Title
Knife Fights: A Memoir of Modern War in Theory and Practice,Used
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From one of the most important army officers of his generation, a memoir of the revolution in warfare he helped lead, in combat and in WashingtonWhen John Nagl was an army tank commander in the first Gulf War of 1991, fresh out of West Point and Oxford, he could already see that America? military superiority meant that the age of conventional combat was nearing an end. Nagl was an early convert to the view that America? greatest future threats would come from asymmetric warfareguerrillas, terrorists, and insurgents. But that made him an outsider within the army; and as if to double down on his dissidence, he scorned the conventional path to a general? stars and got the military to send him back to Oxford to study the history of counterinsurgency in earnest, searching for guideposts for America. The result would become the bible of the counterinsurgency movement, a book called Learning to Eat Soup with a Knife.But it would take the events of 9/11 and the botched aftermath of the Iraq invasion to give counterinsurgency urgent contemporary relevance. John Nagl? ideas finally met their war. But even as his book began ricocheting around the Pentagon, Nagl, now operations officer of a tank battalion of the 1st Infantry Division, deployed to a particularly unsettled quadrant of Iraq. Here theory met practice, violently. No one knew how messy even the most successful counterinsurgency campaign is better than Nagl, and his experience in Anbar Province cemented his view. After a year? hard fighting, Nagl was sent to the Pentagon to work for Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, where he was tapped by General David Petraeus to coauthor the new army and marine counterinsurgency field manual, rewriting core army doctrine in the middle of two bloody land wars and helping the new ideas win acceptance in one of the planet? most conservative bureaucracies. That doctrine changed the course of two wars and the thinking of an army.Nagl is not blind to the costs or consequences of counterinsurgency, a policy he compared to ?ating soup with a knife.?The men who died under his command in Iraq will haunt him to his grave. When it comes to war, there are only bad choices; the question is only which ones are better and which worse. Nagl? memoir is a profound education in modern warin theory, in practice, and in the often tortured relationship between the two. It is essential reading for anyone who cares about the fate of America? soldiers and the purposes for which their lives are put at risk.
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- Q: How many pages are in 'Knife Fights: A Memoir of Modern War in Theory and Practice'? A: There are two hundred eighty-eight pages in this memoir. It provides a detailed account of modern warfare and counterinsurgency.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures six and a half inches in length, one and a quarter inches in width, and nine and a half inches in height. These dimensions make it a standard-sized hardcover.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book has a hardcover binding. Hardcover editions are known for their durability and can withstand frequent handling.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Knife Fights'? A: The author is John A. Nagl. He is recognized as an important army officer and thinker on modern warfare.
- Q: What is the genre of this book? A: The genre is primarily military memoir and non-fiction. It covers themes of modern war and counterinsurgency.
- Q: What can I expect from the book's content? A: Expect insights into the evolution of warfare and personal experiences from combat and policy-making. The narrative intertwines theory and practice.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: No, this book is not suitable for young readers. It contains complex themes related to war and military strategy.
- Q: What themes are explored in the book? A: The themes include counterinsurgency, military strategy, and the personal reflections of a soldier. It offers a deep dive into the challenges of modern warfare.
- Q: How does the author describe counterinsurgency? A: The author compares counterinsurgency to 'eating soup with a knife.' This metaphor illustrates the complexities and difficulties of this military strategy.
- Q: What should I do to care for this hardcover book? A: To care for this hardcover book, store it upright in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to preserve its condition.
- Q: Can I return the book if I don't like it? A: Yes, you can return the book if it is in new condition. Check the seller's return policy for specific details.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact the seller immediately for a replacement or refund. Keep all packaging for the return process.
- Q: Is this memoir based on true events? A: Yes, this memoir is based on true events from John Nagl's military career. It recounts his personal experiences and insights.
- Q: Does the book include illustrations? A: Yes, the book features black and white illustrations. These visuals enhance the narrative and provide context.
- Q: What is the publisher of this book? A: The publisher is Penguin Press. They are known for publishing a wide range of non-fiction and literary works.
- Q: Is this book part of a series? A: No, this book is a standalone memoir. It does not belong to a series but offers comprehensive insights into its subject matter.