Military History Podcast

Forces of Nature (2)

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sat, 24 May 2008 22:29:00 GMT

Whether they are seen as acts of God, or as simple climate-related occurrences, natural events have always had a sizeable impact on military operations. At the small end of the scale are the little changes in terrain or weather that may affect a battle or a small war. For example, many armies have postponed their campaigns due to inclement weather conditions, and many militaries have suffered from rampant disease. On the other end of the scale are the times when nature has so much of an impact that the fate of an entire nation or civilization is decided upon it. In the words of Charles Darwin, these are times when âthe war of natureâ results in the downfall of one party and the rise of another.

Colonization Smallpox: Rampant disease severely weakened the Aztecs and Incas, allowing small bands of Spanish conquistadors (led by Cortez and Pizarro, respectively) to easily overthrow two great empires.
Revolutionary Wind and Fog: Heavy winds subsided after the Battle of Long Island, allowing American troops to evacuate and fight another day. Their retreat was concealed by a dense fog. Later, just before the Battle of Trenton, a heavy fog concealed the Americans long enough to conduct a surprise attack which greatly boosted the morale of the Continental Army.
Russian Winter: Cold temperatures forced Napoleon to retreat after he failed to conquer Russia and find accommodations in Moscow. The lack of grass and unfrozen roads resulted in the destruction of up to 75% of Napoleon's Army as it marched back to France.

For more information, read:
Hopkins' The Great Killer
Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel
McCullough's 1776
Burton's Napoleon's Invasion of Russia
Tolstoy's War and Peace
George's Napoleon's Invasion of Russia

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Forces of Nature (1)

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sat, 3 May 2008 22:46:00 GMT

Whether they are seen as acts of God, or as simple climate-related occurrences, natural events have always had a sizeable impact on military operations. At the small end of the scale are the little changes in terrain or weather that may affect a battle or a small war. For example, many armies have postponed their campaigns due to inclement weather conditions, and many militaries have suffered from rampant disease. On the other end of the scale are the times when nature has so much of an impact that the fate of an entire nation or civilization is decided upon it. In the words of Charles Darwin, these are times when âthe war of natureâ? results in the downfall of one party and the rise of another.

Thales' Eclipse: Halted the epic Battle of Halys River, thereby saving one or both of the participants (Lydia and Media) from destruction.
Kamikaze (Divine Wind): Created a storm that destroying the invading Mongol fleets, thereby saving Japan from foreign conquest.
Athenian Typhoid: Wreaked havoc throughout Athens, contributing to its downfall in the Peloponnesian War.
Bering Land Bridge: Facilitated the "invasion" of North America.
Clouds over Kokura: Obscured the primary target for the "Fat Man" atomic bomb, thereby saving Kokura but resulting in the destruction of Nagasaki.
Legend of Quetzacoatl: Convinced the Aztecs that Cortez was the reincarnation of Quetzacoatl, thereby facilitating the Spanish conquest of Latin America.

For more information, read:
Darwin's Origin of Species
Herodotus' Histories
Mitchell's Eclipses of the Sun
Lamont-Brown's Kamikaze
Daniels' Almanac of World History

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Occupying Iraq (2003-2007)

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:34:00 GMT

This episode covers the period between Bush's declaration of "Mission Accomplished" and the change in coalition leadership (from General Casey to General Petraeus). The following major events and topics are discussed:

2003: Deaths of Saddam's two sons (Qusay and Uday), capture of Saddam, Baathist Purge, National Museum looting, and Bremer's disbanding of the Iraqi Army.
2004: Sectarian violence and displacement, Operation Vigiliant Resolve (1st Fallujah), Battle of Ramadi, Battle of Husaybah, Battle of Mosul, Operation Phanton Fury (2nd Fallujah), Blackwater USA, medals of honor.
2005: January and December Legislative Elections, Battle of Haditha, Abu Ghraib.
2006: Handing three provinces to Iraqi authority, death of Zarqawi, execution of Saddam, Al-Askari mosque bombing, Operation Together Forward (Baghdad), Battle of Ramadi.
2007: Battle of Haifa Street (Baghdad), creation of the new Counterinsurgency Field Manual (3-24).

For more information, read:
Iraq Study Group Report
Counterinsurgency Field Manual 3-24
No End in Sight (film)
http://iraq.liveleak.com/
www.iraqstatusreport.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFijzDyJnVE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epfmuHr4_b8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGQaPYzFZ8o

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

The Philosophy of War (2)

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Mon, 7 Apr 2008 18:14:00 GMT

According to Lawrence Keeley, "90-95% of known societies engage in war". Why? What compels homo sapiens to kill each other? Why do we fight? Part one will describe two hypotheses.

War is Necessary:
Aristotle says in Nicomachean Ethics that "we fight war so that we may live in peace". This notion is echoed by many other famous thinkers including Marx (an advocate of a final proletarian revolution in order to establish a worker's paradise) and Zoroaster (the first monotheist to discuss the final battle of judgment between good and evil).

War is Logical:
Using Darwin's logic, mankind continues to fight wars because it is the means through which our species survives. Thomas Malthus adapted this into a population argument, stating that humans fight wars in order to keep populations small and manageable. Samuel Huntington took this one step further by saying that war negates massive youth bulges. Lastly, John Nash (the economist) proved, through game theory, that war is a more logical choice than peace.

War is Accidental:
AJP Taylor argued that all wars are unintended and unhappy escalations of smaller conflicts. Warmongering is neither inherent nor unavoidable. Taylor's ideas link closely to the pacifistic ideas of Tolstoy and Gandhi.

For more information, read:
Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle
Communist Manifesto by Marx
Holy Avesta, Holy Bible, Holy Qur'an
Origin of Species by Darwin
An Essay on the Principle of Population by Malthus
Environmental Science by Richard Wright
Clash of Civilizations by Samuel Huntington

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

The Philosophy of War (1)

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:25:00 GMT

According to Lawrence Keeley, "90-95% of known societies engage in war". Why? What compels homo sapiens to kill each other? Why do we fight? Part one will describe two hypotheses.

War is Rational:
Sun Tzu argued that political struggles would eventually lead to armed conflict. Clausewitz took this one step further by saying that "war is a mere continuation of policy by other means". Machiavelli completed this entire line of thought by saying that war was the most efficient means of attaining any political goal.

War is Inevitable:
Hobbes argued that humans are inherently violent. Raymond Dart and Robert Ardrey found a scientific basis for this by claiming that homo sapiens became the dominant humanoid through their martial prowess (and we have kept this prowess ever since). Another group of philosophers believe that war can be attributed to the reckless aggression caused by testosterone in males.

For more information, read:
Sun Tzu's Art of War
Clausewitz's On War
Machiavelli's The Prince
Mao's Quotations
Hobbes' Leviathan

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Joan of Arc

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 01:16:00 GMT

Joan of Arc (1412-1431) was a poor peasant girl from Lorraine. One day, she had a vision in which three saints urged her to lead the French to victory over the English in the Hundred Years' War. She traveled to Charles VII's court and was appointed head of the French Army (headed to relieve the besieged city of Orleans) because her unlikely presence would inspire hope in the French forces. Upon arriving in Orleans, Joan launched several counterattacks against the English and broke the siege in only eight days. Then, she led a campaign to clear the English out of the Loire River Valley, eventually liberating the city of Reims.

During a later skirmish, Joan was captured and tried for heresy. She was found guilty and burned at the stake. Later, she was exonerated and made a saint. She has served a symbol of French nationalism and feminist pride ever since.

For more information, read:.
Joan of Arc: Her Story by Regine Peroud Joan of Arc: A Military Appreciation by Stephen Richey

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine and Audible

Frederick the Great

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sun, 2 Mar 2008 23:31:00 GMT

Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, is considered the best commander of the European Enlightenment. Despite possessing relatively few people and resources, he transformed the tiny Prussian state into a great military power (which arguably wouldn't be brought down until 1945). Strategically, he modernized the Prussian military into a well-trained, well-disciplined unit. He taught them to fire faster, march with more precision, and deploy artillery quicker. Tactically, he employed oblique tactics which massed all units on one side of the battle line in order to sweep through the enemy forces one at a time (instead of all at once). This allowed Frederick to achieve victories against numerically-superior enemies at Hohenfriedberg, Rossbach, and Leuthen.

