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1. Professional DeveloPment Bookshelf:
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100 Decisive Battles
from ancient times
to the Present
By Maj. John H. Alderman IV I found myself thinking of even familiar battles in a new
Public Affairs Office way because Davis had given them more, or different,
Georgia Department of Defense context than I had seen before. The results sections
extended my understanding of the battles and helped me
W
fit them together – making the book’s chronological order
e can learn a lot from taking a little time to even more useful.
analyze battles and asking ourselves what There are some surprise inclusions and exclusions
decisions, or technology, or logistics, or of battles; but narrowing it down to 100 battles over the
personalities were key to victory... or defeat. But military course of 3,500 years of history had to be tough. More
history books that describe these battles share the important is that the battles span both time and place, and
common challenge of reaching the right level of detail each of the battles was decisive in its own way.
for a quick study. So, for example, Davis covers the battle of Crécy but
Too little detail and you get what amounts to a not the more famous battle of Agincourt – because Crécy
dictionary entry of places and people; too much detail is more important strategically and Agincourt basically
and it’s hard to cover a lot of ground while drawing repeats the tactics used at Crécy.
broader conclusions. Overall, 100 Decisive Battles serves as both a
100 Decisive Battles gets the mix just right. Each thorough grounding in the most important battles and
battle gets a few pages, and Davis describes the historical tactics of history – and as a great general reference on the
setting and results of each one in crisp, entertaining prose. subject. It is broad enough to teach us how to think about
For every battle he includes a short, precise description maneuver, logistics, and decision-making, yet specific
of why that battle is important, a description of the battle enough to give us useful examples.
itself, and then an explanation of the results and effects. I don’t think it’s too strong a statement to say that this
He then offers his references for further reading. Most book should be on the bookshelf of every professional
battles include maps, and some have illustrations. military officer.
Throughout, his analysis is spot on. More than once,
June 2010 | 18

3. Professional
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By Maj. John H. Alderman IV vision and make decisions. And the key is making the
Public Affairs Office right decisions. If executives make decisions that others
Georgia Department of Defense can make, or that they can make unnecessary by issuing
policy, they are wrong, Drucker contends.
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Perhaps the best-known example from this book
hat can Guardsmen learn from a business is Drucker’s observation that a well-run factory is a
executive’s handbook written half a century quiet factory. If he visited a factory where everything
ago? Lots, actually. was dramatic, and people were rushing about excitedly
First published in 1967, The Effective Executive making things happen – it would be less well-run than
is business guru Peter F. Drucker’s close look at how a quiet factory where good planning, solid policies and
executives operate and how they can improve themselves thorough systems and procedures had made things…
in order to improve their organizations. Rather than a quite regular.
focus on managing people, it’s really about managing “A recurrent crisis,” he writes, “should always
one’s self. have been foreseen.” So the job of the leader, then, is
Executives, Drucker writes, mainly contribute by to anticipate problems and provide training, equipment,
affecting their organization’s ability to perform and obtain systems or decisions to keep problems from developing.
results. By “executive” he generally means business A major takeaway is that, whatever his rank, a leader
executives. But his working definition – people who are acts like “top management” when she focuses on what
expected to get the right things done – sounds a lot like she can do to serve the needs of the entire organization –
the basic definition of a “leader.” from whatever position she’s in. And that is a lesson we
While it is more obvious that this book would be could all do well to keep in mind.
great for battalion commanders and chiefs of staff, I Throughout, the prose is lightened by illustrations
found its lessons very useful – decisive even – as a and observations from business and the military. After
Troop Commander, and figure the lessons would apply to all, military leaders make tough decisions all the time,
thoughtful leaders from squad level, up. and the high stakes of our field means we have to get
For example, Drucker has a healthy appreciation things more right more often than most business leaders
for decentralized decision-making. Leaders must make – or we face more awful consequences.
decisions, not just carry out orders. Executives must focus It’s not the simplest manual on leadership, but it is
their efforts and time on what other people need and can one of the very best. I first read this book when I was a
use to make the organization successful. Meetings should young lieutenant, and the ideas in it completely changed
be held only for a purpose. the way I approach leadership. I wish I had read it sooner.
