Fit for War


Book Description

This study reveals how Catawba settlement aggregation, refugee incorporation, and political coalescence affected the scale of interaction networks and communities in the lower Catawba River valley. It also defines the crucial strategies employed in response to food security crises, daily life, and the roles of both men and women. This study highlights the double-edged nature of strategies available to American Indian groups seeking to maintain political autonomy in early colonial period contexts.







A Historical Review and Analysis of Army Physical Readiness Training and Assessment


Book Description

"The Drillmaster of Valley Forge-Baron Von Steuben-correctly noted in his "Blue Book" how physical conditioning and health (which he found woefully missing when he joined Washington's camp) would always be directly linked to individual and unit discipline, courage in the fight, and victory on the battlefield. That remains true today. Even an amateur historian, choosing any study on the performance of units in combat, quickly discovers how the levels of conditioning and physical performance of Soldiers is directly proportional to success or failure in the field. In this monograph, Dr. Whitfield "Chip" East provides a pragmatic history of physical readiness training in our Army. He tells us we initially mirrored the professional Armies of Europe as they prepared their forces for war on the continent. Then he introduces us to some master trainers, and shows us how they initiated an American brand of physical conditioning when our forces were found lacking in the early wars of the last century. Finally, he shows us how we have and must incorporate science (even when there exists considerable debate!) to contribute to what we do-and how we do it-in shaping today's Army. Dr. East provides the history, the analysis, and the pragmatism, and all of it is geared to understanding how our Army has and must train Soldiers for the physical demands of combat. Our culture is becoming increasingly ''unfit," due to poor nutrition, a lack of adequate and formal exercise, and too much technology. Still, the Soldiers who come to our Army from our society will be asked to fight in increasingly complex and demanding conflicts, and they must be prepared through new, unique, and scientifically based techniques. So while Dr. East's monograph is a fascinating history, it is also a required call for all leaders to better understand the science and the art of physical preparation for the battlefield. It was and is important for us to get this area of training right, because getting it right means a better chance for success in combat.




Preparing for War


Book Description

The U.S. Army has always regarded preparing for war as its peacetime role, but how it fulfilled that duty has changed dramatically between the War of 1812 and World War I. J. P. Clark shows how differing personal experiences of war and peace among successive generations of professional soldiers left their mark upon the Army and its ways.




Wake of War


Book Description

Zac Topping's breathtaking near-future thriller, Wake of War, is a timely account of the lengths those with power will go to preserve it, and the determination of those they exploit to win back their freedom. It's 2037, and the United States government is on the brink of collapse amid rebel uprisings and aggressive political maneuvering turning the country into an active war zone. In a nation where opportunity is sequestered behind doors open only to the privileged, joining the Army seemed like James Trent’s best option. He just never thought he’d actually see combat. Now Trent finds himself on the front lines of a second American Civil War, fighting for a cause he’s not sure he even believes in. The last thing he wanted was to spend his days breaking down doors and chasing after fellow Americans—rebels or not. Retribution is the only thing driving Sam Cross, and her sharpshooting skills have made her invaluable to the rebel efforts tearing their way across the Midwest. With every successful mission, she's reminded that she's enacting real change, but that hasn't made pulling the trigger any easier. And with each step she takes into the heart of the war effort, she can't help but wonder if there isn't another way. When these opposing forces clash, alliances are shattered, resolve is tested, and when the dust clears, the only certainty is that the country and its fighting forces will never be the same. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.




War Is a Force that Gives Us Meaning


Book Description

General George S. Patton famously said, "Compared to war all other forms of human endeavor shrink to insignificance. God, I do love it so!" Though Patton was a notoriously single-minded general, it is nonetheless a sad fact that war gives meaning to many lives, a fact with which we have become familiar now that America is once again engaged in a military conflict. War is an enticing elixir. It gives us purpose, resolve, a cause. It allows us to be noble. Chris Hedges of The New York Times has seen war up close -- in the Balkans, the Middle East, and Central America -- and he has been troubled by what he has seen: friends, enemies, colleagues, and strangers intoxicated and even addicted to war's heady brew. In War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning, he tackles the ugly truths about humanity's love affair with war, offering a sophisticated, nuanced, intelligent meditation on the subject that is also gritty, powerful, and unforgettable.




