Thank you very much, schurmann. Your knowledge is impressive and appreciated.
“Thank you very much, schurmann...” [laplata, post 161]
Glad to help.
The history of military art & science is stuffed full of a lot of detail, and obscure happenings, that rarely get mentioned in the opinion pieces and odes to “common sense” or hallowed tradition that become the subject of threads here. Tends to dull the edge of what many traditionally-minded citizens hold very dear.
After spending almost 29 years in uniform, and a further 19 years researching and reflecting on the topics, it occurred to me that the years of peace have been as important to military advancements as the years of war have been.
Or perhaps more important.
Advances in technology through science, research, and development happen in greater number during peacetime; so also do advances in theory, organization and tactical innovation - only then do the big brains and true intellects among the officer corps get the chance to reflect on what has already happened, debate and mull over the implications and formulate better approximations to apply the next time.
In wartime, no one has a chance to do much of anything but react, do what they are already trained to do, and rely on proven systems and past developments. Brilliant innovations in the midst of conflict are rare.