p.47 That war is complex no doubt seems self evident. Indeed, the acceptance of the intrinsic complexity of war would seem to be beyond controversy. Unfortunately, that is not the case. From time to time military professionals have been promised a technological panacea that will eliminate friction, chaos, and even bloodshed from warfare. We are currently living through such a period.

p.48 The only currency exchanged in combat is violence

p.48 [Williamson Murray and MacGregor Knox quoted] No technological marvels can alter war’s unpredictable nature as a paradoxical trinity composed of ‘primordial violence’, politics and chance.

p.51 Strategy and Campaigning: End, Ways and Means Jonathan Bailey

The Contention

Clausewitz urged that ‘the first, the supreme, the most far-reaching act of judgement that the statesman and commander have to make is to establish … the kind of war upon which they are embarking’.

p.67 How are we to match ends, ways and means in an increasingly complex battlespace? Do we really understand the nature of the operations upon which we embark?

p.70 ultimately war is a human endeavour and it is not easily contained by simple formulae.