Maneuver Warfare Handbook

Professor Terry Tucker, Senior Doctrine Developer, Saudi Arabian NG Modernization Program; This book is an important and must have classic. For those that think that contemporary maneuver war has been replaced by post-modern insugency, don't bet the farm on it just yet. Certainly Mr. Lind in recent years has taken serious heat for his unconventional views ( no pun intended) on warfare; and if you are familiar with some of the controversy or have read his material you must set all that aside and buy this book anyway. Despite the fact that this author does not have military experience, in hindsight, as a career soldier, I wish now that I would have had the benefit of this book when it was first published in 1985. This book is clearly written, provides first class examples and is the best book on manuever warfare, bar none. If you are exploring insurgency and asymmetrical warfare you will still need this book. For students of insurgency and terrorism you will need to buy this book and think about what the author conveys in terms of asymmetrical warfare, you will have new and wonderful revelations about the conduct of insurgency if you do.

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.

This book clearly explains the basic concepts of maneuver warfare, and does much to clear away the numerous misconceptions that surround the subject. This book should should be read by anyone seeking to better understand maneuver warfare theory.

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.