Essentially, executives do two things: provide a
July 2010 | 20

4. Professional
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Reviews of books that
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By Maj. John H. Alderman IV in such a way that a student of history can draw his or
Public Affairs Office her own conclusions about the action. Rather than feeling
Georgia Department of Defense uneven in its treatment, it keeps the atlas interesting and
makes it more a tool of instruction.
T
The maps are beautiful. Perfectly scaled and
he perennial trick to understanding a given illustrated, there is enough detail to give the reader some
battle or campaign is matching the detail of terrain to analyze to help see how commanders’ decisions
written description to the visualization of a map were shaped – similar to the utility provided by staff rides.
illustration. The West Point Atlas of War series spans The maps are rarely unclear or cluttered, with a clear
centuries of warfare in a simple, effective manner that and concise black-and-white color scheme. Another nice
supports both close reading and general browsing. First detail is the inclusion of local place-names, which give
published in the 50’s under the auspices of Gen. Esposito a feel for what the commanders may have seen on the
at the Military Academy, many of the maps are available ground. Unremembered places like Catherine’s Furnace,
online. Barber’s Point, and Todd’s Tavern show up next to the
The books are harder to find, but if you’re lucky, you names we know well only because a battle took place a
can still pick up reprints at larger bookstores. The most little farther down the road.
recent reprint included separate volumes on the American The atlas maps and descriptions are probably best at
Civil War, World War I, and the European and Pacific teaching an understanding of the higher-order decisions
theaters of World War II. The latter is the one that most that shape wars. The volume on the Pacific Theater, for
opened my eyes. example, was the first book that really helped me fully
Just as Paul Davis’s 100 Decisive Battles (featured visualize and understand the division-level maneuver
in this column this past June) perfectly balances scope that surrounded or supported some of the smaller-scale
and detail, so too does The West Point Atlas. For each (or seemingly unconnected) battles with which I had
battle or campaign, a map of the area of operations (and previously been familiar.
sometimes area of interest) is set with a concise description Ultimately, a robust appetite for and understanding of
of the action. Sometimes, the two are perfectly matched; the various factors which have affected major battles and
sometimes, the maps may only illustrate the decisive part campaigns in the past allows any commander to better
of the action. contextualize any challenges faced by his or her own
Throughout, the prose is lively and appropriately unit. The West Point Atlas of War series effectively puts
detailed, a good read that balances analysis with reporting salient facts and mitigating factors into a visually and
in some pretty neat ways. So, for example, sometimes the intellectually compelling format that makes it easy for
narrative is explicit in its condemnation or praise for a commanders to make use of the lessons hard-learned in
commander’s decision. At other times, facts are presented battles past.
August 2010 | 20

5. Professional
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Reviews of books that
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By Maj. John H. Alderman IV as he becomes a leader and starts shaping teams, we see
Public Affairs Office it all over again from a different angle.
Georgia Department of Defense Ender’s Game really becomes an exploration of the
methods – a philosophy, really – of training junior leaders.
A
Ender is thrown into a real maelstrom of experiences
science fiction book? On the Professional and people, and he encounters different attitudes toward
Development Bookshelf? You better believe command, leadership, followership, and decision making.
it! Right up there on the shelf next to Starship He has to handle superiors less talented, and subordinates
Troopers. more talented, than he is.
Ender’s Game is the story of a young boy becoming Most useful to us as readers are the lessons Ender
a leader under unique and trying circumstances. Set learns about how those without power can influence those
in the relatively near future, the novel spins a fairly in power through example, or counsel, or even direct
straightforward tale. Earth has been attacked by aliens challenge. The parallels to be drawn by a new lieutenant
twice, and now the planet is desperately trying to prepare – in charge but inexperienced – are clear. The same could
for the rematch they know is coming. So, they are be said for junior NCOs.
selecting and developing leaders at very early ages and A minor theme explores the power of rhetoric:
pouring everything into the hope that one of them will be, Methods to shape thoughts and action with words and
essentially, perfect. ideas. In fact, we come to see the ability to communicate
Like all good fiction, this storyline is about developing effectively as the leader’s best tool.
character and solving problems. In this case, how does a Card is a fantastic storyteller. His characters have an
society select and develop leaders? What makes a good edge to them, and project a peculiar kind of reality. So,
combat leader, and how does a trainer pull that out of although the book is practically a manual on leadership,
a candidate for leadership? What does that candidate go it never feels like one. In fact, it is plenty enjoyable just to
through as the transformation takes place? read as a space yarn. But that would be to miss the point.
