Maneuver Warfare Handbook (Westview Special Studies in Military Affairs) [Paperback]

William S Lind (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 6, 1985 | Series: Westview Special Studies in Military Affairs

Maneuver warfare, often controversial and requiring operational and tactical innovation, poses perhaps the most important doctrinal questions currently facing the conventional military forces of the U.S. Its purpose is to defeat the enemy by disrupting the opponent’s ability to react, rather than by physical destruction of forces. This book develops and explains the theory of maneuver warfare and offers specific tactical, operational, and organizational recommendations for improving ground combat forces. The authors translate concepts—too often vaguely stated by manuever warfare advocates—into concrete doctrine. Although the book uses the Marine Corps as a model, the concepts, tactics, and doctrine discussed apply to any ground combat force.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William S. Lind was assistant for military affairs to U.S. Senator Gary Hart.

Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Westview Press (August 6, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 086531862X
• ISBN-13: 978-0865318625
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #480,014 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

69 of 70 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is THE quintessential primer for Maneuver Warriors!, July 24, 1998

By 

J. Wilson (Little Rock, AR USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Maneuver Warfare Handbook (Westview Special Studies in Military Affairs) (Paperback)

This primer should be on the reading list of every combat arms and combat support officer and NCO in our armed forces. Bill Lind, a civilian without any military experience, has demonstrated an extraordinary understanding of the art of war. His book has become the "underground bible" for Maneuver Warfare proponents. In this book he discusses the theory of Manuever Warfare and its origins, the principles and techniques required to employ maneuver warfare properly, and the education and training required to make it possible. Much of his work is a 'sort-of' adaptation of the sucessful Blitzkrieg theory. He even discusses the differences of bloody, Attrition Warfare (WWI Trenches) versus the more efficient, life-preserving Maneuver Warfare (Desert Storm). Mr Lind puts these thoughts in the simplest terms even a 'butter-bar' lieutenant could understand. He completes his discussion with a series of lessons written by an experienced USMC Field Grade Off! icer on each principle. Following easy lesson is a brief "homework" exercise designed to test your knowledge and understanding of each principle. William Lind's Maneuver Warfare Handbook is a must read for any serious-minded, professional soldier who wishes to become an exceptional leader and tactician.

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb military theory, December 3, 2001

By 

John S. Cunningham (Las Vegas, nv United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Maneuver Warfare Handbook (Westview Special Studies in Military Affairs) (Paperback)

This is a truly influential book. It explains the concept of "Maneuver Warfare" and contrasts it with the US Army's attrition based "AirLand Battle Doctrine". It covers topics such as mission orders, recon pull, decision cycles and tempo, use of the reserve, commander's intent, and other key concepts that teach a junior military leader HOW (vs what) to think.

Based on Boyd's revolutionary OODA cycle theories, it shows how a quick acting, agile force can constantly beat larger, heavier equipped foes. After reading this book you will understand exactly why the German Army of 1940-1941 was so effective against the larger and better equipped French-British, and Soviet Armies.

The book is divided into two halves. The critical part is the first half which explains in clear, understandable terms how maneuver warfare works. The second half is a series of tactical decision games that offer practical examples to teach junior leaders these concepts.

This ideas in this small book were adopted almost verbatim by the USMC for their land war doctrine. This doctrine was so effective in combat against the Iraqi's in 1990 that the US VII Corps had to move up its attack by approx 48 hours to prevent the Iraqi's from completely escaping before the marines pushed them completely out of Kuwait.

This book has served for years as an underground "bible" by maneuver warfare officers looking for a resource to help train junior leaders critical maneuver warfare concepts. While many look to technological answers to 4th Generation Warfare, this book give ideas that apply instead to people and tactics. It leaves the reader with a solid understanding on how men make decisions in combat, as well as how to translate that knowledge to a military advantage. It is a MUST HAVE book for Combat Arms officers and junior leaders.

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb military theory, December 3, 2001

By 

John S. Cunningham (Las Vegas, nv United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Maneuver Warfare Handbook (Westview Special Studies in Military Affairs) (Paperback)

This is a truly influential book. It explains the concept of "Maneuver Warfare" and contrasts it with the US Army's attrition based "AirLand Battle Doctrine". It covers topics such as mission orders, recon pull, decision cycles and tempo, use of the reserve, commander's intent, and other key concepts that teach a junior military leader HOW (vs what) to think.

Based on Boyd's revolutionary OODA cycle theories, it shows how a quick acting, agile force can constantly beat larger, heavier equipped foes. After reading this book you will understand exactly why the German Army of 1940-1941 was so effective against the larger and better equipped French-British, and Soviet Armies.

The book is divided into two halves. The critical part is the first half which explains in clear, understandable terms how maneuver warfare works. The second half is a series of tactical decision games that offer practical examples to teach junior leaders these concepts.

This ideas in this small book were adopted almost verbatim by the USMC for their land war doctrine. This doctrine was so effective in combat against the Iraqi's in 1990 that the US VII Corps had to move up its attack by approx 48 hours to prevent the Iraqi's from completely escaping before the marines pushed them completely out of Kuwait.

This book has served for years as an underground "bible" by maneuver warfare officers looking for a resource to help train junior leaders critical maneuver warfare concepts. While many look to technological answers to 4th Generation Warfare, this book give ideas that apply instead to people and tactics. It leaves the reader with a solid understanding on how men make decisions in combat, as well as how to translate that knowledge to a military advantage. It is a MUST HAVE book for Combat Arms officers and junior leaders.