On Tactics
A Theory of Victory in Battle
Published on 1. October 2020
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-1-68247-624-6 (ISBN)
Description
Originally setting out to write the very book that he would have wanted to own as a young infantryman, the author penned On Tactics as a remedy for navigating the chaotic and inchoate realm of tactical theory. Challenging centuries-old conventional wisdom regarding the principles of war, tactics, and the roles of strategy, doctrine, experiential learning, and military history, Friedman's work offers a striking synthesis of thinking on tactics as well as strategy.
Reviews / Votes
"...Insightful, well written, and an immediately accessible resource I wish I had as a young officer. On Tactics is a workmanlike survey of thinking about tactical level ground combat - useful and accessible to the military novice and non-expert..." - War on the Rocks"Friedman offers us here a treatise of tactical theory of high quality. The clarity of his style and the clarity of his reasoning are remarkable, and his book will be useful to those who already have knowledge of the subject as well as the uninitiated." - Politique Etrangere
"On Tactics contains some excellent sections, and truly insightful observations, most of which will be obvious to most readers. On Tactics addresses a number of issues with precision and skill and says much that practitioners can agree with. If you are new to the subject, then you will be provided with a strong starting point that is unlikely to set you on the wrong path. On Tactics more than passes the mark for making soldiers curious about their profession and should be read by all those who are." - Parameters
"The basis of the book is both a challenge and a critique of existing tactical theory... a great read." - The Navy Magazine
"Friedman's On Tactics fills a critical gap and is an important read for both the emerging tactician and seasoned strategist alike. A vital addition to the professional military library for its organizing theory on tactics alone, his substantive appendices and the interwoven historical examples and insights from fellow intellectual heavyweights make this book a must-read for the individual and a must-share for the leader." - RealClearDefense
"This work is an interesting salvo into an area that does deserve review. His position is certainly understandable... This work suggests some interesting proposals." - The Military Review
"B. A. Friedman has written a brilliant and original work on the theory of tactics. He has captured the essence of the tactical level of war in a way not achieved by anyone else. This should be required reading for all those in the profession of arms". - GEN. ANTHONY C. ZINNI, USMC (RET.)
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Annopolis
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 203 mm
Width: 127 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
314 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-68247-624-6 (9781682476246)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
B. A. Friedman entered the Marine Corps after graduating high school. He attended The Ohio State University and gained a B.A. in history as well as the Naval War College where he gained an M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies. He transitioned to the Marine Corps Reserve in 2016 as a Captain.