamel band with a golden inscription. Reverse of medallion has center of blue surrounded by band...
The Winner of the MacArthur Military Leadership Writing Competition for the CGSC Class of 1987. Airland Battle Doctrine will only be successful if leaders place emphasis on establishing unit cohesion and developing quality soldiers. Indeed, FM...
United States. Army. Engineer Center and Fort Leonard Wood.
The Guidon came into being as a weekly publication in 1966 under the title Fort Leonard Wood Guidon. Between 1966 and 1987 the title was simplified to Guidon before becoming Essayons in 1988. The name reverted back to Guidon in 1999. It has been...
On 15 August 1944, an Allied army launched a second amphibious landing against the coast of southern France. The Allies, having shattered German defenses around the beachhead, decided to exploit the chaos in the enemy camp. On 17 August 1944, Major...
From late 1962 through mid-1966, President Sukarno of Indonesia sought to gain control of East Malaysia, the northern portion of the island of Borneo, by a combination of political and military means. This process was called Confrontation. His...
Field artillery must move rapidly as well as shoot accurately in order to do its job. An important argument as to the best way to move cannon has been, and still is, the argument of towed versus self-propelled artillery. The purpose of this paper...
In November 2008, U.S. citizens will go to the polls to choose a new President and a new administration. The Bush administration’s strategy of engagement with China is designed to build a peaceful relationship through diplomatic, informational,...
This study investigates the requirements for sound decision making at the operational level in conditions of high risk. The study first reviews some of the literature related to high-risk decision making. It then investigates two operational level...
The demands of 21st century military operations require an organization that is trained and equipped for independent offensive, defensive, and stability operations. This type of organization, the armored cavalry regiment, is fading from the U.S....