Men Against Fire: The Problem of Battle Command

2023 Reprint of the 1947 Edition. Full facsimile of the original edition and not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. "General Eisenhower's Chief Historian offers an analysis of the specific psychological realities of combat infantrymen in action. Based upon extensive on-the-spot observations and interrogations, as well as later collations of detailed company reports, this critique examines traditional assumptions about the morale and combat activities of the individual and of small groups of foot-soldiers under fire. Thirteen chapters survey the problems of combat motivation, battlefield isolation, ratio of firing activity, official and informal communication, and leader-follower relationships, as these effect the details of military tactics. Throughout, there is reference to the strengths and weaknesses in human nature as they influence military efficiency. Many episodic accounts from World War II and from military legend and folklore are included." (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA

Contents: Author's note -- The illusion of power -- On future war -- Man on the battlefield -- Combat isolation -- Ratio of fire -- Fire as the cure -- The multiples of information -- The riddle of command -- Tactical cohesion -- Why men fight -- The aggressive will -- Men under fire -- Footnote to history -- Index.