This was an interesting book to read. I went through the over 800 pages rather quickly. But honestly, I didn't enjoy it. Due to all the recommendations by military types, I expected a good book on leadership. What I got was two cliched characters and the same things happening over and over again in different wars.
As a former Marine officer, and Viet Nam veteran, with 12 years service (active duty and reserves) I really didn't learn anything new about leadership. If this is the kind of book the military recommends for junior officer to learn leadership, then we may very well be in trouble.
However, where the book did shine, is in its depiction of the waste of war. For war is the greatest waste of natural resources, especially people, ever developed by Man. Perhaps the lesson of the book is that, after stupid politicians make it necessary, wars must sometimes be fought. But that still doesn't make wars or combat glorious.
As a former Marine officer, and Viet Nam veteran, with 12 years service (active duty and reserves) I really didn't learn anything new about leadership. If this is the kind of book the military recommends for junior officer to learn leadership, then we may very well be in trouble.
However, where the book did shine, is in its depiction of the waste of war. For war is the greatest waste of natural resources, especially people, ever developed by Man. Perhaps the lesson of the book is that, after stupid politicians make it necessary, wars must sometimes be fought. But that still doesn't make wars or combat glorious.