That selection and development process forms So, if you need a change of pace, or prefer to learn by
the core of the novel. Card takes us inside two minds: example and consideration, give this novel a shot. You
one shaping a leader through direct counseling and by will probably immediately see why it has been on the
indirect situational challenges; the other, Ender, growing Marine Corps Reading List since its inception.
into that leader as he is poked and prodded along. Then,
September 2010 | 20

6. Professional
DeveloPment
Bookshelf:
Reviews of books that
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By Maj. John H. Alderman IV man who is foundered under the weight of ammunition he
Public Affairs Office will never use.”
Georgia Department of Defense And if you accept his basic premise, then you should
give careful consideration to this new equation of risk
T
assessment. What might we gain in mobility in exchange
his slim little volume on logistics is so brilliant that for accepting the risk of having fewer reloads?
it would be tempting to read the first short essay or At its core, The Soldier’s Load and the Mobility of a
two, declare yourself Enlightened, promise never Nation is about the creation and preservation of combat
to load your Troops down with extra gear again, and move power so that it can be used at the decisive point. And that
on. proves a pretty good model for leadership in general.
Famed historian Col. S.L.A. Marshall’s basic premise Soldiers manage their fuel and ammunition to maintain
is: “No logistical system is sound unless its first principle pressure on an enemy; pilots manage energy to maintain
is enlightened conservation of the power of the individual superior position in a dogfight; managers balance the need
fighter.” for information against the cost of distracting their people
In other words, don’t weigh down your folks with from their daily tasks by holding too many meetings.
unnecessary stuff. Marshall illustrates his points with vignettes from
Marshall’s famous studies of the great mass of gear various wars to keep things interesting. Along the way he
we ask our troops to carry into combat have affected makes some pithy observations on decision making, the
generations of leaders. Staff gets much of the blame: To psychology of combat, staff work, maneuver, and morale.
“economy
of foRces opeRates in the spheRe of supply
just as Relentlessly as it does in its application to the stRiking foRces.”
mitigate their fears of every possible contingency, all sorts Another valuable inclusion in the book is
of extra equipment is added to the basic combat load. straightforward leadership philosophy that ties everything
Because Marshall also believes that “In war, all effort, together: “The ability to command the loyalties of your
all policy, should be directed toward speedier delivery of men, to learn to think rapidly and resolutely in their behalf
a greater volume of a more efficient fire at the decisive while teaching them to do likewise, and to strive always
point,” this study of logistics is all about the intersection to avoid wasting their force and energy so that it may be
of logistics and leadership. For him, strategic leadership applied in strength at the vital time and place - that is
marshals resources effectively; tactical leadership leadership of the highest possible caliber.”
motivates and inspires subordinates by doing the same. Whatever their position or duty, leaders are responsible
Some of Marshall’s ideas are challenging and for managing resources to accomplish missions. So,
practically unthinkable. Send troops into combat with Marshall’s approach will prove useful in its relentless focus
little food or ammunition? Are you kidding? Yet, as on necessary things, of unencumbering subordinates, and
Marshall writes, “the Soldier with only five clips in his maximizing operational effects.
pocket but spring in his gait is tenfold stronger than the
October 2010 | 20

9. Professional
DeveloPment
Bookshelf:
Reviews of books that
teach us about ouR cRaft
By Maj. John H. Alderman IV
Public Affairs Office
Georgia Department of Defense approachable. Much of it reads like a book of aphorisms;
some of it is repetitive and mystical, a little too Eastern
A
for many readers.
nyone who has ever fenced, or wielded a close- For these reasons, this is a book best savored. You’ll
combat weapon, or studied martial arts understands want to have enough time to reflect on what you read – but
how a weapon can serve as an extension of the not so much time that you lose the threads of the major
body. This understanding entails a comprehension of the themes running throughout the works. I recommend as
relationship between action and reaction, vulnerability interactive an experience as you can manage: Discuss it
and the strike. with others, or capture your thoughts and reflections in
Knowledge of these things proves useful whether the margins of your book as you read. Agree or disagree,
employing a tank platoon, or a light infantry battalion, your reactions matter and, if captured, can help you better
or a fighter aircraft. But these are lessons which can be understand and develop your own philosophy of conflict.
learned more immediately (and perhaps easily) with a Some of the lessons will be more challenging.
close-combat weapon. “‘Mountain and sea’ means that it is bad to do the same
Probably, it is for this reason that Miyamoto Musashi’s thing over and over again,” writes Musashi. Yet, on
The Book of Five Rings – collected here with Yagyu reflection and in context, understanding the need to match
“the peRfoRmance of an expeRt seems Relaxed but does not leave any gaps.
the actions of tRained people do not seem Rushed.”
Munenori’s Family Traditions on the Art of War – has tactics to the situation at hand, and not repeat stale tactics
survived through the ages as a key text of the martial arts. – these are things with which we can identify.
The translator, Thomas Cleary, refers to these as “texts Other lessons will be clearer immediately. “When you
on conflict and strategy,” meant to be useful in all walks of strike a blow, do not keep your mind on where you hit; after
life. Both authors, too, stress repeatedly that the “martial striking, bring your mind back to observe your adversary’s
arts” are meant to be applied in all situations. condition,” writes Munenori. Students of maneuver – and
This approach truly makes these works of conflict many pilots – will recognize this admonition against
philosophy more than strategic thought (or even business “tunnel vision” from early in their training.
method) alone. The end result Miyamoto and Munenori The bottom line is that if one approaches this book
would have us reach is more a state of mind – a way with an open mind, and a willingness to apply somewhat
of approaching problems, martial or otherwise – with abstract lessons to today’s situation, The Book of Five
a proper balance of focus and openness, of passive and Rings may help you reach “the next level” in your strategic
aggressive physical and mental states. thinking.
Of course, this also means the book is not always easily
January 2011 | 20

10. Professional
DeveloPment
Bookshelf:
Reviews of books that
teach us about ouR cRaft
By Maj. John H. Alderman IV
Public Affairs Office those of S.L.A. Marshall) which revealed that, historically,
Georgia Department of Defense the vast majority of Soldiers (and pilots) in combat either
never pull the trigger, or miss that target, even at pretty close
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ranges. The historical examples aren’t perfect (certainly
atching the A-Team as a kid, it never occurred to there are exceptions!) but they’re there.
me how odd it was that although Hannibal and He demonstrates, in part, that humans and animals
the boys traded hundreds of bullets with each alike have powerful urges not to kill members of their own
week’s bad guys, practically no one was ever hit. Sure, species. Grossman explores why, and the training that has
tires were hit. Drums of gasoline were hit, and fireballed been implemented in the last century to help correct that
into the air. Makeshift welded contraptions were hit. But deficiency.
not people. Grossman goes on to help us understand why and
As ridiculous as this now seems, perhaps the show was how combatants do kill, a model based on the demands
more realistic than we think. At least, that’s a conclusion of authority; group absolution; predisposition of the killer;
one might reach after reading On Killing, a psychological distance from the victim; and the attractiveness of killing
tour de force by former Ranger and paratrooper Dave the victim. And he explores what happens later, the visceral
Grossman. reaction most people have to killing, even if they are willing
Grossman’s book thoroughly explores the psychology to do it in the first place.
of humans killing other human beings: What it takes, Finally, he turns his attention on society – on the TV
“ouR chants in basic tRaining... weRe not just meant to make us disdainful of
the dangeR of ouR own deaths, but moRe willing to kill in combat, as well.”
mentally, as well as the costs, psychologically. Reasons shows, movies, and video games that desensitize us to
why it is hard to kill, and the things we do to make it easier. killing and to death not at all unlike military training meant
The reaction most people have to killing, and what can be to make us more comfortable with killing. Is that a good
done to ease the difficulties that often later result. idea for our society?
Even in the Army we don’t seem too eager to talk about On Killing reminds us that this subject is worth
it in such blunt terms – unless we are boasting, or talking considering, and perhaps even discussing with our fellow
about blood making the grass grow. Both can be useful; but Guardsmen. Certainly these considerations can affect how
neither is a particularly effective way to improve ourselves we prepare ourselves and our units for combat. It certainly
professionally. And we should be honest: While Peace may did both for me.
be our Profession, killing is our business. Army or Air, As for those of us who have never been to combat, and
and especially on today’s battlefield, any of us entering a perhaps never will – these days, many around us have.
combat zone had best be prepared to kill. Reading this book is also a great way to help us understand
Grossman builds off of previous studies (particularly them better.
