Men Against Fire: The Problem of Battle Command

by S.L.A. Marshall

Men Against Fire, first published in 1947 (and updated in 1961), is an in-depth analysis of military leadership and infantry tactics, with numerous recommendations to improve the effectiveness of ground troops in combat situations. The psychology of combat (e.g., chapters “Why Men Fight” and “Men Under Fire”) is also examined by Marshall, himself a veteran of World War I and a combat historian during World War II.S.L.A. "Slam" Marshall was a veteran of World War I and a combat historian during World War II. He startled the military and civilian world in 1947 by announcing that, in an average infantry company, no more than one in four soldiers actually fired their weapons while in contact with the enemy. His contention was based on interviews he conducted immediately after combat in both the European and Pacific theaters of World War II.

Genres: Military History

155 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2019

About the author

S.L.A. Marshall (full name, Samuel Lyman Atwood Marshall) served in World War I and then embarked in a career in journalism. In World War II, he was chief combat historian in the Central Pacific (1943) and chief historian for the European Theater of Operations (1945). He authored some 30 books about warfare, including Pork Chop Hill: The American Fighting Man in Action, The River and the Gauntlet and Men Against Fire: The Problem of Battle Command in Future War.

Reviews

[The Kekistani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely Enlightening

I came in search of the reason why men refuse to kill, and found much more than that. Essential read for those interested in behavioral sciences and military science as well.

[Alok Mehta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had read this book at least 15 years ago. Written so long ago, I found it relevant even today and see it remain so well into the future because war imho is still ultimately a dual between men and as long as that is the case, it will always be good to know what happens and should happen when men are pitched against opposing fire. The language at times is a bit less engaging and tiresome but what SLAM lacked in that, he made up more than that with the well researched and analysed content. Anyone who has donned and infantryman’s badges would know what he means. Highly recommended read for all young officers and NCOs repeatedly during their career.

[Peter H · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want to do any job that involves managing people you should read this book. The author extensively interviewed soldiers after action in war and reports on what inspired them to fight and win and what caused them to quit or even run away from the fight.
This understanding will allow any manager to succeed in any business and to understand where management is causing its own failure.
Well worth a read.

[francisco romaldo mendes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infantry combat is the highest calling of all human endeavors and was recommended to me by an uncle from the infantry regiment. His ringing endorsement was one line, “very very few men in combat fire their guns”. Read more if you want to know why. I find the methodical (almost statistical) analysis of infantry combat extremely interesting and provides some insight into leadership and action in civilian life.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for Army leaders at all levels.
"The man who is willing to fight for his country is the full custodian of its security...there comes an awareness of ultimate responsibility- that one man must go ahead so that a nation may live. No feeling of futility accompanies that thought." -SLA Marshall