The Principles of War - Lessons from Military History on Strategy, Tactics, Doctrine and Leadership.

This is the fifth episode in our Kokoda Track series looking at the performance of the 53rd Battalion.  The 53rd, a militia Battalion, had some incredibly brave men.  Virtually untrained, poorly equipped, with inexperienced leaders, they fought a battle-hardened enemy in some of the worst terrain in the world. 

This episode looks at the fall of Isurava.  Japanese troops in increasing numbers, with increasing persistence and increasing ferocity forced Australian troops to withdraw.  Australian efforts to retake Kokoda will need to wait for another day.

Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.

This is the fourth episode in our Kokoda Track series looking at the performance of the 53rd Battalion. The 53rd, a militia Battalion, had some incredibly brave men. Virtually untrained, poorly equipped, with inexperienced leaders, they fought a battle hardened enemy in some of the worst terrain in the world.

This episode looks at the events on the 27th of August, 1942. We discuss how the CO, LT COL Kenneth Ward was killed and the impact it had on the 53rd Battalion and Maroubra Force as they fought desperately to defend Isurava.

Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.

This is part 2 of our interview with Dr Jim Storr, the author of Something Rotten: Land Command in the 21st Century.

We discuss the correct size for a Headquarters. We discuss the selection and training of officers within the Wehrmacht. How do we affect cultural and doctrinal change within Armies to support the effective use of Mission Command?

Jim Storr was an infantry officer in the British Army for 25 years. He served in the British Army of the Rhine for five years in the 1980s. A graduate of the Army Staff College, Camberley, he also worked in the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, and wrote high-level doctrine.

He was a professor of war studies at the Norwegian Military Academy for four years. His published works include 'The Human Face of War', 'The Hall of Mirrors' and 'Something Rotten'.

Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.

This episode is with Dr Jim Storr, the author of Something Rotten.

Preparing a set of orders is a core function of a Headquarters. Why have today's procedures changed from the what was done in WW2, what have we learnt and are modern HQs fit for purpose?

We discuss the form and functioning of Headquarters, looking at people, processes, products and purpose, comparing WW2 doctrine with what is happening today.

Jim Storr was an infantry officer in the British Army for 25 years. He served in the British Army of the Rhine for five years in the 1980s. A graduate of the Army Staff College, Camberley, he also worked in the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, and wrote high-level doctrine.

He was a professor of war studies at the Norwegian Military Academy for four years. His published works include 'The Human Face of War', 'The Hall of Mirrors' and 'Something Rotten'.

Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.

This is the third episode in our Kokoda Track series looking at the performance of the 53rd Battalion. The 53rd, a militia Battalion, had some incredibly brave men. Virtually untrained, poorly equipped, with inexperienced leaders, they fought a battle hardened enemy in some of the worst terrain in the world.

This episode continues to story of the 53rd Battalion as they start patrolling the jungle around Isurava.

Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.

This is the second episode in our Kokoda Track series looking at the performance of the 53rd Battalion. The 53rd, a militia Battalion, had some incredibly brave men. Virtually untrained, poorly equipped, with inexperienced leaders, they fought a battle hardened enemy in some of the worst terrain in the world.

This episodes looks at just 4 weeks in the history of the Battalion, from when the started up the track, during their contact with the Japanese and through till the time the were order to leave the battlefield. There is much to learn from their experience.

We look for lessons in training, leadership, strategic surprise and mobilisation from the 53rd on the Kokoda Trail.

Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.

This episodes starts a new series looking at the Kokoda Track at the tactical, operational and strategic levels. This series will look for lessons from the experience of the 53rd Battalion. The 53rd is a sister Battalion to the 49th and the excellent 39th Battalions. There is a marked difference between the 39th and 53rd. Despite incredible bravery, the 53rd struggled to achieve some of that tasks assigned to it (through no fault of their own.) Indeed, many of the men went on to fight bravely in the 55th/53rd and 39th Battalion after the 53rd was disbanded.

We look for lessons in training, leadership, strategic surprise and mobilisation from the 53rd on the Kokoda Trail.

Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.

This episodes looks at PLA doctrine in 1950 and how it was used to surprise the UN forces on the Yalu River as well as looking at how deception is employed in contemporary PLA doctrine.

Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.

Stunning intelligence failures, rigidity of mind and excellent Chinese tactical camouflage led to a stunning reversal of fortunes for the UN forces in late 1950 on the Yalu River?

• What deception measures did the Chinese use?
• How did MacArthur contribute to the surprise?

A fascinating look at Chinese military deception and American intelligence failings.

Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.

This episode looks at the the principles of employment for artillery 2nd Alamein and is part of our Battles of Alamein series.

We discuss

• Why the German artillery performed so poorly.
• How Montgomery's use of artillery replicated the principles of war today; and
• How integration was achieved with the manvoeuvre plan

Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.