Predeployment Reading

I consider myself relatively proficient in the area of naval tactics, both in surface warfare and submarine warfare, but, I know almost nothing of land tactics/strategies. So I am quickly trying to educate myself.

Tactics: To start, I reread the timeless classic "The Art of War", by Sun Tzu. Written more than 2,500 years ago, it is still one of the best books on tactics ever written.

History: After reading the very confusing and dry "Afghanistan: A Military History from Alexander the Great to the War against the Taliban" by Stephen Tanner, I was not looking forward to reading another history book about Afghanistan. But since I had already picked up a copy of "Afghanistan: A Short History of Its People and Politics "by Martin Ewans at the Exchange, I decided I had better read it. I was pleasantly surprised. Sir Martin Ewans, a member of the British Diplomatic Service, provides a clear and concise history of the region. Sir Ewans briefly covers the period prior to 1838 and then goes into great detail of the historical events following the First Anglo–Afghan War. I highly recommend this book to anyone with orders to the AFPAK area.

Next book: "Learning to Eat Soup with a Knife", by John A. Nagal

Until next time: Keep your eye on a shipmate, head on a swivel and stand by to Give'em Hell!