War – Page 2 – Ryan's Book Blog

The Fifth Act American’s End in Afghanistan

August 22, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2022, “The Fifth Act: America’s End in Afghanistan,” Elliot Ackerman provides a firsthand account of the final days of the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan. Drawing from his experiences as a Marine and CIA paramilitary officer, Ackerman recounts the evacuation of Afghan nationals who had worked closely with the American forces as the Taliban closed in on Kabul in August 2021. The memoir intertwines personal narratives with a broader reflection on the two-decade-long conflict, highlighting both the heroism and the failures that marked America’s longest war.

The Fifth Act American's End in Afghanistan — The Fifth Act American’s End in Afghanistan

My Thoughts

It’s always interesting to hear the first hand accounts of people living through moments in history. We know our part and have our specific observations on the greater whole. Sometimes those observations come through the keyhole of our limited experiences. The author had the benefit from personally seeing for multiple keyholes and even from differing organizational vantage points. However, it is still a first hand account.

I sympathize with his opinion that the withdrawal from Afghanistan was one of the most embarrassing moments in our history. I do think we needed to leave, but how we went about it will go down in history as a black mark on the United States for all time. We signaled weakness to the rest of the world and our foreign policy lost any teeth it had.

Recommendation

I enjoyed it. It was both readable and relatable.

Women, Peace, and Security in Professional Military Education

August 17, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2022, “Women, Peace, and Security in Professional Military Education,” edited by Dr. Lauren Mackenzie and published by the Marine Corps University Press, explores the critical integration of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda into military education systems. This book is a compilation of essays and articles published on the relevant topics and arranged to provide a narrative. It examines how the principles of WPS, as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 1325, are being woven into the curricula of military institutions to ensure that future leaders understand the importance of gender perspectives in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Through analysis and case studies, the book highlights the impact of WPS on operational effectiveness, strategic planning, and the protection of vulnerable populations in conflict zones.

My Thoughts

The book doesn’t really read like a cohesive whole. This was to be expected as anytime you have a variety of authors, you run into this problem. However, the editors struggled to give it flow in areas that were in need of more form and structure.

Most of the segments came from articles or peer reviewed literature. Unfortunately, there are a number of statements and inferences made that seem unsupported unless you delve further into the references. I found myself wondering about a few seeming leaps in logic and occasionally about conflicting ideas. Below is an example.

Several of the studies were using small sample sizes requiring t-distributions. It’s hard to see many of the findings to be much more than anecdotal evidence when you are interviewing 6 people. A specific example would be the quantitative discussion that 20% of women failed a course over a 4 year period only to find out the study was only involved 10 women. It’s hard to follow the sweeping generalizations on such evidence. It is also a little frightening that the evolving military attitude toward female combat fitness could be based on that kind of data. I only hope more data pours in as the years go by and all of us can have an honest look at what happened without the bias of our preconceived notions.

Recommendation

This one was difficult to get through.

On Killing

March 6, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 1995, “On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society,” by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, delves into the psychological impact of killing on soldiers and law enforcement officers. Grossman combines historical data, interviews, and psychological research to explore the resistance humans have to taking life and the techniques developed by the military to overcome this inhibition. The book examines the consequences of killing, including post-traumatic stress disorder and other long-term psychological effects. Grossman’s work is a seminal exploration of the complex interplay between the duty to kill in certain professions and the innate human aversion to taking life, offering crucial insights into the human psyche and the societal implications of institutionalized violence.

My Thoughts

This book was not what I thought it was going to be. It shed new light on the personal struggles that men have had killing others for centuries. I was introduced to a side of the military I don’t often see and have more hope for humanity because of it.

Recommendation

This can be a rough book for those who are sensitive.

Jackson: The Iron Willed Commander

November 14, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2012, “Jackson: The Iron-Willed Commander,” authored by Paul Vickery, offers an insightful examination of Andrew Jackson’s ascent from humble origins to a pivotal figure in American history, focusing on his military achievements and presidential tenure. The book highlights Jackson’s unwavering determination and leadership, particularly during the War of 1812, underscoring his pivotal role in shaping American nationalism. Through exploring Jackson’s significant contributions and the challenges he overcame, Vickery portrays a leader whose influence was crucial during a formative period in the United States, leaving a lasting imprint on the nation’s trajectory.

My Thoughts

Old Hickory himself! As I was reading this, I was reminded of General Mattis. Jackson was loved by his men because he was one of them. (Or at least they saw it that way.) As a general he was fantastic and seemed to do no wrong. Of course, his treatment of the Native American’s will always follow him. He is one of those people who make you wonder if it is the events that make the man or the man that makes the events.

