Description
Book SynopsisIn
General Naval Tactics, Naval War College professor and renowned tactical expert Milan Vego describes and explains those aspects of naval tactics most closely related to the human factor. Specifically, he explains in some detail the objectives and methods/elements of tactical employment of naval forces, command and control, combat support, tactical design, decision-making and planning/execution, leadership, doctrine, and training. Vego derives certain commonalities of naval tactics that occurred in recent and distant wars at sea. Many parts of his theoretical constructs are based on works of a number of well-known and influential naval theoreticians such as Admirals Alfred T. Mahan, Bradley A. Fiske, Raoul Castex, and Ren?® Daveluy and influential naval theoreticians. Whenever possible, the author illustrates each aspect of theory by carefully selected examples from naval history--making the theory more understandable and interesting. Vego aims to present theory that is general in nature and therefore, more durable in its validity. The more general the theory, the greater the possibility of accommodating changes based on new interpretations of past events and as a result of gaining fresh insight from the lessons learned.
Trade ReviewIn a meticulous, detailed and comprehensive way, Milan Vego provides us with a definitive guide to Naval Tactics which will surely become a standard text on the subject. It also offers a much-needed corrective to the modern tendency to overestimate the extent to which technology dominates the tactical scene." —Geoffrey Till, Emeritus Professor of Maritime Studies, King's College, London
"In this original and innovative work, Milan Vego demonstrates convincingly that despite changes in technology and capability over the centuries, an awareness of theory, a broad and deep knowledge of historical precedent, and realistic training can provide naval practitioners with the attributes needed to think tactically and succeed in combat." —Craig L. Symonds, author of
World War II at Sea"In
General Naval Tactics Dr. Vego provides a comprehensive tactical doctrine from tactical design to training, interwove with supporting instances from past naval battles. Masterfully written, this book is a cornerstone for every naval officer's professional library." —Capt. Jeffrey E. Kline, USN (Ret.) and Professor of Practice Military Operations Research, Naval Postgraduate School
