MEN AGAINST FIRE: The Problem of Battle in Future War

by S.L.A. Marshall ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 20, 1947

A criticism of the present methods of infantry training is the author's challenge to the inadequacies of orientation courses, of present preparation (as evidenced by the recent war) for conditions on the field of combat, both physical and psychological. Textbooks are written by seniors lacking in recent battle experience. Neither junior officers nor men are prepared to anticipate combat isolation, the ratio of fire, variations from field manoeuvers, gaps in communications and information (he pleads for closer cooperation up and down the line, from interchange of personal comment, conversation, and passing along of available information as to goals, whereabouts, etc.). He questions the plasticity of mind on the part of staff officers; he urges the necessity of seniors cushioning the shock of combat for junior officers, of junior officers learning cooperation with non-coms, of the value of initiative at all levels. Morale is the thinking of the army. And the infantry- the ground forces-the battlefield will continue to provide the support and the follow through, regardless of air force and new atomic weapons.

Pub Date: Aug. 20, 1947

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Morrow

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1947

Categories: NONFICTION