School of War is a blog that explores the psychological dimensions of war and military training. We focus on decision-making under pressure, effective adult learning, and motor-skill acquisition in military contexts, particularly within small-unit tactics. Our mission is to uncover the deeper forces that drive human conflict and prepare modern armed forces from the ground up to excel in complex environments.
The first duty is to sacrifice to the gods and pray them to grant you the thought,words, and deeds likely to render your command most pleasing to the gods and bring yourself, your friends, and your city the fullest measure of affection and glory and advantage.
Explore in-depth articles and curated reading lists that uncover the deeper truths behind human conflict and military training.
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(Disclaimer: Battlefront was kind enough to provide me with a copy of Combat Mission Cold War for this review) Decision-making in a tactical environment is
(Full Disclosure: Oxford University Press provided me with a review copy of The Other Face of Battle in Ebook format) For historical sciences, the cultural
Over the years I have read and listened to a lot of resources that have influenced the way I think about mindset, specifically the right
School of War is a blog that explores the psychological dimensions of war and military training. We focus on decision-making under pressure, effective adult learning, and motor-skill acquisition in military contexts, particularly within small-unit tactics. Our mission is to uncover the deeper forces that drive human conflict and prepare modern armed forces to excel in complex environments.
War is a fundamentally human endeavor, shaped by the psychology, emotions, and decision-making of those who wage it. At School of War, we seek to understand these dimensions, uncovering the deeper reasons behind human conflict and its outcomes.
Military success depends on more than strategy and firepower. It requires developing the right mindset, fostering effective learning, and mastering motor skills under stress. We explore how to design training environments that simulate real-world pressures and build resilience in individuals and teams.
The tactical level of war is where human factors are most immediate and impactful. We analyze the dynamics of small-unit tactics, emphasizing naturalistic decision-making and the ability to adapt to chaos. By focusing on this level, we aim to enhance both individual and collective performance.
Though our primary focus is on the tactical level, we also examine how operational and strategic conditions influence tactical outcomes. This holistic approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the challenges modern armed forces face.
To become free by their own efforts…the only test…of a people’s having become fit for popular institutions is that they or a sufficient portion of them to prevail in the contest, are willing to brave labor and danger for their liberation.
School of War is run by Ilhan. Ilhan is a German Fallschirmjäger Officer and Company Commander of a Training Company. He earned a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from the Technical University of Munich as well as doing graduate work at the Georgia Institute of Technology before deciding that a life in the military would be better suited for him.
All opinions expressed on this blog are his own, and not official policy or opinion of any state or non-state organization or institution.