The Mind of Command: U.S. Generals and War Theory

This comprehensive analysis examines how U.S. generals' understanding and application of war theories have evolved over time. It begins by outlining the foundational Western military thinkers like Sun Tzu, Clausewitz, and Jomini, detailing their core principles and influence on military education. The text then illustrates how these theories are integrated and adapted within professional military education (PME) institutions like the U.S. Army War College and through official reading lists. Case studies of generals such as Grant, Patton, and Petraeus showcase how commanders interpret and apply theoretical concepts in real-world conflicts, often deviating from strict doctrine based on practical experience. Finally, the analysis explores the evolution of U.S. military doctrine through major historical conflicts, from the post-Vietnam Weinberger-Powell Doctrine to the current focus on Multi-Domain Operations, while also contrasting Western military thought with non-Western strategic cultures and acknowledging academic critiques of Eurocentric perspectives.

The next episode is with a better coverage of theories of war.

Research done with the help of artificial intelligence, and presented by two AI-generated hosts.