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Jaap Jan Brouwer

German Way of War: A Lesson in Tactical Management

German Way of War: A Lesson in Tactical Management

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  • More about German Way of War: A Lesson in Tactical Management

The German Army lost two consecutive wars, but their relative battlefield performance was at least 1.5 and in most cases 3 times as high as that of their opponents. This was due to the Prussian/German Army's Auftragstaktik, a tactical management concept that dates from the middle of the nineteenth century and is still advanced in terms of management and organization.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 256 pages
\n Publication date: 28 February 2021
\n Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd
\n


The German Army faced a challenging period of defeat in two consecutive wars, leading to the perception that it struggled to cope with its opponents. However, the reality is far from this simplistic conclusion. The records reveal that the German Army consistently outperformed its far more numerous Allied counterparts, achieving relative battlefield performance that was at least 1.5 times higher, and in most cases, 3 times higher than their opponents.

The central question that this book seeks to answer is why the German Army exhibited such a remarkable advantage over the opposition. One key element within the Prussian/German Army was Auftragstaktik, a tactical management concept that originated in the mid-nineteenth century and remains highly advanced in terms of management and organization.

Through the use of over fifty examples, spanning from North Africa to Arnhem and the Hurtgen Forest, the author aims to illustrate the realities of the battlefield and explain why the Prussian/German Army was an unprecedentedly powerful fighting force. Moreover, the author delves into why Auftragstaktik, in various forms, continues to serve as the fundamental operational approach for many European armies, including the US Army, more than 150 years after its conception.

The German Army's success in these wars was not solely due to its numerical superiority or technological advancements. Rather, it was the result of a well-developed and executed military strategy that emphasized the importance of coordination, discipline, and adaptability. Auftragstaktik, as a fundamental principle, emphasized the delegation of authority and the empowerment of individual soldiers to make decisions on the ground. This approach allowed the German Army to maintain a high level of flexibility and responsiveness, enabling it to adapt to changing circumstances and exploit the weaknesses of its opponents.

Furthermore, the German Army's emphasis on training and education was instrumental in its ability to outperform the opposition. The army maintained a rigorous training program that focused on developing soldiers' skills, knowledge, and leadership abilities. This investment in human capital enabled the German Army to maintain a high level of combat readiness and cohesion, even in the face of challenging and complex operations.

In conclusion, the German Army's loss in two consecutive wars does not reflect its inability to cope with its opponents. Rather, it highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of warfare and the importance of a well-developed and executed military strategy. The Prussian/German Army's adoption of Auftragstaktik, coupled with its commitment to training and education, contributed to its exceptional relative battlefield performance and its enduring influence on military operations. This book serves as a valuable contribution to our understanding of the German Army's history and its contributions to the development of modern warfare.

\n Weight: 588g\n
Dimension: 166 x 240 x 28 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526790378\n \n

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