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The Human Face of War
Warfare is hugely important. The fates of nations, and even continents, often rests on the outcome of war and thus on how its practitioners consider war. The Human Face of War is a new exploration of military thought. It starts with the observation that much military thought is poorly developed - often incoherent and riddled with paradox. The author contends that what is missing from British and American writing on warfare is any underpinning mental approach or philosophy. Why are some tank commanders, snipers, fighter pilots or submarine commanders far more effective than others? Why are many generals sacked at the outbreak of war? The Human Face of War examines such phenomena and seeks to explain them.
The author argues that military thought should be based on an approach which reflects the nature of combat. Combat - fighting - is primarily a human phenomenon dominated by human behaviour. The book explores some of those human issues and their practical consequences. The Human Face of War calls for, and suggests, a new way of considering war and warfare.
The author argues that military thought should be based on an approach which reflects the nature of combat. Combat - fighting - is primarily a human phenomenon dominated by human behaviour. The book explores some of those human issues and their practical consequences. The Human Face of War calls for, and suggests, a new way of considering war and warfare.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 10, 2016
Storr has produced one of the most fascinating book of military theory to appear in many years. It is very welcome that this outstanding work is now available in paperback, making it accessible to a much wider audience.
Storr starts by noting that much that has been written focuses upon war (as a political or historical phenomenon) as opposed to warfare (the waging of war), and that the number of individuals engaged in the study of warfare is exceedingly limited. As such, despite millenia of interest, the field is remarkably poorly developed.
Storr then moves through a number of key aspects of warfare, such as the nature of combat, tools and models, shock and surprise, tactics, command and personality types, each time asking key questions as to the nature of the issues and drawing on personal experience, historical examples and quantitative analysis to identify the critical elements and develop solutions. These progressively serve to explain some of the seeming paradoxes of warfare (such as 'attack is the best defence').
Perhaps the greatest strength of Storr's work is that he brings out the vital human element of warfare. Technology is an increasingly important factor, but the quintissential essence of warfare is that it pits human against human and, as such, is inherently complex and chaotic, taking it beyond the bounds of a pure technological solution.
Storr starts by noting that much that has been written focuses upon war (as a political or historical phenomenon) as opposed to warfare (the waging of war), and that the number of individuals engaged in the study of warfare is exceedingly limited. As such, despite millenia of interest, the field is remarkably poorly developed.
Storr then moves through a number of key aspects of warfare, such as the nature of combat, tools and models, shock and surprise, tactics, command and personality types, each time asking key questions as to the nature of the issues and drawing on personal experience, historical examples and quantitative analysis to identify the critical elements and develop solutions. These progressively serve to explain some of the seeming paradoxes of warfare (such as 'attack is the best defence').
Perhaps the greatest strength of Storr's work is that he brings out the vital human element of warfare. Technology is an increasingly important factor, but the quintissential essence of warfare is that it pits human against human and, as such, is inherently complex and chaotic, taking it beyond the bounds of a pure technological solution.
June 11, 2013
I had a lengthy review of this book... and then my computer donked off.
Long story short--parts of this book were maddening (Storr's writing style, repitition, terrible graphics), but it did provide some interesting analysis at the tactical level of war. Storr errs on the side of "bro science" military analysis a bit, but he does something more analysts need to do: embrace the uncertainty of war.
Storr incorporates systems theory, empiricism, and pragmatism to understand different aspects of war. He does this not to "crack war's code" but to help him in identifying patterns in warfare.
Storr enjoys ripping on Boyd and EBO--so good on him there as well.
Overall an interesting read and something I need to look at again.
Long story short--parts of this book were maddening (Storr's writing style, repitition, terrible graphics), but it did provide some interesting analysis at the tactical level of war. Storr errs on the side of "bro science" military analysis a bit, but he does something more analysts need to do: embrace the uncertainty of war.
Storr incorporates systems theory, empiricism, and pragmatism to understand different aspects of war. He does this not to "crack war's code" but to help him in identifying patterns in warfare.
Storr enjoys ripping on Boyd and EBO--so good on him there as well.
Overall an interesting read and something I need to look at again.
November 17, 2011
My review is here: http://zenpundit.com/?p=4509
September 21, 2025
Fascinating book. Jim Storr reflects on war putting the human aspect in the center. His critical approach to military theory makes one think about finding facts on the conduct of war. He rips apart the size of staff and the quality of staff officers, replacing decision making at the heart of military art. The importance of will and cohesion and the effect of surprise are once again underlined. How we train and select officers also needs to be revised. A must read.
December 21, 2016
I like to keep these short!
It highlights in a succinct manner the challenges faced in our new aged Land Force and highlights a very often forgotten factor being the humans who are the primary source of combat power.
It highlights in a succinct manner the challenges faced in our new aged Land Force and highlights a very often forgotten factor being the humans who are the primary source of combat power.
December 7, 2012
Awesome book! Those in the military should read this. Storr does a great job examining some key points, including the timeless nature of war.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews