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On the German Art of War: Truppenfuhrung (Unit Command)

On the German Art of War: Truppenfuhrung (Unit Command)

Edited by Bruce Condell and David T Zabecki
896 995 (10% off)
ISBN 13
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9789381089118
Year
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2001
Contents: Foreword. 1. Truppenfuhrung part I: 1933. 2. Truppenfuhrung part II: 1934. Appendices. Selected bibliography. Index. This excellent translation of German Army Regulation 300 Truppenfuhrung Unit command written in 1933 and 1934 by legendary German generals Ludwig Beck, Werner von Fritisch, and Otto von Stulpnaegel, is one of the most important expressions of doctrine in military history. Truppenfuhrung served as the primary guidelines for tactics and the conduct of operations for the German Army in WW II. It is a very effective presentation of the concepts of modern maneuver warfare worked out by the German Army that would find their ultimate expression in the Blitzkrieg campaigns of 1939-1942. There is almost as much weight in the regulation devoted to the conduct of defensive operations. The opening chapter that describes the characteristics and requirements of good military leadership can stand alone as a classic document on officership. Although weapons and technology have dramatically changed, the nature of operations and the operational level of war have not changed. Fog and friction are still present on the battlefield, despite various new technologies. Commanders still have to make life and death decisions and carry out missions in times of stress and confusion. There is till a tension between firepower and maneuver, and both are employed to gain the victory. The goal of the commander is still to destroy the enemy armed forces. Combined arms are still the foundation of tactics and the commander who can most effectively employ all of his forces will win. This translation offers some important insights into the nature of operations and tactics.