Studying War and Warfare
MG HR McMaster, 11 Sep 2013
Part 2 of 2
Conclusion
As military professionals, we share a moral and professional obligation to seek criticism and refine our thinking—in an entrepreneurial spirit—through rigorous debate. Engaging in forums and conferences such as the DEF is critical to developing our best military thinking. Intellectual participation helps military professionals develop the expertise that is a pillar of our profession. Debates and discussions help junior leaders develop an appreciation for leadership at the operational, joint, and strategic levels so they can place the actions of small units in context of war aims as well as develop their ability to provide analysis and advice to senior military and civilian leaders on matters of policy and strategy. As General Albert C. Wedemeyer noted while a student at the German staff college between the World Wars of the twentieth century, “An indomitable will and broad military knowledge, combined with a strong character, are attributes of the successful leader. He must have a clear conception of tactical principles and their application. Only by continual study of military history and of the conduct of war with careful attention to current developments can the officer acquire the above stated attributes of leadership.”[5]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[1] Elihu Root, General Correspondence to the United States Congress, 1901 (Manuscript Division, Library of Congress), Washington D.C., 2011, available at
http://www.loc.gov/rr/mss/address.html
[2]Carl Von Clausewitz, On War, Edited and Translated by Michael Howard and Peter Paret, Princeton University Press, 1989. pg. 141
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid., 88-89.
[5] GEN Albert C. Wedemeyer Wedemeyer on War and Peace, Edited by Keith E. Eiler, Hoover Press, 1987, 5.
http://def2013.com/studying-war-and-warfare/