For more information, read:
Frederick the Great by Gerhard Ritter
Frederick the Great by Giles MacDonogh
Frederick the Great by Christopher Duffy
Military Blunders by Geoffrey Regan
Dictionary of Battles by David Chandler
Extreme War by Terrence Poulos

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Lincoln's Assassination

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:31:00 GMT

President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, a southern sympathizer and a self-proclaimed modern-day Brutus, on April 14th, 1865 (five days after the end of the Civil War). Booth snuck into Lincoln's viewing Booth at the Ford's Theater while Lincoln was watching "Our American Cousin" and shot him in the back of the head. Booth then jumped down onto the stage and ran out the back door. The ensuing manhunt eventually caught up with him in the swamps of the Potomac River. He was shot, and his co-conspirators were hanged.

The event has many interesting stories associated with it:

Lincoln had a dream in which he walked into the East Room of the White House and saw a casket. He asked the soldiers why there was a casket and the soldiers told him that the President had been assassinated. He had the dream three days before being assassinated.
Robert Todd Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln's son, stood by his father's body as he passed away. Strangely, Robert Todd Lincoln would also stand by the sides of Presidents Garfield and McKinley (both shot by assassins) as they lay dying.
Robert Todd Lincoln once fell onto the train tracks but was saved by Edwin Booth, John's brother.
Boston Corbett, the soldier who fatally wounded Booth, shot him in the exact same spot that Booth shot Lincoln.

There are also several conspiracy theories about the Lincoln Assassination:

Vice President Johnson indirectly communicated with Booth on the day of the assassination. He stood to gain the most from the death of Lincoln.
Confederate Secretary of State Judah Benjamin might have ordered the assassination of the opposing head of state for tactical reasons. Benjamin destroyed all of his records after the surrender, and then fled to England and never returned.
Secretary of War Edwin Stanton disliked Lincoln for his moderate stance on many issues. Stanton prevented Ulysses Grant (and his military escort) from attending "Our American Cousin" with Lincoln (and potentially saving his life). He also lowered security on the bridge that Booth used to flee into Maryland. He also destroyed a few pages of Booth's diary before it was used as evidence in court.

For more information, read:
The American Presidents by David Whitney
Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincolnâs Killer (The History Channel)
The Greatest Presidential Stories Never Told by Rick Beyer
http://members.aol.com/RVSNorton/Lincoln.html

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Crassus vs. Spartacus

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sat, 9 Feb 2008 22:47:00 GMT

Crassus was the wealthiest man in Rome. Before he joined the First Triumvirate with Pompey and Caesar, he struggled to make a name for himself. His big break came with the outbreak of the Third Servile War, when Spartacus led a slave rebellion throughout the Italian Peninsula. Spartacus and his men wreaked havoc throughout the region, defeating several Roman legions. Although his original plan was to escape to Gaul and head home, Spartacus decided to head south towards Sicily. However, his transport (the Cilician Pirates) failed to arrive in time, and Crassus was able to bring his legions in from behind to trap Spartacus. In the ensuing battle, Spartacus was killed and many more slaves were crucified. Crassus achieved some fame but in the end, his career would pale in comparison to Pompey and Caesar. He was killed in Parthia after a failed showing at the Battle of Carrhae by having molten gold poured down his throat.

For more information, read:
Plutarchâs Lives (http://classics.mit.edu/Plutarch/crassus.html)
http://www.livius.org/so-st/spartacus/spartacus.html

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazines.

The Anglo-Dutch Wars

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 19:17:00 GMT

Today's episode's script was written by Andrew Tumath of Aberdeen, United Kingdom. To submit your own script, please send them to me at militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com

The Anglo-Dutch Wars were a series of the distinct conflicts waged between England and the United Provinces (modern-day Netherlands) in the middle years of the 17th-century. Fought for different reasons, alongside different allies, and with different results, the wars pitted the two great maritime powers of the period against each other, until both came to realise that the real threat came from the France of Louis XIV. Almost uniquely maritime in nature, there wasnât a single action in the three conflicts in which an English army faced a Dutch one.

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Iraq's Environment

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 04:54:00 GMT

This episode is an analysis of the environmental impacts of the current war in Iraq. There are several major categories, each of which will be discussed. This episode is meant to be an overview of the rarely-discussed ecological situation in Iraq, rather than a persuasive piece towards one viewpoint or another. The entire episode will revolve around environmental issues--political and strategic issues and biases will not be included.

Negative Effects:

Oil Fires: Saddam lit oil wells on fire, resulting in extreme air pollution.
Oil Spills: the oil wells spilled into the surrounding ground and sea, ruining vast expanses of animal habitats.
Depleted Uranium: DU munitions used by Coalition forces have chemically wounded thousands of Iraqis and Americans.
War Machines: Military vehicles and structures wreak havoc through the fragile deserts of Western and Northern Iraq.
Munitions: Unexploded ordinances and explosion craters have wrecked acres and acres of potential farmland.
Water Pollution: Unnatural or unhealthy chemicals, such as oil and human biomass, have entered waterways in large quantities, thereby rendering them unusable.
Infrastructure Damage: The lack of leadership in Iraq means that significant environmental problems, such as broken sewage systems, never get fixed.
Fiscal Allocation: Funds allocated to defense could have been used to pursue environmentalist initiatives.

Positive Effects:

Iraq War is a major catalyst for the âalternative energies initiativeâ?.
Saddamâs ecologically harmful policies will no longer devastate the Iraqi ecosystem.
Iraqâs relationship with the United Nations has improved, meaning that UN environmental agencies can now safely enter the region.

For more information, read:
Environmental Science by Richard Wright
The Gulf War Aftermath by Mohammed Sadiq
Desk Study on the Environment in Iraq by the United Nations Environment Program
The Iraq Quagmire by the Institute for Policy Studies
The Environment Consequences of the war in Iraq by the UK Green Party

Special thanks to: Captain Christopher Green, Corporal Trent Davis, and Master Sergeant Jonny Lung

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

The John McCains

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Tue, 1 Jan 2008 21:06:00 GMT

John McCain Sr: Admiral, Commander of Fast Carrier Task Force in South Pacific during WWII
John McCain Jr: Admiral, Commander of Pacific Command during Vietnam War
John McCain III: Navy aviator, shot down in Hanoi, tortured as a prisoner of war for 5.5 years, currently running for Republican nomination for President of the United States

Other presidential candidates with military experience are:

Chris Dodd: Army Reserve
Mike Gravel: Lieutenant, Counter-Intelligence Corps (West Germany)
Ron Paul: Captain, Flight Surgeon (US Air Force)
Duncan Hunter: Lieutenant, US Army Rangers

For more information, read:
http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/198503/delenda.est.carthago.htm
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/jsmccain.htm
www.realclearpolitics.com
http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter3.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/15/politics/15mccain.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1198992044-jBYur2uP0d4d90Hp7uLjtA

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Sports - War minus the Shooting

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 20:06:00 GMT

The title of this episode comes from the following George Orwell quote: âSerious sport has nothing to do with fair play. It is bound up with hatred, jealousy, boastfulness, disregard for all rules and sadistic pleasure in witnessing violence: in other words it is war minus the shooting." This is meant to be a fun episode on the similarities between football, chess, and war. Please take each analogy with a grain of salt.

