Tactics of the Crescent Moon

Ghostrider · 12-11-2005, 19:45

Picked this up and finished it the other day at Barnes and Noble. (By John Poole)

This book was an easy read that provides an insight into the "Eastern" mindset of fighting more powerful and technologically advanced "Western" powers. Chapters are layed out through the use of historical events and then relating them to present day events. In addition it gives a rough timeline of the emergence of several organizations such as Hezbollah, Al Qaeda, etc. and their links to each other as well as to Iran and other countries.

Despite the use of "popular press" type magazines such as Newsweek, Christian Science Monitor, etc. for some references, Poole's main point is that unless the US military comes to grips with and adapts to the fact that the bad guys do not think or act like Westerners we will have a difficult time totally winning. There are times where it is almost depressing, but I think he points out the worst case scenario in order to jar the reader out of complacency and the thinking that firepower and technology are all that is needed to win.

It is also pointed out by the author that despite our firepower and technological advantages, unless we take the moral high-ground (winning hearts and minds) we will go down a path that is similar to US experiences in Vietnam.

Some will not appreciate the hard comments he makes on our mindset and skills, but IMHO some are spot on and it would behoove those in charge of doctrine to take an honest look at adapting.

**Roguish Lawyer** · 12-12-2005, 08:58

I bought it a few weeks ago but have not read it yet. Thanks for the review.

**Roguish Lawyer** · 05-13-2006, 11:19

Just finished it. Interesting, but I did not think it was great.

He suggests that Iran and Hezbollah have played a much greater role in both Iraq and Afghanistan than has been reported. He suggests that there is a Shiite-Sunni alliance of convenience against the West, perhaps with China as a secret partner. I found much of his analysis to be conclusory and without much foundation. That being said, he does make some interesting observations regarding tactics being used against us.

I am curious whether any QPs have read it, and what they think.

**Peregrino** · 05-13-2006, 18:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roguish Lawyer

Just finished it. Interesting, but I did not think it was great.

He suggests that Iran and Hezbollah have played a much greater role in both Iraq and Afghanistan than has been reported. He suggests that there is a Shiite-Sunni alliance of convenience against the West, perhaps with China as a secret partner. I found much of his analysis to be conclusory and without much foundation. That being said, he does make some interesting observations regarding tactics being used against us.

I am curious whether any QPs have read it, and what they think.

I've read (or reviewed) all of his books. I make the distinction because he's taken the same basic analysis (that could have been a quality term paper) and turned it into five (lengthy) books. In order to understand an author you need to know something about his background. This is especially true of Poole. He is a former Marine SNCO, an intel analyst with a Far East background. This comes across stongly in all of his books. He does a good job of putting together open source materials and tying them into a coherent picture. His use of vignettes to illustrate his points is masterful but it tends to overemphasize his adulation (probably a little strong but that's how it comes across to me) of the "Eastern" way of war. When it comes to his "recommendations", he tends to blur the line between strategy and tactics. He is best when he discusses TTPs. His first books (The Last 100 Yards, Phantom Soldier, and The Way of the Tiger) all have nuggets of information that would benefit any combat soldier. As the American military evolves to meet the 4GW threat I see a lot of what he advocates being incorporated IN SOME FASHION. I agree with his central themes: decentralized C&C, reliance on quality vs. quantity and individual initiative at the soldier level, and implementation of the political aspects (Sun Tzu) of war. I don't agree with his tendency to idealize/idolize the eastern martial traditions - we have perfectly acceptable traditions of our own that work well (just ask the NVA or the Japanese what really happened). That said all warfare is evolving. If we want to defeat 4th Generation adversaries America will have to redefine what constitutes a battlefield and change the way we do business. Future engagements will be decided by small unit actions against adversaries that do not adhere to or even acknowledge our current methods of waging war. Poole's books offer useful insight into the mindset and tactics of the enemy and present his version of an answer to the emerging threat. They make for interesting reading and an educated, discerning reader will find a lot of "food for thought". That said, I think everything he's written could be distilled down into a handbook that would fit in a BDU pocket. It might actually be more influential in that form. My .02 - Peregrino

**The Reaper** · 05-13-2006, 19:03

That is the truth.

I am about 1/2 the way through "Way of the Tiger", and am pretty tired of his broad generalizations and contradictory examples. A little worse then Grossman, but not much.

Not sure that I care to finish it.

TR

Fiercely Loyal · 07-19-2007, 05:13

Tactics of the Crescent Moon, Militant Muslim Combat Methods
Author, H. John Poole

I am very excited about this book. I have only read into the first 40 pages or so but it’s a very good read so far. It has already given me a better understanding of the area I am operating in and how their history is affecting us today. Highly recommend this book to anyone in this AO that wants more than the standard cultural awareness briefing.

http://www.amazon.com/Tactics-Cresce...4843791&sr=8-1

**Roguish Lawyer** · 07-19-2007, 09:47

Before posting a book review, please check to see whether it already has been reviewed here. Thanks.

x SF med · 07-19-2007, 10:32

War at the Top of the World is an excellent review of the politics and mindset in the same area of the world.

Marauder06 · 07-20-2007, 22:54

tends to overemphasize his adulation (probably a little strong but that's how it comes across to me) of the "Eastern" way of war.

That's my impression of his writing as well. I felt that his books were done on the cheap, with little original thought or insight. I was disappointed in both "Crescent Moon" and "Phantom Soldier."