Military Writings Focusing on Strategic Warfare Level
Retired US Army Colonel Kevin Benson, a former director of the School of Advanced Military Studies and the Coalition Forces Land Component Command J5 (Plans) during the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, has shared a list of books that he believes are essential for understanding the operational level of war - the crucial domain where tactics and strategy meet.
In military education, books commonly recommended for understanding the operational level include classics such as "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu for foundational concepts of war planning, and "On War" by Carl von Clausewitz for the philosophy of war connecting tactics, operations, and strategy. Another notable book is the "Maneuver Warfare Handbook" by William S. Lind, which explores operational maneuver. Historical case studies of campaigns that illustrate operational art, such as studies of World War II campaigns and Desert Storm, are also commonly recommended.
However, Colonel Benson's specific book recommendations have not been explicitly mentioned in the search results. To gain a more accurate understanding of the titles he endorses, additional direct sources such as his own writings, interviews, or published curricula would be needed.
Nonetheless, Colonel Benson has recommended several books that are part of the War Books series, a resource for readers who want to learn more about modern war and are looking for books to add to their reading lists. Among these recommendations are "The New Makers of Modern Strategy," edited by Hal Brands, which is a new edition of a famous work that focuses on strategy, policy, and operational art and is recommended for policymakers, strategists, and professional soldiers.
Another book on Colonel Benson's list is "War and the Art of Governance: Consolidating Combat Success into Political Victory," by Nadia Schadlow. This book examines case studies of how combat success was and was not consolidated into political victory and highlights the "American Denial Syndrome" while illuminating the path of operational art.
Colonel Benson also recommends "Command Missions: A Personal Story," by Lieutenant General Lucian K. Truscott, Jr. This memoir written by an American field commander from World War II details the author's experiences at various levels of war, from task force to field army.
Lastly, "The Utility of Force: The Art of War in the Modern World," by General Rupert Smith, is another book on Colonel Benson's list. This book emphasizes the importance of placing the use of force within the correct political context and encourages policymakers and commanders to remain engaged as conditions demand altering the means and ways to achieve desired ends.
These books provide valuable insights into the operational level of war and are highly recommended for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this crucial aspect of military strategy. For more direct recommendations from Colonel Benson or classic military operational theory books that align with his experience, further research would be required.
[1] [The War Books series](https://www.warbooks.org/) [2] [The New Makers of Modern Strategy: From the Ancient World to the Digital Age](https://www.amazon.com/New-Makers-Modern-Strategy-Ancient/dp/0190274839) [3] [War and the Art of Governance: Consolidating Combat Success into Political Victory](https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Governance-Consolidating-Victory/dp/1501724250) [4] [Command Missions: A Personal Story](https://www.amazon.com/Command-Missions-Personal-Lucian-Truscott/dp/0803273099) [5] [The Utility of Force: The Art of War in the Modern World](https://www.amazon.com/Utility-Force-Art-War-Modern/dp/0143038493)
- Colonel Benson, a former military strategist, suggests books such as "The New Makers of Modern Strategy" and "War and the Art of Governance" for understanding operational level warfare.
- Works like "Command Missions: A Personal Story" and "The Utility of Force" are also recommended by Colonel Benson, offering insights into various levels of war and the correct political context for force use.
- To gain a deeper understanding of the books Colonel Benson endorses, one might look to his own writings or published curricula, as his specific recommendations aren't explicitly listed elsewhere.
- For those interested in military operational theory that resonates with Colonel Benson's experience, books like "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu and "On War" by Carl von Clausewitz are foundational resources.