Football (two armies fighting to reach the opposing camp/end zone):

Kick-off Team: Skirmishers
Quarterback: Tactical Commander
Head Coach: Strategic Commander
Halfback: Light Infantry Reserves
Fullback: Heavy Infantry Reserves
Tight End: Heavy Cavalry
Linemen (offensive and defensive): Heavy Infantry
Wide Receivers: Light Cavalry
Cornerbacks: Light Cavalry
Linebackers: Light Infantry
Safeties: Heavy Cavalry
Kicker: Artillery

Chess (two armies fighting to defeat the opposing commander):

Pawns: Heavy Infantry
Rooks: Artillery
Knights: Light Cavalry
Bishops: Light Infantry
Queen: Heavy Cavalry
King: Tactical Commander

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Food of WWII

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 01:05:00 GMT

This episode is written by Russell Holman of Merrimack, New Hampshire. If you would like to submit a script to Military History Podcast, please send me an email at militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com

The mighty American military during WWII would have been nothing without its surprisingly-important rationing system. Food kept the United States going, so therefore, it is well worth studying. Throughout WWII and the years beyond, the US entered/exited several "eras" of rations:

A Rations
B Rations
K Rations
C Rations
LRRP Rations
MREs

For more information, read:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/mre.htm
http://www.olive-drab.com/od_rations.php
http://nsc.natick.army.mil/media/print/OP_Rations.pdf

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Aircraft Carriers

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sat, 8 Dec 2007 23:22:00 GMT

Aircraft Carriers are the ultimate tool of modern power projection. They are symbols of both naval strength and air superiority. This episode covers their history and their future:

1840s: Balloon Carriers are invented
1900s: Seaplane Carriers are invented
1910s: Modern aircraft carriers are invented
1930s-1940s: WWII (five major carrier battles)

Pearl Harbor: Japan's six carriers surprise the United States Navy
Coral Sea: Japan's three carriers engage America's two carriers (both lose one carrier)
Midway: America's three carriers engage Japan's four carriers and sink all four, with the help of codebreakers and reconnaissance. Considered a turning point in the Pacific War
Philippine Sea: America's sixteen carriers destroy or disable all but 35 of the 500 Japanese carrier-based aircraft
Leyte Gulf: America's seventeen carriers decisively defeat the Imperial Japanese Navy in the largest naval battle in history

WWII-present: US Carrier Strike Groups control the seas

For more information, read:
http://www.sandcastlevi.com/sea/carriers/cvchap1a.htm
http://www.navy.mil/navydata/ships/carriers/cv-list.asp
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/carriers.htm
http://science.howstuffworks.com/aircraft-carrier.htm
http://www.combatreform2.com/submarineaircraftcarriers.htm
The Pacific War Companion by Daniel Marston
Janeâs Warship Recognition Guide
Imperial Japanese Navy Aircraft Carriers (1921-1945) by Mark Stille
US Navy Bluejacketâs Manual

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

War in Bosnia

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sun, 2 Dec 2007 21:17:00 GMT

After the fall of the Soviet Union, the former Yugoslavian countries began to divide along ethnic lines. Of the five states (Serbia and Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, and Slovenia), three of them began waging war:

Serbia (Orthodox Christians) under Slobodan Milosevic
Bosnia (Muslims) under Alija Izetbegovic
Croatia (Roman Catholics) under Franjo Tudjman

Initially, both Croatia and Serbia desired to take land from Bosnia. However, as the war progressed, Croatia took the side of Bosnia in order to push Serbia out of the region. Ethnic cleansing (especially by the Serbs) was commonplace, and it wasn't until Croatian intervention (on the ground with Operation Storm) and NATO intervention (in the air with Operation Deliberate Resolve) that the war slowed down. Eventually, after a four-year long siege of Sarajevo (the Bosnian capital), the Dayton Accords were signed.

However, the ethnic cleansing continued, most notably at Kosovo. After another NATO intervention led by General Wesley Clark, peace was restored again.

For more information, read:
My Life by Bill Clinton
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1280328.stm
http://www.historyplace.com/worldhistory/genocide/bosnia.htm
The Statesman's Yearbook 2006

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Operation Downfall

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 19:29:00 GMT

Operation Downfall was the proposed invasion of mainland Japan by Allied Forces near the end of WWII. It was canceled because the atomic bombs were dropped and Japan surrendered, thereby removing the need for a military conquest. It would have been the largest amphibious invasion in history, and it would have been the first time that a foreign power had set foot on mainland Japanese soil (in the country's 2500 year history).

Operation Downfall had two parts: Operation Olympic (Nov 1945) and Operation Coronet (March 1946). Both were commanded by MacArthur and supported by Nimitz. Operation Olympic involved the I, V, IX, and XI Corps storming the beaches of Kyushu (the southern main island) and taking airbases to support Operation Coronet. Operation Coronet involved the First Army and the Eighth Army, as well as numerous British Commonwealth units, storming the beaches of Honshu near the capital city of Tokyo.

On the opposing side was Operation Ketsu Go, the Japanese defense of its main islands. Most of Japan's forces (air and ground) were focused on the island of Kyushu. Also, tens of millions of Japanese civilians (all able-bodied civilians, men and women) were trained in basic martial arts in order to repel the invasion. In addition, the Japanese government created numerous suicide units to repel the invasion.

All in all, it would have been one of the bloodiest battles in history. An estimated 1 million Americans and 10 million Japanese would have lost their lives.

For more information, read:
The Japanese Army Handbook by George Forty
The Pacific War Companion by Daniel Marston

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

The Peloponnesian War (Part Two)

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:34:00 GMT

The Peloponnesian War was fought by Athens and Sparta in the late 5th century BC. It was an epic war between two superpowers, and the similarities to the Cold War are numerous. Since most people know about the Cold War, since it was so recent, I will summarize this episode via comparisons between it and the Peloponnesian War.

This second episode covers the Amphipolis Campaign/Cuban Missile Crisis to the surrender of Athens.

The Participants:

Athens/United States: wealthy, democratic, powerful navy, supported by numerous smaller states (Delian League/NATO)

Initially led by Pericles/FDR: rulers during the expansion of their respective nations' geopolitical status

Sparta/USSR: communist, totalitarian, powerful army, supported by numerous smaller states (Peloponnesian League/Warsaw Pact)

Initially led by Archidamus II/Stalin: rulers during the expansion of their respective nations' geopolitical status

Thebes/China: Weaker third power allied with Sparta/USSR

Timeline:

Persian Wars/WWII: Sparta/USSR and Athens/USA were originally allied in the fight against Persia/Axis
Pentecontaetia/Berlin Blockade: Sparta/USSR and Athens/USA skirmish briefly over intermediate territory (Corinthian Isthmus/Germany)
Archidamian War/Korean War: Sparta/USSR engages in a land war with Athens/USA over intermediate territory (Corinthian Isthmus/Germany). Results in a stalemate.
Pylos Campaign/Suez Crisis: Athens/USA intervenes in territory close to Sparta/USSR in order to gain an economic and political advantage.
Amphipolis Campaign/Cuban Missile Crisis: Sparta/USSR sneaks into the Athens/USA sphere of influence and creates an outpost.
Aegean Sea Propaganda Campaigns/Third World War: Sparta/USSR provides support to revolutions in Athens/USA's sphere of influence.
Sicilian Expedition/Vietnam War: Athens/USA attempts to contain Sparta/USSR's sphere of influence and fails miserably (loses lives and money).

Where the analogy fails:

Sparta launches a successful, massive land invasion against Athens (Problem: USSR never fought USA over Europe). Decisive victory at the Battle of Mantinea
Sparta destroys the entire Athenian Navy at the Battle of Aegospotami (Problem: USSR never defeated the American Navy decisively)
Athens surrendered to Sparta (Problem: The US won the Cold War)

So, the analogy isn't perfect, but it is still accurate in most respects. After the Peloponnesian War, Thebes (the former third power) swept down and became the new superpower (over both Sparta and Athens), just like China seems to be becoming now (over the US).

