Warriors Hate War: Strategy, politicization, successes, and failures of the US Military

5 Star Review

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Editorial Book Review:

By SB Borcy

Glenn Sturm's Warriors Hate War: Strategy, Politicization, Successes, and Failures of the US Military is a meticulously crafted and profoundly insightful examination of the intricate history of the U.S. military. Sturm analyzes the reasons why military strategies frequently fail, despite the apparent inevitability of war, by leveraging his extensive experience as a veteran officer and legal expert. His central thesis, which is that "warriors hate war," is examined not as an expression of cowardice, but as a reflection of a profound understanding of the brutal reality of war.

Sturm's prose is precise and measured, eschewing unnecessary dramatization. The narrative follows a logical progression from World War II to contemporary conflicts, interweaving an analysis of the Sigma war games, doctrinal principles, and critical political decisions. Each subject is addressed with meticulous clarity, ensuring that complex subjects are comprehensible without sacrificing depth.

At the heart of the book lies a raw exploration of the persistent tension between military strategy and political influence. Sturm questions why, despite unfavorable outcomes in war games like Sigma, leaders have repeatedly chosen suboptimal or even disastrous courses—Vietnam being a prime example. He highlights how disconnection between the battlefield and political elites has often led to unintended consequences.

The intellectual impact is profound: Sturm prompts readers to reconsider simplistic concepts of "victory" and "mission accomplished." Official narratives and superficial metrics of success are undermined by the inquiry "What does it truly mean to win?" The book elicits emotional distress, demonstrating the life-or-death repercussions that political distortions of military decisions can have. However, Sturm does not vilify or sugarcoat; rather, he provides a platform for those who are engaged in and comprehend the most brutal aspects of war.

Warriors Hate War is more than a military strategy book; it is a compelling call to reconsider the wielding of power in times of conflict. Sturm advocates for urgent reform—clear purpose, doctrinal coherence, and profound awareness of the consequences before committing forces. His work serves as a humanistic warning: true warriors wish to avoid war, knowing that lasting peace is the hardest victory to achieve.

Military leaders, policymakers, historians, and engaged citizens alike should read this volume. It provides not only a critical diagnosis but also a call to responsibility, necessitating leadership that understands the true cost of war beyond headlines or war room calculations. A critical contribution that reenergizes the discourse regarding the rationale and methods of combat.

About the Author

Glenn Sturm

Glenn W Sturm earned a Juris Doctor with honors from the Levin College of Law at the University of Florida, where he was named to the Order of the Coif. Sturm served in the U.S. Military as a commissioned officer on active duty and in the reserves for over 30 years. In his other lives, he is a best-selling author, photographic artist, and philanthropist, and he strives every day to make the lives of others better while continuing to navigate his way through over a decade and a half of life with incurable cancer.