It is true that the U.S. military (all the services) have a fine tradition of studying military history. The only exception of which I am aware was when Mr. McNamara was Sec. Def. back in the 1960s. I have heard that he thought military history was a waste of time "in the modern era" where wars could be fought and won with "push buttons."

I served later, but as one of the "push buttons," I resented his attitude. My feeling on military history is that in the life or death experiences service people face they need all the guidance they can get. Some guidance from those who came before them could help to provide them with good advice. Perhaps I am preaching to the choir again.

Bruce Nichols