
New Books in Science, Technology, and Society William F. Owen, "Euclid's Army: Preparing Land Forces for Warfare Today" (Howgate Publishing, 2024)
May 23, 2025
William F. Owen, author of 'Euclid's Army' and a veteran of the British Army, challenges conventional military wisdom on land warfare. He emphasizes a return to foundational strategies, addressing financial constraints and the unpredictability of modern conflict. Owen critiques the overreliance on technology, advocating for solid logistics and effective training. He discusses the enduring relevance of tanks and artillery while stressing the importance of military engineering in contemporary warfare. Engagingly, he calls for a richer discourse on military practices for an uncertain future.
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Unmanned Systems and AI Realities
- Unmanned systems and AI are longstanding, evolving tools whose impact is often overstated by popular media.
- Effective use, cost, and operational challenges still temper their battlefield significance.
Army Exists to Support Infantry
- The rest of the army primarily supports infantry to reach and secure objectives.
- Military structure and organization must focus on enabling infantry success as the decisive combat force.
Artillery: Infantry’s Vital Ally
- Artillery is vital for infantry success by delivering overwhelming firepower to suppress and defeat the enemy.
- Accurate enemy location and heavy indirect fire define the likelihood of successful attacks.