Accessory to War: The Unspoken Alliance Between Astrophysics and the Military


Book Description

“Extraordinary.… A feast of history, an expert tour through thousands of years of war and conquest.” —Jennifer Carson, New York Times Book Review In this far-reaching foray into the millennia-long relationship between science and military power, acclaimed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-author Avis Lang examine how the methods and tools of astrophysics have been enlisted in the service of war. Spanning early celestial navigation to satellite-enabled warfare, Accessory to War is a richly researched and provocative examination of the intersection of science, technology, industry, and power that will introduce Tyson’s millions of fans to yet another dimension of how the universe has shaped our lives and our world.




Ways of War


Book Description

From the first interactions between European and native peoples, to the recent peace-keeping efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, military issues have always played an important role in American history. Ways of War comprehensively explains the place of the military within the wider context of the history of the United States, showing its centrality to American culture and politics. The chapters provide a complete survey of the American military's growth and development while answering such questions as: How did the American military structure develop? How does it operate? And how have historical military events helped the country to grow and develop? Features Include: Chronological and comprehensive coverage of North American conflicts since the seventeenth century and international wars undertaken by the United States since 1783 Over 100 maps and images, chapter timelines identifying key dates and events, and text boxes throughout providing biographical information and first person accounts A companion website featuring an extensive testbank of discussion, essay and multiple choice questions for instructors as well as student study resources including an interactive timeline, chapter summaries, annotated further reading, annotated weblinks, additional book content, flashcards and an extensive glossary of key terms. Extensively illustrated and written by experienced instructors, Ways of War is essential reading for all students of American Military History.




Preparing for the Army Combat Fitness Test


Book Description

Preparing for the Army Combat Fitness Test is the ideal resource to help you assess your readiness and train for the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). Because soldiers operate on a three-dimensional battlefield where physical demands are often variable and unpredictable, the Army’s revised physical test provides a more diverse measurement of a soldier's physical abilities than its predecessor. But if you are one of the 200,000 annual recruits or the 1.2 million active duty soldiers who must pass these new protocols, this diverse test may bring anxiety and uneasiness. That is where this essential guide can help. Backed by the expertise of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Preparing for the Army Combat Fitness Test is the first book on the market to address the requirements of the ACFT and provide you with the tools you need to be prepared for testing day. Consisting of six events—the 3 Repetition Maximum Deadlift, Standing Power Throw, Hand Release Push-Up–Arm Extension, Sprint-Drag-Carry, Leg Tuck, and Two-Mile Run—the ACFT will test physical characteristics that you can develop and cultivate with the training guidelines in this book. For each testing event, you’ll find a description of the test, instructions on performing the test safely and effectively, and scoring standards so you know the minimum performance requirements to pass and avoid being disqualified on testing day. To begin, you will be guided through a self-assessment that will allow you to determine your current readiness and select a training program to maximize your performance outcomes. A variety of sample training plans are provided so you can select a plan based on how much time you have to prepare for the ACFT and the amount of time you have available to train. Choose from 24-, 12-, 8-, or 4-week plans that contain workouts for two, three, four, or five days a week. Setup and execution guidelines are provided for over 100 exercises, so you can safely and effectively execute the exercises assigned within your training program. Accompanying photos visually demonstrate how to perform the exercises. If you don’t have access to the necessary equipment for the primary exercises, suggestions are offered for replacement exercises that are similar in movement and training outcome. Completing this comprehensive training resource is valuable supplemental information about nutrition, hydration, physical and mental recovery, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The ACFT does not have to feel overwhelming. With a good preparation plan and commitment to training, you can show up on test day with confidence. Preparing for the Army Combat Fitness Test will give you the edge you need to excel and achieve your best on the Army Combat Fitness Test. Get more help from the app! Looking for additional resources to make sure you are in peak condition for the test? The Volt Athletics training app, which is available separately, provides programming based on this book that you can use to help with your training. A special promo code and instructions for downloading the app are included in the book.




Fighting Fit


Book Description

The twentieth century saw two world wars and many other conflicts characterised by technological change and severity of casualties. Medicine has adapted quickly to deal with such challenges and new medical innovations in the military field have had advantages in civil medicine. There has thus been interplay between war and medicine that has not only been confined to the armed forces and military medicine, but which has impacted on health and medicine for us all. These themes will be examined from the Boer War to the dawn of a new century, and a 'war against terror;' the experiences of individuals as doctors, nurses and patients, are highlighted, with personal, sometimes graphic, first-hand accounts bringing home the realities of medical treatment in wartime.