Actually, Tom, some military historical trivia matters a lot–and here’s why
Having recently disparaged “brass buttons” trivia by some military historians, I was interested in the distinction drawn by the well-known West Point historian Eugenia Kiesling in the conclusion of her essay on doctrine in the interwar period in the Cambridge History of War, Vol. IV: War and the Modern World: — “The color of collar ...
Having recently disparaged "brass buttons" trivia by some military historians, I was interested in the distinction drawn by the well-known West Point historian Eugenia Kiesling in the conclusion of her essay on doctrine in the interwar period in the Cambridge History of War, Vol. IV: War and the Modern World:
Having recently disparaged “brass buttons” trivia by some military historians, I was interested in the distinction drawn by the well-known West Point historian Eugenia Kiesling in the conclusion of her essay on doctrine in the interwar period in the Cambridge History of War, Vol. IV: War and the Modern World:
—
“The color of collar tabs on parade uniforms does not matter. Other seemingly trivial questions do. How much autonomy accompanied the red trouser stripes of the German general staff officer? How often did infantry units train with antiaircraft guns? Did generals join admirals for lunch? Arguably more than analyses that parse military theory, questions like these explain nations’ wartime performance.”
—
More from Foreign Policy
A New Multilateralism
How the United States can rejuvenate the global institutions it created.
America Prepares for a Pacific War With China It Doesn’t Want
Embedded with U.S. forces in the Pacific, I saw the dilemmas of deterrence firsthand.
The Endless Frustration of Chinese Diplomacy
Beijing’s representatives are always scared they could be the next to vanish.
The End of America’s Middle East
The region’s four major countries have all forfeited Washington’s trust.
Sign up for World Brief
FP’s flagship evening newsletter guiding you through the most important world stories of the day. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.