Lessons Lost: Military History and Adaptation

This chapter explores the tendency of militaries to overlook past experiences when adapting to new forms of warfare, highlighting a recurring historical pattern. It discusses the challenges British and US armed forces face in learning from previous conflicts and adapting their strategies, with a focus on leadership's critical role in this process. Through historical examples and personal insights, the chapter emphasizes the importance of acknowledging adversary tactics and developing institutional frameworks to effectively incorporate lessons learned into modern military operations.