Martina Sprague

Leadership books and seminars commonly open with anecdotal stories for engrossing the listener. A reason why these books and seminars are so popular, or even needed, is because the authors realize that employees naturally resist change, and that management will face a barrier every time they are the carriers of bad news such as job cuts, pay cuts, or reorganization where employees are negatively affected and forced into new positions or new duties. But the reliance on anecdotes and metaphors for success can backfire by making the employees feel underappreciated, or worse, insulted and manipulatedAt its core leadership is about understanding human nature. Adolf Hitler, in Mein Kampf, spoke about the "small measure of thinking power the broad masses possess," thereby reminding us that understanding human nature is also an essential key to controlling it. This book is not so much about leadership per se, as it is about how to think about leadership by learning to ask the appropriate questions and learning to find the appropriate answers. It explores the strengths and weaknesses of leadership propaganda, motivational sayings, and groupthink. The material in this book is excerpted from the previously published book, Leadership, It Ain't Rocket Science: A Critical Analysis of Moving with the Cheese and Other Motivational Leadership Bullshit, also by Martina Sprague.

Reality in leadership is often what your gut tells you and not what you wish for, nor what some mathematical equation or scientific principle suggests. The logic of leadership is grounded in empirical evidence of right or wrong behavior, and, yes, the leader must face a level of personal risk. Successful leadership requires a holistic approach supported by innovative ideas. Knowing how to think rather than what to think may be the leader's greatest asset. Knowing how to think involves a conscious element of skepticism. It requires awareness of biases related to previous experiences, strong personal views, or current ambitions.This book explores the strengths and weaknesses of team leadership from a scientific/logic perspective and analyzes different ways to Lead with Science. It breaks down the parts that make up a team, and demonstrates elusive concepts such as why the team is not for everybody, and why there is in fact an "I" in team. It discusses logic argumentation, the importance of using proper definitions when communicating, and getting the employees to agree with the premises. It also debunks common motivational ideas and explores factors that increase motivation. It ends by recognizing the selfish needs of the team, and demonstrates how to achieve positive results when critiquing and evaluating performance.The material in this book is excerpted from the previously published book, Leadership, It Ain't Rocket Science: A Critical Analysis of Moving with the Cheese and Other Motivational Leadership Bullshit, also by Martina Sprague.

The polearms used by pikemen constituted the first stage of a military revolution that would force a change in the tactics of warfare. The pike, a two-handed polearm with a long spear-like tip, originated in the fourteenth century and was carried by infantry soldiers as defense against charging cavalry. The halberd, too, proved a fearsome and pragmatic weapon used in the armies of medieval and post-medieval Europe. When supplemented by pikemen, halberdiers became a formidable force.Pikemen would dominate the battlefield until the late 1500s when new technology led to the implementation of muskets and later bayonets. Early bayonets were long sword-like weapons which, like the pike, were originally used to ward off cavalry charges. Part of the bayonet's utility rested with the fact that firearms were cumbersome to reload. If the initial firing failed to dispatch the enemy, a bayonet charge might prove necessary. Although the bayonet charge seldom, if ever, decided the victory, the bayonet proved useful in trench warfare in conjunction with other weapons such as a rifle and hand grenade.This book begins with a discussion of the edged weapons that were the forerunners to the bayonet: the pike and the halberd. It then examines the physical drill and mental preparation required of the soldier to successfully engage an enemy combatant with the bayonet. Next it covers military operations in which the bayonet has served a primary function from the eighteenth century to modern day, followed by a study of the utility of the bayonet in the age of firearms, particularly in World War I. The concluding remarks focus on the popularity of the bayonet since its inception and the reasons why it survived as a weapon of the modern battlefield.Knives, Swords, and Bayonets: A World History of Edged Weapon Warfare is a book series that examines the history of edged weapons in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East and surrounding areas before gunpowder increased the distance between combatants. The book series takes a critical look at the relationship between the soldier, his weapon, and the social and political mores of the times. Each book examines the historical background and metallurgic science of the knife, sword, or bayonet respectively, and explores the handling characteristics and combat applications of each weapon. The individual books are excerpted from the previously published book, A History of Edged Weapon Warfare, also by Martina Sprague.The full series comprises the following books, which can be read in any order:1. Kukris and Gurkhas: Nepalese Kukri Combat Knives and the Men Who Wield Them2. Machete, Kris, and Throwing Iron: Edged Weapons of Latin America, Indonesia, and Africa3. Cold Steel: The Knife in Army, Navy, and Special Forces Operations4. Japanese Swords: The Katana and Gunto in Medieval and Modern Japanese Warfare5. Chinese Swords: The Evolution and Use of the Jian and Dao6. Yatagan, Khanda, and Jamdhar: Swords and Sabers of Persia and India7. Sickle Sword and Battle Axe: Edged Weapons of Ancient Egypt8. Gladius and Spatha: Swords and Warfare in the Classical World9. Longsword and Saber: Swords and Swordsmen of Medieval and Modern Europe10. Pike, Halberd, and Bayonet: Sharp Weapons in Near Modern and Modern WarfareNote that the books are written for those with an interest in exploring the historical beginnings of edged weaponry, how edged weapons have been used in war in different parts of the world, and the value the soldier attached to his weapon. Military, social, and political history is discussed. Arms collectors or others with detailed interest in the finer points of weaponsmithing may want to look for books that are more heavily illustrated.

