How_Does_the_“Western_Way_of_War”_Influence_Current_Us_Actions_in_Iraq_and_Afghanistan_

Over time, cultures develop war fighting characteristics that are unique to that culture. Western nations have developed and practiced a method of warfare that has allowed them to dominate conflicts in which they have engaged. Military historian Geoffrey Parker has theorized that reliance on superior technology, disciplined forces, and aggressive military tradition; coupled with constant innovation and a system to finance campaigns are hallmarks of this “Western way of war”. The use of superior technology, highly disciplined forces, and constant innovation by the United States demonstrates the continuing influence the “Western way of war” has on recent operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. In The Cambridge History of Warfare, Parker theorizes that armies of western nations have been historically receptive to and relied upon superior technology, often to counter numerical disadvantage on the battlefield (1). Examples of this fundamental of Parker’s theory can be found throughout history. During the Battle of Lechfeld in 955 AD, superior weaponry and discipline allowed a significantly outnumbered force of Germanic knights to defeat the larger Magyar invasion force. The heavy armor and weapons of the Germanic forces proved no match for the lightly equipped forces of the nomadic Magyars (2). Later, the use of metal weapons and firearms provided European nations a technological edge that allowed them to conquer the Americas with much smaller forces than those of the indigenous people. The Spanish, for example, were able to achieve remarkable victories over the Aztecs and Incas through the use of superior military and naval technology (3). Most recently in 2003, technologically superior ground and air forces used in the invasion of Iraq allowed five U.S. and Allied ground divisions to quickly defeat twenty three defending Iraqi ground divisions. Modern armored vehicles equipped with longer range weaponry and all weather sighting systems used by the United States. and its allies provided a distinct advantage over the older but more numerous Iraqi weapons systems. Another fundamental of Parker’s theory is the western emphasis on discipline rather than patriotism, kinship, or religion to turn bands of individuals into cohesive combat units and that this emphasis has manifested itself in the forms of drill and long term service (4). Again, historical examples of this fundamental tenant can be found. Maurice of Nassau, appointed the commander of the united Dutch forces in 1588, was the first to successfully integrate these philosophies in a cohesive fashion. He believed that training and discipline were foundations of sound tactics (5) and sought to develop his army into a professional force through constant drill, officer education, and regular pay. The development of highly trained armies by Maurice of Nassau and further refinement by Gustavus Adolphus led to their victories over larger or more experienced armies at the battles of Nieuwpoort in 1600 and Breitenfeld in 1631. These successes cemented the principles that have carried up to the present day. Current United States operations in Iraq and Afghanistan are built around professional forces that are disciplined, highly trained, and well educated. Superior technology, discipline, and aggressive military tradition alone are not what set western militaries apart from others. Innovation and the ability to rapidly respond to it have also become established features of western warfare (6). History again provides examples that support his theory. The advancement of gunpowder artillery in the 1400’s led to innovations in the art of siege warfare that were followed rapidly by innovations in the art of fortifications (7). The reforms of Maurice of Nassau can be attributed with the development of smaller, linear formations that allowed for the most effective employment of all types of weapons (8). This innovation, coupled with training and discipline, led to a much more mobile and agile force. Gustavus Adolphus furthered these innovations by refining the tactics for the offense by stressing combined arms formations and developing volley fire techniques to maximize the destructive power of his army. Continued innovation by western militaries can be seen even today in current conflicts. Rapid innovations in equipment and tactics have allowed the United States. to defeat emerging threats in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Counter IED devices and tactics, armed unmanned aerial vehicles, and new precision guided missiles are a few of the innovations that have been developed as a result of battlefield experience since the start of the War on Terrorism. History has shown that western nations have developed their own unique style of warfare that historian Geoffrey Parker has dubbed the “Western way of war”. Based on the five fundamentals of superior technology, discipline, aggressive military traditions, constant innovation, and the ability to generate military finances, the “Western way of war” has allowed nations that practice it to dominate military conflicts in which they have engaged. Through its reliance on superior technology to overcome inferior numbers, the use of highly disciplined forces, and constant innovation, the United States operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan continue to exhibit the characteristic influences of the “Western way of war”. References (1) Parker. "The Cambridge History of Warfare." The Western Way of War, Edited by Geoffrey Parker, 1. Cambridge University Press, 2005. (2) Davis, Paul K. 100 Decisive Battles: From Ancient Times to the Present. Oxford University Press, 1999. (accessed November 25, 2012). (Davis 1999, 112) (3) McDonnell, Michael. "The 'Conquest' of the Americas: The Aztecs." American History for Astralasian Schools. http://www.anzasa.arts.usyd.edu.au/ahas/conquest_overview.html (accessed January 5, 2013). (4) Parker. "The Cambridge History of Warfare." The Western Way of War, 2. (5) Roberts. "The Military Revolution Debate: Readings on the Military Transformation of Early Modern Europe." The Military Revolution, 1560-1660, Edited by Clifford J. Rogers, 14. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1995. (6) Parker. "The Cambridge History of Warfare." The Western Way of War, 6. (7) Ibid., 7. (8) Roberts. "The Military Revolution Debate.” The Military Revolution, 1560-1660,14.