Holistic Command of War: Wellington, Spinola and Petraeus

Q: What do Wellington, Spínola and Petraeus have in common and what can they teach us about war?
A: Each man commanded civilian and military forces and achieved a holistic command of war.

The Nature and command of the available forces; inter-organizational coordination; coherence between politics, strategy, operations and tactics; and finally, time. These are the four dimensions that author Nuno Lemos Pires has identified as fundamental for a holistic command of war. Wellington, Spínola and Petraeus commanded civilian and military forces that, at different periods of history and in distinct geographical settings, had the opportunity to apply a holistic command using, to varying degrees, the above four dimensions. What they achieved from the experiences they had, and the doctrines they used, from what the reality on the ground showed them and from the concurrent political decisions that were imposed on them, limiting their own political and strategic action, is all an important part of this comprehensive study. By studying the applicability in the situations of Wellington, Spínola and Petraeus, it was possible to extrapolate a general theory about the holistic command of war. One that is masterfully presented for discussion in this work.

`This book will be a welcome addition to the genre and will take its rightful place on the shelves of the Hobson Library at JSCSC¿ ¿ Army Rumour Services

`This form of book by a military professional is rare and highly informative, to satisfy both professionals and military enthusiasts. The demanding and fascinating new military world makes holistic command essential and this study makes absorbing reading. Most Highly Recommended.' ¿ FireTrench

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