For more information, read: History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General

The Peloponnesian War (Part One)

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:16:00 GMT

The Peloponnesian War was fought by Athens and Sparta in the late 5th century BC. It was an epic war between two superpowers, and the similarities to the Cold War are numerous. Since most people know about the Cold War, since it was so recent, I will summarize this episode via comparisons between it and the Peloponnesian War.

This first episode covers the beginning through the Amphipolis Campaign/Cuban Missile Crisis.

The Participants:

Athens/United States: wealthy, democratic, powerful navy, supported by numerous smaller states (Delian League/NATO)

Initially led by Pericles/FDR: rulers during the expansion of their respective nations' geopolitical status

Sparta/USSR: communist, totalitarian, powerful army, supported by numerous smaller states (Peloponnesian League/Warsaw Pact)

Initially led by Archidamus II/Stalin: rulers during the expansion of their respective nations' geopolitical status

Thebes/China: Weaker third power allied with Sparta/USSR

Timeline:

Persian Wars/WWII: Sparta/USSR and Athens/USA were originally allied in the fight against Persia/Axis
Pentecontaetia/Berlin Blockade: Sparta/USSR and Athens/USA skirmish briefly over intermediate territory (Corinthian Isthmus/Germany)
Archidamian War/Korean War: Sparta/USSR engages in a land war with Athens/USA over intermediate territory (Corinthian Isthmus/Germany). Results in a stalemate.
Pylos Campaign/Suez Crisis: Athens/USA intervenes in territory close to Sparta/USSR in order to gain an economic and political advantage.
Amphipolis Campaign/Cuban Missile Crisis: Sparta/USSR sneaks into the Athens/USA sphere of influence and creates an outpost.
Aegean Sea Propaganda Campaigns/Third World War: Sparta/USSR provides support to revolutions in Athens/USA's sphere of influence.
Sicilian Expedition/Vietnam War: Athens/USA attempts to contain Sparta/USSR's sphere of influence and fails miserably (loses lives and money).

Where the analogy fails:

Sparta launches a successful, massive land invasion against Athens (Problem: USSR never fought USA over Europe). Decisive victory at the Battle of Mantinea
Sparta destroys the entire Athenian Navy at the Battle of Aegospotami (Problem: USSR never defeated the American Navy decisively)
Athens surrendered to Sparta (Problem: The US won the Cold War)

The 100 Best Clips of MHP (51-100)

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sun, 4 Nov 2007 22:14:00 GMT

This episode is the 101st episode of Military History Podcast. It is a compilation of 100 MHP clips, tidbits, and funfacts. It is split into two parts: this is part two. Feel free to post any clips that I failed to mention in the episode.

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

The 100 Best Clips of MHP (1-50)

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:02:00 GMT

This episode is the 100th episode of Military History Podcast. It is a compilation of 100 MHP clips, tidbits, and funfacts. It is split into two parts: this is part one.

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine and the US Navy Reserve

Canadians at Vimy Ridge

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 21:50:00 GMT

The Battle of Vimy Ridge (April 1917) was a turning point in WWI. It was the first great allied victory. It also continues to be the greatest event in modern Canada's military history.

The 100,000 Canadians of the Canadian Corps were commanded by Arthur Currie. Currie began numerous preparations including:

Giving maps to all Canadian troops, not just the officers
Training all Canadian troops on a replica of Vimy Ridge
Building an elaborate tunnel system underneath no man's land in order to carry men to the enemy front lines more quickly
Use air support (including the famous Billy Bishop, a Canadian flying ace) to protect against German recon

The actual battle began with a creeping barrage attack, in which over 1 million shells were fired by Canadian artillerymen. The creeping barrage was followed by 20,000 charging Canadian troops, who successfully all four trenches on Vimy Ridge. By midday on April 9th, Hill 145 and the Pimple (a high point) were taken.

Four Victoria Crosses were awarded in the battle. 3000 Canadians were KIA, and another 7000 were wounded. 20,000 Germans were wounded and 4000 were captured.

For more information, read:
http://www.northpeel.com/news/article/20719
http://www.legionmagazine.com/features/special/07-03a.asp?id=print#5
http://wwii.ca/page9.html
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/vimy/
http://www.histori.ca/minutes/minute.do?id=14742
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6373IRqSeU

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

The Most Dangerous Man in Europe

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 02:56:00 GMT

"The Most Dangerous Man in Europe" was how Eisenhower described Otto Skorzeny, Nazi Germany's most famous commando and special operations leader. Before he became the leader of Jagdverbande 502 (a special operations unit), Skorzeny fought on the Eastern Front and even won an Iron Cross for bravery.

His most famous mission was Operation Oak, the search and rescue of Benito Mussolini, who had been captured and imprisoned by his rivals in the Italy. Skorzeny led a glider assault on Gran Sasso Mountain, where Mussolini was being held, and captured him without having to fire a single shot. Skorzeny brought Mussolini back to Hitler. Hitler was overjoyed.

Skorzeny was tasked to lead many other commando missions including:

Operation Rosselsprung: Kidnap Josip Tito (the future leader of communist Yugoslavia)
Operation Panzerfaust: Kidnap the son of Miklos Horthy (king of Hungary) to persuade him to stay in the Axis
Operation Greif: Infiltrate behind allied lines at the battle of the bulge and spread chaos and confusion

After the war, Skorzeny was imprisoned in Darmstadt prison. From the prison, he operated the ODESSA network to smuggle Nazis (out of Germany) to safety. He was put before a war crimes tribunal at one point, but he was acquitted. On July 27th, 1948, he escaped from the prison thanks to the help of several SS colleagues (disguised in American uniforms). He then fled to Franco's Spain, Nasser's Egypt, and Peron's Argentina. In Argentina, he fell in love with Eva Peron. At the same time, he managed to secure large portions of the Bormann treasure, named after Martin Bormann (Hitler's secretary) who smuggled Nazi wealth out of Germany just before the Third Reich's collapse. He died in 1975 of cancer.

For more information, read:
Armchair General Magazine (October 2007): The Devilâs Commando
Skorzenyâs Special Missions by Otto Skorzeny
http://greyfalcon.us/Otto%20Skorzeny.htm
http://ww2db.com/person_bio.php?person_id=133
Battle Fleet.com
http://www.2worldwar2.com/otto-skorzeny.htm
http://homepages.ius.edu/RVEST/SkorzenyDr2.htm

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

The Sword of Allah (Part Two)

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 18:11:00 GMT

The Sword of Allah refers to Khalid ibn al-Walid, the prophet Mohammad's top general. Khalid commanded over 100 battles and never lost, making him the most undefeated general in history. He usually fought in the front lines either as a cavalry commander or as a champion dueler. This is the first of a two-part episode. This part will cover Khalid's conquest of Byzantine Syria:

Some famous battles on the Syrian front include: Bosra, Ajnadayn, and Damascus. The Siege of Damascus saw the first use of Khalid's unit of elite cavalrymen, the Mobile Guard. However, the greatest battle in the theater was the Battle of Yarmouk. Khalid had removed from command by Umar (Abu Bakr's successor) but he still had operational command because the nominal commander respected him so much. The Battle of Yarmouk was fought between 100,000 Byzantines and 30,000 Arabs along a battle line 12 miles long. After a series of significant duels (including one where Khalid personally persuaded an enemy commander to convert to Islam), the main battle began. For the first few days, it was a stalemate. Eventually, though, Khalid managed to maneuver his cavalry all the way around the Byzantines and flank them.

Soon after the battle, Umar, who believed that Khalid was gaining too much power, removed Khalid from command completely.

