The Defense of Hill 781 is a book written by James R. McDonough. This book talks about A. Tack, a deceased Army officer who was denied an entry to Valhalla until he learns and completes the lessons required before being transferred to the final goal in the sky. Always Tack was assigned to a purgatory base in Nevada desert where he had to learn the hard way through victory and defeat and life or death as long as he learns the vital lessons needed. Through attending the American National Training Center, Always Tack learned how to lead a mechanized infantry battalion (McDonough 65). He learned about people and what it takes to fight and win a battle. McDonough in his book explains how the American Lieutenant learns new lessons and faces recurring tactical challenges from his previous mistakes of failing to adapt. He is put in charge of a group of people, armored personnel and heavy machinery and vehicles.
McDonough in his book explains to the reader through Always how the U.S. battalion is expected to perform while tangling with their counterparts. This book brings a clear picture of the mechanized warfare that was practiced in the 80’s and how the (NTC) The National Training Centre was brutal, intense and thorough whereby they even killed young soldiers. It shows how the young soldiers need to endure suffering. The book also outlines how complex the modern ground combat is (McDonough 168)
This book can help me with my experiences in the United States Marine Corps because it talks about tactics and operational planning of the Army. In addition, it is a book that has been recommended for the military professionals and it explains the lessons one has to go through and the tactics on how to fight while in the military. It focuses on modern warfare command level issues and because it deals with the military, I will be able to gain more knowledge in my field of Marine Corps. Furthermore, as a Marine Corps, this book will help me know what it takes to fight and win a battle and new lessons and tactics in warfare.
Works Cited
McDonough, James. The Defense of Hill 781: An Allegory of Modern Mechanized Combat. New York: Random House Publishing Group, 1993. Print.