March 2011 | 20

11. Professional
DeveloPment
Bookshelf:
Reviews of books that
teach us about ouR cRaft
By Maj. John H. Alderman IV vast areas of research (with references for further study).
Public Affairs Office So this is a great resource for leaders trying to develop
Georgia Department of Defense themselves or their subordinates.
The book is especially well-timed for Army Guardsmen,
N
explaining concepts of Resilience that underlie training
o one need tell Soldiers that stress can affect implemented in the Army over the last year or so.
decisions. But what can we do about that? What I find most interesting about The Stress Effect is
Doctor Henry Thompson’s book, The Stress that while the concepts in each chapter can stand alone,
Effect, sets out to help leaders make better decisions they very effectively build upon one another. Explanations
despite (and perhaps even using) stress. “The trick,” he of stress, plus explorations of emotion and intelligence
writes, “is to keep stress as an ally, not an enemy.” lead to the critical concept of Building Stress-Resilient
A veteran Ranger and paratrooper, Lt. Col. Thompson Emotional Intelligence.
has been into the sleep-deprived, ultra-high-stress combat Emotion is key. It seems like we spend a fair amount
that pushes Soldiers to their limits even as it demands of time urging young leaders to take the emotion out
superior-quality decisions with the highest of stakes. He of decisions. This can be vital; but it’s also a little
has subsequently applied and refined his experience and disingenuous.
“the tRick is to keep stRess as an ally, not an enemy.”
education as an esteemed organizational psychologist and Those emotions are markers and motivators. They
leadership consultant in the corporate world. The result can be enormously useful in motivating people, or
is a book uniquely useful to us Guardsmen, who must be understanding what motivates them – or in how they will
successful in both arenas. respond to a decision. Understanding our own emotions
The Stress Effect examines the art and science of can be vital in maintaining accurate situational awareness,
decision making, including different models people use, especially in stressful situations.
and the important differences between intuitive and rational The Stress Effect concludes with seven best practices
decision making. It then looks at types of intelligence; the to build stress resilience. Thompson’s ARSENAL system
effects of emotions and stress on decision making; how to of Awareness, Rest, Support, Exercise, Nutrition, Attitude,
manage stress; and how to build resilience. and Learning provides a great roadmap to focusing our
There’s a fair amount of science here – the chemistry efforts and maximizing our effect.
of emotions, the anatomy of the brain – but this is well- For the growing and professional leader, The Stress
balanced by practical application and illustrated by real- Effect provides immediate effect on how we do business –
world examples, both civil and military. Not only does as well as a system of systems from which we can further
Thompson clarify complex concepts, he also condenses develop our own way of living.
April 2011 | 20

12. Professional
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By Maj. John H. Alderman IV helicopters had not been worked out; coordination between
Public Affairs Office police and military forces was awful.
Georgia Department of Defense Over time, lessons from Sinoia led to new training,
equipping, and focus that transformed the force into a new
F
weapon.
ighting a Counterinsurgency (COIN) with the Scouts and intelligence teams maintained Observation
massive resources of the United States behind you Posts on likely or known areas of insurgent operations.
is daunting enough. But what if you had so many Once enemy elements were spotted, small teams of light
constraints that you also had to manufacture your own infantry (called “sticks”) were transported by helicopters
weapons, including bombs that used super-bounce balls (the French “Alouette” light utility aircraft) to the target
as shrapnel? area and dismounted onto blocking positions. Additional,
J.R.T. Wood’s Counter-Strike from the Sky is a larger sticks would be dropped by World War II-era
superbly detailed historical account of a relatively modern Dakota aircraft in further blocking positions to box in the
counterinsurgency fought in the 1970s in the country of insurgents.
Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) under just these constraints. Practically simultaneously, gunship versions of the
The resultant, curious mixture of old equipment, low Alouette would circle overhead and begin destroying the
technology, innovation, and daring airborne maneuver enemy. Additionally, the (somewhat aging) Rhodesian Air
makes a thought-provoking solution to an age-old problem. Force would send in aircraft such as the Canberra, Hunter,
Wood’s book (some editions include a DVD as well) or Vampire to provide close air support. In coordination
chronicles their weapons, strategy, armament, and tactics with these fires, the sticks would sweep through and
in a direct, matter-of-fact manner that seems characteristic destroy the remaining enemy troops.
of the British military. The last few chapters, a detailed This fast-moving, hard-hitting combined arms force
historical account of the massive cross-border raid, proved deadly. This Fireforce developed into an aerial
Operation Dingo, is practically a book by itself, and clearly ballet of fixed and rotary attack and transport aircraft, with
demonstrates the height of airmobile, deep-strike vertical intricate Command and Control necessary to maintain
envelopment tactics as exercised by the Rhodesians. situational awareness and unity of command.
As a result of a widening guerilla war in which the Modern warriors of both the Army and Air Guard
insurgents were increasingly difficult to bring to battle, the have great lessons to learn here. The integration of air
SAS and Rhodesian Light Infantry, as well as associated and ground elements of combat power are clear, as are the
police and intelligence forces, developed a concept that effects of unfettered innovation. The Fireforce is a great
came to be known as “Fireforce.” reminder that the best solution need not be as dependent
Its genesis probably was the Battle of Sinoia in 1966, on technology or the newest weapon system as on the
when their troops were first transported by helicopter into intelligent use of weapons available.
combat. The battle was disappointing: Weapons were A final note: get the edition with the DVD. It’s low-
ineffective; air and ground radios were incompatible; tech, but packed with personal accounts and video of the
common practices such as a standard left-hand orbit for countryside to help you visualize the battles.
May 2011 | 20

13. Professional
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Bookshelf:
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By Maj. John H. Alderman IV unit? How do we train officers? What’s the model for NCO/
Public Affairs Office officer working relationships? What demeanor should a
Georgia Department of Defense junior officer project?
So Starship Troopers isn’t just a romp through space
M
– or a memoir of basic training. It’s more a series of
obile Armor. Light, fast, maneuverable suits philosophical discussions between characters that provide
with jump jets, guns, rockets, bombs, hand thoughts like this one to new officers:
flamers, radar, IR goggles, heads up display, “I gave you a talk on how rough it’s going to be. I
commo suites, and a prototype Blue Force Tracker. That’s want you to worry about it, doing it in advance, planning
the hook for this book. what steps you might take against any combination of bad
But there’s so much more going on. news that can come your way, keenly aware that your life
New members of the military have a tough time. They belongs to your men and is not yours to throw away in a
must find their own place in an organization infinitely suicidal reach for glory…and that your life isn’t yours to
bigger than they are, even while learning skills, customs, save, either, if the situation requires that you expend it.”
regulations, culture, and people, all at once. Most are Anyone ever express that sentiment to you quite so
newly adult, too, further complicating things. clearly?
Finding one’s place in the organization is essentially Some of these philosophical points are what make some
what this book is about. I think that’s why it remains people refer to this book as “controversial.” For example:
popular and is so often recommended to junior leaders. In a free society, who gets to vote? In the book’s future,
The great science fiction makes it a fun read. The only Veterans – and not even current service members –
“Mobile Infantry” – future versions of Marines, Rangers, get to vote. Other folks are free, but they don’t determine
skirmishers, or Cavalry, depending on your taste – jump the course of government. His point, however, is one that
onto alien planets, maraud, dispatch bad guys with bombs ties selflessness and service to governance and society.
and mini-nukes, get extracted, and head off to the next In fact, this is a good example of why leaders can re-
system. Good. Times. read the book over time, finding new ideas in it that reward
“theRe aRe no dangeRous weapons;
further reflection (as with Gulliver’s Travels, for example).
Starship Troopers is a great work, not just because it is fun
only dangeRous men.” – but because it is instructive and provocative.
Final note: If you have had the misfortune of seeing
We follow the protagonist through alternating memories the Verhoeven movie from the 90s which shamelessly uses
of combat, Mobile Infantry enlistment, leadership training, the name of this novel, I recommend you banish it from
and even high school. Through these experiences, Heinlein your mind. In many cases it actually inverts Heinlein’s
introduces and plays with all sorts of ideas. Why do we philosophies and erases the leadership lessons offered. The
fight? Who fights? What’s the division of labor in a small less said about it, and the sooner it is forgotten, the better.
June 2011 | 20