For more information, read:
Dictionary of Battles by David Chandler
http://www.ezsoftech.com/islamic/ohod.asp
http://islambyquestions.net/moreAbout/Hunayn.htm
http://islam.pakistanway.com/showtopic.aspx?topicid=266&typeid=25
http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/Articles/companion/10_abu_bakr.htm
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9045249/Khalid-ibn-al-Walid
http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/Articles/companion/00_abu_bakr.htm
http://www.islamicawakening.com/viewarticle.php?articleID=1206
http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/muslimwars/articles/yarmuk.aspx

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

The Sword of Allah (Part One)

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 07:45:00 GMT

The Sword of Allah refers to Khalid ibn al-Walid, the prophet Mohammad's top general. Khalid commanded over 100 battles and never lost, making him the most undefeated general in history. He usually fought in the front lines either as a cavalry commander or as a champion dueler. This is the first of a two-part episode. This part will cover Khalid's conquests of Arabia and Persia:

Khalid ibn al-Walid originally fought with the Meccan Quraiysh tribe against Mohammad and the Muslims. However, he converted after the Battle of the Trench and joined the forces of Mohammad. His first campaign as a Muslim commander was into Ghassanid Territory to fight the Battle of Mutah, in which he led an expert retreat after the first three Muslim commanders were killed. His second campaign involved attacking south and east in order to conquer the Arabian Peninsula. He participated in the conquest of Mecca and in the Battle of Hunayn.

After Mohammad's death, Abu Bakr took over and formed the Rashidun Caliphate (the first of three great Islamic Empires with the other two being the Umayyad and Abbasid Dynasties). Khalid led the campaign to reconquer all the tribes that left the Muslim confederation after Mohammad's death. Specifically, he commanded the Muslims at the Battle of Yamama, which was fought against the "liar prophet", Musailima.

After the Arabian Peninsula was retaken, Khalid was put in charge of the Rashidun invasion of Iraq (which was held by the Sassanid Persians). Some of the famous battles of the invasion include the Battle of Chains, the Battle of Ullais, the Battle of Hira, and the Battle of Al-Anbar. However, the most famous is the Battle of Walaja, which is known as the eastern Battle of Cannae because of Khalid's successful double envelopment of the Persians. To this day, Khalid and Hannibal are the only ones to pull this off against a numerically superior force. The Battle of Firaz is also important because Khalid defeated a Persian army ten times his own (in numbers).

The second part of this episode will cover Khalid's exploits in Syria.

For more information, read:
Dictionary of Battles by David Chandler
http://www.ezsoftech.com/islamic/ohod.asp
http://islambyquestions.net/moreAbout/Hunayn.htm
http://islam.pakistanway.com/showtopic.aspx?topicid=266&typeid=25
http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/Articles/companion/10_abu_bakr.htm
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9045249/Khalid-ibn-al-Walid
http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/Articles/companion/00_abu_bakr.htm
http://www.islamicawakening.com/viewarticle.php?articleID=1206
http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/muslimwars/articles/yarmuk.aspx

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Warsaw Uprisings - Contemnit Procellas

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 00:57:00 GMT

Warsaw is the capital of Poland. It's motto is "Contemnit Procellas", which means "it defies the storms". It is a fitting motto because Warsaw continues to be the site of many uprisings, rebellions, and power shifts. Two of them were especially devastating:

Warsaw Ghetto Uprising (1943): Led by Mordecai Anielewicz of the ZOB and the ZZW. 1000 Jewish resistance fighters vs. 2842 German SS forces. Jews are defeated, and deportations to extermination camps continue.
Warsaw Uprising (1944): The largest underground movement in all of WWII. Poland's attempt to assist the Allied war effort and make a statement to the USSR that they are not interested in being occupied. The Polish Home Army (AK) manages to hold off the Germans for a while but, without Russian or Western assistance, the resistance crumbles.

Eventually, the war ended and Poland became part of the Warsaw Pact (signed in Warsaw). 45 years later, Poland would be the first country to revolt from Soviet rule. Warsaw is now the 8th most populous city in the EU.

For more information, read:
http://www.polishresistance-ak.org/Main%20Page.htm
http://www.historynet.com/magazines/world_war_2/3032951.html?page=6&c=y
http://www.achtungpanzer.com/pol/kubus.htm

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

DARPA's Revolution in Military Affairs

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Mon, 3 Sep 2007 18:36:00 GMT

The Defense Department's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) was founded in 1958 in order to ensure that the science gap remained in the US's favor. Many great empires, such as the Mongols, Chinese, Ottomans, Mughals, and later, the Soviets, fell from grace because they missed out on major military revolutions, such as the Gunpowder Revolution, the Two Industrial Revolutions, and the Information Revolution. America was determined to not let it happen to them.

Since its creation in 1958, DARPA has been at the forefront of technology and innovation. It's inventions since 1958 include:

Satellites
GPS
M-16 Rifle
ARPANET (predecessor to the Internet)
Stealth Fighters (F-117, B-2, F-22)
Cruise Missiles
UAVs (Predator, Global Hawk)
UGVs (SWORDS, TALON, Packbot)

DARPA now focuses on nine major areas:

Robust, Secure, Self-Forming Networks
Detection, Precision ID, Tracking, and Destruction of Elusive Targets
Urban Area Operations
Advanced Manned and Unmanned Systems
Detection, Characterization, and Assessment of Underground Structures
Space
Increasing the Tooth To Tail Ratio
Biorevolution
Core Technologies

Many of its current "Revolution in Military Affairs" projects fall under the Future Combat Systems Program. This includes the Future Warrior battlesuit that can change color, carry more, become harder than kevlar, heal the user, connect directly back to the command post, sense dangers, change temperatures, and reinforce human muscles.

For more information, read:
http://www.darpa.mil/
War Made New by Max Boot
Foreign Affairs (January 2007): The Real Meaning of Military Transformation
Foreign Affairs (July 2006): The Militaryâs Manpower Crisis

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

My Odeo Channel (odeo/a5b9222a2c4c44e2)

Scorpion Down

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 18:53:00 GMT

This episode is a summary of the USS Scorpion incident of 1968 and a review of the book, Scorpion Down, by Ed Offley (Published by Perseus Books). The USS Scorpion, a Skipjack-class nuclear submarine, was heading from the Mediterranean Sea to Norfolk, Virginia, when it mysteriously sank, making it only the second nuclear submarine that the US Navy has ever lost. The US Navy and other authors claimed that the USS Scorpion and its 99 crew members were lost because of a weapons accident or because of mechanical failure. However, according to Ed Offley, the USS Scorpion was sunk by the Soviets in retaliation for the US sinking the Soviet K-129 diesel-electric sub a few months before.

The book is written by an experienced and well-qualified author. It is a must-read for anybody who was involved with the submarine or with the search, and it is a recommended read for any submarine enthusiasts or conspiracy theory enthusiasts. To purchase, visit www.scorpiondown.com.

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Major General Andrew Jackson

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:55:00 GMT

Andrew Jackson was the 7th President of the United States. He had the fourth highest rank of all the presidents, below Washington, Eisenhower, and Grant. He is also considered to be the nation's ninth greatest president, after Lincoln, FDR, Washington, Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt, Wilson, and Truman. Therefore, he is the second greatest warrior-president in US History, after only George Washington, himself.

Andrew Jackson's military career began in the War of 1812. First, he defeated Chief Red Eagle of the Creek Indians at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. Then, he defeated Sir Pakenham of the British at the Battle of New Orleans. Even though the war was over at this point, Jackson delivered Britain one of its greatest defeats in history, while only suffering 21 casualties. In the Seminole War that followed soon after, Andrew Jackson captured Spanish Florida and became its territorial governor, thereby founding the state of Florida, which is currently America's fourth most powerful state.

Andrew Jackson's personal life was a tough one. "Old Hickory" got into 103 duels. He famously defeated Charles Dickinson, thought by many to be the nation's greatest dueler, despite being shot two inches from the heart. In the Senate Chamber, Jackson also sat next to Thomas Hart Benton, the man who had shot him repeatedly while he lay on the floor in a hotel in Nashville in a fight a few years earlier. While president, he beat his would-be assassin with his own cane until his aides apprehended him. Lastly, at his funeral, his pet parrot had to be removed because it was swearing too much (a skill taught to it by Andrew Jackson, himself).

This episode only covers Andrew Jackson's life up to his presidency.

