Between the First and Second World Wars; the U.S. Navy used the experience it had gained in battle to prepare for future wars through simulated conflicts; or war games; at the Naval War College. In Playing War John M. Lillard analyzes individual war games in detail; showing how players tested new tactics and doctrines; experimented with advanced technology; and transformed their approaches through these war games; learning lessons that would prepare them to make critical decisions in the years to come. Recent histories of the interwar period explore how the U.S. Navy digested the impact of World War I and prepared itself for World War II. However; most of these works overlook or dismiss the transformational quality of the War College war games and the central role they played in preparing the navy for war. To address that gap; Playing War details how the interwar navy projected itself into the future through simulated conflicts. Playing War recasts the reputation of the interwar War College as an agent of preparation and innovation and the war games as the instruments of that agency.
#1147270 in Books 2011-10-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.25 x 5.50 x 5.50l; 1.55 #File Name: 1611453143352 pagesGeneral Julian Thompson draws from previously unpublished and rare materials to recreate the action on the beaches of the small town-from the misunderstandings between the British and French generals to the experiences of the ordinary soldier trying to fend for his life and return to his homeland.
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent military analysisBy MockingbirdVery good military analysis of the 1940 campaign in France; by an author who knows what he is talking about. A bit dry; if you are not into a lot of military order of battle and detail. Hard to keep track of all the names and units. If you just want an account of the beach evacuation; there are other books that would be better. If you want to understand how it got to that point; this is excellent.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The rest of the story who those who fought and those in govt who failed.By Daniel WidgerThe rest of the Dunkirk story. Great story of many good troops (from UK and France) who fought like they were supposed to; but were lead to failure by passive governments (UK; French; and others in Europe) who did not plan for the Nazi advance.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A thoroughly-researched but somewhat tedious account of the events leading up to the Dunkirk ...By Andy KavanaghA thoroughly-researched but somewhat tedious account of the events leading up to the Dunkirk evacuation. Thompson is certainly no fan of the French; and largely attributes Britain's problems to French arrogance and military ineptitude.
