Never Say Never or Always
Brian J. Dunn ("Landpower Needed for Decisive Victory," "Front & Center," April) offers a valuable discussion of the Tripolitan-American War, but by drawing suspect conclusions from his evidence, he contributes to the spirit of counterproductive interservice rivalry: "Despite the changes in the Services during the last 200 years, the differences between today's potential sea battles and those near the shores of Tripoli are small... The Navy will never be able to overwhelm an enemy under the restrictions inherent in littoral warfare. For decisive victory, a strong U. S. Army will always be required to exploit the initial gains of the Navy and Marine Corps."
I venture to guess that the officers in our sister Services would vehemently argue that a large difference exists between naval and amphibious operations of today compared to those during the age of sail. Furthermore, the history of warfare teaches us to expect the unexpected and refrain from deducing that certain events could never or always happen. Such language suggests an agenda and detracts from of the values of studying and analyzing history, which is to establish a habit of thought that is inquisitive and refrains from making unqualified generalizations.
Maj. _________
Assistant Professor of History
U.S. Military Academy
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