Ancient Greece and Rome, also referred to as the Classical world, laid the foundation for Western civilization. Because of their geographical proximity to one another and to the Mediterranean Sea, the countries shared many similarities with respect to culture and weapons.The early Greek swords used by infantry had straight two-edged blades, without taper, of equal width from hilt to point. The Spartan sword measured only 14 to 15 inches in length, and was by some considered short and non-frightening. Those who had an intricate understanding of edged weaponry and combat, however, knew that while a long sword carried certain psychological powers, length did not necessarily communicate the deadliness of the weapon.Rome, perhaps the greatest power of the Mediterranean, differed from other civilizations most notably in the notion of citizenship. The Romans were a pragmatic people who did not fail to adopt from other cultures the weapons or technology they found useful. The classic Roman short sword remained in use for centuries; however, while the Romans emulated many of the Greek weapons and armor, they also copied Hispanic daggers as well as straight Hispanic swords during the conquest of Spain in the third century BCE.This book begins with an introduction to bronze, iron, and steel used in weapons and armor in Classical Greece, Britain, Gaul, Rome, and Spain. Next it examines the type of training the soldiers encountered to prepare them for battle. This section focuses mainly on the training of the Roman warriors. The book then analyzes the military organization and battlefield tactics of the Greeks, Romans, and Celts. It ends with a discussion of war wounds and the protection that various types of armor afforded the soldier. The concluding remarks focus on the pragmatic way in which one viewed war in the Classical world.Knives, Swords, and Bayonets: A World History of Edged Weapon Warfare is a book series that examines the history of edged weapons in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East and surrounding areas before gunpowder increased the distance between combatants. The book series takes a critical look at the relationship between the soldier, his weapon, and the social and political mores of the times. Each book examines the historical background and metallurgic science of the knife, sword, or bayonet respectively, and explores the handling characteristics and combat applications of each weapon. The individual books are excerpted from the previously published book, A History of Edged Weapon Warfare, also by Martina Sprague.The full series comprises the following books, which can be read in any order:1. Kukris and Gurkhas: Nepalese Kukri Combat Knives and the Men Who Wield Them2. Machete, Kris, and Throwing Iron: Edged Weapons of Latin America, Indonesia, and Africa3. Cold Steel: The Knife in Army, Navy, and Special Forces Operations4. Japanese Swords: The Katana and Gunto in Medieval and Modern Japanese Warfare5. Chinese Swords: The Evolution and Use of the Jian and Dao6. Yatagan, Khanda, and Jamdhar: Swords and Sabers of Persia and India7. Sickle Sword and Battle Axe: Edged Weapons of Ancient Egypt8. Gladius and Spatha: Swords and Warfare in the Classical World9. Longsword and Saber: Swords and Swordsmen of Medieval and Modern Europe10. Pike, Halberd, and Bayonet: Sharp Weapons in Near Modern and Modern WarfareNote that the books are written for those with an interest in exploring the historical beginnings of edged weaponry, how edged weapons have been used in war in different parts of the world, and the value the soldier attached to his weapon. Military, social, and political history is discussed. Arms collectors or others with detailed interest in the finer points of weaponsmithing may want to look for books that are more heavily illustrated.