Recommendation

A good book

All Roads Led To Gettysburg

November 5, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in August of 2022, “All Roads Led to Gettysburg,” revisits the Civil War’s crucial battle with a novel lens, disputing the idea that the engagement was coincidental. He explores the pre-battle maneuvers and geographical considerations that funneled the opposing forces to Gettysburg, underscoring the roles of transportation routes and natural landscapes in dictating the battle’s dynamics. Harman’s analysis redefines our understanding of this historic clash, suggesting a degree of inevitability to the confrontation due to strategic and environmental factors.

My Thoughts

This book took a fascinating look at the geography and terrain of the civil war era and made a convincing case of the inevitability of the outcomes. I had heard quite a bit about the railroads of the North and how that helped win the war. However, this went over and beyond to roads, waterways, and so on.

Recommendation

A good read

Lieutenant General James Longstreet: Innovative Military Strategist: The Most Misunderstood Civil War General

September 6, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in May of 2022, “Lieutenant General James Longstreet: Innovative Military Strategist: The Most Misunderstood Civil War General” is a biography of James Longstreet during the Civil War. An argument is made that he was a greater general than history portrayed him and, if General Lee had followed his recommendations, several battles would not have been fought or would have worked out much better in the favor of the Confederacy. (E.g. Gettysburg.)

My Thoughts

I love a good Civil War book in general. However, this one went a little bit further in the weeds than I would have liked. He did make a compelling argument about Longstreet’s ability but I don’t have the expertise to fact check him. Still, it seemed very detailed and I enjoyed it.

Recommendation

It was a tedious read but worth my time.

The Sailor’s Bookshelf: Fifty Books to Know the Sea

March 11, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in November of 2021, The Sailor’s Bookshelf: Fifty Books to Know the Sea is retired Admiral James Stavridis’s descriptions and recommendations of 50 books about the sea.

My Thoughts

At over 200 pages in length, I thought this book would be a bit more than it is as a collection of books. However, I did enjoy it. Admiral Starvridis does a good job in infusing his unique view of in each of books he recommends and tells you why you should read them. I have to admit, I was interested throughout the entire book.

One of his top picks is Moby Dick though which I just didn’t enjoy that much…

Recommendation

A good read on what to read.

A Stillness at Appomattox

March 3, 2023 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Written back in 1953, A Stillness at Appomattox is the last book in the “Army of the Potomac” series by Bruce Catton. It picks up with General Grant’s entrance into the war and the battle’s in Spotsylvania.

My Thoughts

A very enjoyable read! I like history and particularly when it is in my backyard. I hopped in the car and went to the Spotsylvania battlefield to visit where most of this book took place. It really is amazing what we can learn by paying attention to the people who went before us.

Recommendations

I really enjoyed the book. However, it hasn’t been sanitized for modern readers as it was written in the 50s and directly quotes the people who lived in the 1840s. If you are so easily offended, perhaps a history book isn’t for you.

Putin’s World

February 23, 2023 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Written in Feb of 2023, Putin’s World is a history of both Russia and Vladimir Putin. The book attempts to illustrate how Russia sees itself in the world and why Vladimir Putin has been so successful maintaining leadership in the post Soviet era.

My Thoughts

This book was very interesting on a number of fronts. Having lived in Eastern Europe for a while, I had been exposed to the pride and even arrogance found in some of those cultures. I believe President Trump played to this perfectly even if he didn’t fully understand what he was doing. It does make me wonder where we would be in the Ukraine if he had another term in office.

There were a number of newer concepts that, I’m sorry to say, I didn’t think much about. I hadn’t really thought much of Russia as seeing itself as an Asian power rather than European. Of course, that doesn’t make much sense given the location and how it sees itself. It was simply a reflection of my ethnocentrism… I’m glad I had a chance to learn more and I look forward to more opportunities.

Recommendation

Great book on understanding Russia and it’s current president.

What it is Like to Go to War

May 12, 2021 by Ryan

Background

Published in Sep of 2011, What it is Like to Go to War is a book about the psychological impacts of war and becoming a warrior. The author (a Vietnam veteran) makes the argument that we should do a much better job preparing our warfighters for what they will encounter in theater.

My Thoughts

Certainly, a thought-provoking book and one set in its day. It had been 10 years after the 911 era and the author draws a number of parallels to his time in Vietnam. The more I learn about that war and how our warfighters were treated, the sadder it becomes. It is interesting that the trend of remote war is becoming more and more prevalent as the Marines are deactivating their tanks and towed artillery batteries. There have been so many changes that it is only natural we won’t be able to adjust. Particularly, as we’ve all had a year of being sequestered from others. The term I hear most often these days is “resilience.” We say it is important but I’m not sure we know how to get there…

Recommendation

It is an important topic but the content is dated.