European University Institute Library

Learning to fight, military innovation and change in the British Army, 1914-1918, Aimée Fox-Godden, University of Birmingham

eng

index present

non fiction

Learning to fight

electronic resource

dictionaries

1013934144

Aimée Fox-Godden, University of Birmingham

Cambridge military historiesCambridge Social Sciences eBooks

military innovation and change in the British Army, 1914-1918

Learning, innovation and adaptation are not concepts that we necessarily associate with the British army of the First World War. Yet the need to learn from mistakes, to exploit new opportunities and to adapt to complex situations are enduring and timeless. This revealing work is the first institutional examination of the army's process for learning during the First World War. Drawing on organisational learning and management theories, Aimée Fox critiques existing approaches to military learning in wartime. Focused around a series of case studies, the book ranges across multiple operational theatres and positions the army within a broader context in terms of its relationships with allies and civilians to reveal that learning was more complex and thoroughgoing than initially thought. It grapples with the army's failings and shortcomings, explores its successes and acknowledges the inherent difficulties of learning in a desperate and lethally competitive environment. --, Provided by publisher

Part I. The practice of learning -- The legacy of the past -- A networked army -- Disseminating learning -- Part II. Learning in practice -- Inter-theatre -- Allies -- Civilian expertise -- Integrating newcomers -- Conclusion