Egypt, located around the Nile Valley, is one of the world's oldest and longest surviving cultures. Egyptian history includes periods of stability when Egypt may well have been the mightiest empire on earth, and periods of turmoil when the country was invaded by foreign powers.The history of ancient Egypt is divided into thirty-one dynasties under the pharaoh kings. Warfare and military operations can be traced through pictorial evidence and narrations carved into rocks for smaller campaigns, and temple walls for major wars. Action scenes portray fallen horses and chariot troops employing bows and arrows, and knives or swords. Warriors ready for combat can be seen wielding battle axes high above their heads. The crescent shaped battle axe could easily kill an adversary by the sheer force of the blow. Hieroglyphs also indicate that three types of sword blades were eventually employed in warfare: straight, curved, and half-curved. Ancient wall carvings frequently depict the sickle sword, suggesting that the weapon was a highly valued instrument of war.This book begins with an examination of metal and weapon manufacturing in ancient Egypt, and discusses the different sword shapes used. It then explores Egypt's military organization, including the tactics and weapons of chariot, infantry, and naval warfare. Next it discusses the structure of the army, the procedures used for recruiting and training the troops, and the general sentiment of the population toward warfare. The concluding remarks recap cultural traits and important developments in Egyptian history, and also discuss the cultural and spiritual value of the sword. Knives, Swords, and Bayonets: A World History of Edged Weapon Warfare is a book series that examines the history of edged weapons in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East and surrounding areas before gunpowder increased the distance between combatants. The book series takes a critical look at the relationship between the soldier, his weapon, and the social and political mores of the times. Each book examines the historical background and metallurgic science of the knife, sword, or bayonet respectively, and explores the handling characteristics and combat applications of each weapon. The individual books are excerpted from the previously published book, A History of Edged Weapon Warfare, also by Martina Sprague. Look for more books in this series in the near future.

The important role that edged weaponry played in early Persia is evidenced by the region's long history of metallurgic science, the sword's mention in poetry, and its use as a sidearm to cavalry employing lance, mace, and bow. Edged weaponry proved no less important to the Ottoman Turks, who depicted the two-edged sword of Othman on the standard carried by the disciplined recruits, the corps of Janissaries, who served the sultan and defended the conquered Christian territories.India, which bordered the Persian Empire, has a turbulent history as well, that speaks of long periods of foreign influence and threats from Islamic invaders. Although India adopted Persian-style weaponry, the many indigenous sword shapes and the ingenuity displayed in design testify to the important role the sword played as a weapon of war and an article of dress and status. The sword was no doubt a pragmatic battlefield weapon, as evidenced by its use in the extensive wars of the Mughals, Rajputs, and Sikhs.This book starts with an overview of metallurgic science and the development of edged weapons in pre-historic Persia and India. Its main focus is the Common Era, however. Islamic culture and conflict in the pre-medieval period and through the Crusades is discussed first, including warfare against the Byzantine Empire. An examination of the use of the sword in the wars of the Ottoman Empire from the fifteenth century CE follows. Next the book explores warfare and the development of edged weapons in India from medieval times into near modern day. It touches on the Sikh Wars and India's conflicts with the British Empire. The concluding remarks emphasize the sword as a lethal and reliable weapon into near modern day, and makes particular note of the philosophical value of the sword.Knives, Swords, and Bayonets: A World History of Edged Weapon Warfare is a book series that examines the history of edged weapons in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East and surrounding areas before gunpowder increased the distance between combatants. The book series takes a critical look at the relationship between the soldier, his weapon, and the social and political mores of the times. Each book examines the historical background and metallurgic science of the knife, sword, or bayonet respectively, and explores the handling characteristics and combat applications of each weapon. The individual books are excerpted from the previously published book, A History of Edged Weapon Warfare, also by Martina Sprague. Look for more books in this series in the near future.

