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The German Way of War: From the Thirty Years' War to the Third Reich. By Robert M. Citino. Lawrence, KS: University Press of Kansas, 2005, 428 pages, $34.95 (cloth). Reviewed by Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Rick Baillergeon.
We have all heard the old adage, "Don't fix it if it ain't broke!" However, in today's society it seems these words are rarely heeded as people continually try to reinvent the wheel. Fortunately, author Robert Citino is from the old school of thought. His most recent effort, The German Way of War, follows the same formula of the other superb books I have read by him. It is highly researched, superbly written, truly informative, and a book that is simply outstanding!
For years, we in the military circles have thrown out constant references to a "German way of war." In developing courses of action or drawing parallels to tactics or doctrine, it was always vogue to throw out German historical references. Regrettably, for many, there was no clear understanding of what was truly this "German way of war." Citino clears up these misconceptions and greatly broadens a reader's understanding of the concepts they used so freely in the past.
Citino answers three key questions for readers. First, "What characterizes the German way of war?" Second, "Why did they develop this style of...