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

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

Author: James Eling Language: English Episodes: 100
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.
Episodes
94 - The 53rd Battalion on the Kokoda Trail [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:49
This episodes starts a new series looking at the Kokoda Track at the tactical, operational and strategic levels. This series will look for lessons from the experience of the 53rd Battalion. The 53rd is a sister Battalion…
93 - Chinese Deception Planning on the Yalu River, 1950 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:41
This episodes looks at PLA doctrine in 1950 and how it was used to surprise the UN forces on the Yalu River as well as looking at how deception is employed in contemporary PLA doctrine. Check out the show notes for the p…
92 - Deception and self deception on the Yalu River - 1950 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:04
Stunning intelligence failures, rigidity of mind and excellent Chinese tactical camouflage led to a stunning reversal of fortunes for the UN forces in late 1950 on the Yalu River? What deception measures did the Chinese…
91 - Principles for Employment of Artillery at 2nd Alamein [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:55
This episode looks at the the principles of employment for artillery 2nd Alamein and is part of our Battles of Alamein series. We discuss Why the German artillery performed so poorly. How Montgomery's use of artillery re…
90 - Counter Battery Fires at 2nd El Alamein [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:32
This episode looks at the Counter Battery battle at 2nd Alamein and is part of our Battles of Alamein series. Ramsay and Kirkman denied Axis Artillery the ability to interfere with the commencement of Op Lightfoot. How d…
89 - Artillery at 2nd El Alamein [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:13
This episode looks at the development of artillery doctrine leading up to 2nd Battle of El Alamein. 2nd Alamein was the apogee of Australian Artillery in the Second World War and we will look at the role that BRIG Ramsay…
88 - The Role of Artillery at 2nd Alamein [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:29
We look at the roles of Artillery, including how it integrated with all of the Forces within 8th Army. 2nd Alamein is the apogee of Australian Artillery in the Second World War and we will look at the role that BRIG Rams…
86 - Lessons learnt from the 2nd Battle of El Alamein [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:45
This is the 6th episode in our El Alamein series. This episode looks at the conduct of the 2nd Battle of El Alamein, the impact that it had on the Second World War and the lessons learnt. This episode looks only at Opera…
85 - Monty fights to buy time for the 8th Army at Alam Halfa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:04
This is our 5th episode of our 2nd Battle of El Alamein series. This episode looks at Rommel's attack at Alam Halfa just 17 days after Monty took command. Why did Rommel attack? How did Monty prepare for the attack? How…