For more information, read:
The American Presidents by David Whitney
Military Blunders by Geoffrey Regan
Kaplan AP US Government
Princeton Review AP US History

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

MacArthur - American Caesar (2)

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sat, 4 Aug 2007 18:22:00 GMT

As Supreme Allied Commander of the Southwest Pacific Area, Douglas MacArthur led an island-hopping campaign (Operation Cartwheel) known as "hit em where they aint". He avoided major Japanese garrisons and conquered from Australia, up through New Guinea, and to the Philippines. Upon wading ashore at Leyte during the Battle of Leyte, he proclaimed "I have returned". MacArthur was chosen to lead Operation Downfall (the invasion of Japan), but the war ended before the campaign began. After being present at the signing of the Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri, MacArthur became the military governor of Japan and led the reconstruction and occupation. One of his most famous acts as the governor was to exonerate Emperor Hirohito.

In 1950, MacArthur became the commander of UN Forces in the Korean War. After North Korea had pushed the South Koreans all the way to Pusan, MacArthur led a giant amphibious left hook into Inchon. He cut off the North Korean supply lines and pushed them all the way back to the Yalu River. MacArthur suggested to Truman that nuclear weapons be used, and he was fired as a result. He gave a famous speech to Congress in which he said, "old soldiers never die, they just fade away". After that, he stayed away from the public (although he almost became a vice presidential candidate) until he died in 1964.

For more information, read:
Armchair General (November 2005): Douglas MacArthur
The Guinness Book of Military Blunders by Geoffrey Regan
The Oxford Book of Military Anecdotes by Max Hastings
The Pacific War Companion by Daniel Marston
Reader's Digest Illustrated History of WWII
The Dictionary of Battles by David Chandler
http://ww2db.com/person_bio.php?person_id=3&list=Ground
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/douglasmacarthurfarewelladdress.htm

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

MacArthur - American Caesar (1)

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 18:10:00 GMT

Douglas MacArthur was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1880. He was the grandson of a former governor of Wisconsin, and the son of a medal-of-honor-winning military governor of the Philippines. He attended West Point and graduated first in his class. After a brief stint as an aide to his father, he became the chief of staff of the 42nd Rainbow Infantry Division in France during WWI. He led the division through the Meuse-Argonne Offensive and the Battle of St. Mihiel. During the war, he developed a bad relationship with General Pershing.

After the war, he became the superintendent of West Point. Then, he was charged with breaking up the Bonus Army, which had gathered in Washington DC to protest Hoover's treatment of them. After that, he became the head of FDR's Civilian Conservation Corps. Then, he became US Army Forces Commander in the Far East and was stationed in the Philippines. When WWII rolled around for the United States, he led the failed defense of the Philippines. Although he did not do the best job, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. In March 1942, he was instructed to go to Australia to become Supreme Allied Commander of the Southwest Pacific Area. He famously yelled "I shall return" as he sailed away.

MacArthur's actions during WWII and the Korean War will be in the next episode.

For more information, read:
Armchair General (November 2005): Douglas MacArthur
The Guinness Book of Military Blunders by Geoffrey Regan
The Oxford Book of Military Anecdotes by Max Hastings
The Pacific War Companion by Daniel Marston
Reader's Digest Illustrated History of WWII
The Dictionary of Battles by David Chandler
http://ww2db.com/person_bio.php?person_id=3&list=Ground
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/douglasmacarthurfarewelladdress.htm

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

The British Empire (Part 2)

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 02:27:00 GMT

The British Empire is the largest (14.1 million square miles) and most populous (532 million people) empire in history. It is the reason why English is one of the world's most important languages, why 1/3 of the world drives on the left, and why much of the world uses the parliamentary system. Another testament to its power is the fact that one of its former colonies, the United States of America, is the current hyperpower.

In addition to colonizing the British Isles and North America (discussed in part one), Britain colonized islands in the South Atlantic, the South Pacific, and the Mediterranean (for the purpose of Royal Navy bases). Britain also colonized Australia as a penal colony. A joint-stock company, the British East India Company, also controlled India from 1600 to 1857, when power was transferred to the British crown as a result of the Sepoy rebellion. Significant territorial gains were also made in Africa after the Berlin Conference of 1884 during the Scramble for Africa time period. However, all of these possessions became independent one-by-one after WWII, with the exception of a few overseas territories. Most of the former colonies still have ties to Britain through the Commonwealth of Nations.

For more information, read:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/womanshour/2003_34_thu_01.shtml
http://www.bl.uk/learning/histcitizen/uk/armada/back/backd.html
http://www.britishempire.co.uk
The Penguin Book of Historic Speeches by Brian MacArthur
The Dictionary of Battles by David Chandler
The Guinness Book of Military Blunders by Geoffrey Regan
The Oxford Book of Military Anecdotes by Max Hastings

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

The British Empire (Part 1)

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 00:48:00 GMT

The British Empire is the largest (14.1 million square miles) and most populous (532 million people) empire in history. It is the reason why English is one of the world's most important languages, why 1/3 of the world drives on the left, and why much of the world uses the parliamentary system. Another testament to its power is the fact that one of its former colonies, the United States of America, is the current hyperpower.

The British Empire began in 1066 with the Battle of Hastings, where William of Normandy defeated King Harold II of the Saxons. Since then, England has consolidated power by annexing Wales, Scotland, Ireland, the crown dependencies, and numerous other territories and colonies around the world. For example, thanks to Francis Drake's defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, the United Kingdom has been able to expand throughout the New World. In North America, Britain founded 13 colonies along the eastern seaboard of the modern-day United States. North of these colonies, Britain founded the Dominion of Canada after it defeated the French at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham.

The next episode focuses on British expansion into Central America, South America, Africa, Asia, and the South Pacific.

For more information, read:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/womanshour/2003_34_thu_01.shtml
http://www.bl.uk/learning/histcitizen/uk/armada/back/backd.html
http://www.britishempire.co.uk
The Penguin Book of Historic Speeches by Brian MacArthur
The Dictionary of Battles by David Chandler
The Guinness Book of Military Blunders by Geoffrey Regan
The Oxford Book of Military Anecdotes by Max Hastings

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Blitzkrieg

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sun, 8 Jul 2007 22:00:00 GMT

Blitzkrieg (lightning war) was the military doctrine of Germany during the first half of WWII. It consisted of an all-mechanized army blowing through the enemy lines (via air support and artillery support) so fast that the enemy would be overwhelmed and defeated. Blitzkrieg relied on a highly mobile and highly professional army. It was developed after WWII by Heinz Guderian, author of Achtung: Panzer.

Blitzkrieg warfare was applied in five major places: Spanish Civil War, Invasion of Poland, Battle of France, North Africa Campaign, Operation Barbarossa. Each time, Germany's enemy was too surprised to effectively defend itself. However, as the German war machine ran out of resources and technical superiority, blitzkrieg methodology began to disappear (at least in the German form).

However, German blitzkrieg was neither the first nor the last use of maneuver tactics in a combined arms fashion. Other examples include: German Schlieffen Plan in WWI, Russian Deep Operations in WWII, Operation Shock and Awe in Iraq War.

For more information, read:
Infantry Attacks by Erwin Rommel
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/blitzkrieg.htm
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,762668-1,00.html
Illustrated History of WWII by Readerâs Digest
Dictionary of Battles by David Chandler

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Falklands War (1982)

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 03:01:00 GMT

The Falklands War is one of the few modern wars between two modern adversaries (in this case, Argentina and Britain). The war was over the Falkland Islands, off of the southeastern coast of Argentina which Britain held and Argentina claimed.

General Leopold Galtieri, leader of Argentina, decided to act because he needed something to justify his military government. He launched Operation Azul to successfully capture the islands. Margaret Thatcher, leader of Britain, decided to respond militarily.

