The U.S. Army entered World War II unprepared. In addition; lacking Germany's blitzkrieg approach of coordinated armor and air power; the army was organized to fight two wars: one on the ground and one in the air. Previous commentators have blamed Congressional funding and public apathy for the army's unprepared state. David E. Johnson believes instead that the principal causes were internal: army culture and bureaucracy; and their combined impact on the development of weapons and doctrine.Johnson examines the U.S. Army's innovations for both armor and aviation between the world wars; arguing that the tank became a captive of the conservative infantry and cavalry branches; while the airplane's development was channeled by air power insurgents bent on creating an independent air force. He maintains that as a consequence; the tank's potential was hindered by the traditional arms; while air power advocates focused mainly on proving the decisiveness of strategic bombing; neglecting the mission of tactical support for ground troops. Minimal interaction between ground and air officers resulted in insufficient cooperation between armored forces and air forces.Fast Tanks and Heavy Bombers makes a major contribution to a new understanding of both the creation of the modern U.S. Army and the Army's performance in World War II. The book also provides important insights for future military innovation.
#77686 in Books Eugene H Merrill 2008-01-01 2008-03-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.27 x 6.00l; 2.00 #File Name: 0801031990554 pagesISBN13: 9780801031991Condition: NewNotes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Recommended for individual study; written by one who takes the OT seriously.By Ronald WiltseThis appears to be a college textbook. However; my wife and I are using it differently. We are reading the Old Testament aloud to each other; and are reading this alongside; also aloud. Naturally the organization of the book does not follow exactly the organization of the Old Testament; so we are often a little ahead or behind in one relative to the other. We find Merrill's synthesis to be helpful and enlightening in trying to understand (and remember) the biblical narrative.Merrill often goes into great detail on locations; chronology; and etc. These details can be absorbed or glossed over according to the individual's needs and desires. On obscure points the author presents one or more proposed solutions; with the difficulties duly noted. Thus Merrill offers a narrative that - it seems to me - can fulfill the needs of a wide audience; from preacher to Bible student with little background.As for the author's point of view; he is obviously a believer in the Old Testament; yet carefully treads between a believer's approach and the requisite approach required by academia. Footnotes can be enjoyed or ignored (and the book eschews those dreadful endnotes).Thus we highly recommend Kingdom of Priests for individual study.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. His familiarity with the biblical text and excellent grasp of the histories of the other nations of ...By Professor DDr Merrill is a true scholar who is as at home with the Hebrew OT as with an English Bible. He has participated in several archeological digs in the holy land and is personally acquainted with most of the locations of the OT on both sides of the Jordan River. His familiarity with the biblical text and excellent grasp of the histories of the other nations of the ancient near east has enabled him to offer the most reliable chronology of key biblical events that I have seen; especially as they intersect with the rulers and significant events of Egypt; Assyria; Babylon and Persia. This is the book to have for a narrative of the Old Testament from a perspective that truly honors the text and the God of the OT. Every reader will gain new insights and enjoy the very readable style this was written in.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Awesome ResourceBy CustomerBy itself; it can just about serve as a commentary for the entire Old Testament. If you read this book; (1) it will blow your mind at times; and (2) you will have a much greater knowledge of the backgrounds of the Old Testament. This is a resource that you simply must own if you want to be serious about having an in-depth understanding of the Old Testament.
