Strategy and the Prepared Mind

<p>There are historical patterns to strategies for the conduct of war that are only fully understandable by seeking a close understanding of the human thread that runs through all war. This is counter to fashion counter to the tendency to apply technology as an elixir against the trials of war. Although often neglected in the harrying bustle of the professional demands of a national security career an enduring approach to the study of strategy and war should always include close readings and written responses to the educational habits of mind of foundational strategic thinkers as exemplified by the monoliths of military theory: Sun Tzu Thucydides and Clausewitz. Backing a broad professional discourse with these fundamentals must be a self-initiated approach to history and literature that can over time provide unique windows into Thucydides' vivid observation as to the human sources of war: fear honor and interest. In combination these complementary professionally structured and self-directed educational stratagems can serve officers on planning staffs and those in command as they advise civilian authorities in the executive and legislative branches and as they face down challenges remain adaptive and effectuate national military strategy despite the fog and friction of combat.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p><br>