Air War: Operation Black Buck (UK) conducts air raids against Argentinean targets. Argentina attempts to respond with its own air force but fails.
Sea War: ARA General Belgrano is sunk by the HMS Conqueror (the first and only nuclear submarine kill in history). The HMS Sheffield is sunk by an Exocet missile.
Ground War: SAS conducts successful raid against Pebble Island Airfield. Main Royal Marines force lands in East Falkland Islands and defeats Argentinean defenders at Goose Green, Top Malo, Mount Harriet, Two Sisters Ridge, Mount Longdon, Wireless Ridge, Tumbledown. British retake capital city of Stanley. Argentina surrenders.

For more information, read:
http://www.naval-history.net/NAVAL1982FALKLANDS.htm
Military History Magazine (April 2002): Blood and Mud at Goose Green
http://www.falklandswar.org.uk/index.htm
http://www.falklands.info/history/82timeline.html
http://www.raf.mod.uk/falklands/sg1.html
Telegraph.co.uk

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Iran-Iraq War

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 05:02:00 GMT

The Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), also known as Saddam's Qadisiyyah, the Holy Defense, and the Iraqi-Imposed War, had a devastating effect on both participants. The war features many attacks and counterattacks, though in the end, nothing changed. Some causes of the war include:

Khuzestan Border Dispute
Struggle for Middle Eastern Supremacy
Sunni vs. Shiite Schism
Shatt al-Arab Waterway Dispute
Iranian-sponsored assassination attempt against Tariq Aziz (Iraqi minister)

Iraq's invasion of Iran went well at first. With technological and tactical superiority, the Iraqis were able to retake the waterway and much of Khuzestan. However, thanks to Iran's powerful air force and its motivated militias, the Iraqi offensive was stopped. In 1982, Operation Undeniable Victory took back much of what was lost for the Iranians. In fact, the Iranians even went on a counter-offensive and invaded Iraq. However, they were stopped at Basra thanks, in part, to chemical weapons. Then, the Iraqis counterattacked and pushed the Iranians back to pre-war borders. A ceasefire was agreed upon and the war ended.

Both sides had been supported by foreign powers, including the United States and the Soviet Union.

For more information, read:
How to Make War by James Dunnigan
The Presidency of George Bush by John Robert Greene
http://www.jonhs.net/freemovies/iran_iraq.htm
http://users.erols.com/mwhite28/iraniraq.htm
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/iran-iraq.htm
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/ops/war/docs/3203/
http://www.iranchamber.com/history/articles/arming_iraq.php
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iran/airforce.htm
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iraq/airforce.htm
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20950607-1702,00.html

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Nader Shah-Napoleon of Persia

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 03:31:00 GMT

Nader Shah was the founder of the Afsharid Dynasty of Persia, lasting from 1736 to 1747. During this time, this "second Alexander" returned Persia to its Sassanid-era borders. After pushing the anti-Safavid Afghan invaders out of Persia, Nader invaded Afghanistan and took the cities of Kabul, Kandahar, and Lahore. In the western theater, Nader Shah gained many cities from Ottoman Mesopotamia, including Najaf, Karbala, and Basra. However, he was stopped at the walls of Baghdad. In the Eastern Theater, Nader Shah defeated the Mughals decisively at the Battle of Karnal. From here, he continued on into Delhi, where he indirectly killed 30,000 civilians and took many crown jewels, including the Peacock Throne (valued at $1 billion dollars now) and two 180+ carat diamonds.

Nader Shah also conquered Oman and Bahrain. He founded the modern Persian Navy. He even tried to reconcile Shiite Islam and Sunni Islam but failed. Upon his assassination in 1747, the Persian Empire descended, once again, into chaos.

For more information, read:
http://www.britannica.com/ebi/article-225443
http://www.iranchamber.com/history/afsharids/afsharids.php
http://irane-man.tripod.com/NaderShah.html

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Machiavelli's Prince

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 21:49:00 GMT

Niccolo Machiavelli was a political and military philosopher around 1500AD in Florence, Italy during the Italian Renaissance. His name is associated with shrewd, cunning rule. His most famous work, The Prince, features many tips for princes to conquer territory (whether it is decentralized, or centralized):

Destroy the previous hereditary line
Attack the strong, leave the weak
Act unilaterally
Live in the conquered territory
Send in colonists rather than soldiers
Commit all crimes simultaneously

Machiavelli's perfect "Prince" has a military background and extensive knowledge in history, specifically military history. The Prince should cultivate a loyal local militia, rather than having to rely on mercenaries or auxiliaries. Large military campaigns should be conducted frequently in order to distract the populace.

For more information, read:
The Prince by Machiavelli
The Art of War by Machiavelli
http://www.press.uchicago.edu/Misc/Chicago/500403.html

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Shamil Basayev-Chechnya's Bin Laden (2)

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Thu, 24 May 2007 23:55:00 GMT

Shamil Basayev became involved in the nearby Dagestan War after he lost his bid for president. This prompted Vladimir Putin to launch the Second Chechen War, which successfully reclaimed Grozny for the Russians. Since then, Chechnya has been officially under Russian control, but there is still a strong insurgency.

In 2003, Shamil's subordinate launched an attack on a theater in Moscow. 850 hostages were taken and demands were made (the Chechens wanted an immediate Russian withdrawal from Chechnya). After a few days of negotiation, Putin allowed the Russian Spetsnaz to enter. The Spetsnaz pumped a sleeping agent into the theater and knocked many of the terrorists and hostages asleep. The Spetsnaz then entered and killed all of the terrorists. Afterwards, many of the hostages got sick from the gas.

In 2004, Shamil's men launched an attack on a school in Beslan. 1200 teachers, parents, and children were taken hostage and held in atrocious conditions for several days. Eventually, the Russians raided the school. Many civilian casualties resulted from the fire that resulted and approximately 1/4 of the hostages were killed.

In 2006, Shamil was killed (probably by Russian security forces).

For more information:
Theage.com
http://fmso.leavenworth.army.mil/documents/shamil/shamil.htm
http://www.time.com/time/europe/magazine/2002/1104/cover/story.html
http://www.caucasus.dk/publication1.htm
http://www.smallwarsjournal.com/documents/wolvesden.htm
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/chechnya2.htm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3624136.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3627406.stm

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Shamil Basayev-Chechnya's Bin Laden (1)

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Fri, 18 May 2007 03:25:00 GMT

Shamil Basayev is a politician and self-proclaimed terrorist fighting for Chechnya's independence from Russia. Chechnya is a small Muslim republic in southern Russia. Basayev has ties to Al Qaeda, the Mujahideen, and many other terrorist networks.

He was active in the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict, where his Abkhaz Battalion helped to fight off the Georgian Army. This Abkhaz Battalion was then brought back to defend Chechnya's capitol city of Grozny. Shamil held off Russia's invading force (which went in under Yeltsin) for awhile but he eventually had to flee.

In June 1995, when things weren't looking good for the Chechen separatists, Shamil led an attack on a hospital in Budyonnovsk and took 1800 people hostage. The hostage-taking eventually resulted in a Russian withdrawal from Chechnya, and Shamil became a national hero. A few months later, Shamil would lead an assault of Grozny and he succeeded in taking the capital back from the Russians. Due mostly to Shamil, the Russians lost the First Chechen War.

For more information:
Theage.com
http://fmso.leavenworth.army.mil/documents/shamil/shamil.htm
http://www.time.com/time/europe/magazine/2002/1104/cover/story.html
http://www.caucasus.dk/publication1.htm
http://www.smallwarsjournal.com/documents/wolvesden.htm
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/chechnya2.htm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3624136.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3627406.stm

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Area 51

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Thu, 3 May 2007 19:52:00 GMT

This episode was written by Brian Liddicoat, a real estate attorney in Northern California.

