On Strategy

This volume came about as correspondence between Army officers discussing the need for a simple, easy-to-understand primer on the basic ideas and practical uses of strategy. What was originally conceived as a self-published handbook by a few writers expanded to a full book as continued conversations brought more and more subject matter experts into the project. The result is a book written by a diverse cast representing multiple nations, with military officers from multiple services and academics of various disciplines. On Strategy is tailored for mid-career professionals working at the strategic level for the first time, including civilians entering the national security profession and military officers transitioning into strategy from jobs at the tactical level. The structure of the book is designed to walk readers step-by-step through the various aspects of strategy. Part I: The Basics (chapters 1 through 8) addresses the basics of strategy, from its component parts and history to its role in decision-making. Part II: The Strategist (chapters 9 through 11) provides detail on what is required as a strategist, including the practical aspects of the job and characteristics that contribute to success. Finally, Part III: Advanced Concepts (chapters 12 through 19) begins elevating the reader's understanding of more advanced concepts in strategy, from its application in different contexts to the future of strategy. Additional readings are provided at the end of each chapter for further study.