The sword, a treasured combat arm and symbol of identity, status, and courage has held a special place in most countries of the world. The samurai, however, may have received unparalleled attention in the history of the sword. This brief introduction to medieval Japan demonstrates how the politically strong samurai shaped the view one held of battle. Following the abolishment of the samurai class, the Meiji Restoration, and the opening of Japan to the West in the nineteenth century, Japan was anxious to move ahead with modern military equipment and the building of a national army. Few traditional swords were made and the Japanese adopted western style cavalry sabers. In the twentieth century the sword continued to be carried into battle as a supplementary weapon; not necessarily practical for the battlefield but, nevertheless, serving an important function as a "crutch for the heart." The gunto, or new-army sword, which was modeled after the samurai katana but modernized to conform to western standards, was carried by army and navy officers and cavalry troops until Japan's fall at the end of World War II.This book focuses on the era that one normally associates with the medieval period. It starts by exploring the history of Japanese sword making, the development of metallurgic science, and the skill required of the swordsmith to forge a strong and battle-worthy blade that adhered to the standards followed by the samurai warrior class. It then covers samurai mentality and philosophy of sword fighting, with respect to the battlefield use of the katana and the dynamics of Japanese swordsmanship. It summarizes with a history of the gunto new-army sword and the practical and philosophical value this sword had to the twentieth-century soldier. The concluding remarks focus on the sword as a symbol of Japanese culture.Knives, Swords, and Bayonets: A World History of Edged Weapon Warfare is a book series that examines the history of edged weapons in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East and surrounding areas before gunpowder increased the distance between combatants. The book series takes a critical look at the relationship between the soldier, his weapon, and the social and political mores of the times. Each book examines the historical background and metallurgic science of the knife, sword, or bayonet respectively, and explores the handling characteristics and combat applications of each weapon. The individual books are excerpted from the previously published book, A History of Edged Weapon Warfare, also by Martina Sprague. Look for more books in this series in the near future.

Edged weapons became a mainstay in early Chinese history and through the Ming (1368-1644 CE) and Qing (1644-1912 CE) dynasties. The Chinese used swords to settle personal disputes, win military battles, and indicate one's social and martial status through the end of the Imperial Period.China, a country of vast resources, developed its metal and iron industry earlier than its western counterparts and achieved great advances in metallurgic science. There were two classes of Chinese swords: the straight double edged jian and the slightly curved single edged dao. The jian proved effective mainly for chivalry combat in the Zhou Dynasty (1045-256 BCE), and was later carried by the nobility as a symbol of status. Military officers, perhaps because of their association with the nobility, seem to have preferred the double edged jian over the dao. The dao proved useful mainly in cavalry combat, which started to gain popularity in the Western Han Dynasty (202 BCE-9 CE). The dao was a true soldier's weapon that required more attention to fighting skill than finesse.This book follows a chronological path through China's dynasties, exploring sword design and swordsmanship. The concluding remarks recap the long history of the sword with focus on the philosophical value one assigned the weapon.Knives, Swords, and Bayonets: A World History of Edged Weapon Warfare is a book series that examines the history of edged weapons in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East and surrounding areas before gunpowder increased the distance between combatants. The book series takes a critical look at the relationship between the soldier, his weapon, and the social and political mores of the times. Each book examines the historical background and metallurgic science of the knife, sword, or bayonet respectively, and explores the handling characteristics and combat applications of each weapon. The individual books are excerpted from the previously published book, A History of Edged Weapon Warfare, also by Martina Sprague. Look for more books in this series in the near future.

Large knives with origins as farming and brush cutting tools are often associated with warfare in geographical regions of rough terrain, dense jungle, hills, and in societies without centralized leadership. They have found use as weapons in guerrilla warfare and internal rebellions. The machete has been employed extensively in political uprisings, particularly in Third World countries with unstable governments; for example, in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa.Some of the most varied types of edged weaponry, however, can be found in Indonesia. Since this region faced foreign occupiers, conflicts proved common, forcing the natives to resort to knives that could easily be carried on one's person. Indonesian edged weapons saw use during the Philippine-American War of 1899-1902.Africa is yet a region that has relied on edged weaponry. Because of a need for people to develop ethnic and cultural identity, regional weapons often feature significant differences in shape and size. The edged weapons of Africa frequently demonstrate the cultural connection between war and peace, life and death, offense and defense that existed in peoples' lives.This book focuses on three geographical regions associated with jungle, desert, and guerrilla warfare from around the fifteenth century to modern day: Latin America, Indonesia, and Africa. The book starts by discussing the machete and other big-bladed weapons used extensively in Central America, Cuba, Mexico, and Chile. Next it explores the unique knives of Indonesia, with particular focus on the kris. It then examines the bladed weapons of the different regions of the African continent, including the tactics used in pre- and post-colonial warfare. The history of metallurgic science and the migration of weapons to different regions are also explored. The concluding remarks summarize the main points of each section.Knives, Swords, and Bayonets: A World History of Edged Weapon Warfare is a book series that examines the history of edged weapons in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East and surrounding areas before gunpowder increased the distance between combatants. The book series takes a critical look at the relationship between the soldier, his weapon, and the social and political mores of the times. Each book examines the historical background and metallurgic science of the knife, sword, or bayonet respectively, and explores the handling characteristics and combat applications of each weapon. The individual books are excerpted from the previously published book, A History of Edged Weapon Warfare, also by Martina Sprague. Look for more books in this series in the near future.