The words ÃïïGroom LakeÃïï and ÃïïArea 51Ãïï have achieved an almost myth-like quality thanks to interest in UFOs and shows like the X-Files. But the real history of this base is even more interesting than the fiction. The names ÃïïArea 51Ãïï and ÃïïGroom LakeÃïï refer to a large flight test base in the Nevada Desert, about 100 miles north of Las Vegas. The facility was originally built by Lockheed in the 1950s to support early secret tests of the U-2 spyplane. It has hosted the first flights of some of AmericaÃïïs most ground-breaking aircraft, including the F-117 stealth fighter. Now operated by the US Air Force as a detachment of the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base, the Groom Lake facility continues to secretly test AmericaÃïïs most secret aviation technology.

For more information, read:
Dark Eagles by Curtis Peebles
Lockheed Secret Projects: Inside the Skunk Works by Dennis Jenkins
Dreamland by Phil Patton
www.dreamlandresort.com

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Invading Iraq (2003)

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 04:00:00 GMT

This episode will only cover the period between March 2003 and May 1 2003.

Reasons for Invading Iraq:

Iraq's possession of WMDs
Saddam's link to Al Qaeda
Iraq's failure to respect no-fly zones
Tyrannical part of the Axis of Evil

The United States Congress supported military action against Iraq, but the UN did not approve of it. The US launched Operation Cobra II with the coalition of the willing (consisting of 49 countries) and many military contractors. The main invasion was in the South, where there were three fronts:

Western Front: US's 3rd Infantry Division goes through Najaf and Karbala towards Baghdad
Central Front: US's 1st Marine Expeditionary Force goes through Nasiriyah towards Baghdad
Eastern Front: UK's 1st Armored Division goes through Basra towards Baghdad

A secondary invasion in the North was led by the 10th Special Forces Group and the Kurdish Peshmerga. This force pushed through Mosul and Kirkuk towards Baghdad.

The actual invasion of Baghdad took place early in April, when Colonel Perkins invented the concept of Thunder Runs--rapid mechanized thrusts into the city to inspire shock and awe. Two thunder runs were sent into Baghdad and eventually the city (minus Saddam Hussein) was taken.

On May 1st, 2003, President Bush declared Mission Accomplished (excerpt in episode).

Sources:
http://media.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/world/daily/graphics/iraqMap_040103_2.gif
http://www.military.com/NewContent/0,13190,011805_Thunder_Run,00.html
Foreign Affairs (May/June 2006): Saddamâs Delusions
http://geocities.com/saberoca/
http://icasualties.org/oif/
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/iraq/casualties.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uh4U-Tbqbx4
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/invasion/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soohikNdbWs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdlEcFfYZ2k
http://www.mongabay.com/igapo/Iraq.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFijzDyJnVE

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

French Foreign Legion

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 03:26:00 GMT

The French Foreign Legion was founded in 1831 as France's non-citizen military. Over the years, it consisted of many refugees, colonial citizens, and people trying to start a new life. The training is hard and only one in seven applicants makes it. After they complete their tour of duty, a Legionnaire may receive a 10-year residential permit and French citizenship.

The Legion's most famous military action was in the Battle of Camaron in the Maximilian Affair in Mexico in 1863. 62 Legionnaires were defending a convoy when they were attacked by 2,000 Mexican troops. The Legion fended off wave after wave until they eventually ran out of ammo. At this point, they charged with their bayonets. Their heroic actions saved the convoy. Since then, the French Foreign Legion has served with honor and distinction in many major world conflicts including the Franco-Prussian War, WWI, WWII, Vietnam War, and Desert Storm.

For more information, read:
http://french-foreign-legion.com/
http://www.channel4.com/life/microsites/E/escape_to_the_legion/legion.html
Galenet: French Foreign Legion
Military History Magazine (September 2005): Intrigue

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Defense of the Pacific Northwest

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 18:20:00 GMT

The Pacific Northwest has many military facilities. Washington State, specifically, has:

Naval Base Kitsap: Holds nuclear submarines, a carrier battle group, and a navy region command center
Naval Station Everett: Holds a carrier battle group
McChord Air Force Base: Holds a Western Air Defense Sector command center
Fairchild Air Force Base: Holds nuclear transport aircraft
Fort Lewis: Holds the I Corps command center and stryker brigades
Hanford Site: Held plutonium production facilities and is now the site of the largest cleanup project in the country

For more information, visit:
www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility
https://www.nbk.navy.mil/index.asp
http://www.lewis.army.mil/
http://public.mcchord.amc.af.mil/
http://public.fairchild.amc.af.mil/
http://www.hanford.gov/

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Iranian Hostage Crisis (1979)

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sun, 1 Apr 2007 04:11:00 GMT

The Iranian Revolution of 1979 was fought between Shah Pahlevi (supported by America and hated for his pro-American beliefs) and Ayatollah Khomeini (and anti-American Islamist). Khomeini succeeded in taking power from the Shah and created the Islamic Republic of Iran. During the turbulent years that followed, 300 militants seized 63 hostages from the American embassy in Iran and held them for 444 days.

Months of negotiations ensued and eventually, 11 of the hostages were released prematurely. The others were almost rescued by President Carter in Operation Eagle Claw, but due to a sandstorm, the operation was a disastrous failure. It was such a great failure that the US reformed its military and created a new unified combatant command, SOCOM, and a new special forces regiment, the 160th SOAR.

The Iranians remained steadfast in their imprisonment of the hostages until September 1980, when Iraq invaded Iran and launched the Iran-Iraq War. As a result, Iran wanted a quick resolution to the hostage issue and thus, the Algiers Accords were signed by the United States and Iran. The hostages were returned on Reagan's inauguration day. However, tensions between these two countries still exist today (see Iranian capture of 15 British sailors).

For more information, read:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3978523.stm
The American Presidents by David Whitney
http://www.historyguy.com/iran-us_hostage_crisis.html

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine

Hot Gates of Thermopylae

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 18:33:00 GMT

The battle of Thermopylae was fought between 7000 Greeks under Leonidas (including 300 Spartans) and 500,000-2.5 million Persian troops under Xerxes. Xerxes had marched across the Hellespont towards Greece because he wanted Greece to become a satrapy of his and submit to his divine will by giving him earth and water. The two armies met at a 50-foot-wide pass in Northern Greece and here, a small phalanx of Greek hoplites held off wave after wave of Persian infantrymen, cavalrymen, and Immortals. The Spartans demonstrated their bravery again and again, and their lifelong devotion to military training proved to pay off.

Eventually, Ephialtes (a Greek traitor) led the Persians around the pass to the rear of the Greek defenders. Surrounded, the Spartans and Thespians were killed by a volley of arrows. Leonidas, himself, looked forward to dying because the oracle at Delphi prophesized that his death would save Sparta.

For more information:
300 (Movie)
http://www.iranchamber.com/history/articles/persian_wars5.php
Histories by Herodotus
http://www.greektexts.com/library/Herodotus/Polymnia/eng/242.html
Extreme War by Terrence Poulos
Military Anecdotes by Max Hastings
Military History Magazine (January 2006): Spartan Stand at Thermopylae

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine and the International Research and Publishing Corporation

Hashshashin Assassins

militaryhistorypodcast@gmail.com — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 22:20:00 GMT

The Hashshashins (where we get our word "assassins") were active during the Abbasid Era of the Arab Period of Hegemony within the Islamic Period of Hegemony. The Hashshashins were Nizari Ismaili Shiite Muslims. They were led by Hassan-i-Sabah who, through the use of hashish, gave his recruits the impression that he was God and he wanted them to do his will. Until the coming of the Mongols under Hulagu Khan, the Hashshashins were very good at their job and they assassinated many high-profile people.

Though they are one of the most famous assassin groups, they are by no means the only ones. Others include Al Qaeda, the Mafia, the Black Hand, the IRA. The CIA, for example, is reported to have made 638 attempts to remove Castro from power.

For more information, read:
Military History Magazine (October 2002): Perspectives
Islamicity.com
Al Qaeda Training Manual
Quran
638 Ways to Kill Castro

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine and the International Research and Publishing Corporation