Crossing the Line of Departure: Battle Command on the Move - A Historical Perspective

McGrath, John J; Combat Studies Institute Press

ISBN 10: 1780396805 / ISBN 13: 9781780396804

Published by Military Bookshop, 2006

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 15881396-n

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Crossing the Line of Departure: Battle Command on the Move - A Historical Perspective
• Publisher: Military Bookshop
• Publication Date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1780396805
• ISBN 13: 9781780396804
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

John McGrath's Crossing the Line of Departure is a wide-ranging historical overview of that most difficult aspect of military leadership, the art of battle command. McGrath leads the reader through case studies beginning with Alexander the Great leading up to the recent war in Iraq. Among others, he analyzes Napoleon's technique, French and British practices in World War I, the German experience with "Blitzkreig" in World War II, and the Soviet approach to battle command. McGrath also extends his historical analysis to the present day by presenting a description of battle command theory in the "Modular Army" and the Inforamation Age. Through it all, he finds that the key to successful command in battle, particularly in mobile operations, is found in the successful interplay between technology and personal technique. Unlike some pundits today, McGrath does not conclude that information age technology is likely to shift the balance between these poles in favor of technology dependence. The commander's personal sense of where to be on the battlefield, where to locate and how to use his headquarters staffs, and how to communicate with his subordinates have been-and remain today-crucial elements of successful battle command. A 21st century commander has use of technology beyond the comprehension of an Alexander, a Napoleon, or a Guderian; but he will continue to grapple with the same issues of personal presence and technique that they mastered so well.

About the Author

John McGrath has worked for the US Army in one capacity or another since 1978. A retired Army Reserve officer, Mr. McGrath served in infantry, field artillery, and logistics units, both on active duty and as a reservist.