102 - Training a Battalion for War

102 - Training a Battalion for War

Author: James Eling October 10, 2023 Duration: 33:59

This is Part 7 of our series looking at the Battle of Isurava, the 53rd Battalion, how they fought and how they were prepared to fight.

This episode looks at the arrival of both the 39th and 53rd Battalions to Port Moresby, the conditions that they encountered and how that impacted their preparation for combat.

What was a day in the life of the soldiers like?
How well were the soldiers trained?  What were their weapon handling skills like?
How well prepared were they for combat in the Jungle?

Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.


Hosted by James Eling, The Principles of War-Lessons from Military History on Strategy, Tactics, Doctrine and Leadership is a deep dive into the timeless patterns of conflict. This isn't just a recitation of dates and troop movements. Instead, each episode takes a pivotal historic battle and examines it through the lens of enduring military principles, extracting practical insights on strategy, combined arms, and command. The discussions are structured to serve as a resource for professional military education, condensing complex analyses into focused, thirty-minute sessions. You'll hear how decisions made centuries ago still resonate within modern doctrine, offering lessons on leadership and tactical execution that are applicable far beyond the battlefield. The aim is to provide these lessons in a compelling narrative format, moving beyond dry after-action reports. For anyone fascinated by how history informs present-day thinking in governance, organizational leadership, and strategic planning, this podcast functions as a regular, thought-provoking seminar. Tune in to explore the fundamental concepts that have shaped outcomes throughout military history and continue to define success in high-stakes environments.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Principles of War - Lessons from Military History on Strategy, Tactics, Doctrine and Leadership.
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