Knives have been carried with enthusiasm as sidearms to swords since antiquity, and as sidearms to firearms into modern day. Knife combat involves strategy (the planning behind an attack which allows the soldier to reach a combat objective) and tactics (the actual use of the knife, for example, to dispose of an enemy in trench warfare or to kill a sentry at night). Historically serving several missions, the knife has proven a good infiltration weapon when silence must be preserved. It has been used for killing sentries, and has come in handy in close quarters on the large battlefield; for example, in foxholes where firearms or grenades would have been impractical. Soldiers recognized early the benefits of carrying a small and lightweight weapon that could be concealed on one's person, relied upon in the hand-to-hand fight, or deployed to finish an adversary at close range when one's firearm malfunctioned.Although soldiers carry knives for a variety of purposes-not all knives are designed strictly for fighting but also double as tools such as trench digger, ration opener, parachute line cutter, etc.-this book concerns itself primarily with the role the knife has played as a combat weapon in near modern and modern warfare in the western world. Combat can further be broken down into the use of the knife to kill an enemy including sentry killings and trench raids, and the psychological use of the knife as a weapon of coercion or to send the enemy to flight. The book begins with a discussion of knife design and carry, which purpose it is to familiarize the reader with the many factors the knife smith must consider when crafting the weapon. Next it demonstrates the important function the knife has served as a battlefield sidearm in the different military branches. It then examines the effectiveness of the knife and how soldiers have trained to prepare for the possibility of using cold steel against an enemy combatant. The concluding remarks focus on the knife as a weapon of inspiration.Knives, Swords, and Bayonets: A World History of Edged Weapon Warfare is a book series that examines the history of edged weapons in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East and surrounding areas before gunpowder increased the distance between combatants. The book series takes a critical look at the relationship between the soldier, his weapon, and the social and political mores of the times. Each book examines the historical background and metallurgic science of the knife, sword, or bayonet respectively, and explores the handling characteristics and combat applications of each weapon. The individual books are excerpted from the previously published book, A History of Edged Weapon Warfare, also by Martina Sprague. Look for more books in this series in the near future.

The Gurkhas have been termed the only soldiers who can win their battles on their reputation alone. Weapons shape the character of the men who wield them and two upturned kukris meeting at the top, their naked blades crossing, serve as the identifying insignia of the Brigade of Gurkhas in the United Kingdom.The Gurkhas were brought to the world's attention in the nineteenth century, when the territory ruled by Britain's Honourable East India Company in Nepal experienced a number of boundary disputes and Gurkha raids. Mutual respect developed between the Gurkhas and the British, who viewed the Gurkhas as disciplined and capable fighters training under the motto, "It is better to die than to be a coward."In modern times the Gurkhas have served the British Crown in several campaigns worldwide, including both World Wars. As World War II ended Gurkhas saw active service mainly in the Far East, until Britain moved forward to defend the Falkland Islands following the Argentine occupation in the spring of 1982.This book examines the kukri knife as a combat weapon and relates it to the history of the Gurkha soldier. It starts with a historical background of the Gurkhas, including an account of the campaigns in which they have fought. It then explores the origin and handling characteristics of the kukri and its combat applications. Next it discusses Gurkha recruitment into the British and Indian armies, followed by an examination of the status of Gurkhas as mercenary soldiers. The book summarizes with a discussion of the Gurkha reputation as the "bravest of the brave." The concluding remarks focus on the Gurkhas' so-called "inherent" fighting characteristics and the kukri knife as a symbol of status and skill.Knives, Swords, and Bayonets: A World History of Edged Weapon Warfare is a book series that examines the history of edged weapons in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East and surrounding areas before gunpowder increased the distance between combatants. The book series takes a critical look at the relationship between the soldier, his weapon, and the social and political mores of the times. Each book examines the historical background and metallurgic science of the knife, sword, or bayonet respectively, and explores the handling characteristics and combat applications of each weapon. The individual books are excerpted from the previously published book, A History of Edged Weapon Warfare, also by Martina Sprague. Look for more books in this series in the near future.

