Command in War by Martin Van Creveld

Harvard University Press. Paperback. NEW. There have been numerous books written about strategy, tactics, and great commanders throughout history. However, there is one book that stands out, as it is the first to tackle the subject of command itself. Spanning over two thousand years, this book explores the nature of command and its development from ancient Greece to the Vietnam War. Authored by Martin van Creveld, it encompasses a wide range of topics related to commanding armies, including staff organization, administration, communication methods and technologies, weaponry, and logistics. By delving into these areas, the book also sheds light on the intricate relationship between these issues and military strategy. One of the book's key strengths lies in its vivid descriptions of pivotal battles and campaigns. It takes readers on a journey through time, offering insights into historical events such as Napoleon at Jena, Moltke's Koeniggratz campaign, the Arab-Israeli war of 1973, and the American involvement in Vietnam. Through these accounts, van Creveld focuses on the means of command and demonstrates how they played out in practice. It becomes evident that technological advancements, such as the introduction of the railroad, breech-loading rifles, the telegraph, radios, tanks, and helicopters, not only brought new tactical possibilities but also imposed limitations on commanders. While military thinking and technology have undergone significant changes over the centuries, one constant remains: the relentless pursuit of certainty. Commanders have always sought certainty about the state and intentions of their enemy's forces, as well as the various factors that shape the environment in which warfare occurs – from weather and terrain to the presence of chemical warfare agents and radioactivity. Likewise, certainty about one's own forces, their state, intentions, and activities, has always been crucial. In his book, van Creveld concludes that progress in command has often been achieved not by merely adopting more advanced technologies but by finding ways to overcome the limitations of existing ones. This novel perspective challenges the notion that technological superiority alone guarantees success on the battlefield. Instead, Van Creveld argues that effective command lies in the ability to adapt and overcome the constraints imposed by technology. Overall, this groundbreaking book offers a fresh and comprehensive exploration of the nature of command throughout history. By weaving together historical events, analysis, and insights, van Creveld provides readers with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by commanders and the evolving dynamics of warfare. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of adaptability in command, highlighting that true progress often comes from transcending the limitations imposed by technology rather than simply relying on its advancements.