Is studying ancient wars/battles/military commanders useless?

[Dave24]

Since we live in an industrialized world and warfare is different that it was in the past is studying ancient military battles, ancient wars, the tactics military commanders used in the past irrelevant and useless?

What's the point if warfare is mostly conducted via drones now? How are the military strategies of ancient warriors even relevant for our society nowadays?

 

[Marc Spector]

Since we live in an industrialized world and warfare is different that it was in the past is studying ancient military battles, ancient wars, the tactics military commanders used in the past irrelevant and useless?

What's the point if warfare is mostly conducted via drones now? How are the military strategies of ancient warriors even relevant for our society nowadays?

Im no expert but just from speaking to Army and Marines NCO's/Officers, a lot of battle maneuvering used in ground wars with ground combat arms units/calvary/armor comes from the old times.

Plus alot the lessons about old military strategy can be applied today (innovate, using the terrain/climate, exploiting a weakness, thinking outside the box, etc.)

 

[UncleTomFord15]

Studying their mindset is good but a lot of their tactics won't work today.

 

[Neuromancer]

No. A lot of practical lessons.

 

[Tom Foolery]

Very. Unless you are in the army or a history teacher.

 

[SmallWars]

War, war never changes.

 

[Hoodoo Child]

Hell no. Studying warfare should be a mandatory past time , especially amongst black folks.

 

[Gunz&Butta]

The more things change, the more they remain the same. The use of spies and shock and awe will always be effective.

 

[Benjamin Sisko]

People stilll study and teach about Hannibal's tactics to this day, what are you talking about?

The Art of War is VERY relevant during this time period. Hell its basically timeless.

 

[Eddy Gordo]

Since we live in an industrialized world and warfare is different that it was in the past is studying ancient military battles, ancient wars, the tactics military commanders used in the past irrelevant and useless?

What's the point if warfare is mostly conducted via drones now? How are the military strategies of ancient warriors even relevant for our society nowadays?

The knowledge isn't directly applicable in most cases. But it's a good way to learn to think outside the box and change paradigms which is extremely useful.

 

[The Odum of Ala Igbo]

No. For example, a double envelopment is a pretty useful tactic even today

 

[bigdaddy88]

Never..just read through the 33 strategies of war. thats old tactics that work today in the real world

Robert greene is a great historian. Those who dont learn from history are bound to repeat it

 

[Taharqa]

I don't think so. Some maneuvers from ancient times are still being used; with modifications of course. The most studied formations, from my understanding, is testudo, the zulu bull formation, and the phalanx. Theses are only effective against people without explosive or piercing projectiles.


This video display the testudo in action. Studying old military tactics are still effective today

 

[PortCityProphet]

Yep. How you think these little terrorists organizations and 3rd world countries give the US the beats once the fight goes to the ground.
Tactical strategy doesn't become obsolete you just have to adapt it to the time and environment you're in in present day.

 

[NatiboyB]

movement strategy doesn't change only the speed of maneuver and the capabilities of enablers and that's to include space and cyberspace....But in order to study tactics you also have to have maneuver forces and a common operating picture.

Im no expert but just from speaking to Army and Marines NCO's/Officers, a lot of battle maneuvering used in ground wars with ground combat arms units/calvary/armor comes from the old times.

Plus alot the lessons about old military strategy can be applied today (innovate, using the terrain/climate, exploiting a weakness, thinking outside the box, etc.)