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The Principles of War - Lessons from Military History on Strategy, Tactics, Doctrine and Leadership.

The Principles of War - Lessons from Military History on Strategy, Tactics, Doctrine and Leadership.

By: James Eling
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Professional Military Education in 30 minute sessions. Historic Battles study through current doctrine to gain lessons learned. Tactics, Strategy, Combined Arms, Military Leadership in a format for Unit PME programs. We study the great battles to draw the lessons on strategy, tactics and leadership. Get your lessons learned here rather than in AAR format.(C) Copyright 2018-2024 Political Science Politics & Government World
Episodes
  • 138 - Guadalcanal - Battle of the Tenaru: How the Marines stopped Ichiki's night assault on the Alligator Creek
    Oct 9 2025

    This is the fourth episode of our Guadalcanal series with historian and author Dave Holland.

    This episodes discusses:

    How did the Marines employ the 37 mm gun firing canister at Alligator Creek?
    Why did Colonel Ichiki attack without heavy weapons— trading firepower for speed and what was the cost?
    What are the myths about scout Jacob Vouza?
    How did barbed wire obstacles and coconut-log bunkers employed for to create an engagement zone?
    How did pre-registered fires shape the Battle of Tenaru?
    What early warnings did coastwatchers and patrols provide before the assault?
    How did Marine tanks at dawn finish the fight across the sandbar?
    What role did the Cactus Air Force play in the Battle of Tenaru?
    Was Ichiki killed in action or by seppuku—what’s the best evidence?
    What operational lessons from Tenaru guided both sides at Henderson Field?

    Dave is an ex-Marine and was posted to Guadalcananal with the Australian Federal Police. He regularly leads battlefield study tours through the area. He is a world-leading expert on the battles of Guadalcanal and author of Guadalcanal's Longest Fight - The Pivotal Battles of the Matanikau Front.

    Check out the show notes for this episode.

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    59 mins
  • 137 - The Marines' Assault on Guadalcanal
    Sep 23 2025

    This is the third episode of our Guadalcanal series with historian and author Dave Holland.

    This episodes discusses:

    How the Marines seized conducted the landing and seized Guadalcanal’s decisive terrain.
    Red Beach landing bypasses IJA fortifications at Lunga Point.
    Vandegrift prioritizes tight perimeter, airfield defense.
    Carriers withdraw; logistics halved, myths debunked.
    Japanese forces surprised and how they reacted.
    Combined arms landings: infantry, artillery, engineers.
    What really happened with the Goettge Patrol?
    Logistics speed amphibious resupply.
    Amtracs and beachmasters enable rapid combat buildup.
    Modern littoral operations: enduring risk management lessons.

    Dave is an ex-Marine and was posted to Guadalcananal with the Australian Federal Police. He regularly leads battlefield study tours through the area. He is a world-leading expert on the battles of Guadalcanal and author of Guadalcanal's Longest Fight - The Pivotal Battles of the Matanikau Front.

    Check out the show notes for this episode.

    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • 136 - Marines vs Japanese: Brutal Battles for Tulagi, Gavutu and Tanambogo
    Sep 15 2025

    This is the second episode of our Guadalcanal series with historian and author Dave Holland.

    Shoestring invasion planning
    Koro rehearsals fiasco
    Risking the aircraft carriers vs time to unload the convoy
    Crutchley’s covering cruisers
    Rupertus leads Tulagi
    Blue Beach landing
    Fighting at “the Cut”
    Improvised cave tactics
    Gavutu–Tanambogo battles
    Tanks combat

    Dave is an ex-Marine and was posted to Guadalcananal with the Australian Federal Police. He regularly leads battlefield study tours through the area. He is a world-leading expert on the battles of Guadalcanal and author of Guadalcanal's Longest Fight - The Pivotal Battles of the Matanikau Front.

    Check out the show notes for this episode.

    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
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