Published: 4 September 03
Air & Space Power Journal - Fall 2003

On War and Leadership: The Words of Combat Commanders from Frederick the Great to Norman Schwarzkopf by Owen Connelly. Princeton University Press (http://www.pupress.princeton. edu), 41 William Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08540-5237, 2002, 368 pages, $29.95 (hardcover).

Given the numerous published works on leadership in general and leadership in combat in particular, I initially thought that Dr. Connelly’s book would provide little additional advice on combat leadership. Reading the book confirmed some of my initial thoughts; that is, it does not really provide any great new revelations about leadership in combat. However, the book still has significant value because it confirms the most important aspects of leadership in combat from 20 of the world’s most accomplished commanders- men who actually led troops at the operational and tactical levels of combat.

Dr. Connelly is well qualified to produce this book. He is the McKissick Dial Professor of History at the University of South Carolina, an ex-US Army Ranger captain, and the author of numerous books on the French Revolution and Napoléon. Clearly, he brings a great deal of authority and experience to his task.

The author draws most of the book’s content from the actual writings of past commanders or from interviews with the ones who are still alive. Most importantly, these men were not “armchair” commanders, observing their soldiers in combat “from afar,” but were there themselves in the heat of battle. As a result, their comments on combat leadership are more meaningful and authoritative- these commanders literally speak from their experiences.

Despite the diversity of background (European, American, and Asian), time span (1760s to 1990s), and specific wars in which these commanders fought (those of the 1700s, American Civil War, World Wars I and II, Vietnam War, Gulf War, and Falklands War), these individuals developed relatively similar thoughts on combat leadership. They all emphasize the following as characteristics of good combat leadership: unity of command (one leader in charge), leadership by example, taking care of the troops (providing proper and adequate food and medical care, as well as visiting troops in the field), using initiative and improvisation, having personal knowledge of prospective battlefields, and making bold decisions.

The maxims about combat leadership presented in On War and Leadership are as current today as when they were first made. They apply not only to combat leaders, but also to corporate leaders. Dr. Connelly’s book is a welcome addition to the existing literature on leadership.

Lt Col Robert B. Kane, USAF
Maxwell AFB, Alabama

Disclaimer

The conclusions and opinions expressed in this document are those of the author cultivated in the freedom of expression, academic environment of Air University. They do not reflect the official position of the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, the United States Air Force or the Air University.