Never having participated in a conflict on the scale of World War I naturally taught America that it needed some adjustments to its military forces. When America entered the war, the Allies also minimized American achievements and viewed American troops as less prepared to meet the challenges of modern wars than the stalwart, disciplined, and well-trained French and British forces. In the interwar period, the United States realized that Japan was becoming a growing strategic problem. In case of war, the American war effort would have to be divided between Europe and Asia. What America might be best remembered for, however, are the strategic bombing campaigns which culminated in dropping the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. After World War II, America focused on a strategy of deterrence and containment of communism, with a commitment to defeat totalitarian regimes, which it believed was essential for the economic growth of the Free World. There are many prisms through which one can view American participation in World Wars I and II. Rather than providing definite answers, this brief study aims at rousing additional interest and provoking critical thinking about how these large-scale wars shaped military policy and the future of the United States Armed Forces, including our nation's decision to go to war. Discussions include the following topics:1. America Enters World War I2. American Strategy and Tactics in the Great War3. Military Preparations in the Interwar Years4. Doctrinal Differences between the Military Branches5. America Enters World War II6. The Strategic Bombings of Japan and Germany7. Allied Victory and the End of World War II8. How America's Warfare Policies Changed after World War II9. Topics for Further Study and DebateThe book is suitable for history interested readers looking for thought provoking topics, but not having a lot of time; and for teachers preparing the class for critical thinking about historical events, and how they have come to affect current affairs. More books with focus on domestic and international military history will be forthcoming in this new series titled, A 59-Minute Perspective.

Not for nothing did Napoleon say, "Give me enough medals and crimson ribbon and I will conquer the world." Soldiers fight for a variety of reasons: a sense of patriotic duty, the lure of financial gain, or the desire for honor and glory. Some want a bit more than what life has to offer. Others feel that war is their destiny; they can see the writing on the wall and know they must be part of it.It has been said that wars are fought for God (and country), gold (power and wealth), and glory (honor and heroism). Beneath these identifiers are several subcategories that explain the reasons why governments send troops to war, and why men and increasingly more women voluntarily enlist in the armed forces and fight for their country (or for somebody else's). This book sheds light on those individuals who commit their lives to armed service for reasons related to patriotism, financial gain, adventure, and heroism. Although the focus is the armed forces of the United States and the staffing of the military since the birth of our nation, the recruitment practices of other countries are also explored from ancient to modern day to illustrate the continuity that runs through thousands of years of world history.In his classic, Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph, T. E. Lawrence says, "All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity. But the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes, to make it possible." For God, Gold, and Glory: A History of Military Service and Man's Search for Power, Wealth, and Adventure is of interest to military and social historians, as well as armchair warriors dreaming of the glory that "mischance" prevented them from obtaining. The book comprises approximately 350 pages of text and 15 photographs and covers the following topics:1. Patriotism2. Family Tradition and Kinship Obligation3. Revenge, Social, and Political Pressures4. Poverty and Military Enlistment5. Financial and Material Incentives6. Mercenaries and Volunteers in Foreign Armies7. The Ennui of Everyday Life8. War and Recruitment Propaganda9. Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier10. Membership in an Elite Society11. Military Training as a Pleasant Pastime12. Growing Fond of War13. Ninety Percent Boredom and Ten Percent Action14. Desertion and Disillusion15. Finding the Holy GrailWar volunteering is an aspect of military history that has received surprisingly little academic attention. In 2007 at the University of T bingen's Heinrich Fabri Institute in Germany, scholars engaged in what is believed to have been the first ever international discussions on the subject of war volunteering in the nineteenth and twentieth century. Although this book by no means is conclusive, the hope is that it will provide a solid base upon which further research and study can be built.